Televangelist Oral Roberts' gay grandson says "it gets better"

[@songbyrd5]

God Bless you and thank you for having the courage to share!

[@terradi]

This was so touching to listen to. The pure love and support for all out there who are lost and wandering gives me a lot of hope. Thank you! :)

[@paddyB]

Thank you Randy for sharing your profoundly moving and intensely personal story. Nothing more cathartic than a good cry. Peace.

[@ibookguy]

You are adorable and your message is great. Thank you so much for sharing!

[@rtdorion]

Thanks, Randy. Your story is very moving, and will comfort more people than you know.

[@ilovepartymonster]

So beautiful and powerful. Such a brave and loving man you are to write and read this to your beloved Uncle Ronnie as the whole world watches. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for sharing this, Randy. You are loved.

[@mmike1165]

I applaud your strength and courage. You have moved me to tears. Thank you.

[@berniec56]

Dammit. I almost started crying along with him. Very powerful and very moving. Thank you so much for sharing your story Randy.

[@YouSPI]

Good job, sir. So glad it 'got better' and you made it through and are here with us. You are a great asset to the world, and to those going through a similar situation.

[@Oodlesxofxnoodles]

The passion and emotion just gets me. Stop inflicting needless pain and hate on others. Love your family. Love your friends. Love your neighbor. But most importantly, love YOURSELF. "Whatever you are, be a good one." ~Abraham Lincoln You, sir, are a good Randy. The person reading this, you are a good YOU and you don't need to be anyone else to be loved. There is someone out there right now, rooting for you and your happiness. Go out and love, because happiness and love > fear and hate.

[@njoega]

Heartfelt and beautiful. A powerful statement, lovingly created. Its "home-made" quality is sweetly touching and only adds to its power. I loved the song at the end and would love to know what it is - wishing we could have heard more of it, but that's a minor quibble. Bravo Randy - all the best to you.

[@kyraleigh78]

so amazingly incredibly powerful...i grew up evangelical christian as well and was raised with oral, richard, and a slew of folks from ORU. i went through so many of the same things that these guys did; so, it is wonderfully cathartic to see that so many of us are in the some boat...thank you, randy, from the bottom of my heart for your courage...may this message reach many in the evangelical community and change their hearts...

[@copman109a]

Excellent video - What a touching piece of your soul. Thank you for sharing it.

[@InJupitersShadow]

Thank you, Randy, for having the courage to share this heartfelt and personal message. Recognizing that God celebrates the presence of all (underlined, all) love is such a long journey for some of us. But absolutely worth staying on the path.

[@ShadowOfRahl]

Thank you for sharing all of this with us. It means a lot to me... it's videos like these that helped me open my eyes when I felt there was nothing to go on for. Just six months ago suicide was the only thing on my mind... now I can't wipe the smile off my face knowing how good the future is going to be. It certainly does get better. Even through the bullying, the threats, the emptiness, sorrow and pain... in the end it's all worth it. So very worth it.

[@Acroswing]

Dear Randy, thank you. Your brave, honest story and words to your uncle have so much love in them that I am absolutely sure they will resonate and comfort someone struggling or in crisis.

[@Thursdayization]

I am flabergasted by all of these negative comments about your presentation in youtube. I think what you did was courageous, heartwarming and if your uncle was alive today, he would be proud. Don't stop what you are doing to sent your message of love of humanity out just because of these horrible comments. Let them be the strength to move on. You are beautiful and what you are doing is great.

[@JusticeCaloReign]

Thank you Randy for being so vulnerable and intimate with us! My best to you!

[@drawntotrouble]

Thank you, Randy. Speaking as someone older than you, I can tell you, too, that it gets better. I hope you'll write a book about your experience and your thoughts; you have a special gift. There are so many it can help.

[@schmootheonly]

I shed a tear. Thanks for the much needed dose of reality.

[@Basil3000]

This is a powerful message. I was brought to tears watching this man pour out his emotions. I was brought to tears because this man is choosing to not duplicate the legacy of his uncle, but to change the trajectory of his story as to honor both of their lives by living his truth. Nobody ever said living our truth was easy, but is essential to having a full life.

