with 19 nieces and nephews, the chances of one of them having a similar struggle with their sexuality is a really high possibility. i’m glad that they’ll have you as an uncle to talk to and really feel safe with

At first I thought it said “Coming Out To My Moron Parents”

Hell no, having to buy birthday and Christmas presents for 19 nieces and nephews?? How do you afford to live lol

Dude is hot... But he is more than just looks... The love, honesty, emotion, and compassion.... makes him the total package.

I told my mom in confidence and by the morning she told everyone she knew. Then they took me to a cemetery and told me to pick out a grave because that is where I will be in 2 years. Then they told me I was weak. That I would never be happy and get use to a lonely miserable life.. They told me to leave so I left. They said the reason they didn't speak,to me for years was they heard I was murdered. Then they found,out I had made some good investments and they contacted me. They want me declared as not fit to take care,of myself so they can take my assets. My family are not nice people. I like the content on your channel.

As a mother of a gay child Trust me when I say GOD MAKES NO MISTAKES!! 🌈💙

For those that don't know, "stay in the Church" in this case means that you are gay but never act on it, or you marry someone of the opposite sex and live by the rules of the Church. It's horribly sad and heart-breaking. (and unfair for the spouses too) I wish everyone could be loved and accepted completely for who they are 💗

We really need to stop calling it “a lifestyle”. Kardashians have lifestyles. Gays have lives. It’s an important difference. Calling one’s sexuality a lifestyle or a life choice is destructive, self-damaging and indicates it’s something one can change. It’s not. It’s just the way you are. It is so sad to watch these stories of fear of ones family’s reaction to ones very being. My father was incredible and loving beyond my dreams. I found out later he was crying one night...not because I was gay but because his boy felt he couldn’t bring this to him. He felt he had failed me. But when my mum told me that I felt the opposite...he had succeeded in the most beautiful way. I’m a lucky boy. I am so thankful I came out to my parents before they passed as I would never have known how amazing their reactions would be. I’m shocked all parents aren’t like mine. A parent should love a child unconditionally and with great empathy. Times are getting better but there’s still some truly sad tales out there. 🌈🌈🌈

Religion can be such a beautiful thing, but it has destroyed so many peoples lives. Thank you for sharing.

Dang the scariest part of this story is the fact that that dude like stalked you and made you feel forced to talk to your parents about everything again. That’s cruel and so not his place. I’m so sorry that happened. Stay safe dude.

Gay is not a “lifestyle”. Gay is how you were made. Parents who love their church more than their son baffle me.

I grew up Mormon and gay! Can totally relate to you so hard... I thank god that my parents were excepting, but I was made to see a Mormon therapist to sort through my feelings and was even given the opportunity to go to straight conversion group. I prayed to god about what path I should choose and came to the answer that I needed to accept the person I was meant to be.

Some guy is gonna be so lucky to have u . Yay love

I'm 75 and have been with my other half for 30 years and cried tears of joy when I read your story. I'm really happy for you. You are a beautiful person who has a huge amount of compassion. And I congratulate your parents for how they seem to be accepting of you. Be kind and forgiving to everyone.

How did he find so many girls and boys? I mean i cant even get a flirt

There is so much pain in your eyes talking about a family who is against you.... it hurts my soul

There can never be too many coming out stories, there will always be someone that can relate to a particular one, and sharing that story can have a profound impact on them. Wish you all the best!

I also came out to my Mormon parents and family last year while I was on holiday. They told me they knew as a mother knows her children. I'm very lucky to have a mother and father who loves me as I am given the religion says otherwise. My family are all very supportive and constantly ask if I have a boyfriend yet 😂

I relate. I grew up in a very religious Mormon household here in Utah. I Went to church. Did temple work etc. I always knew I was gay since I was a kid but knew I couldn’t be due to my religion. As I got older I just started to realize I had to be myself to be truly happy. I did the same thing. Talked to lots of guys on tinder and eventually I kissed a guy and instantly knew it was the life for me 😂 coming out was one of the hardest things I’ve done. But fast forward to now and my family has accepted me and my boyfriend and they love him and things are Gucci 🙏 hope you’re happy now man. Slide into my DMs if you ever need to talk ❤️

after that intro, all i could think about was why mormons have so many kids?

