COMING OUT IN HIGH SCHOOL IN THE 2000's || Husband & Husband

[@Che-e]

"The single best thing about coming out of the closet is that nobody can insult you by telling you what you've just told them."

[@ninjamatt2164]

@@zatimad1225 yeah, but it doesn’t hurt as much bc you have already accepted yourself

[@stephenwallace2748]

Love this video. I think what you two are getting at is that we all stand on the shoulders of all those who have gone before us. So we have a duty to educate ourselves on the people of Stonewall and all those who decided that enough bigotry was enough. THEY made all of this possible for us. And we should be grateful.

[@jrgibson86]

Been there with everything yall said. I graduated from high school in 05 and it was a different world for us then.

[@WilliamPierce38]

I came out at 16.I was thrown out of the house and lived on the street for 3 months and had to do horrible things to survive. My parents said if I go to conversion therapy I could come back home. I did that which was pure hell and it still bothers me. I left that and still I am gay. I went to college and started my life. I am 58 years old and in therapy for many years. But I'm happy now being gay. Thank you for doing videos like this. Hugs and kisses.

[@PublickGamer]

I'm so glad you're happy now. I have my own mental scars from my estranged parents, and while we can't forget the past, we can certainly build better futures for ourselves.

[@michaelmurphy5916]

I was a sophomore in highschool when Stonewall happened in New York.

[@RonSylvester-we4qi]

I can certainly tell you what it was like in the 70s,80s 90s etc. There were many reasons it's so much better now

[@specialforces101]

Two delightful, loving people. Keep it up.

[@briankelly85]

In the 1960s and 70s if you were gay. On your 18th birthday you pack your bags and moved to NYC. To live with your tribe.

[@PublickGamer]

You guys helped me aspire for an amazing relationship, which I now have, going 2.5 years strong! thanks for normalising being gay in such a wholesome way for me :)

[@Hello-jp2jr]

Great vid as always. Bandit looks a little warm, panting away, up there on the sofa.

[@scottsaunders5087]

I’m 49 it was really discussed when I was a teen I had gone through university before I came out definitely wish I had been young in the 2010s

[@mikebrady2073]

Thanks for sharing.

[@kjazzingilbert]

Loved that I was gay in the 70’s and beyond. I actually ran an ad in a newspaper to find a date. Porn was limited to magazines and the vhs finally. It’s been wonderful watching everything evolve. I feel fortunate. And marriage?!!! I mean, c’mon. Never imagined.

[@LeonScottKennedy134]

We love you guys ❤

[@ivandouglas-happyhealthyli3405]

I think things happen when it should happen. The old saying…”meant to be.” I came out in my 30’s and met my husband two years after coming out. We got married ten years ago and we’re super happy. What’s meant to be is meant to be.

[@piastevns]

Have a wonderful weekend my sweeties . Love and hugs to you both 😘😘😘

[@tstieber]

My husband and I came out in the 90s, and somehow, at least in California, it seemed like everything was changing for the better right at that time, so our timing was perfect. A couple years after we graduated high school in suburbia, we even read about Diversity clubs and Gay-Straight alliances forming that would've made it easier for teenagers. This was years ago. So we generally felt like we had it pretty easy and that we were mostly accepted in California even back then. We *assumed* it was even way easier for kids today, but our nephew who came out at age 9 told a friend at age 11 who told everyone else, and then he started getting bullied. He's now in 8th grade and back in the closet, thinking maybe sexuality is a choice and that he doesn't have to be gay. Sadly, although we're pretty close, he doesn't relate to us as a gay couple and only hangs out with ultra masculine homophobes who are into sports and rap. So he'll never be able to be comfortably out in that group. He says even in SoCal, the homophobia among teens is huge, and it's not at all cool to come out. So sadly, it seems like nothing's really changed in thirty years...

[@paleobc65]

Same thing in NJ it really depends on the group of people you’re around

[@s.b.7924]

In some ways it was easy for me since I grew up in N.J. I knew about the Continental Baths, seeing Better Midler singing BRA-less. The Stonewall riots ect. BUT that was tempered by my 20s .... AID'S hit, you had to be very very careful and couldn't ignore your health safety. So after loosing so many friends and family, you became introverted. Now at 65 I'm happy with my life.

[@John_Weiss]

I always tell people that Gen-X gays like me came out without our "Aunties", because they were either dead, or isolated due to survivor's guilt and PTSD. And on top of that, with the world braying for our slow and painful deaths. So we came out _angry._ Not at the generations before us. We recognized what had happened to you. No, we were pissed at what the Breeders had done to you, to the generation that _should have_ been our Aunties - our guides and mentors.

