“You’re uninvited to Christmas.” Romanian Orphan Recounts Coming Out to His Adoptive Parents

www.ImFromDriftwood.com
Florin Helf lived in a Romanian orphanage until he was 7 and a half years old. One of the happiest days of his life was the day he ran through the airport yelling "Mommy!" to his new adoptive mother. Years later he almost lost the family that meant so much to him by coming out as gay.
(Gay | Adoption | Coming Out | Romania) [TV-PG]
www.imfromdriftwood.com aims to help lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people learn more about their community, straight people learn more about their neighbors and everyone learn more about themselves through the power of storytelling and storysharing.

[@shellireads5249]

Consequences for watching, "Brokeback Mountain? That is extreme.

[@RobertFleming]

Michelle Robinson You’re absolutely right! The same or worse would’ve happened in my house.

[@elorahancock6842]

What is brookback mountain?

[@RobertFleming]

Elora Hancock haha! I remember asking the same thing...and I’m gay. It’s a really popular gay film. Think it was the first major film to depict gay sex. Somebody confirm that? Whatever the case it’s become a gay film icon.

[@ismth]

That’s why there are homophobes now smh they don’t wanna even see anything with gays in it, that’s wild.

[@pallasa]

Jake Gyllenhaal and Heath Ledger are LIVING for your story

[@CH3CH2OCH2CH3net]

This video is proof-positive that there are some people who simply have NO business raising children. If these parents' love for their child was so conditional that they severed the relationship when he came out -- after adopting him -- then they really had no business being parents to him or any other child. What I think is amazing is that this guy turned out so well IN SPITE OF the kind of parents he had.

[@sharronhankins7722]

Yess!

[@katie-st8nx]

@@sharronhankins7722 I mean it's still way better then growing up an orphan

[@SardonicALLY]

How can anyone be ''selfish'' for being their true authentic self? SMH, I will never understand conditional love, not ever.

[@BadBoy93143]

+Philip Dunne My parents told me the same thing, you are selfish because you don't think about us.

[@SardonicALLY]

BadBoy93143 Translation - ''How dare you be yourself, we were sure you were someone else ...'' I hope they appreciate you properly now.

[@BadBoy93143]

+Philip Dunne Sadly don't and to make things peaceful I came back to the closet saying that I was confused just like they told me. I hope to come out again after finishing college and supporting myself financially.

[@mickeymouse2able]

it's crazy but I went through the same exact thing. I wanted to be "good". I learned at 5-6 that my mother went through so much and seemed sad although she put a happy, strong front. Little kids sense things. so I promised I was always going to be good. Added to that was the Catholic guilt. You suppress everything to be good. Surprised I'm still breathing to be honest.

[@longlivegoodpeople]

That is how my sister responded. She was angry at what I was putting my parents through. She also married a major homophobe that doesn't like me and always uses a ton of anti-gay slurs whenever he comes over to the house with my sister and nobody cares....

[@shaunboyce2184]

Your parents are very fortunate to have a son with such a good character as you

Really?? I'm sorry man but if your parents can't accept you, then they don't deserve you in their lives. You deserve so much better. You're putting yourself through so much unnecessary pain. I've been out for almost 9 years now. When I graduate from college, I'm disowning my family completely. They cannot and will never accept me. Please, don't put yourself through this. It's not your responsibility to change them. It's theirs. It's their loss, and I'm really sorry. But you really deserve better....

[@ryanhuntington9852]

Wow, what a story! What a great person as well. I watch a lot of ImFromDriftWood and this one was very moving. A beautiful person with beautiful eyes who will do beautiful things to help all of us be more beautiful. Thank you so much for sharing this story.

[@blizzard762]

One day, people will look back and wonder how so many of their ancestors could have prioritized the dictates of imaginary gods over the needs of their own flesh-and-blood children.

[@florian8599]

I never heard of such disgustingly *entitled* individuals as Florin's adoptive parents. What they basically did was declaring Florin "faulty merchandise" for not being the person they "chose" him to be... Being indignant about "the merchandise" not being what they expected "it" to be. Disgusting excuse of adoptive "parents"! If I were him, I would disown them, write them a very heartfelt letter, throwing their accusation of "selfishness" back in their faces. Telling them, that I am not "merchandise". That I'm a human being. And how dare they discard me that way! And then tell them that I'm back on square one: I'm an orphan and they're dead to me. "Hurts, doesn't it? That's what you did to me. You broke my heart. I want nothing to do with you anymore."

