Growing Up Gay - A Journey From Hurt to Healing

[@lgbtqarchives]

Labeled a 'sissy,' 𝐉𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧 𝐀𝐤𝐢𝐧 endured relentless bullying during his school years. His story resonates with courage, and it's a journey of embracing life's toughest challenges. 𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐉𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧: 𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐄𝐲𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐜𝐭: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jIOzc6JvjaqDatU 𝐌𝐲 𝐃𝐚𝐝'𝐬 𝐅𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐒𝐞𝐱 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐀𝐈𝐃𝐒 𝐄𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: kzbin.info/www/bejne/b6XJlH2orLNmicU

[@davidsciascia4654]

What a beautiful man with an honest, beautiful story. Thank you Justin!

[@tomsparks6099]

Wow, how our stories are so similar. What a terrible way to grow up and my heart breaks for all of us. I only recently at 60 years old got sober after years of self-deprecation, absolutely no self esteem and addictive behavior. Somehow though, this challenging life built incredible character in myself and I overcame many hurdles by constantly having to step into fear. You are a beautful man. Never forget it.

[@louisdewit4429]

And Yóu are a wonderful courageous man. A credit to our community and the world. Keep that in mind.

[@wilsanders2492]

I love you so much. My now-husband and I have been together over 36 years. I have no doubt that we would both have died long ago without the other. Neither of us is “girly,” but when I look at pictures from my youth, I can’t believe it wasn’t obvious to everyone. In the end, we’re all just human and we need to feel accepted and supported. I wish you every good and perfect gift. ❤

[@jerryjohns7358]

I hate that you went through all those struggles. You’re a beautiful soul and lovely man. I’m glad that you are still friends with Leonard. Take care and wishing you the best 2024.

[@lookatolder]

And you look gorgeous 😮😢❤

[@MichaelJohnson-wk8tk]

Justin's story comes across as one of triumph and the strength in having the guts to thrive in a world that doesn't know how to love. What a beautiful and courageous human being. He makes me proud to be gay.

[@edwardwilliams2438]

Justin is just...Stellar! Bright,introspective and genuine. We all empathize with "the" struggle of becoming who we are. This channel shines a spotlight on the mindset of the American overview of being..."the other". So glad to see that Justin has weathered the storm......to become a beautiful human being. I can't pinpoint his age .....but he is wise beyond his years.Kudos to this man!

[@lgbtqarchives]

Appreciate you dear Edward.

[@edwardwilliams2438]

Justin...I never get a reply from my comments...Thanks!! You truly have become one of my unsung Heroes. Kudos to you.@@lgbtqarchives

[@lgbtqarchives]

@@edwardwilliams2438Dear Edward, Justin does read the comments from time to time. Your support is greatly appreciated. ❤

[@BJustinAngle]

Thank you for your exceedingly kind words Edward. I've been fortunate to find good friends who have loved me through the good and the bad times...I wouldn't be here today if not for the friendships I've forged through difficult times. And I'm so thankful to @lgbtqarchives for creating this platform and showing the world we ALL have worth and ALL deserve to be loved for who we are.

[@robertwilliams3846]

I am so THANKFUL you had a SPECIAL FRIEND like Hillary!!!❤️❤️

[@HondeMan69]

Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful life story, Johnathan. Hugs.

[@myboibill]

Thanks for telling my story of adolescent ms right down to the summer job with single teachers. We all some hiw made it here or some of us. I enjoy being alone by choice and please take this to heart: it is better to be alone than wish you were. Thank you again for sharing your life. All the best.

[@JanetJames-dw6xo]

Thank you for telling your story. I am so glad you are happy now and that you continue to be happy. I definitely know the feeling of wanting to live alone, the peace and quiet and to be yourself. Take care and best wishes.