[@willym9836]

a 1000 thanks for this moving and heartfelt sharing..

[@HalfShelli]

Randy, this was wonderful and brave of you to be so open, so vulnerable. I was lucky to be brought up in an open and accepting family, so I cannot even imagine the hardships of kids brought up in evangelical families without tolerance - and to lose your Uncle Ronnie besides. May it keep getting better, for all of us!

[@toltschin]

Our Stories, Our Lives - intersect time and time again. Loss, pain, progress, - there is no giving up on those who've left us out of fear created by others. Thanks Randy - amazing letter.

[@FantasticBabblings]

Eloquent and moving. Having grown up in a Southern Baptist family and environment I empathize. Clearly you have the strength inside you to make it get better. Thanks for this video.

[@Lasso5408]

Thank you Randy. That was very touching and yet equally hard for me to listen adn watch this whole video without becoming very emotionally charged.... A true inspiration to those that might be struggling sir... It definitely does get better and will also be better for you... This was a very powerful step to take in that realization.... Marty Peoples Fort Worth, TX

[@mifuller]

Incredibly well told. Thanks for sharing your story.

[@1946goforit]

Thank you Randy. I can understand that this may have been both very hard and yet very freeing to do. You're one brave guy who is blessing many.

[@rickrazz]

Stunningly powerful. There are so many stories to be told and the It Gets Better project has created a doorway to where these stories were hidden. A doorway that now cannot be closed and the stories that need to be told can be shared.

[@markwf384]

without question the most powerful "it gets better " video I've seen .. Brilliant

[@douglasokc]

i came out my senior year at Oklahoma Baptist University, in the 1970s.......as christian young people, those raised in the faith want so badly to make a contribution with their lives... to god, country, church and family....but there is no place of honor to stand for the gay children. not many are as lucky as i was, when it comes to declaring who you really are......i made it through.....my heart goes out to those who could not find a way....THANK YOU RANDY for this video

[@mifuller]

What a touching and powerful story, well told. Thanks for sharing.

[@SkyeRangerNick]

Bless you Randy.... thank you for all of your work. Good beyond measure.

[@MrLolosmom]

You are so strong and brave. Thank you for sharing your message with us- especially those of us in Oklahoma. We love you.

[@ronreason]

Fantastic and moving. Thanks for sharing.

[@MrJunette]

It is fantastic, I cried a lot listening to his testimony, Blessed be God for helping him not do the same as his uncle did. God will bless him all the way. It gets better

[@darwinmcduck]

This guy is really able to tie you into the mood of his experience. Such a powerful introspection of the human heart through struggle and expressed with refreshing talent. Amen brother.

[@whpcream]

Dear Randy: my condolences on loosing your uncle. Thank you for making this video. Thank you for choosing to live, to love, and to be who you are. Here is to an end to bigotry and ignorance. Best of wishes. Peace.

[@SPTN58]

Thanks for sharing both your pain and your hope. Best wishes on your journey. Peace!

[@eruanna317]

Wow. WOW. You are so very, very brave. I am heartbroken for you - the loss of your uncle, the hate you've been shown, and the despair and anger you've felt. I know I'm a total stranger, so it doesn't mean much, but your video has moved me more than I can say. Thank you. I wish you peace and love and happiness.

[@MrBenji44]

Bravo!!!! One of the best messages I heard to date, very moving, very poignant.

[@WaywardSonCreations]

Wow...what a powerful message. It must have taken a staggering amount of courage to post this. You are an inspiration, Randy. I'm an Oklahoman myself, and struggled with sexuality issues within a southern baptist home, all my life. I'll be 30 next May and I still struggle with it all the time. Thank you for posting this, and I believe you just may save a life or two with your words.

[@michaelthorner]

You've got guts dude. Hats off to you. My life just got better by watching this.

[@dougo452]

Powerful. Heartfelt. A message everyone should hear!