I just had to say this ..... your eyes are sooooo pretty ;)

:57 I cannot explain how much I connect with the sadness you held back. “and then there’s me” I’m sorry it’s been so difficult for you

Unfortunatly, this isn't the sadist Morman "coming out" i've heard about. This amazingly coragious and strong boy made it. many don't! it's the 21 century and the morman church has just recentaly decided that "gay" was the way you were born, but try to emotionally blackmail the gay kids into NOT ACTING ON IT!. What gay morman kids are told, is that life on earth isn't that important and when you die, you won't be reunited with your family in the after life!! Basically what they are telling you, is that you are usless, because your not going to marry (a girl) and produce 4 or 8 or 10 kids to add to the populstion of the church. One xmorman boy i met, was told to leave home and town, because it was emotionally to difficult to get to know him now, because they would miss him to much in the after life. He lucke out. The cop who was going to arrest him, took him to his pastors house, not jail. Alother boys father, paid a long distance trucher to take him 500 miles away , well across the state line and leave him on the highway. He was 15. He left home without a dime. no clothes. no id. He lucked out. The trucker had a gay brother and felt sorry for the boy and braught him to his mothers home. The took care of him. loved him and he's been thair son ever since. If thair is a god, i'm sure he's not morman. Both boys would up as students at the college where i teach. They are the lucky "throwaway kids". Lots wind up as male prostatudes or dealing in someone elses drugs or kill themselves, because of family rejection, shame, guilt and church caused depresson. You are not alone. google the nearest gay youth hotline or center. YOU ARE NOT ALONE.

it is not a lifestyle ...it is your LIFE ...BE PROUD ! i am a 54 yr old lesbian. I have 1 brother and he was always concerned that my lifestyle might affect him in some way... not sure how lol ....fast forward to my only nephew , who came out to me 2 yrs ago ...Karma in a way I guess ...I am so pleased that they have accepted him 100% Be yourself young man and God bless !

I'm very proud of you, your courage is amazing.

i've spent 19 minutes watching this video wanting to give you a big strong hug the entire time :( you deserve to be loved

Mi friend 's son: Mother I'm sorry to wake you up Mother: Are you OK? My friend's son: I'm gay Mother: OK. I know your are gay, so was your dad...go back to sleep True story...

You were an “Eagle Scout.” Once an Eagle Scout always an Eagle Scout. So you are an “Eagle Scout” which is a big accomplishment!

Hi, Joseph. I am a gay man old enough to be your grandfather (71), and I am here to tell you that your life can be just as rich and full as that of your straight siblings. Yes, you can marry (a man) and have kids (adopt or surrogate) if that is what you want. Stop dating girls, though. That path leads to nothing but pain and confusion for both yourself and the young ladies involved. Be patient with yourself and with your family, and just continue to be as open and honest with them as you can. Time will take care of the rest ( I know; I've lived it). Lastly, understand that there is nothing wrong with you that needs fixing. You are as your creator made you, and you deserve to be fulfilled and happy. BTW, thanks for subscribing to my channel. I plan to make videos about being gay in the dinosaur days, but these are still in the planning stage, because family obligations have sidetracked me.

When you settle down with your dream guy remember there are so many ways you can have kids hang in there :)

My best friend is gay, and we met in a singles ward. He struggled for years and I can't imagine having to go through that first hand. His mother said she would rather be hearing that he has cancer than be hearing that her son is gay. I commend you for coming out and being true to yourself. You deserve happiness.

“Are you ok” “Dad I’m gay” That makes it sound different lol

Continue to be honest to yourself and everything will fall into place. You will find the perfect mate to call your own and love them for a lifetime. I know. I am 65 years old, my husband is 67 and we have been married in our hearts for 42 years and legally for 4 years. We both were raised Southern Baptist, so we understand. Being out is actually much easier now than 42 years ago. Wishing you all the best--always.

Thanks for sharing. There will be lots of good things ahead.

I don’t think many people realize how easy it is for closeted/struggling gay folks to be taken advantage of in relationships/dating. Being closeted is something that can be held over your head and it’s terrifying to think if someone you’re dating gets angry they can use that against you. These stories are hard to tell but thank you for sharing! It’s so important for gay youth, especially religious gay youth to hear. Hope you are doing well in your journey❤️

Such a sweet and honest person you are.

I cannot imagine anyone not loving you. You're beautiful inside and out. Thanks for having the courage to share your story.

Ex-mo and gay here. Be who you are. Love Wins!

