My Coming Out Story

[@beastscooter]

I came out a couple months after my wife of 13 years said to me, "I don't think you love me." We separated and I fell head over heels in love with a guy. That was 26 years ago, still together, married and enjoying life. I am eternally grateful for my ex-wife's desire for real love. We both found true love (each of us have wonderful husbands), and will remain friends and family till death do us part.

[@PanoT]

wow, congrats!

[@abidsalim6183]

Your ex wife was right, we all have one life to live

[@austintidwell5493]

@@abidsalim6183 I am gay and looking for a boyfriend

[@jimmywait74]

My dad never drinks but he got hammered the day he "found out" I was gay. We didn't talk for 2 years but he finally came around and now we're like best friends.

[@badpiggies988]

Glad he eventually got the milk :)

[@ciobalina7445]

What happened?

[@jimmywait74]

@@ciobalina7445 To what?

[@ciobalina7445]

@@jimmywait74 What happened between you and your dad that he didn't want to talk for 2 years? And why did he change his mind after those 2 years? Sorry, I'm just curious.

[@jimmywait74]

@@ciobalina7445 He didn't want to talk to me because of his bigotry. He eventually got over it with the help of mystep mom helping him realize that being gay isn't a choice.

[@brentbraniff]

I came out in 1977.....in North Dakota...So you can imagine that it was pretty rough. In hindsight it was probably not the smartest thing to do back then considering where I was. My friends, for the most part, were pretty accepting....Other people, not so much. Back then if someone beat up a gay guy the local law enforcement would be more apt to excuse it or probably give him the key to the city so, there was always a target on my back. I had hoped that my coming out would help me to find a gay community but it did the opposite. Local gays didn't want people rattling on their closet doors because they associated with me. It came to a head in my senior year in college when I had to endure harassments and bullying from the homophobes on campus. The college weren't willing to help because, you know, I was gay so I must have deserved it. I skipped my graduation ceremony for fear of something happening with my parents in the audience. I have experienced varying degrees of homophobia since then and I think like so many people of my generation I ended up with a fair few scars because of it.

[@a.a.6203]

You're the real hero, you helpd in what we have today as gay men, thank you for your bravery daddy 😘

[@Androlaxy1776]

Yeah, it’s still pretty sad up here. Hope you’re living your best life. ❤ Be safe brother.

[@Jasona1976]

I came out same year in NEBRASKA.

[@marktauber7355]

I’m so sorry to hear your story, and hope you’ve been able to go somewhere that is more accepting. North Dakota is famous for being a homo-hate state.

[@pauljack7170]

was it useful to yell on roofs “ i feel pretty and happy and GAYYYYYYY” di jot think so .. coming out is a childish attitude

[@peterspotts4055]

Somehow this video has inspired me to officially come out. I mean, everyone "knows", but I think it's time and it would be fair to them to hear confirmation from the horse's mouth.

[@timandersson2017]

What outcome (s) do you expect from it? ❤️

[@demisaysstuff]

That’s awesome! Congrats

[@deenzo4404]

Trust me there’s going to be a huge weight lifted off of your shoulders ! Idk you but I’m so proud of you for having the courage to proclaim to the world who you are 🥰

[@peterspotts4055]

@@timandersson2017 Putting an end to hiding the real me, gaining acceptance by others by being honest with them and myself.

[@timandersson2017]

@@peterspotts4055 😊❤️

[@tallactordude]

I grew up at a time and in a place/family/world in which homosexuality was just not talked about, so I was in puberty before it ever occurred to me that I might be attracted to other guys. It scared me so much because I knew how unaccepted it would be (and because I bought into the religious strictures I was brought up in), that I was almost 30 before I told anyone I was gay, didn’t come out in a real public way until I was almost 60, and because of all this never got to experience romantic feelings or have a relationship. All of this being true, I am glad that it is not as difficult for people now as it was then (although of course I know there are places where nothing has changed in that regard).

[@chattajaybird2630]

You’re telling my story too. I’m 61 and only my closest friends know for certain. I’m sure everyone else suspects because I have never been in a relationship as well. I wanted to be a musician and dedicated myself to being an organist which I do still. No regrets other than at times feeling lonely when spending time with my friends who are either married (now legally thankfully) or in long term relationships. Otherwise, very happy. Thanks for sharing your story!

[@that1monk]

Hi Lane ❤🌈

[@austintidwell5493]

I am gay and looking for a boyfriend

[@jamesburress2284]

I so relate to your story;Because it is my story.