[@mtkaxtreme]

You made me cry Thank you

[@thomasx58]

God bless you I understand everything that you conveyed in the letter to your uncle. You're an inspiration to those of us who walk in your shoes.

[@deerintheheadlight]

WOW. Very powerful and moving piece. I'm so sorry that you've had no support from your family. I've never understood why some folks take the attitude that love is a sin just because you didn't happen to fall in love with the type of person they deemed acceptable. I hope that you are happier in your life now that you have been able to open up and be true to yourself. Good luck, stay strong.

[@DrMike002]

What an articulate, creative and forthright man you are. I'm sure your uncle would be incredibly proud of you.

[@jakepreston8622]

Very powerful! If you didn't get it the first time, keep listening until you do.

[@Balancement]

Another reminder that it's not who you love or how you love, only *that* you love. And your love for your uncle gives you the courage to be who you are.

[@SeattleRexx]

Thanks Randy! You are loved! Be strong and live happy life!

[@Hersheysd]

Well said Randy. Thank you for sharing your story.

[@MALAKYT]

this is, BY FAR, the most brilliant and moving "it gets better" video i've seen. as a gay man who grew up in a Baptist family (the grandson and great-grandson of ministers), i've heard the condemnation speeches, and still i stand in defiant resolution, determined to make them see that homosexuality isn't a disease, a choice or something that needs to be fixed. you're right: falling in love WON'T send you to Hell. THANK YOU for sharing your light with the world.

[@geiger]

Love this for the bravery, the message, and the artistic sensibility!

[@Patrick144000]

And Randy, you are absolutely correct to speak about your family: for there are many young gay Pentecostal and Evangelical believers who need to hear your message. Thank you again for your courage, and God bless you.

[@dbmyers2]

Thank you Randy Potts for your inspired letter and comments. You have done much to mitigate the hatred preached by your grandfather. Sorry for your uncle and everyone who has chosen, through dispair, this wrong path, driven by the hatred and distain of others. Happy for your choice to live and preach your own message of love - To everyone reading this, it does get better, please wait for it, don't take yourself out of this life because of the hateful rants of bigots. Thank you, Randy.

[@Tymothea52]

I hope that Randy Potts has found love in his life. This video brought me to tears. So many suffer from bullying and hate from their families as well as the greater community. It Does Get Better if one can hold on to hope. It is the responsibility of all of us to stand up and provide the hope that our fellow humans need. Not just tolerance. Acceptance and Love.

[@ArtjomsMind]

Randy, I hope you know what a HUGE BLESSING you are, man. I wept through the whole video. It’s the best news to know that we, LGBT, have you among us. I just wish it would take less pain in order for us to become a blessing. Big hug, Arty

[@BillSinAtl]

I am a straight man and a Christian. I admire your courage, your strength and your determination. Keep it up!!!!

[@MOKandRIFF]

thank you for sharing this, my brother.

[@TheTruthHurts9999]

Beautifully done, powerfull video.

[@colettekathryn]

oh my darling. how courageous, poignant and inspiring. your words are powerful and moving. how lucky your children are to have you as a father.

[@hollyrochford]

There are all types of people that like this video, but only one type that dislikes it. Love is stronger than Hate, thank God for that.

[@halag]

Thank you. This is beautiful and awesome.

[@ejhutton]

Many of the Gay men in my generation have been where you and your Uncle have gone. Thinking that we couldn't be Gay, marrying, having children and then, when things seem at their worst finding another man and falling in love. I have been with my life partner for 28 years now and it does get better! Thank you for your moving and inspiring message. I feel your loss.

[@2degucitas]

Such bravery. To come out of the evangelical world, out of marriage, and be so honest. Thank you for being so vulnerable. Keep up your chin. Be gay, be real, be proud.

[@SP567]

The most moving presentation I've ever heard. It's incredible what the church has done to gay people, how many they've driven into the streets. The best musicians, many of the greatest singers, teachers. Being a ministers son who is gay is one of the heaviest burdens anyone can carry. Posts here where people immediately start preaching explain why many still suffer, who think like Ronnie did, that all is lost. But this message is not for them. I wept. I can relate. RIP Ronnie. Tell it Randy.