[@trickybusines]

and Broke Back mountain is so depressing!

[@francan2007]

If I ever had a son I wish he was just like you. Congratulations.You are indeed the perfect son.

[@Steef_Lee]

Right!

[@JL-re1rx]

Thanks for sharing .

[@tonywilson9606]

Agreed.

[@caseyflorida]

This story breaks my heart. I just can't understand parents who turn on their children over their sexual orientation. As another poster said, religion was no doubt involved. Religion has been robbing LGBT people of their rights and self-worth for millenia. Florin, you are truly a selfless man (the opposite of selfish!) by initiating renewed contact with your parents (I don't think I could have done so). I hope it all works out as you wish, but if not, you have your own courage and self-respect intact and the advantages that came with being raised in the United States.

[@chpoof]

+caseyflorida The "religion" of this beautiful young man's family is about as far from God-like and loving as it gets. And yes, they are the ones who are truly selfish.

[@gr8god4u]

+caseyflorida FULLY agree - Florin, I'd love to adopt you as a friend. :) HUGz, Roger & Out

[@rayrothermel4861]

+caseyflorida You are exactly right and the fact is: religion is totally bullshit!

[@lisamaddox7860]

TRUE believers in God would NEVER treat another human being this way! THEY need to re-read the bible... especially the parts where it says to love others as God loves us and to leave the judgment to God!! I am a Christian and LOVE EVERYONE unconditionally, just as God tells us to do!! God bless and always be your authentic self God made you to be!! ❤❤❤

[@expressrobkill]

very pretty on the parent behalf it's not his responsibility to forgive, religion is a parasite on this earth which can be harnessed for god but it a tool for horrific acts.

[@kkmatt]

I think what is most remarkable about this guy is that he's so forgiving and HOPEFUL in spite of the hideous treatment of his adoptive parents. I get it: parents have expectations of their children, but to turn their back on a child is disgraceful.

[@valsainking]

Preach! ❤

[@martinalbert1910]

"Who we love is one of the most authentic things about who we are" So wonderfully true.

[@cassandramitch8793]

There's nothing wrong with being gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender. Love is love. Be happy young man!

[@brianbradley6911]

I'm so lonely and lost because of who I'm truly the person that I want/need to be I'm so confused and scared messed up jumped and robbed for being different I just want to be with some one that's going to accept me for me and do them right and do things I always wanted to do to with some one else

[@brianbradley6911]

I need help please

[@rhonda4333]

@@brianbradley6911 I'm seeing this 10 months later. How are you Brian, please let me know that you're OK.

[@ferdynand2402]

He was holding his tears when he retell the story. It happens here too in Indonesia. I know a middle aged lady who disown her own daughter because she was dating a non Christian guy, and yet stand up for a priest who steals lots money from the church for personal luxurious things and runaway with a mistress. Totally disgusting.

[@JustinLHopkins]

Religion can warp people’s minds and completely take away any critical thinking abilities.

[@sharronhankins7722]

@@JustinLHopkins Yes unfortunately!😤😭

[@sharronhankins7722]

WTF?

[@Ilovemahmochi]

When I came out to my brother on christmas eve, he chewed me out and my sister who was in the car yelled at the then crying me for ruining christmas. I feel this guy's pain.

[@TigerPrawn_]

Of course there was religion involved...so repressive. I'm just looking at my brokeback mountain DVD now, so glad that I'm lucky enough to have that openly in my home, although my mum's not wholly accepting. It really angers me when parents have preconceived expectations for their children.

[@marquamfurniture]

+Kats987124 -- Religion = Willful ignorance. The unquestioning, unenlightened mind. (Anti-science, anti-intellect, anti-reality.)

[@chpoof]

+John C Broad, inaccurate generalities. Most of the religious people I know are bright, intelligent, and thoughtful, and they embrace science. The two do not have to negate each other.

