Black Gay Chat: Are Holidays Triggering for the LGBTQ+ Community? Ft.

[@MeetTheMazelins]

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[@JonS0107]

I would also add that there are gay seniors who may have been cut off from their families long ago, and may have lost many of their friends or even life partners. A visit, a meal or even just a holiday note can be extremely meaningful. It would be great if community GLBTQ groups could set up an adopt a grandparent program.

[@billybatson3810]

Great point.

[@TravelNurseNicolette]

Hi Brian and Alec. Its me again, Christian. Another great video. I acknowledge that the holidays can be a tough time of year. Especially for the LGBTQ+ community. We all need to feel physically and emotionally safe, to feel connected within relationship. If these elements are lacking in family gatherings, individuals within the LGBTQ+ community can feel especially vulnerable to rejection. And not feeling fully accepted by not having your identity acknowledged or affirmed makes it difficult to feel loved. Shift your focus on self- care and take care of yourselves. Set boundaries for yourself. Its okay to say no, especially if a particular situation feels emotionally unsafe. Be comfortable with self -advocating and embrace all of parts of yourself; the imperfections and all. Then offer yourself kindness. This area can be difficult to practice, especially considering frequent microaggressions that occur within the LGBTQ+ community.Take time to love yourself without compromising your own needs/ values. If family cannot or will not accept you, find a safe space to feel supported. Such as your beautiful friends in your video and me. 🤗☺Remember that you don't have to give explanations for who you are. Its OK to be LGBTQ+! I love the rainbow as a beautiful visual with different colors. I wish you both all the best during this holiday season and hope that you feel accepted- a true sense of belonging this year. I will leave you with a quote by Brene Brown on True belonging: " True belonging is the spiritual practice of believing in and belonging to your self so deeply that you can share your most authentic self with the world and find sacredness in both being a part of something and standing alone in the wilderness. True belonging doesn't require you to change who you ; it requires you to be who you are." Stand in your PRIDE. Thanks guys for another great educational video.😊

[@sheltonclark3926]

Hello my favorite guys! I enjoyed this week's dialogue and topic of discussion. Being of a certain age now and having a physical challenge, I was fortunate when I was growing up not to have my sexuality called into question to any great degree. It was assumed by virtue of my physical condition that sexuality was never a part of the equation (if they only knew!). When straight friends or relatives did inquire about a girlfriend, it was more or less had to do with the mechanics of the act itself. So, like Alec and one of your other guests, I came out very late in life and it was not until graduate school that my true nature became known to my friends. I officially came out to my family during Christmas some two years ago. Family members that were present during the disclosure seemed to be receptive for the most part and of course there were those who claimed to have suspected it all along. At any rate, I'm glad to know that we are living in a time now where being gay is not as much of a big deal as it used to be. This is why your display of a positive relationship within the gay community (to the point of even being married) is so vitally important. As is always in closing, much love to you guys until next time!!!

[@elijahjackson5531]

“Before we even know what our sexuality is, people impose it on you and treat you differently because of it” omg if this ain’t the truth. So many words of wisdom spoken from handsome young lads !

[@dugald56]

Family get-togethers are only as good as the members of the family congregating. It only takes one asshole to make others really uncomfortable (at best). Here’s to the families that ensure ALL family members feel safe and secure in a gathering. Loving families should do that. So difficult for so many. Thank goodness you guys have found a lot of acceptance; you’re clearly all intelligent, sensitive, sensible, humane men. That’s the most important thing - not who you choose to sleep! 😘😘😘😘 Family, ultimately, is the group of people who are there for you. Fabulous if they’re blood rellies, but friends can be even closer and more dependable.

[@chumnat]

Well said

[@NIO623]

Brian and Alec, how are all your friends good-looking?? Are you guys screening friendships based on looks?? 😄😃i'm kidding!. I love your mature and calm conversations educating us all. Folks are taking notice hence the " known" sponsorships. Hugs to all of you.