[@GlenNorth]

I can't believe how much hate there is in just this wall discussion. This is one of the most moving "It Gets Better" videos I've seen. I hope everyone who sees this and any other video will be strengthened by the hopeful message they send

[@msscott73]

This was so honest, so raw, and so real. It was hard to listen to and see so much of my own pain.

[@coachrv30]

Randy, as a secondary teacher of Language Arts for 34 years, I feel, as best I can, the pathos with which you speak. Symbolism reveals you as the man left to die on that Jericho road until he was lovingly rescued by that good Samaritan who saw to it that the man received help and comfort and that his life was restored. May you know that there are many here who feel for you in the same way. May you be blessed in knowing you are also a Samaritan by your reaching out to others who are also hurting.

[@acicatt]

Beautiful video Randy. Thank you. I grew up in the Worldwide Church of God, so I can somewhat relate.

[@db74105]

Randy; I remember your Uncle Ronnie's death. I was 15 and a scared, gay, Tulsa boy. I was so scared too. I walked into my parents talking to an aunt and uncle, they stated they would prefer a dead son than a gay son. It does get better. Thank you for sharing. D

[@alexmanian]

I love both your artistic imagery in your letter and the concepts behind your vid. Gay Christian here. Represent!

[@splaaaack]

My great-grandfather committed suicide in the 1890s soon after his marriage and the birth of his child. So this hits home. The wound to the family is still remembered.

[@Patrick144000]

Randy, I am a gay Lutheran pastor. And I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for this incredibly moving video. You are spreading joy with abandon -- which is God's great gift to you -- and that is exactly right. Ignore the fearful haters. Know that you are saving lives and souls by your beautiful testimony. You are loved, dear friend, and I am so proud of you.

[@jonebbad469]

I'm not big on religion anymore, however i think this is wonderful, and brilliant. THANKS RANDY, you are one sexy man (coming from another gay man from another very religious southern baptist family). I feel the pains, being gay, most of my family has disowned me and i feel so alone in this world, often wondering if it's worth it. As i watched the end of your video i had tears streaming down my face. Thanks for a glimmer of hope, I think maybe you are my angel .... xoxo

[@TheCarnivalguy]

To my gay brother, Randy Potts: Oh yes, it can and does get better. Life is not easy, and coming out Is often full of guilt, uncertainty, anguish, and even self hate. The struggle to overcome these feelings can be such a challenge at any age, but in particular among gay youth. I was one of the lucky ones. My family has been very supportive and loving; and at 21 years of age when I came out in 1976. Through these years I have witnessed many positive changes for the LGBT community. My heart glows with pride when I see a young person like yourself willing to reach out and offer your kindness and support to gay youth who might be struggling with the pains of coming out to family and friends. Keep up the good work brother. It gets better.

[@Hampnkauai]

Wow! Randy, I don't know you but I want to tell you how amazing your story is. I'm a father myself, I adopted my kids as an openly gay man and I now have a 10 year old grandson. I know I wasn't the best father in the world but I was a good father and I'm a great grandfather. You will be, too. Thank you for sharing your story.

[@mosichat]

Excellent! Very touching.

[@MrBarrythb]

I could not agree more TezQuetz. I found it so touching.

[@Missytrilakes]

Thank you for this video young man, we are broken and religion has broken the real church. Thank you for taking a stand, it's time for change.

[@plushsnail]

An amazing video. Much respect.

[@tnichlsn]

very powerful. thank you for sharing.

[@awesomejh07]

Wow that was...beautiful! Thank you!

[@jerryg3524]

what a handsome man! . his wife must be very bitter, but he was brave to come out one cannot spend a lifetime living a lie. I've seen this video twice now, first time made little impression, second time really saw and heard; now I find it moving and authentic

[@bringdownthestars]

Thank you for your amazing example. Your words are truth.

[@gcubed413]

Thank You!