[@kevincollins53]

Thank you for this video, guys. It really resonated with me - especially the comment you made, Jon, about not being your authentic self in high school, but rather pretending to be what others thought you should be. I did that as well, in high school, college and beyond. Coming out as a transgender gay man is not easy at any age. However, it is easier than it would have been in my teens, twenties or even my thirties. I think we all have a responsibility to be there for those who are following in our footsteps. I have been blessed to have made some wonderful new friends as I go through my transition, as well as having some amazing other friends who have continued to support and love me even after learning my 'secret'. I want to be a mentor and friend to anyone who needs it. Enjoy the rest of your weekend. As always, sending love to you both. ❤💙

[@dugald56]

I don’t think being queer is ever completely easy, except in small inclusive communities, even now. There are so many people who feel they’ve the right to condemn queers or at least overtly contemn them. And the ‘rights’ we’ve been granted over the last several decades in the West aren’t set in stone because they’re under attack from politically influential religious groups (in particular) and others, which is why I put the word in quotes, because rights should be inalienable. We must be ever vigilant unless and until our rights have been respected for long enough that taking them away becomes unthinkable. If it ever happens.🙏🙏🏽🙏🏿

[@HilltopFarmHomestead]

I was born in the late 60's. Growing up I knew I was different. I just didn't know what. I mean I didn't know gay was a thing until I was about 10. It was not long after that I realised that's what was "wrong" with me. My teens was the 80's. All the fear of aids made homophobia even worse than it had been. Gay people went from being a joke to being hated and feared. In high school anyone suspected of being gay was beaten and abused on a daily basis and not just by fellow students. Many times I've witnessed teachers taking part and encouraging the students to abuse someone they suspected of being gay. I remember when I was 15 our geography teacher picked on and teased one kid every lesson. It was heart breaking. These days it warms my heart to see how far society has come. As a society we need to make sure things keep moving forward. Be proud of who you are.

[@John_Weiss]

That just pisses me off. But I get it, I'm also a Gen-X gay. I think what we went through was a huge reason why groups like Act-Up and Queer Nation were so active, vociferous, and aggressive in the 1990s: We Gen-Xers came out _angry._

[@Joel-lq5gl]

Do you guys know how beautiful you are? You have influenced and helped thousand of young gay guys😁

[@daniellaplume3840]

Sucks I won't be able to get a Merlin, but I got a little of you guys tonight (and Bandit, who wanted your attention!)

[@pigpjy]

Love you all

[@user-vm8mq5op6u]

Aaron* we’ve been gay for a really long time, All that I heard was “I was born at really young age” 😂 iykyk

[@anuarvonen]

Lovely Ones !! Always !! With Lovely Cat !! Always !! With Lovely Dog !! Always !!

[@GabrielAlfonso.18]

thank you for this video💙

[@neilschipper3741]

Our governor here in Florida is really turning the clock back all the gay community here in Florida!

[@gebuhay]

I was already out of the closet in Jr High and everyone and yes I was bullied a lot but I always said to myself that they are jealous of me because I’m a great nice person and yes I been in fights because of my sexuality but I’m glad I came out in 1990… hugs to you both

[@joseluisfernandez-blanco7498]

I came out at 17, during the late 70s, in a country where it was illegal and could have your ass thrown in jail or worse. I didn't mind, though. Since then, we've been fighting for the rights that were denied to us. You are enjoying them because of what we did. You do realize that there are more than 70 countries where being homosexual carries harsh punishments, even death sentences, don't you? Please, never take our rights for granted. What is happening right now in the U.S.A. shouldn't be taken lightly, as it's a sign of what might come next. Love you both.

[@GabrielAlfonso.18]

love you so much Aaron and Jonathan, this chanel did really made a great family💙 and as you said, you two sharing your story may helped someone that's feeling lost and down in hopes. Really love you💙 and you don't have to said anything about it, but it would be so nice if you speak about the situation in your country about lgbt rights being eliminated, with that laws banning drag, trans health care and maybe gay marriage, that would be so powerful but again, you don't have to, and it's understandable if you don't want involved in politic. Sorry for long text. I extremely love you💙

[@GabrielAlfonso.18]

I loved the 'he's one of us👋🏻😉'

[@denildsonwalker]

I came out of the closet in my last year of high school and it was very liberating, I was lucky because I made a group of friends who were also gay or lesbian, I felt comfortable and other classmates spoke to me normal, so I did well on that side

[@roberthammer8890]

enjoy story time with Aaron and Jonathan.