[@SwobyJ]

+chpoof I hope they take the Bible as just stories then.

[@Fauntleroy.]

+chpoof You must live in a really great community. Sadly, a lot of religious communities are not like that.

[@chpoof]

+Malcolm Swoboda It is a book of stories but with a deeper meaning behind them.

[@otobag]

Your parents are so lucky to have such a son that gives them a second chance...

[@marcstevens2004]

You are an amazing and strong young man :)

[@Luboman411]

I needed to see where Pioneer, OH was so I googled it. Of course there were close-minded bigots in such an isolated little town. And, of course, an innocent Romanian orphan ended up with those bigots. I commend Florin for sending that email after 1.5 years of being incommunicado with his parents. That showed character, and a willingness to stand up for himself.

[@mikaelabowen5781]

Florin comes over as the most lovely of people, I would be so immensely proud to be his parent. I am heartbroken whenever I hear of an otherwise loving family flying to pieces when one of its members comes out. Whether gay, bi or straight, the qualities that define someone are in no way diminished by the gender of the person with whom they fall in love. Love and sexual attraction are such personal things and no one has the right, or ability, to dictate who we find attractive as a partner. I sincerely wish Florin the very best of luck and am absolutely sure he will find the happiness that he so richly deserves.

[@super76]

I think the parents should re-read their bible...try to find where they should not love a son for his sexuality. This is a good, down-to-Earth dude.

[@ccm800]

JEEZ Brokeback Mountain is traumatizing ENOUGH just as a film. Poor adorable fellow. I'll adopt you darlin. :)

[@andiidoode]

It's a real shame that they don't know what a credit you are to them. You are such an incredible person of great humility.

[@Gene63]

My heart breaks for this young man. I don't understand parents who throw their children away over who they love. My mom was not happy about my coming out and as long as we didn't talk about anything gay, it was fine. I accepted that just to keep her in my life and she went to her grave with that mindset. She missed out on 25 years of part of my life because she couldn't accept me as I was, am, and always will be. I hope that his parents will eventually come to accept him and allow him to share his entire life with them.

[@ronsolomon1405]

I am 69 years old. I know exactly what you are talking about regarding sharing you life's experiences except you sexuality with your parents. I did it for all my life. They knew I was gay we just didn't discuss it. I learned to be my own person and to love myself for who I was. You are a young, bright, articulate man. You would make any parent proud. Keep you head held high and go through life seeking happiness and you will find it. God bless you.

[@michaelraymondagayboy]

Ron Solomon Hey unrelated but I'm 21 year old gay man but, I wanted to come to ty and your generation for making it possible to for us to be ourselves although we have a long way to go on our fight for equality, I wanted to thank you from the bottom of my heart. Just felt a need to come on and comment and show appropriate to you as a elder LGBT man and to ty your generation for all you've done I don't feel my generous appreciates you guys enough. So as young proud gay 21 year old man Ty.

[@rustyalcorta3643]

I'm 67 and that is some good advice.

[@rhonda4333]

@@michaelraymondagayboy Well said Michael.

[@eternalgemini]

​@@michaelraymondagayboy You are awesome! ❤️❤️🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍🌈. I'm a 45 year old gay man, and been out for 20 years. So the older generation definitely helped in making it easier for those of us now.

[@louisdewit4429]

@@michaelraymondagayboy - I read this now, here in Amsterdam and i find your reply, and therefore you, Lovely ☺️. I’m 65 now. My situation with my family, parents born in provincial Holland in the 1920ties, have passed now, is the same as described above. We have Gay marriage but acceptance especially within immigrant, mainly African and from muslim countries, society is zero, and in public space recognizability is downright dangerous. Indeed a very long way to go and i even fear things are in decline today. Not just in the likes of Russia and Uganda, i personally just had very bad experience in Ethiopia with my own foster kids whom i took care of the last 16 years and who quite suddenly, i always kept silent about this in east Africa sensitive topic, came out as totally aggressively homophobic after which i no longer kept quiet, some self esteem left, and all that led to a meltdown in relationship, but also in ‘our’ modern west, quite often due extreme conservative downright narrow minded religious views and power play. I, living in London at the time, already walked a pride march in 1979, made possible due hard work of the generation before me, NYC in 1980 and had hoped that things would become a lot better, also within our own Gay ‘community’. It has, coz now legally a lot more is possible, marriage, kids, protection and yes i do see many more serious Gay relationships but still it’s all rather slow and Gay ‘life’ is still far to much about random sex and little about evolving. Ok, perhaps this old dude is too cynical 🤨 and needs to kick his own behind. Have a good life 👍. (ps: My WLM is exactly the same as BLM but that’s too long to explain and i normally never do unless people comment on it, which they always do racist pc. This is an exception).