[@raurino]

I loved listening to your story, you seem to be such a passionate and sensitive person it really moved me and made me shed a tear, of joy for what I believe it’s a happy ending. My parents haven’t rejected me but I’ve never felt comfortable and understood, and I decided to move away to build a new life, and it’s the best decision I’ve ever made. But when I think about my future I am a little scared having no familial support, but your story just gave me hope so thank you ❤

[@lgbtqarchives]

Glad to know you haven’t lived a horror story. To be honest, I have the same concerns as yours as a single man. Hopefully one day you’ll share your own stories with the community. ❤️

[@wilsanders2492]

All you need is you. Those who reject you are doing you a favor in the final analysis. They made the decision for both of you to exclude you, but that’s a gift. If THEY don’t think your energies mesh, they are obviously correct, so now you don’t have to waste one more f’ing minute on them. You are wonderfully free to find and engage YOUR tribe - your true FAMILY!! Sending unconditional understanding and energetic love with hopes that you can be equally grateful for the ones who are IN your life and for those who voluntarily EXIT your life. Shed no tears for those who openly reject you; they have done you a solid.❤

[@bookworm5433]

He seems like a nice person. It makes me sad people didn't treat him better. I dealt with some of that when I was younger. Unfortunately my answer was to hide. I'm okay now, but I totally get it. I do wish I was out sooner. The way I existed, that's not life.

[@67psych]

Yeah i hid as well , from about the age of 10 or 11 until I was 25 I had no friends my own age , sat in my bedroom, panic attacks no job, claiming unemployment. Looking back it’s because I was gay guy . Only in 2017 when I was 42 did I come out to myself and my family. My family could not have cared less . I came out because I met a guy online , who I’m still with 7 half years later . I feel I wasted all my young life really until I was 42. I grew up near Edinburgh, Scotland

[@MarkWhitman-q3l]

I am much older than you at 73 but found you and your story inspirational for both young and old LGBTQ persons! Thank you for sharing it

[@WafflefarerMageClass]

With everything you've gone through, the ups and downs. It's truly wonderful to see how down to earth and genuine you are. I'm glad you've been able to find happiness. Stay well Justin. 🙏❤ I've just started watching this channel. I really like seeing people and their stories. Thank you. Side note: The images shown over the years. They're very good. You look like an actor or something, very photogenic.

[@BJustinAngle]

You should reach out to @LGBTQarchives and share your story too. We all have both disparate and similar stories that have affected how we see the world. The more stories we share, the more understanding we have of each other and a foundation to move forward together.

[@WafflefarerMageClass]

​@@BJustinAngle Wow! Justin thank you for replying, you've made my day! Sincerely 😂🙏 Thank you. I think you've hit the nail on the head there. By listening to people's experiences, it does give a real sense of connection, strength and hope in moving forward. I haven't thought to put that into those words before, but I think that's what does drive my interest in this. And along the way you do meet wonderful people. As I said in my other comment, the fact that you have the genuine demeanor that you do, still, speaks to the kind of person you are at heart. And that's something to be proud of. Oh, I'm probably far too nervous to get in front of the camera presently, like you've done. There are things I could say though, it was a long metaphorical road to walk to get to where I am now, hahaha. 😅 Also here's wishing you a 🎉🎊🎉Happy New Year Justin!🥳🎉🎊🎉 I hope you have a good night tonight! Big hugs and hello 2024! 😁

[@BJustinAngle]

@@WafflefarerMageClass You're sweet. Reach out @LGBTQArchives even if you're not ready to go in front of a camera. The project is to be as inclusive of our vast community as possible and I think if you connect with them, you might find the support and encouragement you need to share your story...or parts of it at least.

[@EnronnSierra]

Those young pictures of you when you moved to LA, its like you blossomed, very handsome, like a Bel Ami model. Love your old mature pictures too.

[@reidamiao]

What a beautiful journey. Thanks for sharing ❤

[@JeHaVe]

A beautiful message from a beautiful guy ❤

[@louisdewit4429]

Very attractive young man, so WTF, and now a lovely mature man.

[@pryncecharming2133]

What an amazing story! Thank you for sharing ❤❤❤

[@valsainking]

Beautiful, bittersweet and inspiring personal account. God bless all of the young LGBTQ boys and girls who managed to persevere despite all of the cruel adversities of youth to become adult beacons of hope for others! By the way, I am constantly amazed at how resilient LGBTQ kids can be. ❤❤

[@michaelrg3836]

What a great video! Thank you so much. M

[@taylornj8582]

Thank you for sharing… ❤ Your story is so important.