[@crisgames64]

Happy for you both

[@annanogueira6117]

Awesome video as always 💜💜💜

[@cancelarius]

I grew up gay in the 70's and 80's- in the south- and I didn't really have any bullying. (No, I'm not straight acting! You can tell) Some of the straight guys in my school flirted with me in jest, but that was about it. If you treat others with respect, they tend to do the same in return. I'm glad I grew up then, and not now that the political landscape has become more of "Us vs Them" mentality. Two steps forward, three steps back.

[@John_Weiss]

I hope you realize just how Profoundly Lucky you are. I grew up in the suburbs of NYC in the 70s and 80s, and _I was assaulted regularly_ for "being gay" before I even understood what the word meant, nevermind knowing what my own sexual orientation was.¹ "Treating others with respect," didn't do shit to help me. And again: this was in the _New York Metro Area._ Which is _supposed to_ be more tolerant. If someone wants to abuse you, no amount of respect for them is going to prevent them from attacking you. This is not only _my_ experience, but the experience of many, _many, _*_many other queer men_* that I've met over my 30 years of being out. ¹I have a depressive mood disorder. One of the things people don't understand about depressive mood disorders is that it's not, "I haz a Big Sad," but has a large number of effects. Like poor self-esteem, to the point of self-hatred. Inappropriate feelings of guilt. And _complete loss of libido._ Makes it kinda difficult to figure out your sexuality _when you have no sex drive._ Until I finally got treatment at age 23, I had a libido for a total of 7-14 days/year, and not all at once. So coming out to myself was the easy part _once I got my mood disorder treated and under control._

[@jeffk1555]

It was bad in the UK up to 1968 you could be arrested if caught in doing anything with a male and the attitude of others was bad you could have been attacked thank god thing have changed I was 20 then in 1968 but new i was gay from age 12

[@jonmiddleton7559]

Hi guys I came out age 16 in 1962 to my mother her reaction was 'SO' have now been with my partner for 54 years

[@tstieber]

That just goes to show that as long as the ppl who matter accept you for who you are, that's everything right there. Congrats on 54 years!!

[@John_Weiss]

Congrats! My hubs and I have been together for 30 years this June!

[@Amani1611]

You to are really funny. I love these videos. Good thing life got better for you to ❤❤

[@John_Weiss]

Once, there was an institution in the Gay-male community: "The Auntie." This was an older gay guy who was a friend … not interested in you physically or romantically, but wanting to help the younger guys know what they wished they'd known when they first came out. They were our historians, our keepers of lore, our mentors. We could go to them for advice.   But by the time Gen-X gays like me came out, _our_ Aunties were either dead, or had self-isolated due to survivor's guilt and PTSD. Add to this that the world was gleefully cheering for our slow and painful deaths. So we came out _angry._ I saw a lot of Gen-X gays in their 20s join Act-Up and Queer Nation.   We didn't, "celebrate Pride Month," we turned out and marched on whatever weekend in June the nearest city was holding its Pride Parade. And the local newspapers showed the same 3 drag queens from 57 different angles, to make it look like the entire parade was Wigstock or something. This so that the Breeders could all mock us. So, whenever we Gen-Xers had to come out to someone … and it's something you have to do over and over during your life … we just _expected_ people to instantly hate us. Because that's the sort of environment we grew up in, and came out in. And we'd spend every 2 years and/or every 4 years being publicly, viciously, and nastily attacked by US politicians trying to use that hate to get power. So again, we just expect the cishets to hate us. It's easier that way, because we can brace for the bad reaction and ignore it when it happens. Even now, getting acceptance can confuse me. I'm glad all of the fighting that Gen-X did in the 1990s actually paid off, though. And I'm glad we get to be around to be Aunties to the generations behind us. Well, _if_ Gen-X can rediscover and restore that old institution of The Auntie, that is.

[@Anthony-iw6fn]

@John Weiss people don’t like us?!

[@John_Weiss]

@@Anthony-iw6fn You forgot the "/s" from your reply. 😉

[@Anthony-iw6fn]

@@John_Weiss you mean in your address?🙂

[@John_Weiss]

@@Anthony-iw6fn I don't know if you are being sarcastic about "people don't like us" or are one of those blessed few gay men who are surrounded by 100%-supportive people 24/7/52. I repeat: I'm a Gen-X gay, ergo I expect str8s to hate me on sight and an confused when that doesn't happen.