[@FuzzyElf]

"Dear Son: Yes, we taught you honesty is important; but what's more important is bigotry."

[@thomascain5313]

This isnt even really about sexual orientation; its about fundamentalist christianity. Heres the deal: if you believe that your whole religion is based on the premise that the bible is the literal, true word of god, whatever human behaviour varies from it can only be Sinning against god...because when "god made you" he made you perfect. So to suggest that someone is "naturally" homosexual is to suggest god made a mistake, an impossible concept for a fundi. So what his parents are saying is "stop sinning" Religion: youve got to hate it.

[@hattkelley296]

I would be honored to be your mom. They are losing out on having a relationship with a bright loving young man.

[@magicworld3242]

Wow..... When I hear stories like this it's sad and difficult for me to relate. The only thing my parents said to me was " Do you have a girlfriend ? I said no. Then they said... Do you have a boyfriend ? I said not yet... They started laughing and that's how I came out.

[@SusanOnTVShows]

We need more parents like yours.

[@tylerstewart6376]

Susan Stanko I hope I get to be that parent myself.

[@jscho8674]

Oh honey. I wish I could give you a big hug.

[@rhonda4333]

So do I.

[@benth162]

My mother did basically the same thing to me, when I wanted to bring my lover on vacation to meet my parents. She didn't want us come down from Oregon to the Bay Area in California which was a mere 300 miles because she didn't want us to flit around town like queens, (which we weren't). I was so angry that I didn't speak with either of my parents for three years, and would not have spoken to them ever again except they wanted to contact me. I never got over that betrayal of their love, and when they both died at 89, (five months apart) I didn't attend either of their funerals. I have no place in my heart for Homophobes. Bigots would do themselves a favor by staying out of my face if they value living ! I am as angry as homophobes are hypocrites. That poor young man, I feel for him. He came to our country hoping to experience the best of what we have to offer, and ended up with bigoted hypocrites as parents, the worst of what America has to offer. I honor you for the clarity with which you express yourself and your attitude about life. I hope your relationship is filled with love, and that you can now experience the best of what America has to offer loving individuals.

[@kathyb6952]

My son is gay and I love him very, very much. He told me when he was 15 and it made no difference to me, he is my beautiful boy and the same son he has always been, it didn't change how I felt about him in the least little bit. It should never be an issue that any one is themselves and no one should have to explain or defend themselves for being who they truly are. It makes me so sad that your parents are letting religion control how they feel about you because of the indoctrination in their lives. We all should cherish those we love as it's the most important thing in our lives. I really hope they let go of their bias and remember how it felt to be connected with you as their wonderful child. It's great you are in a good relationship and that you decided to be true to yourself.💖

[@gotem6891]

aww bless you, you sound like a wonderful supportive parent :')

[@kathyb6952]

@@gotem6891 Thank you. 😀💖

[@BeatriceLap]

I am genuinely touched by Florin's maturity and wisdom. It's incredible how non-judgmental and patient and tender he is in a situation where he would have been absolutely entitled to be angry and rebellious. This is the kind of damage that religion sometimes produces in people's lives, but when you have true love in your heart, like Florin, this is stronger than the wounds they cause. The only thing that comforts me, as a Romanian, is that at least he found solace outside his family, in a free and in a more tolerant society. In Romania it would have been hell for him, especially given his Roma identity. I hope he will receive what he deserves, but his parents definitely do not deserve him. And it breaks one's heart to wonder: Why was there no mother or father in this world able to love and care for such a wonderful human being? :( Stay strong, Florin, and fight for your love and all your positive values!

[@darrindill2075]

So proud of you! Be the man you need to be!