[@vmartinez3898]

I never “came out”. My parents passed before I could say that I was gay to them. But my mom knew. One time. I was with her and we were checking on someone who had a nurse. He was a handsome man and kept checking me out. When we left I told mom about it the nurse. Without missing a beat she said “well. Did you get his number?” I was shocked then later happy to know that she was okay with me being who I was.

[@zerdanphunrab]

I love you, and not only for your expressive eyebrows and your Tabasco t-shirt, but also for helping so many people with your honesty and kindness (and mad music skillz). ❤🙏🌈

[@05Forenza]

I deliberately did not come out until after high school. I went to a very accepting high school, but still felt I didn't want to deal with any of the potentially negative side effects (graduated in 2007). I told my straight best girl friend shortly before graduation, and weirdly enough, she was the first "experience". But I didn't come out to my family for another 3 years. I had a few co-workers who knew when I was 20, but I was very selective who I told, even if it may have been obvious (which most told me it wasn't). To this day, I've not told my grandparents for simplicity reasons. I guess my mom has told her mom about me, but she wasn't sure she really understood it and just moved on. -- The best thing my mom ever said to me is that, "if anyone in our family doesn't accept you for who you are, they're not a part of our family." -- Best statement I've ever heard =)

[@JoeP44]

Thanks for sharing this, Steve. That message from your mom got me choked up since far too many LGBTQ people (of all ages but particularly youth) never receive that unconditional love and support that every child deserves. Huge kudos to your amazing mom! 🏳️‍🌈❤️

[@MichaelJohnson-vi6eh]

I came out to friends when I was a freshman in college, and it was a little weird. My straight friends did adopt me as their pet gay. I was very political on a campus where everyone was pretty closeted - it was the 80's AIDS/Moral Majority and that kind of stuff but didn't really have THAT much of a social life until senior year. Turns out everyone in high school knew and they were OK, but I wasn't OK yet. That sucks I could have spent high school having a good time instead of worrying about what everyone else thought. Happy Queeraversary! I just made that up. Eeew.

[@prozierozie5692]

Awww that's adorable, Queerversary

[@demisaysstuff]

You are such an awesome storyteller

[@PanoT]

thank you!

[@tombrooks5933]

I've been watching you for years. Thank you for the wry humor, the intelligent wit, and the common sense you share.

[@tomyy0842]

Thank you Pano, I've been a viewer for a decade. I've recently started binge-watching "coming out story" videos and found that not many people posted these videos in recent years, and when I saw that you uploaded this video it was almost like you read my mind. Have a great day!

[@kevindigo22]

Great positive story, thanks for that. I had a crush on a girl (Shirley) in first grade, then a crush on a boy (Daniel) in the second grade, and never looked back after that. Came of age in the 1970s...have never officially have come out, but after so many years, people just stop asking or caring one way or the other so no official proclamations required now. But I won't hide it or lie about it, and if I do find myself in a committed relationship, I would go to the top of the nearest mountain and scream it out for all to hear.

[@abmindprof]

I'm a "sucker" so to speak for a good coming out story! I think you gave the kids great advice. I ended up at 19 asked to leave and never tell my brothers. 20 years later my mom paid for my wedding. Even an initial rejection can lead to growth on their part.

[@stevebuck1737]

Pano I've followed you for years and I can say how happy I get whenever you post. You are a great storyteller. ❤

[@geofffikar3417]

And he's still cute as hell.

[@bleutitanium6513]

Wow. Once again, what a great video ! So happy for you !! Unfortunately, my whole coming out story isn't as rosy. You impress me with how you capture how you felt as a young boy, as a young man... and I think many here can relate to it. I certainly can ! You have such an honest way of telling your story. We the viewer are drawn in, and then we all reflect upon our own coming out stories. As always, I find your insights as a young man very incredible. I know guys... myself included... who don't have the maturity that you show. Thank you for your awesome Videos!!!

[@darinsenor6498]

Did you get to go to the camp?

[@diegomedra]

following! lol

[@orrointhewise87]

THEY FREAKED OUT OVER A B GRADE!?!?! Sweet lord I would have killed for a C+ 🤣 But given the fact that I giggled like a school boy wen he said pre-coming out I think I'll just accept the facts as they are lmao

[@dyllan890]

I came out back in 2014 publicly on Facebook, it was on National Coming out day. Years before I was caught in high school kissing boys after school. I think I knew deep down. It was really hard for my parents to accept it. I played the Bisexual card because they were super religious and having that conversation was very frustrating. I graduated in 2012. I just felt like with all the bullies who teased me about being gay I didn’t want to accept it. It’s now 10 years later. I went to my High School reunion this year and was met with so much love and support from my old colleagues. I was shocked because my perception of my graduating class at first was that I didn’t really like them. The lesson in all of this I’ve learned is that this is my life and no one controls the narrative except me. I’ve been very happy dating this wonderful guy I met earlier this year. I see a long and beautiful future I’m building with him. It took a few frogs, but I truly believe I found my Prince Charming. Always remember your story is still being written so if you’re single enjoy that time with yourself. You’ll grow into the person you’re supposed to be and find the person you’re meant to be with. Happy New Year Pano. Thanks for sharing your story. ❤

