I Want To Know What It's Like

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If you are currently being discriminated against & would like to be considered as a subject for the documentary, please email me: ryanyezak(at)gmail(dot)com
Ryan's Info...
Facebook: ‪ / ryanjamesyezak
Twitter: ‪ / ryanjamesyezak‬
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Tumblr: / ryanjamesyezak
Gays of the Week: / gaysoftheweek‬
I WANT TO KNOW WHAT IT'S LIKE
I want to know what it's like...
To be normal. To be accepted. To be human. To be equal. To be free.
I want to know what it's like...
To be open. To be heard. To be loved. To be happy. To be me.
I want to know what it's like...
To feel like I belong.
To feel like I am strong.
That who I am isn't wrong.
I want to know what it's like...
To know that I am here.
That Iʼll make it through the year.
To know I wonʼt disappear.
I want to know what it's like...
To not have to fight.
To see an end in sight.
To make what is wrong right.
I want to know what it's like...
To be able to believe.
In a higher power that doesn't see.
Me as sin or sodomy.
I want to know what it's like...
To have liberty & justice for all
To break down this dividing wall
To remove homophobia from the law
I want to know what itʼs like...
To have a feeling that isn't sad.
To have something that I've never had.
To have a child call me dad.
I want to know what it's like...
To not feel like Iʼm a freak
To not feel like I am weak
To not be silenced when I speak
I want to know what it's like...
To live beyond a closet door.
To see my father once more.
To show him I'm not who I was before.
I want to know what itʼs like...
To donate the blood from my vein
But because Iʼm gay I must refrain.
Why does my sexuality pertain?!
I want to know what itʼs like...
To not BE expelled from school
To not be made to look like a fool.
How is homosexuality breaking a rule?!
I want to know what it's like...
To undo what's been done to me.
To give sight to those who cannot see.
That I am no lesser of a human being.
I want to know what itʼs like...
To not be considered a disease.
To not have a majority I have to please.
To freely express my individualiTY.
I want to know what itʼs like...
To live in a land truly of the free.
Not a land that excludes me.
This is not how itʼs supposed to be!
I want to know what itʼs like...
To not be the target of bigotry
To not have you question my sanity
To not succumb to your superiority!
I want to know what it's like...
To overcome all of my fears.
To uncry these countless tears.
That have been shed over the years.
I want to know what it's like...
To learn about gay leaders of the past.
In my high school history class.
Can somebody please tell me what is so wrong with that?!
I want to know what it's like...
To have pride.
To not have to hide.
To not have to lie my whole life.
To not have my sexuality be denied.
I want to know what it's like...
To not have to feel this hurt inside.
To not think these thoughts in my mind.
To not contemplate suicide.
I want to know what it's like...
To have this pain in me subside.
To heal this wound that bleeds inside.
To get back the tears that I've cried.
To take back the years that Iʼve tried.
To bring back the life that has died.
To unite this world's divide.
To make change with stride.
To not stand below, but beside.
I want to know what it's like...
To have this choice you say is mine.
To have science & religion intertwine.
To have love be redefined.
I want to know what it's like...
To have a government that won't instate
Unfair laws that provoke hate
For fear society will disintegrate
I want to know what itʼs like....
To live in a world without hate.
A world that does not discriminate.
A world in which I can feel safe.
Whether I am gay bi or straight.
This is the world we must create!!!
These are the decisions we must make.
These are the actions we must take.
The time is now we cannot, we must not, we will not wait.
I want to know what itʼs like...
To have equal opportunity.
To know full equality.
To be one humanity.
I want to know what it's like...
To be treated equally by my peers.
To stand alongside every queer...
On the edge of a new frontier.
A frontier that no one will dictate.
A frontier where there will be no debate.
A frontier in which everyone can relate.
A frontier made up of love and not hate.
I want to know what it's like...
To open your eyes so you can see.
The way this world is supposed to be.
We arenʼt so different, you & me.

[@someoneout-there2165]

I remember seeing this when it first came out and it moved me to tears.. roughly 10 years later.. just as powerful and beautiful. 💖

[@percymalviya1314]

this made me cry we really need the freaking change in the society !

[@rhino8214]

I was literally shaking, wracked with tears by the end.

[@dallinlyons9984]

Lol me 2

[@bridgethealey3231]

I don't even know what to do with myself right now. That was just so beautiful.

[@courtneyharlow2954]

I've watched this video so many times over the years and I cry every single time .