[@Anthony-iw6fn]

@@John_Weiss I’m sorry 🙂 I was trying to be humorous. I didn’t mean to upset you.

[@raulreid8294]

💯🔥💯👍🏾

[@月風-m4h]

Hello guys 👋I from Taiwan, I realized I was gay at 12, I'm scared, no one can tell me, who am I, what's wrong with me? It's been a journey of discovering myself（a dark side for me）I left home at the age of 16 and lived alone in other cities. I learned everything about homosexuality from translated books from Western countries in the corner of the bookstore.（This is the first time I know ~ hear the word gay, I know I'm gay, when I was 12 years old）My mood is like this song~No matter what~

[@GabrielAlfonso.18]

Hermosos los amo con todo mi corazón mis papás adoptivos, van a tener que traducir esto porque ya no escribiré en inglés y soporten 💋

[@sueh3649]

Hi “Twosday” guys it’s Thursday but who cares. No idea your gay, who knew You are still so funny. How happy you are together not many people can say that when they meet in their teens. Great vlog again

[@valeriaassis1144]

@ Aaron and Jonathan did you feel you are happier when you came aut of the closet and got married I wish you all the happiness in the wored kisses ❤️❤️

[@charlieluna]

Heeeey boys!!!❤🎉🎉

[@delibakerytravel]

Hi Guys, Welcome Back To California, We Missed You. I am a 65 year old Queen, So when I came out in the early 80s in Columbus Ohio. Still, the really only Gay Friendly City In Ohio. Much Thanks To Ohio State University. In my opinion the Gay Community Is Under Attack now across the Country like I haven't seen for years and in the majority of Red States it's much worse than in the 80s. It's no secret there is a new Sheriff in town and that is the State Governments. Not The Federal. I hope Our Gay Community with all those Letters get there heads out of the sand.And stop spending money in States that they would rather see us JUST GO AWAY😢 Just today A Florida Gay tourism site advice tourist and people wanting to live there your well-being and safety might be affected. I love your Channel and your Beautiful Pet's.🌈

[@John_Weiss]

I'd love to see the UK or Germany put a travel-advisory up for any of its citizens advising against visiting Florida. I feel like it's warranted.

[@darriontunstall3708]

That was great advice about coming out it’s hard having cerebral palsy and being gay, I came out at 16 too Aaron, I’m 33 now! I was really hard growing up gay and used to watch will and grace too Jonathan, I still watch it on logo tv, thanks for telling us about the lgbt app taimi, I met so many nice guys on there! I love y’all much ! Y’all are my boys

[@lindsaywhitelock5480]

I watch Buffy the vampire slayer in season four one of the main characters was gay and also Buffy coming out as the vampire slayer

[@juliusdixon898]

Great video fellas!!!

[@wanderingtreeestate]

GREAT VIDEO, GUYS!!!! WHAT DOES "DOCKING MY MOM" MEAN?? I TRIED LOOKING IT UP ONLINE AND GOT A WHOLE BUNCH OF SEXUAL TERMS....! PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE LET ME KNOW!! 🥰

[@lenicerodrigues8747]

Eu quero 😅🐈♥️🐈♥️🐈♥️🐈

[@Js2Jo]

Aaron and Jonathan, I can't believe you're both talking about your coming out stories in high school back in the 2000s on this video at your house in L.A., it's very important to do that in your life, I'm bisexual, I also like men and women, too, I'm proud of you, guys, thanks to your cat, Merlin and your dog, Bandit including your other friends, Darren and Jason after you're both lost your late dog, Koda, I know you're both miss your best friends, Adam and Bernardo so much, they're from their channel of Stepsof2Foreigners, they're back in Portland, Oregon from the start, so you're both had a great friendship, together back then!!

[@LeonScottKennedy134]

Hey Aaron And Jon wasssup

[@robertsamuel-wd9tj]

Out for 25 years

[@joelmamariaespinola7934]

Oi. Vocês linda

[@nikkilogan7726]

😂😂😂 but 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍🌈💖💖💖

[@NicolasGarrettnick_gym]

hi

[@kenyadarobinson9138]

🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍🌈

[@michaelbehrens3167]

No earrings. Hmmmmm.

[@LeonScottKennedy134]

How are you to

[@GabrielAlfonso.18]

wait are you WHAT?🤨🏳️‍🌈?

[@michaelbehrens3167]

Why does anyone have to come out? Just be….

[@GabrielAlfonso.18]

I don't understand how Aaron was 20 something in 2012 if he just turned 25 this year🤨