OUR COMING OUT STORIES | CHRIS & IAN

Hi Friends!
For today's video, in advance of National Coming Out day, we wanted to finally address our highly requested "coming out" stories! We talk Lady Gaga’s pivotal role in Chris’s coming out (aka blooming) while going to an all-boys school, and Ian regales us with his coming out story to Dad after junior prom. And years later spilling that Tea with Mom over Appletinis. Let us know if you have any more questions you want us to answer in the comments and we can put together another video answering those. Don't forget to subscribe and turn on the notifications for more!
Editor: Shi'Anna Whitman
Instagram
Chris: / chrisolsen
Ian: / ianpaget
TikTok
Chris: / chris
Ian: / ianpaget_

[@idammage]

"I just want to make sure that you're not expecting you know, a wife and.. things.." 😂😂 best line hahaha

[@jessielainez5663]

Lol

[@davonte_101]

“And things” that had me😂

[@majesty16monroe2]

I so want Dan Levy to come back with a Schitt’s Creek Movie....and write a role for Ian in it! Ian is hilarious!🤣🤣💕

[@rebekkaschmid2772]

you have a huge community who supports you even if we are far apart🏳️‍🌈

[@alexandragomezz]

Lmao I loved that part too 🤣🤣🤣

[@tommyandpeter]

Can't believe you've only been together for a year! You guys look like you've been together since forever 🥰

[@bluxcid1620]

The healthy relationship I strive for

[@kayliahcarballo8345]

Lmao I pictured Ian saying he want Chris wasn’t even alive🤣🤣

[@andrewdemers1624]

Definitely

[@rem.servant]

“It’s crazy that they USED TO make people debate gay marriage”, honey they still do

[@laurenbruges8784]

I think he’s more referring to the fact it’s legalised in the US

[@rem.servant]

@@laurenbruges8784 ik I was tryna make a joke 😔

[@troddenleper8915]

Our school made us debate banning gay people in the priesthood... like WTH.

[@CinderelaInTheRain]

@@troddenleper8915 aren't all priests gay or pedophiles? Because all I've heard about priests from the news is scandals involving children or gay orgies...

[@noahjosefski7019]

@@CinderelaInTheRain I'm breaking character rn. No dude that is 100% false It was one priest that did it. Not all priests and even then it wasn't proven

[@hummus_exual]

Chris using Lady Gaga to prove himself he wasn't gay is literally the funniest thing 😭

[@jamesvragel4690]

A little like listening to Boy George or George Michael! 😉🌈

[@BlitzerPlays44]

The way y'all had supportive parents... Can't relate.

[@ianpaget2.0]

We'll be your supportive parents!

[@BlitzerPlays44]

@@ianpaget2.0 The way I didn't have a dad and now I have two 😍

[@ankit8088]

@@ianpaget2.0 thanks Guys!! I am from India and I can't get the strength to come out. Wish My parents were as open as yours... And not expect 'wife and things' you know!!

[@cwn41]

Jnco pants. Ian you have to be my age lol. Which shocks me😂 You guys are great. Please keep making content!

[@samantha-wg8ol]

Ankit Kachwani it’s totally fine! You don’t have to feel pressured to come out, if you feel as if you would’ve be safe anymore if you come out, than it’s better to stay in the closet until your ready

[@kylieredding404]

Literally everyone in my life acts like my mental health struggles are fake and my life is “so easy” because I’m 16 so it was so validating to hear someone say that what I go through is real. Y’all are like the cool yet equally wise gay uncles I never knew I needed.

[@mspeggysue911]

Your mental health is real and important and people thinking it's fake just means they don't want to have to make the effort to care, so they dismiss you. Your feelings are real and you need to try to surround yourself with people who validate your feelings, if possible.

[@jamesvragel4690]

I’m not going to give away my age, but I’m struggling with depression and a severe anxiety disorder. I do take an antidepressant and an occasional Xanax to keep things in check, but they only go so far. I’ve been on just about everything that’s out there but the one medication I took that made me feel alive and “normal” was as part of a study group. Unfortunately the FDA nixed it because, from what I’ve read, it wasn’t sufficiently different from medications already on the market. (The power of US big pharma.) Well maybe it isn’t all that different but it worked for me!