[@vitrock1]

Your beautiful heart and soul make our world shine so much brighter! ❤🏳️‍🌈❤

[@johns7868]

I moved too in jr high and it was traumatic. I had different set of issues at my old school but I coped and had a circle of friends but I felt soooo isolated at the new school with the ridicule coming from every direction. I imagine I had all the effeminate features which didn't help but boy, when the closet door flings open - amazing how you stopped caring about how you're perceived. It never totally went away in high school but I dealt with it better. Looking back I made peace but I have no nostalgia for those years and reject the offers to attend the reunions

[@lgbtqarchives]

Your story reminded me of : kzbin.info/www/bejne/nISVZ6Jsprtjl5osi=JwkeuPy1Sbi3GIws

[@kentwaters5903]

There were no support groups for gay teenagers There are some like the Trevor Project but still not nearly enough Glad to see you overcame so many challenges that are a rite of passage for most gay teenagers

[@stephaniewoodson7655]

What a great guy.

[@JL-re1rx]

Thanks for sharing, Justin! You are a beautiful soul!

[@jelsner5077]

Big hugs 🐻🧔🐻🧔🐻🧔🐻🧔🐻

[@myboibill]

Excellent story. I saw me in you. Dates and times are similar even your first job was the same as was the merciless bullying in eighth grade. Gif bless it all worked it’s way out and like you I had a great life.

[@aceautonewportky]

You are a beautiful person, what a great story.

[@IvanValerioCortesi]

Very beautiful, but very conflicted story.

[@susanmark2000]

Thank you for telling us your journey.

[@francoisbessing]

Thank you for sharing your story. Every gay story matters.

[@whamadam7]

Justin, you're a lovely human being!

[@ericbingham-kumpfcomposer5293]

I was raised in a small town in Texas and about everyone knew that I was gay. I got picked on in high school and I really did not have that many friends in my school. I lived in the area and last straw was when I went to put the mail out at my parents' house one morning. Someone put a dead cat in the mailbox with a note saying, "Get out of town you f------t or else!" I moved out and never came back to that town. I thought that things would have cooled down after a few decades, but that was an illusion. I got a letter in July of 2023 by someone who did not sign it and it warned me not to attend my 45th class reunion. I had no intention of attending it. When I went back to a class reunion 10 years ago, I got dirty looks and nasty comments. That sealed for me of ever attending any of those fiascos!

[@lgbtqarchives]

Wow, that's way beyond just getting bullied in high school! It's got to be religious-based type of hate. What else could it be? They didn't deserve you anyway. Would love to work on this story and share it with the community. Hate needs to be exposed. If you decided to do it, I have my e-mail here in my KZbin profile. Gotta check out your compositions.

[@ericbingham-kumpfcomposer5293]

@lgbtqarchives You are welcome, and thank you so much.

[@BJustinAngle]

It breaks my heart knowing - that as difficult as it was for me, there are so many of us who had it a lot worse. I'm pleased to report that I've received only positive responses about my story from my former classmates. And intense therapy helped me learn to forgive those who treated me terribly...it's the only way to heal from the trauma. I hope you'll contact @LGBTQArchives to share your story. The more we share our tales the more we understand each other.

[@ericbingham-kumpfcomposer5293]

@@BJustinAngle It is sad that people can be so ugly. I am Jewish and that was also a strike against me. The worst thing that I have seen are gay people attacking other gay people, that is insane! I live my life and I treat people the same way that I would want to be treated.

[@louisdewit4429]

Which shows what a cowards many of those straights are. And you were and are courageous. 🏳️‍🌈

[@BJustinAngle]

as the subject of the story, I gotta tell ya that the final chuckle at the end of the reel truly makes the whole story!😜

[@lgbtqarchives]

Justin, you’re wonderful. 🤣

[@BJustinAngle]

@@lgbtqarchives and you are genius!

[@firouz256]

Honey, a condom is the least "barrier to intimacy" that we gay men have between us! You can act like it is, you can say it is, you can pretend it is but it is the least of our problems with intimacy! The amount of abuse, cruelty, ignorance and hate between us gays is immeasurable and condoms are the least of my problems! I am happy you have survived bad decisions because many of us didn't! Good to see you have an appreciation for the life that was gifted to you (and me) while many of us gay men that were smart, talented, kind , authentic, honest and compassionate have died of AIDS!

[@louisdewit4429]

I totally agree with you. Gay men Love to minimal ignore each other. And worse. Makes me ask myself many times: What, Gay pride ? 🧐

[@biddygirl1000]

I also enjoy living alone. Good luck. Looks like you made it.