[@donaldstorm4959]

I'm not sure how old this is but this is to the Romanian orphan who was adopted you deserve so much better from parents they should love you unconditionally you seem like an awesome young lad and you deserve to be worshipped and glorified you are a gift from God thanks for telling me your story you're awesome.

[@3506Dodge]

He can respond "you're uninvited to my life."

[@miracudrag]

I'm Romanian, you turned up just great Florin! Congratulations for your hard work and that of your adoptive parents even if they've obviously let you down on this one.

[@gabumonboys]

People like this can adopt children, but not loving gay parents....

[@mcoguyaj]

FYI-- I live in Florida one of the last states that allowed gay people to adopt. You were aloud to Foster kids but not adopt them and that changed years ago. Present day Trump is trying to let christian organizations to discriminate against gay people by letting them not allow them to adopt but I'm not sure if that is happening. Most gay people go thru the state and foster first then adopt because private adoption agencies can discriminate and are costly. The reason church organizations couldn't discriminate against gays is they would lose their tax free status and that is more important to them then letting gays adopt. GO figure the dollar is mightier than bible that they claim that gays will go to hell.

[@gabumonboys]

@@mcoguyaj That does make a lot of sense about the tax exemption status. I was just looking into that the other day.

[@MrLetmein2011]

To adopt a child from a third world hellhole and then reject him for who he is is utterly disgraceful ! Shame on them .

[@purplekitten6637]

Unrelated, but Romania is a second-world country

[@48acar19]

As a Romanian myself, I understand too well the conditions you've had in the Bucharest orphanage. Nevertheless I also know that the American bigotry based on religion is awful. I had the occasion to feel it myself. If I would have any word to say, I would fight against any laws that allow American couples to adopt European children, because the "Chronic Jesusitis" is the most widespread illness in the USA. Not so in Western Europe!

[@48acar19]

LagiNaLangAko23 Romania is 85% Christian Orthodox and 4,2% Catholic. Officially

[@48acar19]

LagiNaLangAko23 The official churches are very homophobic, as you might know. Nevertheless I know some young gays which have a good life, but they don't have yet equal rights. The Christian hatred is controlling everything!

[@utilizator759]

LagiNaLangAko23 No, we don't persecute them. Yet. The shame is that Romania is very homophobic :(

[@maxim3830]

As an international adoptee I completely agree with your attitude against American couples adopting European (or Asian or African) children, but for a different reason. US has always and still does refuse to ratify the UNCRC convention, which makes the US basically an unreliable partner where it concerns children's rights and interests. One of the consequences is that today there are tens of thousands adoptees in the US being technically illegals, because nobody gave a shit about their naturalization at the time of their adoption. They're all at risk of getting deported, and some of them were already deported back to their countries of birth (where they have a hard time surviving, not knowing anybody, not knowing the language and having no support). As a christian lgbtq person, I can tell you that Christianity comes in all colors of the rainbow, even in the US.

[@franknstein5376]

@@maxim3830 Oh yes, I heard of so many cases of international adoptees being deported back to countries they are now completely detached from because of this!

[@tracerloenan8020]

So sorry that this young man had to go through this. It is time for you to advise him to sue the adoption agency and his parents for fraud. Hate cannot be tolerated under any conditions. I would bet that his parents bigotry and hate would quickly change were their 'pocketbook' to be endangered. Florin, my heart cries for you.

[@holywater7300]

I love how people preach the Bible when they want others to behave like they want to. As if they follow everything in it . somethings on the Bible are so ridiculous no one follows them. but if they find anyone not behaving according to their will they will be the first one to quote the bible. (Sorry for my English)

[@roryslaine7896]

I'm not gay myself, but speaking objectively, Brokeback Mountain is a great film. Also, this guy seems very well spoken, polite and intelligent. I'd rather have a gay son like him than some meathead jock who abuses people. As long as my children are happy and aren't hurting or using people then I'd be happy.

[@frederickkriesel2724]

Kinda harsh that the parents watch the whole movie with you and didnt see the meaning of it and still gave you the cold shoulder.

[@josephc4390]

the denial and cowardice is so annoying....ur an impressive guy..congratulations on being so brave.....