[@belindacunningham5171]

I learned my 1st and only daughter liked women when she was in her 20s.I never once questioned her. And never saw any signs because she had male boyfriends as well. Not sure if she hid it out of fear or what. That's my child I could NEVER disown her or put her down. Love is Love. I'm gonna love her regardless of her sexuality. This content hit home. Who am I to Judge anyone. Bless up

[@nedraenglish6362]

Where the hell was this conversation when my beloved late cousin was looking for love in all the wrong places? RIP Eugene. As always Brian and Alec, thank and your beautiful friends for sharing your truth. I do know how Guyanese can be staunch believers in their truth. To a fault at times. My late fathers mother, almost killed him because he left the families religious denomination to join another. They never apoke to each other again. And it wasn't for a lack of my fathers efforts to try and communicate with his family. Mental and emotional health comes first, even if it means having to love your family from afar. It is an integral role in your life and happiness. Blessings to you both and your wonderful tribe. Much love. ❤️ 💙💜🖤

[@gregorymanigo6791]

Hey my Guys & friends I can so relate to this topic I remember being silently be bashed during the holidays but when I decided to live in my truth I was able to demand respect or remove myself and once I did I was free from those judgments of family members. I too had to create my own tribe for years they took the place of family cause I needed to be free from that toxic family love, so as always great video. Have a blessed week !!!❤️❤️💙

[@jdnyice]

Growing up a brown gay man is a challenge. I pray to God to bring me a village that totally embraces me. People who don't throw scripture at you, which is a whole monster by itself. Also people who say i love you but your lifestyle i can't get with it. Then that's saying you can't get with me lol. I can go on & on lol but I'm truly happy you guys have your family that i can tell is full of sooo much love & support. 🤍🙏🏽✨

[@OurBoyStory]

Breaking that holiday barrier, whether it be the first thanksgiving or Christmas together, was REALLY HARD for us. At one point we just had to rip the bandaid off and hope for the best and thankfully it worked out and we can’t imagine holidays w/o family. Those micro aggressions still show up though smh.

[@MeetTheMazelins]

We appreciate you guys for sharing that! Glad to hear that it had happy endings for you both. Kudos to you for being brave and getting the payout y’all deserve. Crazy that you still experience the micro aggressions though! For me in particular Christmas in particular has always been a very intimate celebration with my family but one that I treasure so much, so it does feel a little like something will be missing. But I’m looking forward to seeing what shape celebrations will take for us this year.

[@femmboyy]

Brian is really glowing,Alec gotta be taking care of his zaddy real good

[@01291915]

I am blessed to say that my family loved and still loves me for who I truly am. The ones that can’t respect me, I have cut them off with no problem. I say that it’s their loss not mine. Thank y’all for addressing this topic. May all you guys have a blessed and happy holiday season! 💜

[@tarheelfan004]

This is an awesome video. It has great points and advice that will help many people. "You accept the love that you think you deserve" is such a profound and eye opening statement. "Fall in love with the person in the mirror." "Build a tribe because you need to talk." You guys were preaching in this video. 👏🏼 Thanks to all four of you for sharing your hearts and your experiences. Love wins. ❤️🌈

[@MeetTheMazelins]

Thanks! Glad that you were able to take so much away from us sharing our experiences. We always appreciate your encouragement 💜

[@richardmusso3590]

Alec, you have such a way of explaining things!! That are so well understood!! And always make things so clear. I admire that in you.. and I can relate to all questions that were discussed, our family is very accepting! Loving and kind!! Because we all know what we need, and want. And some of us are like you, that have acceptance from the start.. I also did counseling,and boy did that help.. love you guys so much. Ricky

[@MeetTheMazelins]

Thanks so much Ricky.! That Really is something that everyone needs to know as well that therapy sometimes is needed and it’s ok to seek help. Much love to you too Rick. 💜

[@SupaFly_Esq]

Thanks for sharing all of your coming our stories. Much respect! My coming out story was an uncomfortable conversation that needed to be had, but everyone knew. I just needed to say it and even though they did not need to hear it from me. I think power comes from actually saying " I am gay" rather than their acceptance. Therapy assisted and encouraged me to push my limits and embrace my joy. # BlackBoyJoy

[@MeetTheMazelins]

We appreciate YOU sharing your story too Clyde! That is a powerful reminder. That coming out isn’t even so much for others but for ourselves, and I think people often forget that is really the most important part. Unpacking how much restricting ourselves has affected our lives and finally giving ourselves the permission to live. Thanks so much for your words. Much love 💜

[@sophiachue]

Self authenticity is key to personal acceptance. We are all worthy of being loved as we are created. Big up to your tribe!!!!!!