[@deweyski]

I recently found you on KZbin and have fallen in love with them (and you too) and love the ease you are able to talk about important gay topics. I am almost 64 do growing up in the 60s and 70s was not easy being gay. I came out many different times to different people. But the hardest was when I came out to my mother in my 30s. She was my best friend and confidant. But when I told her it devastated her, and it caused me to retreat for quite a while. Often on throughout my life, I was in and out. Now at this stage of my life, I am definitely out without a doubt And I’m loving it. I have found recently now that I’m older I have caught the attention of a lot of younger street and by curious people who enjoy chatting, talking, and a few actually we have met face to face. I love being able to help the young people because I know how much I wish I had had that help when I was their age. So thank you again for your videos and I hope that they along with the comments will help others to see more clearer

[@jayfelsberg1931]

I finally came out once and for all in my 40s. I had relations with men and women, but when I had a chance of inner seeking, I realized that looking back, I was more comfortable with men than women. Everyone has a different coming out story, and I hope all of them end up well, and we accept ourselves, love who we are , and give ourselves the freedom of enjoy and love who we choose.

[@johngolden891]

Excellent coming out story, Pano! When I was 9 or 10 my family visited the Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC and I was powerfully attracted to the angularity, power and beauty of the Greek and Roman male statues. Strangely, the female statues held no appeal whatsoever. I also sensed that this was not something one told one's parents. When I reached puberty around age 13, it was sexy men that populated my wet dreams. Being an altar boy in good standing, I decided to wait 10 years (!) to see if my orientation changed. It did not. So as a university student at age 23, I had my first sexual experience with a slightly older student who had been out for many years and was very patient and loving. It was wonderful and felt very natural. Not long after this, on winter break, my Dad surprised me by asking me whether I had ever had sex and after I said "yes", asked me whether it was with a man, and I said "yes" again. He then shocked me by saying that when in the military, his best friend was gay and that they had sex several times. I got the impression that this was the buddy's idea, but Dad must have enjoyed it, too. He also had me swear never to tell Mom about either of us. I tried coming out to her, but she made it clear she did not want to hear about this. My experience is unusual in that most of my friends had an easier time coming out to their Mother than to their Father. I had no brothers or sisters to speak to on this topic. (If you have gotten this far, thanks for reading this!) Best wishes to those coming out and to all LGBTQ+ people)

[@alexanderirizarry-camarill6277]

Pano, your growth and maturity is quite evident in this version of your coming out experience. I truly believe for a lot of gay men your addressing this issue is important because you don’t appear to represent the stereotypical gay man. I would never disrespect other gay guys who are a bit more flamboyant, but you show others that we come in all different packages. I think back many years when you were one who I could totally get behind (no pun intended), because you appear so straight. I know, we shouldn’t have to make ourselves so main stream, but if it can begin the discussion and get more people to understand how we had no choice in our sexuality, more minds would open up to realizing we are really no different from others. I have never met you aside from following you for so many years that I feel a strong sense of brotherhood with you and other gay men. Now, for me as a teacher, I have had many gay students stop by to thank me for giving them a year of safety while in my class, knowing they were in a friendly environment with me setting the tone. To be honest, some students even shocked me when they shared with me their story. Little did they know how much I wanted to protect them and build up their confidence without ever really knowing their true identify. You younger gay men are true Trail Blazers in this moment, perhaps many lives have been saved. Then maybe more men would realize just how much we have in common? Be well and have a wonderful holiday season. With respect and love, Alex from LA 💙🙏

[@chrishewittpiano]

You rock, Pano! I've literally been following you for 10 years, at least, and it's neat to see you reflect on your coming out and just all your other videos in general! You haven't changed one bit :):):).

[@mikebrady2073]

My glass and ceramic coffee steins are bigger than yours. lol Way back in 1952, the American Psychiatric Association added Homosexuality to their standard reference ‘Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders’. In 1973, Homosexuality was removed from their standard reference. I’d turned 21 that year; at University and I went to my first Gay People’s Union meeting to learn more and I was blown away by the positive welcoming people and energy I received. I was overjoyed at finding people like me who did not consider themselves to be mentally compromised. I felt complete and I took it all in, absorbing Gay information like a sponge.