[@guy4462]

Wow, what an awful story. I don't know if I would even want a relationship with them if they treated me like that. I hope the guy gets what he wants, he seems like a nice guy.

[@ivonastrukar4715]

Wow the parents wanting to watch the movie together,when it was such a personal thing,was freaking cringe

[@christopherrobinkarlsson7099]

This makes me so angry. I feel like I'm still so influenced by my coming-out and the MANY years before that, having to hide who I am. So I think I will always be a little bit angry with the world and with straight people as a group (I know it's not right to generalize, but it just feels so right to be angry). So, I'm sad for Florin, and I'm increasingly mad with the world. When is this gonna change for real, and when are homophobes gonna realize how the are acting and what they are imposing on other people? Should I be mad? I guess I've earned my right to be mad, but I guess it's not healthy. Urgh! I just wish straight people could understand, but they will never understand this particular struggle (not saying that they have perfect lives per sé).

[@MrCWells3000]

I knew his parents were religious fanatics before he even said it.

[@europanzz]

Billy Graham was once asked.."what would you do if you found out your son was Gay?".... he said" i would love him more."

[@scottlechert535]

My partner and I adopted two infants (both boys) from a Romanian orphanage. One turned out to be gay. We knew that many families who adopted Romanian orphans were very religious, so after he came out (at 15) we told him that he was very lucky that he was adopted by two gay men. I think he will appreciate hearing your story. I sent him the link. Thanks for telling your story. BTW - our gay son is now 27 and doing great.

[@timothyj1966]

I feel so sorry for him - he sounds fair, kind and intelligent. I hope his parents will truly start practising their Christianity and give their son their unconditional love. He seems like such a good kid -- Hang in there.... My husband deals with Christian, Jamaican Parents and we go through the whole invited - uninvited each special occasion. Good luck with things! Heartbreaking....

[@markusharmaa4189]

I am a Lutheran. I was married. I have kids. I came out. I'm divorced and remarried (to a great guy-a pastor!!!). I work in the church. Not all Christians are like this. "How dare you ruin their holiday"...???? You are not the selfish one here. Getting back in touch with your parents was amazingly brave. Thoughts are with you. Blessings! (LOVR "Brokeback"!!!!)

[@Schodboyblves]

isn't there like a vetting system? people like that shouldn't be allowed to adopt ffs

[@cry_baby_the_dancing_clown801]

My heart just can't lol , loved every single second of it except the part calling romania a 3rd world country , yeah maybe we are not global leaders or the most modern country but we are decent. And I get it life here in romania as a gay teenager or and lgbt person is hard.

[@garyjsimm]

That was powerful. Especially to me. Because like you I was a kind of foster kid who met my mother a few years after birth. I know the pain and the fear of losing that love. No matter how complicated it was. You have more courage than I did. I never lied to her about my life but never told her frankly either. She died without me ever telling her I was gay. I hope the best for you. And I hope you can forge that relationship you want. If they truly love you. They will at least meet you half way. Either way you'll make it!!

[@timothyj1966]

Wonder if they ever reconciled....it's 2020 wondering how his life turned out???

[@slayerette86m]

I really just cannot understand why a parent would disown their child. Like, my mind cannot wrap its head around that. To me, it just spells failure. Why would you do that to your own child? I wish more parents who did this spoke up because I want to understand it. It just seems like an extreme and unkind.

[@tonybennett4159]

I'm compelled to ask if his parents would have been more accepting had he committed a robbery or maybe tricked an elderly person out of money. Would he have been uninvited in that case I wonder.

[@rseegraves]

Sadly, as long as he was screwing a woman during that time, they probably would have found it in there (bullshit) Christian hearts to forgive him...

[@matthewjay660]

This child needs to be loved no matter what. Period. No exceptions. Florin, You’re perfect the way you were born.

[@waynem7634]

You're uninvited to Christmas? And they called themselves Christians?