[@poodlestyle33]

+Courtney Harlow It's a classic for me too. Ryan James Yezak is so talented. I still love his videos. :)

[@59771006]

I am a gay man so you can understand how much this video means to me.

[@84Heisenberg]

This shit nearly made me cry, and i'm a straight guy!

[@treviasmr5056]

So much has changed since this... I could do nothing more than thank everyone in this video.

[@ivansnikonovs1846]

People are watching some shite like "Gangam Style" for billions of times, but this brilliant, moving and sensible video is only worth 1 million views? I'm done with this world, seriously.

[@bsmerthurst]

while watching this I couldn't help but start crying...

[@mandyluvzyou1]

I've watched this well over 100 times, no doubt about that, and yet the tears still hit me as if I'm watching this for the first time. This is INCREDIBLE.

[@francescomenichella6750]

seven years ago this video changed my life a little.still makes me cry

[@LittleSparrow17]

This is sooo beautiful thank you, thank you. Oh my heart, Amazing

[@1dfeedmysoul53]

omg, i saw this video for the first time two years ago, and when i see it now, i still crying and shaking... so beautiful, one of my favorites videos of youtube!

[@BushBumperBaker]

I came on KZbin in hopes for some positive comments to make me feel a bit better but instead all I see is a bunch of disgusting homophobes spreading hate everywhere. I guess I shouldn't expect much more.

[@Felanzio]

First time I've ever watched this. I just can't say anything; I can't find the words to say how thankful I am and how supportive it is to know that there are others who feel the same way. I just feel so much confirmation and recognition now. Thank you.

[@gracer503]

For anyone like myself who loves the music in the background, it's Time by Hans Zimmer. Have been trying to place it for years! Finally figured it out.

[@pdy2kn6]

Incredible video, so powerful I got chills. Equality forever. One love

[@samgreaves2268]

We should live in a gender neutral society. Where we accept and respect everyone

[@HynPocho]

Thank you for all who participated in this video. It is very powerful and it gave me chills.

[@pixelpinxx]

We watched this today in our first GSA meeting. All I have to say is that everybody in the room was touched, this is a beautiful video, and it's very inspirational. Thank you for this.

[@jerryfraine6878]

Thank you, thank you, thank you, so very much. Your video, has helped me step back from the ledge, I have visited too many times. I want to know.... is great message. That glimmer of hope, is always there, but without others to talk to, it may as well be on Pluto.

[@jonathalberts]

i want to know what it's like to be loved

[@ukieiri6685]

This video is so powerful. I watch it one in couple of months constantly for 2 years and still have heart beating every time. Great job!

[@bipolarbananas]

This literally gave me chills throughout my whole body. Thank you for making this. It's beautiful.

[@user-hz2re4bt1o]

Я всегда считала, что каждый человек рождается свободной личностью. Имея полное право выражать свой внутренний мир так, как он Сам считает нужным. Ему может нравится и он может любить то, что действительно ему приносит удовольствие, счастье, душевное равновесие и заполняя свое душевное пространство нежностью и любовью, то есть он в полном праве жить в гармонии с самим собой.

[@user-hz2re4bt1o]

Дианочка!!!

[@stardust1455]

This vid moved me to tears ....

[@NiNjAsOuL51]

you have no idea how many times i have watched this, and how hard i have cried. i love this video. thank you for makeing this

[@TheStephvens]

this video is amazing NO ONE should be scared of who they are or even ashamed. when i came out it was the best thing i ever did cos it showed what family and friends i really had , now i am married to the most amazing man and soon hope to have a child couldnt be more happier . we are all human at the end of the day and should be respected that way aswell Ryan keep spreading the word and fighting the fight cos both myself and my husband stand by you 110% we love you for what you do x

[@TheEnder3]

I want to know what it`s like to wear a dress not to wear the same guy clothes every time I go to school. I want to know what it`s like using the bathroom that i`m comfortable with.

[@chantelledeclercq9882]

I have trans friends who feel the same way. The world is not fair enough to glbt. I hope this frontier can finish with you, my friends, myself (bisexual), and all those who fight for their rights and no long have to want to know, but can know. :')

[@fionalemon6412]

2:53 IS THAT TYLER???

[@matthewcastagna3319]

Yes

[@ZombieGertrude]

Sooo excited for your future work, Ryan. You're amazing.