[@ThaKentz]

This video was so good guys!!! Black families I tell ya… This was insightful and these stories needed to be heard. We appreciate you guys honesty and willingness to share 🫶🏾

[@MeetTheMazelins]

Thanks for the love as always brothers! You know we always try to bring our experiences to the forefront. Glad you could relate!

[@mustangsally2606]

Such an emotional video. All of you are intelligent, lovable, entertaining, and so so handsome. I would be proud to call all of you my son, nephew, family, period. ❤❤❤❤

[@MeetTheMazelins]

Thank you so much for that affirmation Sally! We would be honored to be your family too!

[@eliovelasco5299]

Another great video with a powerful message! Thank you guys for all that you do, please know that your love and positivity is contageous! Sometimes blood family wont give you the love and support you need so building that chosen family is so important like you guys have said. Thanks again!

[@belindacunningham5171]

Alec is giving a motivational speaker vibes

[@merlenedehnert384]

Guys I really love how u educate family love I think is very uncondotional

[@shivon318]

🇬🇾🇬🇾🇬🇾 represent..! Brown Bros hope y'all take a walk down memory lane and talk about your boyhood days, embarrassing moments at school, sleeping in church, climbing the neighbour mango tree only to encounter bees, rushing dogs and a one side busted slipper and your first don't from a guy 😂😂😂how to handle rejection, identifying who is meant to be a friend and who is meant to be more than a friend 🖐️

[@MichaelJohnson-os2hp]

Great video, guys! You know, the only gripe I have with my family is that we don't talk about my gayness....I know they feel like it's a non-topic, and that's caused me to just not tell them nuthin. They don't need to know my business. I know they love me. It's just not a topic that doesn't come up, so I don't give them that part of me. And I'm perfectly fine with that. I live my life and love myself. That's on period!

[@derrickjohnson7922]

Somebody needed to see this video, especially when we around this time of year of “celebration”and being festive and being thankful and jolly…Everyone doesn’t feel like that every time, and it can be overwhelming and depressing to some. That was great advice from each of you four black men.

[@frankvaldes4866]

Great topics again today guys! 👏 You've got to love and be comfortable with yourself before someone else will be able to love and be comfortable with you. Our chosen families (often more than blood) are an important part of helping you love and be comfortable with yourself. My friends know so much more about me than blood relatives, because we've gone through similar experiences and have bonded because of those experiences. My blood family loves me but can't relate to what I've gone through to become the person I am today...and I would not change who I am today for anything. Thank to the four of you gentlemen for opening up and sharing your stories with us. 🙏

[@KRLWRGHT]

What a great and important conversation to have especially during the holidays when many gay people, especially the younger ones commit suicide when they are rejected by their families. You four beautiful and intelligent young men are an example of what family is and how supporting one another is vital to one’s mental health and wellbeing.

[@avashakes4553]

Hi brothers, today topic were very important for family and friends who are struggling with acceptance of who they children and friends are , I so agreed to what you all are discussing. Keep being who you are love love love ❤️.

[@daniel20975]

Great conversation and advice love urselves...

[@martinasanders5721]

I loved this conversation!! Breaks my heart that some family members don't except you guys!! You all are amazing young men ❤️❤️

[@keenanlodewyk7953]

Love you for who you are ❣️ if you start loving yourself then everything will fall into place

[@mustangsally2606]

Great advice from each of you. Not only for the community, but for any and everybody. You have to love you first. Thanks for another great Sunday video. Love y’all and have a great week. 🥰🥰🥰

[@sophiachue]

Happy Monday.

[@mapulamaunatlala6586]

Love is Love irrespective of who is in the Picture period

[@MeetTheMazelins]

We couldn't agree more Mapula

[@susettefrancis2572]

Love you guys. Thanks for sharing and so glad you are able to live your truth. I am here to show support.