[@Jayeelove1]

OMG IF ONLY MY MAN LOOKED AND paid attention to me the way Chris is looking at Ian

[@elsatello4016]

JocelyynSerratos True

[@jordancomeau9197]

And vice versa :)

[@kellygibson2380]

If only I had a man to look at me the way chris looks at ian and ian looks at chris

[@majesty16monroe2]

They are always looking at each other with such adoration! I love it!😪😍💕

[@user-oq6ol5fi2w]

if he doesn't worship you babe, leave him

[@becz8536]

Can totally relate to Ian’s dad, I’ve known my son was gay since he was 2. He came out last year at 15. Super proud of him and who he is

[@kellihillsley921]

awww we love a supporting father

[@hellobhowareyou9450]

Ive known that my lil brother is gay and he came out to me when he was 13 and I was like “yeah dude I known for 11 years”

[@TheEveroser]

This is really delayed, but how could you tell? I haven’t come out to my fam, but I think they may suspect, but I have no clue how

[@becz8536]

@@TheEveroser At preschool he preferred playing princess dress-ups over football, and he always had female friends (all through school) rather than male friends. His personality was also dramatic and flamoyant. His preschool teachers and dance teachers hinted at it too. He was bullied in his younger years at school for being gay. I always taught him that it was perfectly ok and normal, but it still took him a while to accept it himself and be ready to share due to the negative affect of bullying. Talk to your family when you are ready and good luck x

[@evangregory14]

@@becz8536 Jesus christ, stereotype much. That fact that you think you "knew" at age 2 is ridiculous. They can't even hold a meaningful conversation with you.

[@MsAdstny247]

Omg when Ian started his story “back in the 1800’s” I was like yeah he gives me Elijah Mikaelson vibes from the Originals. Just a perfectly eloquent handsome vampire right? I love you both so much your stories are touching and thank you for sharing with us.

[@SimmiXAmora]

Yesssss TVD

[@megankingsland2962]

Thanks for feeling comfortable to share with us. 💜 much love to you both!

[@ianpaget2.0]

Thank you for listening and allowing us to share Megan!!

[@mspeggysue911]

I grew up with a gay sister and had a p.o.s homophobic dad who didn't live with us, and a mom who never fully accepted her. But I was unaware that there were massive groups of people who think it's wrong. I saw my sister spend years trying to get my mom's acceptance. SO I have told all 3 of my kids thier whole life, there are gay people, straight people, and a bunch of things in-between and you are loved and accepted no matter who you choose to love.

[@benguclark6772]

I don't really want to come out to my family, if straight people don't need to then I feel like I shouldn't be treated any differently. I loved hearing how supportive your families were y'all are great

[@MargieLeigh3]

i feel the same way. i think it really is a personal thing & sometimes something people can’t or don’t want to do!

[@to6ky-m5u]

Same

[@jordancomeau9197]

Thats how I always felt. Live your life and if they start acting distant you know who agrees and who doesn't no need to come out :)

[@thatsroughbuddy7586]

Yeah I feel the same way 😂😂 like if straights don’t have to why should I But if my mom or dad asks me then yeah lll tell them I’m bi sexual

[@rosalyngummer6587]

Same

[@skeewee-c6206]

Glad you both had positive coming out experience. I work in a high school and I have too many stories of students who were kicked out of their homes, beat up by a parent, or sent away because their parents refused to accept the fact that their child is gay. On a positive note being gay among your peers is not an issue at least not in this area (Wash, D. C.). Students are more likely to pick on you because you're not wearing the lastest Jordan verses who you're dating.

[@danytm10]

Ian: Chris was the first boyfriend I brought home Me: 😭 Love you both ♥️

[@Forcanetherianthropy]

Fun Fact: If you’re ever trying to figure out how old we are in each grade, just add 5 to the grade. 6th grade plus 5, we were 11 in the 6th grade. 7th grade plus 5, we were 12 in the 7th grade. And so on. Fun, right!? 😉

[@valeriemorales7893]

Oh my gosh, thank you 😭 I hate having to calculate everytime

[@letzzpw2578]

But some of us have bdays in school so some of our ages are a year older

[@Lucyandcaroline]

omg wait that's so cool

[@Forcanetherianthropy]

Isaiah Saelee Yes, that’s true but it works 99% of the time.

[@Lucyandcaroline]

@sarah boddie YESSSS that's right haha

[@heatherl4421]

Ian you have aged like FINE WINE

[@kaym278]

How old is he

[@zonzz]

Well, he's only 34 anyways

[@jamesvragel4690]

Who cares! Ian’s gorgeous! I’m in total lust! 😊😇😉😍🥰😘💕💖💕💖💕💖💕🌈

[@andipowell7347]

Omg when Ian shouted “are you f****** kidding!?!?!?!” I laughed so hard.

[@kelseywood9125]

The way Chris’ dad reacted was so sweet! I love that.