[@mrsbananas1989]

i remember getting goosebumps when i watched this years ago and all this time later it still makes me cry with how much it means this is so important

[@TheDancingBagel]

every time i watch this video i get so many goosebumps

[@daniellabear803]

*Cry's my eyes out.* Its all true everything they said about being LGBT. Its all true.

[@sexychocolate1696]

*cries* I want to know what is like to be excepted by my ppl.

[@daniellabear803]

Wh-what do you mean?

[@sexychocolate1696]

Some people from where I live doesn't really excepted gay people...

[@daniellabear803]

I think that is everywhere...... And I hate when It happens to me or any of my friends

[@sexychocolate1696]

Me too....

[@CaitBait40]

That was really moving. It brought tears to my eyes, and I'm glad we're on the way to change.

[@lamoreeugualepertutti2104]

Pure emotions that go straight the heart, that make us proud of who we are. This video is among the beautiful pieces of art that inspired us to do what we're doing in Italy. Thank you very much for your courage Ryan. 💙

[@LaurenRead123]

My brother is homosexual and my sister is pansexual so this is very important to me I love and support the lgbt community♡

[@jamin1632]

Lauren Read what is pansexual?

[@AaRaN8]

Wow, this is amazing!

[@gutspillage]

I share everything expressed in this video. Thank you for making this I hope it will be seen and change at least few minds for the better.

[@VickyPansh]

I'm here after 9 years and I'm still crying when watch this video.

[@peacetvd101dog]

i cried while watching this for some reason

[@therandomvlogger1]

I got chills and I cried by the end of the video...I'm not gay but this is very touching.

[@Madicyan]

This made me shake a cry. Well done! This is beautiful

[@elimalik8523]

this video is the greatest thing to hit youtube, in my opinion. so inspirational. Ryan James Yezak, you are amazing. thank you for making this

[@lilpoop5952]

Even though I'm not gay I believe that any gay man or woman should be happy with themselves and not seen or treated as outcast

[@Matt_Norris]

Very moving video

[@mandyluvzyou1]

I've watched this so many times, i basically have memorized this. Yet still, it brings years to my eyes and amazes me every single time I watch it.

[@aray421]

i had an usual day today. nothing interesting, as always. till now. when you hide yourself it seems to be easy sometimes. but this video made me cry, it made me think again. thank you. we will make change even here where I live

[@jacobmullens374]

Every time I watch this video I cry. I'm shaking so bad. I want to come out to my family but, I know that they will hate me.

[@herculesrodrigues9095]

I wish you are wrong. But I can tell you that It Does Get Better, most parents have horrible reactions at first, but as time goes by they realize it doesn't change the son you are and much more important, it doesn't change the love you all share! Wish you the best of luck!

[@jacobmullens374]

My dad said, " If I ever come out as gay he would beat my ass and disown me."

[@herculesrodrigues9095]

I'm really sorry, that's really sad. The only word of advice I can give you is surround yourself with people who love you, your friends! And just so you know, you've just got a new friend overseas, and if you ever come to Brazil, you won't be alone! Take Care, and remember, IT DOES GET BETTER!!!!!!

[@jacobmullens374]

Thanks, I really Appreciate it. I don't know why my family doesn't accept me but, I guess they will have t get over it. I haven't cut in 3 years. I learned that NEVER solves the problem. My friend said, " They have the problem not me." IDK anymore.

[@brandinarsenault]

Although I never had any problems coming out with my family, my ex boyfriend did. He was terrified of ruining the family picture, and having his family hate him, and so many other things. He to this day has not told his Grandparents. I had to beg him to come out to his parents, not for me, but for him. It was hurting him inside everyday to have me at his place and not know what the are thinking. They just had to kind of assume because he would had never set the record straight. He finally came out one night, months after we got together, and his Dad was very supportive, just wanted to make sure people he went to school with would not bother him. His Mother on the other hand, said some disrespectful things, and I am unsure her stance on it now. They never rejected me in their family and allowed me over until the day we broke up, but it helps him get a lot of stress off his shoulder, and not be worried all the time. Your parents will never understand what it is like to have a gay child, until they know their child is gay. Even if they have horrific reactions, they may, or may not get over it. But all you can do is try. It is fully up to you when you want to come out, and how you do it, but just know there are more than just your parents around to help you.

[@TaylorAlexis-noot]

omg Tyler Oakley But this is great oh my god

[@ZombieGertrude]

You're amazing, Ryan. Thank you.

[@RebeccasMakeup]

We are going to play this at my school on our day of silence. This video conveys so much. It's so life changing.