[@BillMilliron]

What a powerful, touching, cathartic piece. I am moved by your passion. I'm sure it's no consolation, however, to realize your Uncle is taking no pleasure as he watches from heaven while those pulpit bullies like your grandfather and Jerry Falwell suffer in the special hot hell they've earned for themselves and others who spread such murderous hate.

[@MistyEyez]

THANK YOU RANDY... I went to ORU 94-98, I chose ORU because I wanted 2B Delivered or HEALED & made NORMAL. I wanted to be a good christian.My senior year of ORU I too was SUICIDAL.NO MATTER how Hard I tried to FIGHT these DEMONS they wouldn't go away I felt GOD hated me, my family hated me and of course my friends.I was fortunately rescued by a local minister who told GOD will not deliver me- he doesnt make mistakes-he has a plan for me- just the way I am. Thank you for sharing, it Touched me

[@Neilacts]

I'm not an evangelical Christian, Randy, but God bless you. He created you just as you are and therefore you are perfect, because God doesn't make mistakes. If you ever feel in the throes of despair, please remember that.

[@donnieraveling188]

thank you for sharing of your heart Randy. I met you in 2011 at the UCC church ALL GODS CHILDREN in Minneapolis MN. I was in a very bad spot. anyway I will take this time to say it does get better. I am a father who lost all rights to my children as my ex-wife believed in her religious upbringing. I am dying as I have ALS/Lou Gehrig's disease and may not get to see my kids. Amber and Adam I love you and always loved you. May all know my heart hurt as Amber and Adam were raised to hate me. I came out as Randy did. I came out in 1990. I loved and Lived my life as a gay christian.

[@zimzimzalabim]

Such beautiful handwriting on a blackboard. :)

[@Kennokee]

If life is the question, LOVE is the answer and the reason. Hope is the will of love. Thank you for giving me hope. From one PK to another:)

[@Lanedude08]

Randy, you are my new hero. My relationship with God is far too bruised to put into words, but...secretly, I admire those who stay with Him after they come out. I live around Tulsa and I wish I could talk to you, but...I wouldn't know what to say. Thank you so much for saying this.

[@NorthStarPNW]

Well done! You obviously have the personal courage to succeed no matter what. Best wishes!

[@gimmelyod]

This is probably on of the best videos I've seen on this matter. I can think of a number of reasons: Randy is so "normal", down to earth and sincere in his speech ... Friendly, handsome & with an amazing disarming quality. At the time he shot this video, I'm almost sure that he wasn't aware that +53% of the population is selectively amBIsexual or that some well-honed Scriptural apologetics now exist - that defend people with same-gender attractions; -- AND put those who would accuse us into the SAME SCRIPTURAL PERIL OF HELL that they've announced for so long - allegedly awaits same-gender-attracted people! Such theology probably would have saved his uncle and countless other people who have been persecuted by a doctrine-of-demons that is disguised as Biblical texts (all grossly mistranslated). There comes a season to get angry & rebuke false religious leaders (Read Matthew 23?)! And now a scriptural weapon has been created on this very subject for that very end: g0ys.org/newthang.htm

[@MusclemechanicOrl]

Keep in your heart that your Uncle died to make you stronger... He walks beside you holding your hand and the love you have in your heart, is the Love he never could find.... His life was still a blessing because he paved the way for you to live your life as a gay man in a Christian Community, don't turn your back on God... Man has ruined him over the years, but he loves you more every day!

[@1helliongoddess]

It's NOT sad that he's gay. It's sad that his uncle lived in a world that he felt sad to be gay, and that he himself ever felt sad to be gay. They can't change being gay any more than I can being tall or left-handed, nor should they. He should be proud of how he has coped and evolved with an extremely difficult situation, and turned hate and sorrow into love and compassion. He's an amazing young man.

[@bigrob0730]

So I was so moved by the story and your words and i really connected with your message and then you come into a view the first time and im like "woa, he's really handsome!" lol :-)

[@stevenmottie]

WHAT IS THE SONG IN THE END? I loved the video, and I cannot find the song on the internet for the life of me.