Growing Up Gay In The Country I the Feed

Ivan hasn’t been back to his rural hometown of Tumut NSW in 21 years. He left as a teenager after a childhood of bullying about his sexuality, and never looked back. Until now.
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[@marthamarvelette4565]

The story of Millions of us around the world, You Never forget the names of the ones that tormented you or the disappointment & shame in your parents eyes. The nights of crying alone in your room, dreading going to school the next day, wondering who would abuse or humiliate you that day. It has to change.

[@ronsmith2241]

I am so pleased Ivan found the love of his life. Wonderful. I wish them both every happiness. So pleased Ivan is still around. Would love to hug him. BTW I was married to my very accepting wife for 51 years and cared for her with MS for 26 years. I am gay medically proven during electronic shock therapy. She passed in 2022. I am now free to be the man I was born to be.

[@nikkilogan7726]

Ivan is such a beautiful soul & a beautiful man!! 😎🇦🇺💖💐✨ It had left me a tear on my eyes. Also the kids impressed me as their minds open to the real world & accepting all kinds of people to never judge them. based on their sexuality. Ivan, I feel you & I felt your heart. I can relate to you also. Your story inspires all the people who has the same path as you & you are a strong person. Your voice & your message is so POWERFUL that it can change the world for a better. Thank you Ivan! You are such a beautiful person inside & out 😎🥰💖🇦🇺✨

[@Pippinking]

Well done and well said, particularly the old schoolmate...good for you to change your view and teach your children equality and acceptance of all. The reality if for those of us who grew up in the 80's and who knew we were different and were bullied for it, before we even knew what being gay was, we still bear the pain and scars all these years later, and it comes back to haunt you, even if you are outwardly confident, professionally successful etc. But to see those who hurt you change themselves and take responsibility is indeed heart lifting stuff.

[@azzamatic4190]

I left the small town I grew up after highschool and moved to the city cause of racial discrimination.. bullying can effect all people from different walks of life, Australia has changed dramatically for the better since I was a kid as I'm treated and accepted in modern Australian society as just a person and not a negative stereotype or outsider..

[@rowenjabulin8613]

I was crying while watching this video I was also bullied, but thanks to my parents and friends..

[@paulcollins5491]

Thank you for posting this. I can relate because I was bullied for six till I graduated high school.

[@naomiquinlivan8898]

Ivan you are an amazing person. Thank you so much for being honest in your story. I am sure it would help other young gay people to see that things do get better and for others to see how much words can hurt. It has helped me lay some ghost of Tumut to rest too. I still may have to come and visit it for myself some day, I dont know if I would be able to talk to the former bullies....

[@Einsamerick]

Thank you very much for this video, it made me cry since I relate a lot with your story but it's also showed me that there's always hope if there's love.

[@60smanTripp]

Ivan, you are the man!

[@100newkid]

You are a very handsome man. Wow couldn't imagine anyone making fun of you now!

[@scottg8883]

Some very poignant experiences. I really enjoyed this clip. It is important that these stories are being told.

[@mz6367]

Even though I've never been bullied for being gay cause I haven't come out to anyone but honestly the homophobic comments that I either see on the internet or hear from people around me irritate me ! I'll never forget the nights that I cried harshly just wanting god or the universe to make me straight again I've learned how to become easy on myself and never think about the disappointment or the shame that some close people might feel if I came out i still find it difficult to fully accept myself i mean being gay isn't easy especially where i live but i'm getting used to it

[@PeterJohnJnb]

I so relate, wow. Thank you for sharing this - I grew up in small town, farming ville South Africa....same scenario, different language, but that's it. lol. Anyway, time heals I suppose but scar tissue remains - thank you for sharing your story and being so brave in it.

[@colingarner6175]

You are a gorgeous man . I wish you all the luck and happiness in the world .❤❤❤❤❤

[@neilrees1378]

I am so glad you are happy x

[@bubbajones3241]

GOD please BLESS this FAMILY!!!!!.....we do really need people like this.,sharing love and human feelings and COMPASSION!!!!...AMEN!!!!!!

[@wihhbdejjhe9804]

I think u are very strong to grew up with this. But paste make u now. And it look like u are very good person so u will be fine someone share ur life with, and thanks for ur paste. Yes i am 28 yrs even i am not open but i am still suffer alot. I hopr someday i can find someone understand me too

[@tomwallen7271]

I dunno what it is, But give an 8 year old an Australian accent, and I can't tell the difference between him and a 40 year old drunk. "The way I understand it, is you're for marriage equality, you're thinking anyone can marry anyone they want! Let me tell you something buddy, I don't see anything wrong with that, yee?" Just... such a fun accent. So thick. So fun. Oh, and the video was touching too.

[@geoffreyahern5342]

Wow. What courageous people. More power to you all.

[@wandyt008]

had my eyes shed. Australia is still much much luckier than asian countries issues related to minorities and religions, are always put aside.

[@domingosbarbosa3459]

Pretty man, desirable.

[@domingosbarbosa3459]

Would take care of him

[@gayambassador]

powerful story......MUST SHARE. "Out of the mouths of babes"

[@fahadmehmood4210]

Hugs ❤

[@neilswiger8066]

...love...

[@jeromelubabalojacobs8872]

Cuange always comes

[@440SPN]

Very touching film, thank you. 💕

[@pakkilam1867]

O...MY DEAR FD!! I WILL ALWAY SUPORT U!!

[@domingosbarbosa3459]

I would

[@greensage395]

at 5, ...were they Psychic or Psycho?

[@hyunsukim8121]

😢😍😢

[@fredblank3720]

OMG he cried literally the entire video. Please toughen up. You are a full-grown adult male. Cry in private.