[@kiffgizmo123]

Very powerful

[@DeanWinchester-ic9ii]

According to Christian ideology, God sent His only son Jesus to Earth in order for Him to be sacrificed on the cross, so that our sins may be forgiven. The ultimate feat, a loving action towards mankind, that would free us all from the former laws and regulations set forth because of the first sin of the Earth performed by Adam & Eve. So, when you quote the book of Leviticus as “God’s law” in a present day sense and state they’re rules we must, under all circumstances abide by, what you are really saying is that Jesus’ death on the cross is invalid. That is what you, a self-professed good Christian, are saying towards your God, that His almighty plan for the world’s salvation wasn't good enough for you or anyone else. As for anyone's comment about it being a “fad”, the first known documentation of someone being gay was in 9660 BC. It’s not like it’s the “in thing” now a days. It’s just spoken about more, because fellow HUMAN BEINGS are sick and tired of being put down for something they ultimately cannot help. People are kicked out of their homes, fired from their work/denied jobs, ridiculed by their supposed friends and family, told to kill themselves & murdered…all because they’re worth less because of their sexual orientation? Now, THAT is something you should be disagreeing with, not where someone chooses to place their hearts. In the end, we all bleed the same color.

[@Casazza1316]

This moved me so much and made me more aware of my own feelings.

[@fabsno]

i'm crying so much. thank you, all of you.

[@mrwaffles4176]

Tyler Oakley

[@Itsmel__]

this is to thegamekeeper. do you know how ignorant you sound? "just be straight" that's like me telling you to just be gay. and whoever you're talking about that chose to be gay..do you not know that people repress being gay to please others, public, family? i did it all throughout high school. i dated guys because i hated myself for liking girls and i finally said enough was enough and i fell in love with a girl my senior year of high school. i didn't choose to be gay, but i did choose to come out and finally be happy. do you know how scary it is coming out in fear that your family will disown you and kick you out of your house? or the fact that you can be killed for loving someone? i'm not "hating" on you. i'm simply trying to explain to you that even though you may have watched the video, you still didn't grasp the concept of it by coming on here and saying that lgbt people choose anything. and just because a guy has long hair doesn't mean he wants to be a woman. he is his own person and if he wants to have long hair, then let him. miles jai is fabulous.

[@izzytrip]

GAWD! I started crying. This is beautifully made.

[@jvamc]

This is amazing, so powerful, it gave me chills and made me cry. this is so important.

[@zencronimax7636]

This Is so true. I wish people were more accepting of homosexuality

[@59771006]

As a homosexual male living in Australia I couldn't agree with you more.

[@rickybay8441]

Tyler Oakley!!!

[@caligirl1623]

This gave me the chills. So beautiful.

[@kamilakhassenova1526]

thank you! it's very supportive.

[@LitiviousSpartus]

What an evil video.

[@jamescagney3412]

THIS IS SOOOOO SICK.. AND DISGUSTING!!!! WHAT A JOKE!!!

[@ilahvernor]

James Cagney you can go to hell if you people fighting to be accepted for what they truly are YOU ARE THE DISGUSTING ONE YOU ARE THE JOKE

[@CrisBrighton]

Oh yeah, nothing is more evil than wanting to be respected and free.

[@CrisBrighton]

James Cagney Bigotry like yours is why videos like theirs are needed.

[@XxGameFreakGirlxX]

if you think it's disgusting then why did you click on the video in the first place. And it's SO disgusting people are fighting for rights they should already have because it's no different than a african-american fighting for their rights years ago it's the same exact thing and it will eventually happen so better get used to it 'cause it's not gonna go away and what makes us so perverted? Wanting the same rights as everybody else?

[@tiasmith1997]

This video explains my life. I cry every time I see it... I've only come out too one person who told me it was just a phase and that I wanted to be 'cool'. It broke my heart and now I don't have the courage to come out to anyone else

[@92BDIZZ]

This was seriously so stunning!!! this could not have been said any better! Let the people hate if they choose,but we will come through because we will be the better people. we are only trying to make our world a better place, when they only try to make it worse. Were showing more people every day that who we are and who we love does not make us a second class citizen, and i know one day we will all have our rights no matter what your opinion is.

[@walkinghumandisaster]

First thing: there's so much love here. A few years ago it would have been worse. But now there's more hope, and love, and kindness.

[@Lollo96NY]

The most touching and beautiful video I've ever watched. I cry every single time I watch it!