[@rkeller8141]

Pano, I’ve enjoyed your video, a positive communicator, the pace phenomenal and pleasing! Thank you, and a stud on top of it!

[@anizuniga3763]

I had a really similar experience when I was 12. My parents had found some incriminating evidence in my room and just looked confused. And in a panic I went downstairs and told them “I’m not crazy, I’m just gay” and broke down in the kitchen. The next morning my father convinced me that maybe I was bi. In retrospect I know he was just trying to protect me because at the time we lived in Michigan.

[@Hozagen]

It's funny in my case because my first time having s3x with a guy was at 20, but I came out to my friends until I was 22 or 23 (kindof hard to remember the exact year). And so far I haven't told my family. I'm 32 now.

[@tasosGRvocals]

I'm really glad your coming out story went that good!! I still haven't fully came out, it's not that easy here yet, it's nice watching it was easier for some people!!

[@theo.barcelona]

Love your coming-out story & I love your channel especially your hookup stories !!! 😂

[@Greekinthecity]

This is such a nice coming out! My coming out to my greek American family was way different! 🤣😂 I did a video of it too a few years back on my channel

[@nlvndcn]

I haven't come out. I have this weird feeling that I should but I don't need to. But I guess I am now here, eh? Thank you for suggesting and providing a safe space.

[@IamJerBer]

I love that you had a positive experience! Thank you for sharing!! I fully discovered that I was gay from watching Degrassi, and I also had a crush on Marco! I was 14 at the time, but didn't come out until I was 19. My parent's were not accepting and my stepdad even threatened to kick me out. I eventually got away from him, and have been living fully authenticly for 15 years now. It's been the best 15 years of my life, and I'm glad to be on my own and surrounded by loving and accepting people! 😊

[@ronaldkirby9553]

Hey Pano, Yes you are cute 😁. You're just soooooooo young. LOL I guess my coming out was kinda lame. Beinga military brat I never really knew anything about "Gay". My parents where always stationed at small military post for the army. At that time being gay was not something that was accepted for the military so it was never brought up or talked about. I didn't come back to the States until the late '70s like 1978 or 79. That is when I first found out about "Gay". I believe I was about 12 or 13 years old at the time. I never discussed my sexual attractions with anyone. Shortly after coming back to the United States I found out what gay was and realized that is what I was. I knew no one else around was gay so I had no role models or anyone to look up to. I never came out until I was about 20 years old. At which time I came out to my mother in private. All she could do was ask me if I was sure and shake her head. I never went through coming out to my father because he was always very dominating about things to be done a certain way. I didn't bring up to him because I did not like the way he was react with my mother about her knowing it and not telling him. I am now 53 years old and my dad has finally caught on after I married a man approximately 21 years ago. And that was my coming out story.

[@gregorygauthier9047]

I agree he is just so adorable🥰

[@aaronsensei7637]

It always warms my heart, when people take ownership and feel comfortable enough to come out. I also completely respect those that are in difficult circumstances.

[@coffeeboy71]

I am an older guy and grew up during the 70s and 80s in small town Texas. I stayed in the closet hard, although everyone suspected and I was bullied for it anyway. I didn’t officially come out until the early 2000s and only to those I thought would be accepting. Such a different time and I’m glad your experience was a positive one.

[@andrewaway]

I love your story. I have a million things to say but not now. Thanks for sharing. ❤❤

[@dereknewbury163]

But did you get to the skate camp - you can't leave us hanging like that P

[@michaelmetcalf2715]

You are so handsome Respectfully 💪💪👑👑 Thanks for sharing your story ☺️

[@ahkiv6127]

You absolutely light up my life!

[@harolddavis2580]

Your fantastic 🤗 wish I had done what you have done. I was married to a wonderful woman for 42 years, living a secret double life. At times it was hell, and at times it a good life, we had a daughter together. After a few years together she suspected, we separated for a while, and then got back together. Raised our daughter together. My wife died in 2013, colon cancer, but through everything, good and bad we took care of each other. I finally came out of the closet in 2015 after therapy it's an amazing journey to have a burden lifted from your very soul and finally accept yourself for who you are I'm 74 now and invisible, but loving myself and enjoying each new day as a gay male, out of the darkness and into the light... my advice and moto, "Live Life In Full Bloom" Thanks for sharing your story, keep inspiring our family of brothers and sisters 🏳️‍🌈❤️💜😘

[@marcberm]

When your mom was asking she already knew. Moms always know.

[@ahkiv6127]

AWW! I adore you even more now!