[@LizzyCurran]

My dad still calls my wife my “friend” 🙄

[@lilahmonet8064]

im sorry he does that. my dad is your dad now & he calls your wife your wife. ❤️

[@spooks7076]

haii you have adopted a child, love my mom and her beautiful wife 🥺

[@kym9579]

Girl get a new dad 🙄

[@lilypoon1175]

And they were roommates!

[@romaneros4583]

You cant make him change anymore than he can make you change. Accept him and he will learn to accept you.

[@memomemo7643]

I absolutely did not know that chris was the first boyfriend you brought home 🥺🥺 Also the blobbers got me dying if laughter

[@malviestan4864]

I love how Chris looked at Ian like that the whole time he was telling his story 🥺

[@tomjones77]

Get you a man that stares at you so intently the way Chris stares at Ian the whole vid

[@dnyellebaldwin8737]

Every video I can’t help but think “ only a year??” Y’all chemistry is insane. Absolutely insane. Y’all are so meant for one another. Chris, your father needs to be all of our fathers

[@DiegoMartinez-fq1dt]

THE PHOTO OF YOUNG IAN OMG😂😂😭😭

[@alexandersanchez1533]

As someone that just came out this year in June it feels like such a huge relief to be yourself I am blessed that I had so much support from friends and family’s it really made me so happy and of course you have some family members that won’t get it and just judge but it’s been one of the best things that I have done

[@davidhparker]

“Think about how you want others to experience you” - that is such a beautiful line that has to mean different things for people at different ages. For me, at 22, it means deciding exactly what I allow other people to see and try to understand about me, and picking and choosing who gets let in to the intimate, vulnerable parts of my life. Thank you for expressing that idea! Y’all are consistently getting laughs out of me and helping me to be a better version of myself. Much love

[@kennethkauzlaric8948]

My coming out was so much the same as both of you. When I was 16 my mother asked me if my best friend was my boyfriend at breakfast. I looked at her and "No, he is my best friend...I'll tell you if I have a boyfriend", and stormed out of the room. That's when I realized that my parents knew, and my father had the "safe sex" with me. So I can say, my parents dragged me out of the closet. BTW, this was in the early 1980's.

[@majesty16monroe2]

This is refreshing!!! Because before my best friend came out to me, I already knew!! It was so obvious he was gay but I never pressured him into tell me, I let him tell me when it felt right (for him!!)🌈🌈❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@jdk9932]

you are what this world needs. your positivity & kindness is unparalleled & i’m so lucky to have found you two!

[@brookeeckardt2155]

I love how you both listen so intently to each other, it’s so cute!! 🥰🥰

[@angelicafernandez1980]

The debating about gay marriage is still a thing 😔

[@Lgr7541]

My teacher did a mock government thing where we had to write bills and stuff... I was sitting the front of the class splitting the isle with the person who wrote the bill being voted on and the kid at the front goes "you all know I don't support the LGBT community and both of us just had to sit there and listen because our teacher would make us leave the classroom if anyone said anything so we just stared in disbelief like why would someone feel proud about saying that- thanks for listening to my rant

[@juanmanuelmoramontes3883]

@@Lgr7541 The audacity SMH

[@cristinamerlini]

Love how Chris dad says to his Friends about both his kids ❤️

[@yoyoyoholla1]

You have no idea how much I needed to hear that what I’m going through and what others are going through matters 🥺

[@kaleighhoufer5450]

In my high school debate class one of the topics was “do you think trans people should be allowed in the military?” And we didn’t get to pick which side. I was so upset I skipped school the day of the debate lol

[@casiemartin815]

I love this channel!! I came for the pranks, stayed for the honesty and true kindness toward one another. Couple goals, for sure. You both really seem to be such big fans of each other, it’s beautiful to see. Thanks for your light in this dark time in our world. 😘

[@Lamontjunior]

My absolute faves. Love hearing your stories & seeing how far you’ve come. I remember following you both when you had just over 10k on TikTok 💙

[@shereeshurbaji1002]

Yay happy to see your video , Thank you for sharing your story . Just watching you two I can see how genuine your Love is for each other. Keep on Blooming !!!!

[@ermawagnor8947]

I want you two to have a podcast so badly I would absolutely love to hear Ian rant about topics that chris brings up it sounds absolutely wonderful and I would definitely love to turn it on in the car while driving for hours 😍

[@rhiannabonyana]

I adore how genuine the two of you are. You're such beautiful souls ❤️

[@clarkeokah1154]

The way Chris looks at Ian... he is smitten !!! Beautiful to see one year on ❤️

[@katepublik7678]

“That’s why I dressed up and you’re wearing a very expensive t shirt” Ian honey is that not a T shirt

[@aholt3953]

It literally is tho??