[@gailellis8665]

Great conversation!

[@MeetTheMazelins]

Thank you Gail 💜 🙏🏽

[@jackiethompson3144]

Happy Sunday Guys, thank you for sharing Luv the topic. It’s the Fall in Love with the person you see in the mirror for me🙏🏾

[@rmronalda57]

💖and trust URSELF

[@tonyrossbackinthedaymusicv3107]

You said it All, look at the man in the mirror, and love that person first. i enjoyed this coversation.

[@woewoe1964]

What 4 wonderful young men💞..I enjoyed your honesty and truth. Your sexuality doesn't define who you are. Your respective families r the ones losing out..keep living in ur truth..the world would be a much better place without this unnecessary bias....Love is Love...🙏🏽

[@tomcouture4441]

Guys this was awesome ! What a beautiful loving couple of friends❤ so calm and cool and of course 👀 lol! Hope you guys are well and gave a great week. Thanks fir sharing ♥️♥️

[@michaelmorrissey5880]

I absolutely love your philosophy, it's acknowledging your worth as a human being and not allowing negative people to hurt you, for some individuals it's extremely difficult but God has created you and knows exactly what your capable of, trust him he won't fail you

[@keke6894]

Loved this topic and glad you guys was brave enough to talk about it keep up the good work ❤❤❤🌈🌈

[@kathyborthwick6738LakotaEmoji]

Great conversation and insight in terms of the holidays and respective family issues that may arise! Very respectful and a good discussion that may help other in similar circumstance 👵🏽👋🏾🍃🌺🍃🙏🏽🍃🌺🍃 Have a wonderful week ✨💜✨💜✨ Having good supportive friends that become family is essential to living a fulfilling life! ✨💚✨💜✨🧡✨❤️✨

[@matthewgarcia1499]

Such a powerful message guys but it also applies to single, straight and unmarried adults without children both men & women …. The same questions… So like you’re 35 or 40 and no kids, so what you’re waiting on? So you not married? So why you ain’t find someone and settle down? My cousins (M & F) goes thru that … even me no kids yet… I’m just like F the unnecessary pressure… I don’t owe no one explanation and I living my own lifbecause you’re cannot ask them their business neither…but they all up your koolaid and most times their so called kids lives ain’t the “perfect happy marriage either” … I use to avoid the holidays but now I take charge and be around and no longer entertain the BS. Not letting other people dictate my own life - F dat. I agree live your truth and form your own tribes… gay, straight and even mixed… we are all one - human at the end of the day and believe you me my chosen family are my best family ever over most blood ones tbh… I love you guys… Great relational video & conversation… 🎉

[@davowe]

10K SUBSCRIBERS BY YEAR END!

[@MeetTheMazelins]

We can only hope! Thanks David.

[@aint4it]

How awesome are all 4 of you! Hugs to each of you! Wish you all could come up here for the holidays so my family and I could shower you with love and Cajun dishes! ❤😂 Keep being your best you! Happy Holidays!!!

[@rosedixon6104]

Hi there my favorite couple Good conversation Alec,it was refreshing listening to guys it’s is what Is Because we straight people have the the same problem sometimes too , because sometimes they appreciate who we choose to live our lives with either, so we all have to live our truth, and the truth is we can’t live our lives for them. We all respect our families but we all have to live our lives for our self. Nice and interesting video today 🙏🏾💕

[@jackieclarke6781]

This was such a sweet episode!! The guy in the yellow shirt seems so so sweet and gentle!💜 sending hugs to you four men this holiday season. Your IG Aunty 🙂

[@marvathomas4027]

I guys I am here with the flu But it’s nice to see the four of you together interesting Dexter VIC Brain Alec Continue to be as sweet as you are

[@davowe]

HEY FAMILY HEY!

[@MeetTheMazelins]

Hey Hey David

[@miguelseals3258]

Happy Sunday to all of you guys. Very interesting video. When we were growing up parents told us what to do but when we have come of age it's our turn to live our lives to please us because their lived theirs to please themselves.