[@dennisrifenberrick6823]

I didn't come out until my sophomore year of college. Of course I was labeled in high school (bullied) and while in college, tried fitting in with a bunch of guys as I never bonded with guys before as I had been a loner. Got labeled gay because I have a habit of buying people's affection/friendship through gift giving whether male or female but it was taken the wrong way and one guy assumed I had a crush on him. Had to leave that group and I psychology crashed. Found the stress of hiding being gay may have triggered my bipolar disorder and forced me to come out to my parents as I was so stressed but I had allies at my university like my advisor who supported me. Confided in a couple of friends who introduced to an awesome service fraternity that had other gay members who helped me come out and support me emotionally and helped me network.

[@andywillis3723]

Wonderful and positive outcome. I was 25. After 4 years in the military and an honorable discharge i dated and found my husband of 27 years...i just sai to family we are buying a condo and moving in together. You can be a part of our lives or not...both families have embraced us...thank you for being publicly open person.

[@Buyford28]

Hey Pano great story, im happy for you. I came out at 50, i was married to my high school sweetheart for 30 yrs and have 3 kids and 3 grandkids(i will be 65 dec 28). I knew i was gay early in my life but you were told that gay was wrong and that you wanted the house, kids, white picket fence etc. Dating now(2022) is so different than 40 yrs ago. I love guys and who i am, im so attracted to them, now im still looking for a relationship but these days thats hard to find. But i will keep trying, i wish you all the best, love your channel, keep up the good work. BIG Hugs. Bill Mason.

[@johninman7545]

I'm so glad to see you ❤

[@FirstDate08]

I came out when I was 16, I had overly accepting parents and wasn't ready to be open with everyone. But I also grew up in the myspace era which made it easy to be public about things. I posted pictures of me and my bf and made it official when I was 17. 🌈🫶

[@bunji_beans]

I first came out in my freshman year of college (15 years ago!!!!). It was interesting because I was still a christian at that time and very involved in church and whatnot, so the first people I came out to were people in my college church group. Thankfully, the people I opened up to were very accepting and many were even more accepting of me than I was of myself. From there, I came out to my family and friends from highschool and have been more and more open ever since.

[@wilsixone]

You have good parents 😉 Thanks for relating your experience. I came out quite a while ago. My parents were okay about it. They were both professionals working in NYC - that helped because they obviously came in contact with lots of gay people there. As for me, I knew I was "different" by probably 5 years old. Just hints of it - I couldn't relate it as "gay" per se though. Like you, I think I figured it out about the time I went from boy to young adult. So THE coming out specifically, my dad was out of town and my mom decided to take me and her out for dinner at a restaurant and during dinner I was talking about this guy I liked and one thing sort of led to another and I told her! She was okay about it, but as time went in I think she felt cheated that I wasn't going to get married and have kids. I have two sisters (older than me) and she totally got into being the mother-in-law and grandma, so yeah I think she saw me as potentially having that same life. Anyway, thanks again for the video!

[@tannereustace]

Thank you for sharing! I'm 20, and I came out in my high school yearbook quote: "I started high school with straight A's...now I'm not even straight! I'm still me, though!" I still cannot believe I found the courage to do that but it paid off, and now I work as a Pride Rep at my college's gender/sexuality center, and I post pride-themed music covers in June on my channel :)

[@DanielRadovancev]

Happy anniversary. Coming out not eassy for Everton. II aplaud Everton with smooth coming out.

[@GeraldLazore]

I am really glad to see all the young guys coming out. god bless

[@Jasona1976]

Wonderful story, thanks!!

[@newergamer7974]

I recently found your channel and watched your video and as a bi 15 yo still closeted this is really cool and a really big inspiration, thanks for making this

[@PokhrajRoy.]

Pano T being a Hot Masc with that Beer Mug. Oh yeah!

[@michaelarthurdeutrich624]

I am in the 60' and I am absolutely sure that this video will help a lot of young men to stand on their feet and to allow themselves to be what they are. Every person who loves / likes you will accept you , whatever you are.

[@Hark727]

I am almost 29 and have come out to my closest friends maybe two years ago but have yet to come out to my parents. I don't think it would bother them but it just feels like a hurtle to high since I don't want to change their perception of me at this stage. I really wish I had recognized and accepted my feeling when I was still in my teens because it has felt like an eternally long mental battle. Not sure some people that know me would even believe me since I feel like I don't fit any gay guy stereotypes. I still am not sure what to do so the battle continues.