[@trisha20087]

@@aholt3953 no hunny its a sweater

[@oliviavance1146]

@@trisha20087 no? It’s a balenciaga t shirt

[@amyg4983]

But it’s black?

[@lonewolf5969]

@@trisha20087 Don’t you know what a boxy shirt is? Lol

[@lorenafordays927]

I ‘came out’ to this girl at work I thought I had a crush on and she told my other cowerker cause they needed to sit me down and tell me that I was just having a moment lol. We’ll call it a 10 minute phase. Love you guys!

[@teresaklarlham984]

I adore you two. And what is so beautiful about your relationship is that we can see that this is a forever kind of love. Two souls that were meant to be together found each other. I'm sure when you met that you both knew that this was different. You must always nurture that and continue to put each other first in everything. It is truly beautiful to see. ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@garfieldfan420]

Omg Chris's story was straight to the point, and ian went on and on, but what did I expect really, remember to focus on your blooming y'all

[@joelking3976]

my mom recently found out about my sexuality after she went thru my phone. it was terrifying when she confronted me and she did not give the best response. she told me that im going down an evil path and that i need to change. she doesn't look at me the same. she looks at my as if im not hers. im so glad that you showed us your bravest moments. just wish mine would've ended differently

[@tatiananajera3614]

Do you need a hug

[@kkoesteren]

“omg” “what?, do i look great?” possibly my second favourite line at all times

[@christopherfrausto5398]

Happy Anniversary you two!!!! I hope y’all have an amazing day and thank you so much for your coming out stories, y’all inspire me to do better and to feel comfortable with myself 🌺💛

[@kellygibson2380]

I’ve never seen Ian Mad Mad at you lol. This whole video brought me so much happiness. I love you guys♥️

[@jamiefetherston9028]

The bloopers are the best... "wait do I look great"..ahhhhh so funny

[@eniyaj.3921]

I just looked up there age and ian is 33!! And chris is 22. Wow 11 years 😫 omg!! I still love them tho💕

[@ali_maria]

If you haven’t came out yet and you see this i just want to say that it’s okay to take your time until you feel ready. and when you do feel ready, you have a whole bunch of people waiting to support and love you ❤️❤️

[@carinawinchester4821]

Chris your editing here is SO good

[@cdthompson329]

Someone else edited this. Credits in the description

[@aubreycauduro5344]

Constance Thompson yikes that’s awkward

[@carinawinchester4821]

I- Good job Shi'Anna

[@ritabrown8224]

Chris is so very attentive listening to Ian, I love it!!!

[@mcchristianjuliusmacaranas1027]

Hi guys! I usually lurk around here on YT and not really comment. But Im just so impressed by your relationship. My boyfriend and I just recently came out to our families last Christmas. You know that relief and fear sitting side by side in one room? That's how it is up to this day after coming out. But seeing you guys make us feel that we can go through anything, too. We follow your Tiktok too! I love how Chris stares deeply whenever Ian is speaking. It gives me warmth. Keep slaying, guys! We are blooming over here :) PS, we are fans from the Philippines!

[@crystalsloan8197]

I am so happy you two made a KZbin channel! I’ve been watching you on tiktok for a while now and I absolutely love you two! So much 🥺🧡

[@meganschleben3761]

As a mom, both my husband and I feel the way Chris's dad feels. Our girls are everything to us and I don't want my kids to "come" out if they aren't straight. I just want them to bring them over and be like Mom this is my SO and it'll be fun, awkward, and it's cool.

[@reamdelrey]

It’s the way Chris kept looking at Ian for me...💕✨

[@dysfnxal9284]

I can listen to Ian talk forever and will never get tired of it. FOREAL

[@haileymelnick241]

Thank you so much for sharing this, I don’t have a coming out story but all of your guys’ advice is amazing. Love hearing all of your stories about life. Also the ending HAHAHA love the bloopers!!!

[@arif_and_ricky]

Your relationship looks so healthy and nice! It looks longer that one year! That is incredible! Loads of love from us !

[@jordancomeau9197]

I love you two as human beings. You have a way of talking to the screen that makes me feel like im actually there and like you're actually talking to just me. Idk how to explain it just you two are awesome!

[@jazn3864]

Yess i’ve been waiting !! Thanks for sharing with us!