[@uckfuck]

2:40 - 2:47 ... That part hit me really hard, couldn't stop crying after that. This is beautiful, thanks for making it.

[@MrSimmer]

THAT WAS FRICKIN BEAUTIFUL!!!

[@sarahandzilan]

Throughout this whole video, there were chills going down my spine and still 10 minutes after, I can feel the lump in my throat:,(. These beautiful, amazing people know what they're talking about and I agree 100%. Let's all come together to change the world for the better

[@travgames0113]

11 years later, and most of these still need to be said.

[@huntingflowersx]

I'm speechless...this was simply breathtaking.

[@chipsanders0822]

Moving and provoking . . . another HUGE SUCCESS! Hi Ryan, It's me Chip aka Nicholas, your friend with the Christopher St. sign. I was so moved by your video that I couldn't post it to my Facebook Page fast enough and encourage my friends to do the same. I'll tell you over and over again, your talent and contribution to our cause until we live in a country/world where everyone is treated equally is so greatly appreciated. Like myself, you're advocate facing obstacles that leave us feeling weary at times and a pioneer. Did I ever tell you we were on The Oprah Winfrey Show for setting precedence in the New York Family Courts a long time ago when my partner and I along with our four children were recognized as an "official family?" Thank you, Ryan. You're an inspiration to the community, gay and straight, and I enjoy following your achievements!

[@turnonstephon]

My eyes watered, it's good to know that as hollow as i feel sometimes i can still shed tears

[@calebbrown8079]

this video is so empowering and amazing. i cried. keep making vidoes like this and it may finally come true!!

[@ottieeeee]

this makes me cry and have goosebumps every single time

[@ingonyama70]

Tears. Lots of them. Thank you.

[@courtneyharlow2954]

I've watched this video so many times && I have shown it to so many of my friends . Time and Time again , I have cried !! This s truly a touching video . Ryan Yezak , I'm sure many have thanked you for what you have done .. showing that your sexuality shouldn't be hidden . && to be completely honest , this video is what gave me the courage to tell me parents I was bisexual . You have inspired many . Thank You for what you do and have done !

[@Ronaldo-nj9pi]

This is Truly Beautiful and Inspiring, I shared this on all my pages. Hoping it will catch someone's eye and cast an understanding. We have to work to change one mind at a time, strive to be heard and understood. This is part of the battle. Truly Beautiful, and I Thank you.

[@gilitorres4887]

I'm straight and this video actually made me cry stay strong !

[@juleejagrawr]

wow, chills. what a great, inspirational video! thanks for making this, it was amazing.

[@TheRC120]

Keep fighting! We'll make it

[@wierdkidalien]

I cried while I watched this. Honestly this is the most beautiful video I've seen.

[@DuctandDuckTape]

Powerful video, man. Thanks for sharing.

[@zabuzatemari101]

Showed this in my GSA group at school. So people were cry. I'm going to spread this video EVERYWHERE! I'm not going to let this go by any longer. We should have no need to make a video like this!!!

[@kleinbehr]

Thank you for making this.

[@sydneyanne7327]

Wow. This really got to me. I'm literally sitting in my bed crying right now because this video is just...wow

[@xCILLWx]

I'm crying and I have shivers all over my body, even though I've watched it more than 10 times now. ❤ I love you!

[@blackpoolofink]

I feel like I've watched this a hundred times and it's still just as powerful as it was the first time I saw it.

[@ramonacavallini6037]

I admire you all who made this video... is truthful and touching.. I just hope that it can really open people minds..!

[@DavideDepau]

I saw this video when I was first understanding my sexuality, during a high school class: that high-school teacher was really good in retrospect. At the time I saw it there, then watched it on repeat at home, while I was still in the closet, and I cried a lot. 7 years later, I'm out, I'm happy with my life but it still gives me goose bumps. I just cried. Such a wonderful video. Society hasn't learned yet.

[@664049]

This was amazing 😭❤️

[@Bettersucksaul]

Awh that comment was definitely the nicest thing I've gotten! Thank you, and it's no problem.

[@LaDollyVita33]

This made me cry. Great passion!

[@donalddoyle4694]

Super Awesome! Needs to be on National TV Broadcast!

[@deidaralover4evr7333]

thank you for making this video because it helped give me the courage to accept who I am

[@kullathee]

this is AMAZING. This is a video EVERYONE needs to see

[@wizardington1]

thank you < this was extremely inspiring