[@rhodes1948]

Good on you mate ,good story …

[@peterwinstonaldredge6927]

Pano, these are exactly the types of videos young homosexual people need to see. Everyone is raised in a unique situation. Not everyone is exposed to the differences in people while they are growing up. It's important for young people to know all of the different types of people who exist. If you grow up in a small town for example, your 'people experiences' may be very limited as they were for me. Peoples' acceptance of homosexuals is far better than it was when I was young but, as you said, we have a long way to go. Especially in the United States. So, thank you for posting this video. I just hope it helps at least one person better cope with coming out, accepting who they are and living their best life as all of us deserve.

[@donaldallen9804]

I came out 18 years ago, best decision I ever made. I could not live the lie anymore

[@williamevans9426]

A family meeting to find out 'why [your] grades were dropping'? This was extremely harsh, even for a father who was ambitious for his son. Your grades (plural) weren't dropping - one grade (and one grade only) fell by one point (from A to B). I'm surprised you've matured into such a balanced person!

[@Teckno72]

Oh, Pano, I’m glad you’re coming out experience was so positive. I was about 26 years old. I told my parents. I thought they had to know. No, my mom experienced a torrent of tears. My dad acted like he was going to beat me. He didn’t, but I was wary. (DON’t DO THIS NEXT ONE): I came out to my brother while he was driving! I thought he was going to wreck his car! But, he didn’t, but he was really stunned. Good times.

[@Teckno72]

Please learn from my experiences. And, I strongly urge you stay in the closet until you have your own. VERY IMPORTANT, people!

[@Teckno72]

Til you have your own place/job, etc. in case things go south.

[@LeonardoRicardoSanto]

NOW I am eighty years old (a recent development which shocked me into knowing I am older than not older).....I was molested by a older cousin during my childhood....nothing painful or scary to me but I knew it was a dirty secret....err, it kept going with various other young people when I was at sleep-overs/etc .....I must have been alluring in some way, yet, my self focus was always as a NOT regular person, friendly, outgoing but individual*different...I was always private, but approachable, and striving to fit in ...go figure. Just so you know, I am a non practicing alcoholic and I drank alcoholicly/daily from about 18 to 35 ....I have been continously sober for 45 years as of last week....EARLIER I drank, I hid, I lived in denial, I liked the dark for years but I was never closeted...I took pride in living and mixing with everyone LGBTI or straight and I was very diffensive if crossed, snap/sarcastic/mean... I went to Gay Bars exclusively in San Francisco in my late teens into early/mid twenties (no photo id's)....that was OUT in a very big way and I went to college siultaneously and worked too.......later, at 35, after sobriety came my way...I enjoyed sex far more....any shyness/reserve (I didn't like people I admired to know I admired them in the earlier drunk days/daze). I had used alcohol to partly dissolve my odd hang-up about being a Homosexual! I have no idea how to uggesti a happier/easier route for a better Gay life other than just to suggest that you fasten your seat belts and be WHO YOU really are as you navigate the circumstancdes in your life that may be problematic or really/especially filled with glee....I've found that REALITY just takes some getting used to....I send you my best, good luck to each of you, Len ....

[@dubon9999]

I send all my love and support to all the LGBT people of the world ❤🧡💛💚💙💜 You all are important and very valuable even though we live in a world that makes you all believe otherwise. Remember always be proud of who you are 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍🌈 You all make from this world a better place ❤🧡💛💚💙💜 LGBT people are a rainbow of love in a world full of hate, but with difference of our straight partners, we all are united over a same flag 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍🌈 The flag of LGBT love ❤🧡💛💚💙💜 And we all must be united against hate, violence, discrimination and intolerance ❤🧡💛💚💙💜 We all are like a great family and we must fight to destroy hate ❤🧡💛💚💙💜 Remember, LGBT people is love and love always wins ❤🧡💛💚💙💜 I don't care about your race, nationality, biological gender, health condition, religion or any other condition ❤🧡💛💚💙💜 If you are an LGBT person you have all my love and my support ❤🧡💛💚💙💜 You guys are not alone in this fight and all the LGBT people of all over the world needs to understand this messagge, cause just united we will win against hate and we don't have to allow that nothing divide us. Never feel bad of who you are and never allow that this cruel world change who you really are or turn off your light and your shine ❤🧡💛💚💙💜 You all born that way and remember LGBT people of all the world, at the end, love always wins ❤🧡💛💚💙💜

[@diegovillalobos5364]

I love your rainbowy encouraging message! LOVE to you too!

[@austintidwell5493]

I am gay and looking for a boyfriend

[@davidmckinney6577]

I give you two thumbs 👍 up for being such a inspiration to so many people

[@ParvaizRaja]

The scene is very different on my side of the globe. Coming out will cause you to lose your friends and family and even get killed in a mob lynching incident. I'm so glad you've had an easy path.