[@lynconn7194]

the coming out stories were beautiful and it's nice how you both had supportive family. also, Chris pretending the camera was not recoding and Ian's face had me lost

[@samuelhartley-smith7731]

Love how ian described children as things

[@MrYeahJohn]

I tend to always hit the 'like' button even before I watch your content.. Simply because it is you two 💯

[@emmamoon9002]

It’s great to hear others stories! I don’t know where I’d be with my parents if I didn’t come out when I did.

[@AlmsG8]

Love your fathers’ approvals! Glad you’re free to be you! ❤️ And OMG! Ian at the end when he thought it didn’t record. 😳😂

[@celestepacheco9191]

i love 7:41 how chris is so excited and supportive while ian is talking😍😍

[@eshitagurung9321]

The way Chris looks at Ian is just so adorable...cute cute love ❣️😍😍

[@stefanvanwyk4733]

I like the dynamic between you 2. Bloom brilliantly.

[@katiebeck3607]

you two are absolutely 💯 amazing people. You both sound so articulate and I love that your here for youth who absolutely need to hear this message ❤

[@sweetcandyandy13]

Thanks for sharing your stories! Love you guys ❤️❤️❤️

[@nonzeref7552]

that escalated quickly in the end 😂😂😂 thank you for sharing your story boys 🥰

[@ChurchOfCiiku]

Ian enjoys Dancehall "expecting a wife and things" Honestly, .... Love it.

[@cerysdavies2397]

I cant wait ❤

[@ashl2704]

Chris' main love language seems to be physical touch and I'm so obsessed

[@anastasiafeenstra9048]

Love, love love this! I have a 7th grader who is struggling to find her place with her friend group. It’s hard as a parent to watch this, so glad both of you had supportive environments growing up. As a sidenote I slayed the Jnco jeans as a youngster

[@brendragon]

Couldn't stop laughing at the bloopers!! 😂😂Great video guys, thank you for sharing 🥰🥰

[@miladylaughalot]

My wife and I just celebrated 10 years of marriage yesterday so good luck, stay true to yourself and each other. The truth is never a regret you have to confess! XOXO

[@MichaelToa]

Thank you for sharing this beautiful, tender moment with us! Loving the bloopers and can Ian Paget Moment spin-off be a thing please?! 😂

[@noahtremblay6762]

In love with Ian trying to do Ellen’s bit with the phone cord and fumbling. 🤣

[@caseytee1154]

This made me tear up, so happy to hear such positive coming out stories. Makes me hopeful. Thank you for sharing, love you both 🥰

[@zanadu4]

Hey guys, thank you for this video especIlly for this Coming Out Day, this is a real service for those thousands of kids with questions that need real answers.

[@rachele.3229]

I had a whole moment, blankly staring at nothing, having flashbacks to my coming out lol. My parents and "support" weren't even on the same plane of existence

[@femmefatalemode]

you guys are the best :) I love your outlook on life Ian I find you so inspiring. Thank you both for sharing and happy anniversary! x

[@belenflores447]

Thank you for being yourselves ❤️❤️❤️and inspiring me to be the best version of myself 💕💕💕🥰🥰🥰🥰😍😍😍😍love y’all

[@freedamnsweetcree7235]

You guys make me want more from life. ❤️ And relationships. ☺️ The way you look at eachother and support one another... Makes me feel special 😌 thank you 😩

[@aricaMR]

Well, it's 1:33 am and I've found myself binging all of your videos. I am just so in love with you two. Such beautiful humans. Thank you for sharing your love and life with the world.

[@alesiafitzpatrick8244]

So glad that both of your families are so good to you guys. You're a cute couple and it's great that you share your stories and speak on these things. 💖

[@dianagomez6658]

“What do I look great ? “ 🥺❤️ always 😘

[@cottoncandy010]

this is so helpful to watch because I’m closeted and it’s pretty scary thank you so much for sharing🥺

[@marywollstadt7930]

You both make my heart warm and my soul happy. 🥰

[@kierstenwyatt1333]

Thank you for sharing your stories! ❤️🖤

[@StephanieChance]

Ahhhhh you’re so fun!!! 🤍 #focusonyourblooming love that!

[@plainjordy4490]

I’m mad I cannot binge watch as many episodes cause I’m up to date!!! can’t wait for next week

[@tammymmckay]

So courageous and gracious of you both to share your stories. 😍

[@JAM_RN]

My new two favorite KZbinrs! I love you guys!! ❤️ ❤️ ❤️ ❤️

[@JAM_RN]

❤️❤️❤️ Chris your dad's response!! ❤️

[@rachelfavela4505]

Love you guys so much and such great genuine people ❤️ keep it up never stop being you

[@lauraq4934]

You guys are such a light ❤️