[@jamescasejr.9679]

💕 to hear thoughts and comments 😂spill tea😂😅🤣🏳️‍🌈💕

[@Katlady6505]

I love this channel❤❤❤Thank you for living and displaying your truths, My oldest son is gay and married and I love them both with all my heart❤❤❤❤

[@rashawncampbell7619]

20:16 💀💀💀 Speak that truth! These family members point it out before YOU

[@MeetTheMazelins]

Yup don't even give us a chance haha

[@billybatson3810]

Thank you for sharing this conversation with us. I have come a long way on my journey with family and holidays. I found threads of everyone's story similar to mine. I've finally come to a place where I can love and embrace myself fully.

[@lenardwilliams6996]

Awesome conversation!!!

[@MeetTheMazelins]

Thanks Lenard! Glad you saw some value in what we shared 🙏🏽

[@Tashiantv1010]

love this conversation

[@MeetTheMazelins]

Thank you Tashian! Glad you saw value in our convo. Much love!

[@michaelwelch3060]

I love this video be bless enjoy your

[@MeetTheMazelins]

Thanks Michael. Glad you enjoyed it!

[@nicolawilliams5455]

Love you all ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@MeetTheMazelins]

Thanks Nicola! Much love to you too 💜

[@daniellelewis472]

Great conversation guys.

[@MeetTheMazelins]

Thanks so much Danielle

[@soniadennis7329]

Happy sunday to you all , i love the four of you i am just missing mike stay in your truth guy and please enjoy the holidays god bless you all.

[@MeetTheMazelins]

Happy Sunday to you too Sonia. We will let Mike know! 😆

[@marlenerobinson8724]

Happy Sunday guys love love to I'm Philadelphia

[@MeetTheMazelins]

Thanks Marlene! Hope you had a great week so far too. Much love to you in Philly!

[@sithabelamandlawenkosiwodu6298]

Give yourself grace

[@S4real412]

Happy Sunday Madeline’s! This was a great educational conversation. I truly understand how and why most of you have had to create your own family. Thank god for it too! Peace and blessings 🙏🏽.

[@MeetTheMazelins]

Thank you so much. Glad that we could shed some more light on the reality of many of us in the community. We appreciate you taking the time out to listen. Much love! 💜

[@akilinickson5956]

Great conversation, we'll needed

[@MeetTheMazelins]

Thank you Akili! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@karenmurphy4684]

I love you guys so much I always watch your videos and for that last part I like that speech💗💗💗

[@jacklinendombera4293]

Best couple of the year y look amazing guys I know this discussion will help so many people out there keep it going ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@ljones7825]

I’m amazed to know there’s another Lorenzo in Florida..…and a handsome one as well 😎☺️🔥

[@MeetTheMazelins]

We will definitely let him know!

[@ljones7825]

@@MeetTheMazelins thanks I appreciate it. I really enjoy watching you guys. When my time comes I owe it to you

[@clintongreene1228]

Wow I enjoy the video been there I 💯 agree with you guys I don't talk to my father eather he doesn't agree with my life staly and he is die and gone. His said of the family don't talk to me at all and I am not mad I am going to live my life. Love you guys

[@ralphcooper3208]

Love ❤️

[@MeetTheMazelins]

Thanks Ralph 🫶🏽

[@phamineserica]

I love you Brian and Alec

[@sharongriffin7906]

Love you guys ❤🎉😊

[@Christian-cy4ws]

Great video guys I hope and pray you all have a great wonderful holiday

[@MeetTheMazelins]

Thanks Christian. Glad you enjoyed it!

[@attcenter]

I really hate the holidays..

[@michaelwelch3060]

Ok. Been there with my family to they don't talk to me so i enjoy your your make my day i am happy too see your your are amazing couple happy holidays to all of your enjoy be bless love your guys 👍👍👍👍😂

[@MeetTheMazelins]

Thanks for the love Michael. We are so sorry to hear about your family but we do hope that you have surrounded yourself with friends who have become your family too. 💜

[@roserussellperry1719]

We are who we are, so except or don't!!! At the end of the day it only matters whether or not we are decent people. Family doesn't have to be blood connections.