[@heinmolenaar6750]

That's very sad. Are you gay?

[@Amylase1000]

I know it is not the same as being gay, but I am transgender and asexual. It all depends if you live in an lgbtq friendly environment or not. I was lucky and people have been more accepting than I expected. Thank you for making this video and helping our lgbtq brothers, sisters and others 🏳️‍🌈♥️

[@osmanjeffrey]

Way to go, Panos. Many of my Greek relatives were not quite as evolved as your mom and dad

[@brucass93]

Did you ever get to the skate board festival?

[@kimkk2981]

Eye bros are everything in this video 💀💗

[@Luiz-rt8eo]

My experience was horrible and I just don't recommend coming out to anybody that doesn't have a safe environment, like the one you had. And in general, I've found that coming out is really overrated, we all have our own particular journeys and we need to accept that, maybe coming out might never really be a necessity and it's just a thing that you may value or not, it's completely personal.

[@BRIANR.HARVEYHarvey]

Im still trying to come out now, and I'm 55yo. Yet still cascading through the world of living. Alone. ✝️

[@heinmolenaar6750]

You don"t need everyone tell your gay. If you don"t want to come out that's ok my sweet

[@gary5477]

I came out in 1977 at the age of 23. I always knew I was gay since being a very young child. I didnt know what sex was, but I knew I was attracted to boys and men, especially the ones on the beach with their shirts off. I only told a few friends and relatives but later I found out that they all knew anyway, even though no one talked about it. G-d I wish I were young now, they have so much better and easier than we did.

[@duidale]

oh, come on Queen

[@Yourockrock24]

Did you end up going to the skateboarding summer camp?? 🤞🤞🤞

[@Djr67]

I didn't come out till I was 28/29, only had about 6 years of being gay and I have been asexual for the last 15 years mainly due to not really liking myself much 😞

[@NothingButLol]

I'm Bi and for the longest time thought this started feeling as such at 11/12 but then recall I was somewhat attracted to thus guy a couple years older than me when I was like 7/8 Came out to some friends, a cousin, my aunt, parents, and a good handful of co workers this past year And been with my first and only partner(former co worker) since July (5 months in 6 days of this comment) and it has been magical top to bottom like stars alignment

[@Edwin-km4xk]

I came out last year at the age of 20 and do not regret it at all

[@chuckvaughn]

Well, I grew up in a 150 person town in northern Missouri. From what I knew from a very religious family about being gay was zero. I am not sure if nurture made me straight or what. I dated girls and had a crush in Jr high. Dated through my 20's and married at 32. So was this a sign? I just never thought about gay because is all I had to look at was TV. I was not what TV said was gay. It didn't feel like me. I have a son and step daughter. I was not hiding. Had male friends and female friends. At 35 something happened at work and I ended up in 1997 in a web site at the university I worked at by accident. 1997 there weren't really locks on adult content so if you typed a site wrong, boom there you were. What I saw changed my life. 2 masculine Men having sex. Firefighters I think they were or dressed up as. So at 35 I was 15 all over again. 2 adolescence in one lifetime. Is all I can say is WOW! I'm now 60. It's been a long road, but you do need to live an authentic life. I've never been happier, but I'm not saying I still don't have bumps or therapy... Good luck to all and thank you Pano for all your authentic self.

[@MaskedBishop]

I came out about 16 years ago to close family and friends, around 10 years ago to others, but I haven't had a romantic relationship yet. So your final sentence about how empty my life must be hits a bit hard. XD 🙈

[@tristanjames1329]

❤️

[@70sfred1]

I'm Greek-American too! With a name like Pano, I assume yoo are too. My Pou-Pou and Yia-Yia were from Steubenville. Good storyteller!

[@lordsxman]

In 1995 I realized I liked men at 15 y.o. I came out to my family and friends in 1999. But I finally really accepted myself as a gay man in 2004.

[@Houstonxxvi]

So I have a question, I think I once heard you say that you grew up around the Scranton Pa area. Is that true?

[@GeraldLazore]

00:02 Reflecting on my 10-year coming out anniversary 01:49 Struggling to maintain grades for skateboarding camp 03:32 Used a false coming out to gain sympathy 05:05 Coming out to close friends at age 15 06:37 Struggling with the idea of coming out and feeling relieved to hide his sexual identity. 08:10 Struggling with coming out as gay to friends 09:48 Positive coming out experience 11:17 Consider the environment when coming out, prioritize safety over total acceptance. Crafted by Merlin AI.

[@ilovetotri23]

My fiancee final came out to his parents. They were not particularly accepting. He expected it, he had built a strong support network first. All he truly wanted to know was that his parents still loved him, which they did. They just think he is playing around.