[@james_loney]

Magnificent. YOU of course were told that YOU had to shoulder all the 'blame' for your gayness. Yes--already a victim ten thousand times over--YOU have to carry the cross for their false ideas of what it is to be gay. I came out to my brother forty years ago, and he, too, played the victim: HOW DARE YOU TELL ME YOU ARE GAY IN A LETTER? -- You have handled this situation so gracefully and lovingly, Florian. I am full of admiration and sure you will do great things in life. Be well and thank you. James

[@christophm860]

I love his strength. I love him!

[@sanciac8842]

It' s very difficult to pur myself in somebody shoes, anyway I think to understand this young man raised without a love and support from a family in an orphanage, still need the support of a loving sensitive parents. Unfortunally for him for his parents he's a disappointment, with his presence he could ruin their holydays. He still love them, instead to yell to them " YOU SUCKS AS A PARENTS AND HUMAN BEINGS" and maybe he' s right, and I am wrong. I hope he lives his life happy and satisfied without needing parents support and love.

[@LaizyDaisy]

I'd be proud to have him as a son.

[@ettinakitten5047]

They called him selfish, but to me they sound a lot more selfish than their son. I support LGTB rights, but even if I didn't support my child's lifestyle, I would still support my child. Even if my kid sent me a letter saying 'Mom, I'm a pedophile' I'd be devastated, but I'd still want to see them. I wouldn't let them around any kids and I wouldn't think it was OK at all, but they'd still be my child and I'd still care about them.

[@pavlina102]

Florin, you seem to be exceeding your physical age mentally... and many times, indeed. Your patience belongs into the same rank as a replica from the lovely 2014 film "Pride" - the moment when the young photodocumentarist, although overcome with fury and sorrow, says to his own angry parents something like: "Let's wait until we are able to be friends again." Fingers crossed.

[@maxwellsmart4422]

I am a father of three adopted children. One is gay. I love him and accept him as the other two. A parent does not lose their responsibility of being a parent of a gay child period.

[@danshari5975]

It's strange how bigotry has always been the source of hatred rather than love. If a parent, and especially an adoptive parent, disowns his son or daughter on the basis of stupid homophobic prejudices, then he/she is not fit to be consider as a real father or mother. Don't ever, not for one single second, feel ashamed or guilty for been gay!!! You are a wonderful human being: surround yourself by people who love and respect you as you are! Let go of negative people, should these include your parents! Over and over again I've come across and listened to adoptive children's stories... it's curious that I've noticed, sadly, too many times, the tendency of adoptive parents to "use" the children they adopt as a means of self conceit... to prove and show the world "what they did for their child", "what we did for you"... and "how you are repaying us"... Love and take good care of yourself! You're still very young. May I suggest you find few but good friends, that will stay by your side, as you will for them.

[@bob110088]

I doubt your parents will ever accept you as a gay man, it if they don't love and accept them anyway because this is the Jesus way to love. What would happen if Jesus only loved and accepted those who returned his love? How do you conquer evil, hatred, intolerance...with love.

[@lewislindsey1946]

It is very possible these evangelicals got caught up in the excitement of "good works" of adopting a child from what they would consider a "godless" environment only to lose interest after the excitement wore off. They were looking for a way out for a long time and you gave them one. This happens A LOT especially when the adoptee is of a different race, in this case a Romanian gypsy. It is sad for him. They are unimportant.

[@CanadaKeith]

You're born gay just as you're born left-handed or blue-eyed. Its as natural as that. Being mean, being hateful, being a bigot (or racist) in the name of some fairy tale and their fairy tale holy book is Unnatural. Be yourself, be strong, be confident in who you are. Be a good person, and you'll be fine. Dump the ones that won't accept you - you don't need them - and live your life in happiness with yourself.

[@dalekdx]

Parents: We want you to deny to yourself and the world you are gay. We don't want you in a relationship that brings you happiness. We want you to pretend to be sexually attracted to females even though you are not. We worry about what our friends at church would say if they found out you are gay. And, we think YOU'RE being selfish for feeling the way you do.

[@kevinjewell233]

Adoption screening needs to include accepting should a child be LGBTQI... Same type of lessons should be taught in school and churchs, for any person that cannot accept their child because of their sexuality is a complete failure as a parent, no matter what their religion of choice.

[@stefanbeck1791]

You are so right in your choices. Don’t give up to be yourself. Your adopted parents are just thinking on themselves. They have to find a way to you or to leave you free.