[@MeetTheMazelins]

Very true Rose. So we have come to learn the older we get.

[@jay898-fb2]

I love have enjoyed and thank you speak the truth ❤❤❤❤

[@MeetTheMazelins]

Thank you so much Jason. Glad you enjoyed it!

[@kentwaters5903]

With Christmas coming up are you guys going away to a place that has snow....like NY... just wondering if Alex has experience snow before what was that like for the first time

[@keenanlodewyk7953]

Hey nice to see u guys again

[@MeetTheMazelins]

Thanks Keenan. Happy to be back and spend our Sundays with you!

[@anthonyscott1716]

Hey guys happy holidays and happy Sunday love you guys a great video. 👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾💯💯💯❤❤everything you guys said is so true.👏🏾👏🏾👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽💯💯💯💯

[@MeetTheMazelins]

Happy Sunday to you too Anthony. We appreciate it!

[@ronalddavis4108]

Great video!!

[@MeetTheMazelins]

Thank you Ronald!

[@gailfiddiman8564]

Love you guys

[@MeetTheMazelins]

We appreciate it Gail! Much love to you too.

[@rashawncampbell7619]

I subscribed to Brown Bros too

[@MeetTheMazelins]

We appreciate it Rashawn!

[@wjdt1439]

awesome

[@MeetTheMazelins]

Thank you 🙏🏽

[@chadausrobinson852]

💜💜💜💜💜

[@MeetTheMazelins]

💜💜💜

[@rosedixon6104]

👍👍👍

[@keenanjohnson6988]

Is your friends in a relationship I think they would make such a cute couple

[@I_JustLOVEIT]

❤❤❤❤

[@giofromtexas2679]

Your own sister... it be your own family. I don't even care the older I get it's like you have to be miserable to put so much into what somebody else is doing that's not affecting you individually. I let them go✌🏾

[@helenomorose7276]

Grace father except you song don't push them away mothers have said song got me then we are one family god is wife god bless you off happiness more blessing 💝💝💪✌️🙏💋🌹🌹

[@jacquelyncarter7163]

I Love 😍 you guys

[@MeetTheMazelins]

We appreciate the love Jacquelyn!

[@rmronalda57]

HEY I💖💖💖 U GUYS. DAMMN CUT THA CAMERA OFF. BUMP THEM I KNOW THEIR FAMILY BUT IF THEY CAN'T UNDERSTAND HOW U FEEK. IT'S NOT U ITS THEM. JUAT PRAY FOR THEM. ONE DAY THEY MAY COME THROUGH. STAY AND BE STRONG 💪. LET GOD DEAL WITH IT HE'LL ALWAYS GETS THA LAST. KEEP SMILIN AND ROCKIN GOOD LOOKIN 😚😚😚. ✌💖& Life

[@ljones7825]

👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾

[@MeetTheMazelins]

🙏🏽

[@mle6501]

It was disappointing that you guys started laughing when he said, “fall in love with yourself”. You could see on his face that he was hurt. He expressed a truth to be met with ridicule. Not cool.

[@MeetTheMazelins]

I think it’s lost in translation. Nobody laughed at what he said. It was at the action of “clapping” with the fingers that Alec did. Which is in gay/ballroom culture a means of agreeing strongly with what someone has said or done. So I believe the message you received may be misinterpreted. As you can hear right after we all piggy backed on what he said as well further showing our agreement. Hope this clears it up.

[@choli7232]

❤❤❤❤.

[@MeetTheMazelins]

💜💜💜

[@chillnndc]

Hold on...one of the Brown 🟤 bros is beige 😉

[@MeetTheMazelins]

Haha and still Cozy!

[@samuelwict]

Some time wish Jamaica is not an homophobic country an some gay Jamaican need not to do too much in the streets and just be private with them self and have on partner . True Brian I believe parents must always still have love no matter what for their children or any families who is gay , because if they are gun man or kill someone they still stick with them so why not stick with his or her children or family who is gay . a person sex life is their so why reject them .

[@colegomez-en4eh]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤🎉❤❤❤❤❤❤❤. FD you have a great i