[@roberttavis2090]

You are a beautiful soul.

[@andrewaway]

❤❤ Thank you for sharing.

[@johannolivier786]

Love your Story❤😂🎉

[@alexandreweber1024]

Gad bless you ❤❤❤❤

[@blakeaaron5698]

The chuckle at the end is everything 😚

[@67psych]

You were a gorgeous looking young man , fresh faced great hair and now you have matured into a handsome guy. Those bullies were jealous of your looks for a start .

[@pompom11]

I grew up in the 1960’s and in my entire neighborhood my parents were the only one’s divorced. My father was involved with us kids, we saw him once a week. One time he bought me a football, my older bitch sister said to me after he dropped us off, “Dad said you throw that football like a girl.” She was psycho and would beat my little sister and I, she also started calling me a “fairy.” I didn’t know what that was, I could write a book. You be in touch with your breath, and stay happy.

[@kentwaters5903]

I like to find a organization that provides support to gay teenagers One of the challenges growing up gay there was no one to talk to about family problems and school problems 13:00

[@CoffeeQueer]

What a lovely man. #ourelders

[@Fred-nv8gf]

Great video. Thank you.

[@randyland1000]

God bless and merry Christmas

[@PeterShieldsukcatstripey]

It is a terrible pressure having this terrible pressure.

[@PeterShieldsukcatstripey]

Thanks Hillary :)

[@davidadkison4702]

Me either. I love you for being you. I went through some things like you did and more. I was at my job and when I left for the day I got a 5 gallon bucket of garbage thrown on me as I was walking to my car. Never had I been treated like that, I had endured bullying but not that cruelty.

[@lgbtqarchives]

Shame on everybody who treated you that way. You're a wonderful human being.

[@graveyardsoil]

Awwwh why didnt he stay with his last lover i was trying lisetnifn to his story but i was crying my eyes out i must have missed that part. Thank you for your beautiful story. 😭

[@lgbtqarchives]

Yes, he mentioned his reasons right in that part. He just wanted to be by himself. His partner has moved on and both of them live a happy life ... at the moment.

[@KenCaroli]

I was fairly lucky in school.l was solitary but only picked and called gay etc.occaissionally.But l had no friends.l managed to get out of phys ed in middle and high school save 6th grade.l took a few college courses but never finished.l wanted to do commercial art and write novels.l never got anything published until 2016 and 2023.

[@davidadkison4702]

Ps I survived and I am 73

[@lgbtqarchives]

Happy to know that you're here my friend. You deserve happiness.

[@francoisbessing]

❤

[@PeterShieldsukcatstripey]

Yeh in jest is quite nice.

[@joevasquez3434]

Being ok, gay and single is ok. I have my loving family and very good true friends. I understand. Hugs Joe.

[@tylersikora894]

You know we all say it would me nice to go back to school, if we knew what we knew now, i graduated in 1988! But the way kids are today, i probably would survive! Now kids bully you public view such as facebook etc!

[@KenyadaRobinson-p8r]

Gay men together forever 🌈🌈🌈🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍🌈 LGBT people together forever

[@optimumreality9745]

💗💗🩷

[@elsabrink2722]

Way do they call it gay. The word gay was always happy

[@lgbtqarchives]

Maybe they didn't want gay people to be happy? 😮

[@Clemburke1111]

I have not seen my parents since 1983 s

[@lgbtqarchives]

@@Clemburke1111 No way! They didn’t change their mind in 40 years?!

[@Clemburke1111]

@@lgbtqarchives nope

[@Clemburke1111]

@@lgbtqarchives but the god part is my rejection lead me to a very good life .

[@lgbtqarchives]

@@Clemburke1111 Their loss. Good to hear that you chose your own path. ❤️

[@Clemburke1111]

@@lgbtqarchives Yes and a retired P.I. married to my partner who ws a capt . in the AF ,and we have two adopted ( now grown ) chidlren .

[@kentwaters5903]

I remember Blue Boy I preferred it to Playgirl. ALthough Playgirl had naked celebrities like Burt Reynolds 8:13

[@BJustinAngle]

My older brothers had a huge green trash bag full of porno mags that had gotten wet in the rain at their neighborhood bunkhouse that they hid in the back of their closet and that issue of Playgirl was in that bag...a little moldy and a little soggy, but I still managed to enjoy the hell out of that!😈