[@2020Bookworm]

I would/will never kiss any butt to get other people to like me. I'm indifferent about other people's opinions.

[@orangutansoda]

He watched a movie and his parents got mad? Why cause there are gays? Imagine... that’s like getting mad cause you watch a movie with killers in it. Like even if you think being gay is bad which I don’t understand, like you think a movie is gunna make someone gay?

[@alexanderhull7708]

This guy looks like he could be my brother or cousin, creepy facial , speech expressions are very much like mine... Was adopted from Bucharest too. Chances are Nil but crazy

[@SluttChops]

He's Roma (Gypsy), obviously.

[@Frühobst]

I am falling in love with everyone of these guys from these videos.

[@klarinetta]

It breaks my heart to hear a story like this. Specially since I've never experienced anything but acceptance from my family since I came out even though my father is a priest.

[@queensigal]

Such a sad story!I dont understand how anyone can be so cruel as to disown a gay son or not realize the message of "Brokeback mountain". One can only guess how people become so harsh judgemental and cruel . Using the bible as an excuse to hate is incredibly ignorant and sad. These people dont deserve such an incredible son but i guess the universe sent them what they needed in order to grow . What a strong articulate kind young man who only grew kinder facing so much adversity!

[@tonymatthewaustin9597]

What an amazing guy you are. You're indestructible my friend and inspiring.

[@gra-emed3617]

They didn’t deserve to have you as a son. I wish you all the best and I hope you are living a happy life x

[@nanna1102nanna]

religion simply destroys and dismantle the most beautiful things in this world. I can see how devastated he is just talking about this. I feel with you and I hope your parents can see you in the eyes some day and say they are and were wrong. shame on them.....

[@aissm8282]

I have a baby son and would be happy and proud of him if he turned out like you. Some people don't deserve children. Your parents did not deserve to have you in their lives.

[@gordygibson8776]

If your parents do not accept who you are there is no respect and no love. The idealized image of the parents you want to have has literally no relation to the reality. Accept your adopted parents do not respect or love you and move on with your life. Choose your friends wisely and they will be your new family.

[@ronen160]

So, can we have a follow-up? On one hand, I hope this young man was able to find love away from his adoptive parents, and tell them to fade away. On the other hand, I hope his parents were enlightened and able to see the error of their ways....

[@ian3902]

This shows how poisonous religion is. I hope you have found some balance in your life and are happy being who you are.

[@michaeldenny3472]

Conservative religion is the refuge of FEARFUL people! I learned the difference when I left conservative Catholic beliefs and went to a gay wedding in the Episcopal Church. That's where I will stay. There really are many spiritual paths that are not fear based! If you want a spiritual component in your life, shop around.

[@mahumike7531]

I dont know if anyhting has ever borken my heart so much. How you function is beyond me. Hang in there baby. Sending all my love.

[@nergregga]

imagine being so narrow minded that you freak out over what kind of movies your kids watches.

[@ciel222]

SAD but he must move on and don't contact them . If they ever see the light one day , they will pick up the phone and call him . There are many people outhere who can be his family . MOVE ON and forget them

[@Silveranty]

Humans like Florin will definitely make the world a better place. Not because of their sexuality, not because of their religion, rather because of their kindness and self-reflection. God bless & be who you really are meant to be!

[@jaylewis1372]

you are so much better than your "parents", will ever be

[@andyiswonderful]

Religious extremism ruins everything.

[@reggie2130]

Wow Americans can be so so mean to children. 😢

[@kathleenlock8963]

Judging from their initial reaction, you're probably never gonna get to the point you want with them, but you can create a circle of friends who can be every bit as much like family as you want, maybe even more.

[@charlesghisleni4385]

These people have no right to this young gentleman's respect and love. I have no idea why these religious groups insist on flying in the face of scientific evidence and insisting that sexuality is a choice. It truly boggles the mind.

[@thomaswschaller]

This is so heart-breaking. To be ripped out of an orphanage at 7 only to wind up in a Christian Fundamentalist family in Ohio is unspeakably sad. But Florian knows who he is and is determined to live a happy, honest, authentic life. That is hopeful and I wish him all the best