[@waltjhall]

One question was it Woody's in Philadelphia? I came out in a round about way too. I told one of my sister's and she kept the secret. Well that didn't work, so I told my other sister and she told my parents. My parents were worried about me because I would stay out over night and they didn't know who or what I was doing. They thought I was doing drugs, I wasn't. I was hooking up with guys. They were kind of glad it wasn't drugs, but then mom got the guilts! What did we do wrong?

[@samadams219]

You're so handsome!

[@regulus476]

It's weird because even after coming out to friends 9 years ago, I'm still not fully out. For the most time my mother showed homophobia and said that she would kick a gay son out of her house if she found out. She basically knows I'm gay because she frequently asks me about it, but I never feel comfortable sharing it with her, even though she seems more receptive nowadays. My brother is the only person in my family who knows because I trust him a lot but I still wonder when the hell I'll come out to the rest of the family, because maybe being open about could actually be good for me (and maybe other family members who could be insecure about being lgbt)

[@simonsmatthew]

This is the same for me. My mother knows because she keeps dropping hints and saying how terrible it is to be gay. So obviously I am not going to discuss anything to do with it with her. All it does is make my life even more difficult. But this is my life and I have wasted enough time. My personal life will just stay personal. It just means that she will not be a large part of it.

[@paultomson7745]

1stly, I love you man xxx 2ndly, did you get to go to the Skateboard camp? That story made fall out laughing, that needs to be written into a script!

[@McLovin_2007]

When I was a kid in the 90's, it was common for boys to part their hair in the middle. I thought it was the most handsome hair style. I started to like other boys with that style. I also like them with other styles as well, but the middle part was my favorite. I had crushes including Macaulay Culkin, Jonathan Taylor Thomas, and Brian Bonsall. I also liked girls, but leaned more towards boys. I've never told anyone offline, for a number of reasons. There was a point in my life I realized I would never have a male partner. Not only because I fear God more than most people, but also because I'm not attracted to guys over 30. So even if I did have partner, he will lose his good looks after a few years. It often hurts to know I will never have a cute boyfriend. And I don't even need sex from him. I would be very happy just to have a partner to hold, hug, and do some light kissing with closed lips. But I will say I think it's great to be attracted to both men and women. I can admire beauty in both sexes. I don't think my story will help anyone, but it just helps me to vent my feelings. I wish I could live in an ageless world, where everyone is under 30, and I can have whatever partner I want. But that will never happen.

[@mariolamoureux7773]

Finally, you make me so happy ... with beard and moustache. BIG kisses of admiration from Gatineau, QUÉBEC ... but only in french ! lol XOX

[@AntajuanGrady]

*Pano T* Great coming out story! Was anyone else at your school gay that you didn't realize they were until they came out?

[@j.g.d.s3142]

It is interesting how everyone has a totally different perspective about sexuality. Probably, it depends so much on your relationship with your family, since I could never ever come out to my family, and not only because of being afraid to be homosexual, but because I feel ashamed to talk about my romantic feelings with my family, for them I just look asexual 😂. I see other people coming out and it's fantastic, but when I think about myself coming out I just feel ridiculous, frivolous, and I feel like nobody is going to ever take me seriously just for being homosexual. I've always considered myself very serious and conservative, not at all related to the stereotypes of a gay man, or not even to the LGBT community. I just feel attracted to men and that's it, I personally wouldn't risk to change who I am for a sexual orientation, and maybe the closest to a coming out in my life will be me introducing a partner (if I ever find him) to my family, that's the only way I could visualise myself telling my parents I am homosexual 💀 PD: I really admire people like you and the open you can be to your parents when talking about intimate topics such as this 🤍

[@hihikatamari]

I wish I can come out, but my parent wasn't accepting, but my cousins did which make me happy. My parent wasn't progressive and follow the traditional pattern run in the family where reputation come first unfortunately. I remember got hit by my dad and yelled by my mom, yeesh. However, don't let this deters you away from being your true self. In life, your happiness come first.

[@MrJacobrabbit]

I couldn't come out in Iowa so I went to another state and bigger city but they knew

[@docdynamix]

my favorite man ever 😍

[@AGardner81]

NAAAWWWWTTTT MAAAAARRRRCCCCCOOOO!

[@napoiskafarming669]

Unfortunately I'm in a country that still hasn't accepted that we exist and i don't think I'd be safe at all if i came out. I'm 26 and have been ignoring this side of me for a while.. And i kinda plan on keeping it on that way. It's not worth risking my whole life. Though this video was really fun and cute. Thank you for sharing it with us!