I’m Mormon and recently I’ve been struggling and questioning my sexuality. I’m 13 and with Mormons, you can’t date or be in a relationship until you’re 16. I’ve “dated” boys which I know isn’t right with Mormons and I completely understand that, and I don’t know if it’s just that it’s middle school relationships I’m not feeling much with them or that I’m lacking knowledge in myself. I’m also not looking for any relationships with *anyone* soon for that matter. Recently there have been a lot of things (signs if you will) that maybe I *am* bisexual. I think it was last October’s women’s conference, before general conference, one of the 12 apostles was talking about the LGBTQ+ community and that really hit me hard. I know for a fact I don’t talk to my parents enough about anything but I really hope that I will be able to talk to them about how I’m feeling and *maybe* even come out to them. I *did* once talk to my mom and she said the main reason Mormons don’t encourage gays is because they see people sexualizing it and that makes them immediately jump to sex before marriage. I’m not looking for any of that. I’m really glad Heavenly Father has given you the opportunity to become who you really are. I hope he’ll help me talk with my parents.❤️

i’m a closeted child of southern baptists so i really resonated with this video. i have the same fears regarding my family’s reaction. i’m really hoping it works out

Best gay uncle award goes to... You!! Hehe thanks for sharing your story

You tore my heart and built it back up again. God Bless you, God Bless your courage, God Bless those who love you for just you, lastly just God Bless. Much much love and any support you need from NYC.

Wow you are such a strong man. Thanks for sharing. I’m 60 and could never bring myself to do that and I still have struggled with wanting a good man in my life. I am married and a proud father of two but it is so freaking hard. My best friend and I acted out together while in college but the guilt was to over powering that we went different ways and got married. I still miss him till this day. Stand Strong In The Lord Always and Never Give Up!!! May you be blessed always brother ❤️❤️❤️

The fact that you’re brave enough to post your videos online and be proud of who u r is beautiful lov u bb

Hi Joseph. This was an excellent video on a difficult topic. Thank you ...

“...and there’s me” 💙 - you’re amazing Joseph!

My parents and grandparents are mormons and I came out and they accepted me they’re really great especially my mother and sibling

WOW! That was a really hard video to make. I am so proud of you. I joined the church when I was 23 and told my Bishop I was gay. He later told me that he prayed about it and that if I had sex with a woman, that all the man to man feelings would disapper. LIE! I was married for 16 years and that wass the worst thing I could have done to my wife. Don't ever let anyone tell you that you are supposed to do something because..... The only time I ever felt peace was in the Celestial Room when it was just me and God. As long as you and God are good, nothing else matters. God bless you.

Joseph, what an awesome, deeply caring, brave, honest and loving person you are! I'm grateful to have discovered your channel. You're amazing! 💛

You handled everything with such grace! You seem so calm explaining your story. My father wasn’t Mormon, but my mother is and he came out to her when I was 8 years old. I’m sure he felt so conflicted between wanting a “normal” family life and being happy actually dating men. I’m glad you are able to live the way you want now ❤️ and that your parents are still loving towards you.

Man, I was really impressed by your story and how brave you are. Growing up in a religious mormon family must be hard and being able to come out with dignity was lhe best thing you did to yourself. I'm your Brazilian fan. I want to hear more of you. Hugs

This is so close to my story and I really appreciate you being so open and honest. Thank you!

As a 17.5 year old who has also grown up in the church and who is still active, I appreciate the fact that you made this video. This has even brought myself a little more closure. Thanks Joseph!

Buddy this hits home so much, just one brother and two sisters here, I know how it feels to watch them all get married, have kids and so on, it's easy to feel left behind. Be strong, your not alone.

I am LDS and admire your courage & honesty. Please stay strong and remember you are well loved, not only by family, but also by this stranger who is watching your video with much admiration.

SO MUCH of what you said resonated with my being, because my path has been extremely similar. Though I wasn’t Mormon at the time, I was a Christian who was gay on the inside, and not even the prettiest girl would change my feelings...even when I felt really “close” to God. I even joined the LDS church my senior year of college because I loved the friends I had met, but also thought I could insulate myself from myself even further. When I learned that being gay in the church meant I’d go to family wards my whole life as a single guy pretending to be straight, I couldn’t stomach the idea of families in the church constantly inquisitive as to why I hadn’t met a nice pretty girl yet. It’s even worse when you’re what people consider handsome, and attract a lot of attention, 🙄. So I had to leave the church. I’m proud of you that you’re standing strong to your hearts desires. I know that deep down you still feel like an outsider sometimes with your church friends, I do. I get angry a lot because I feel like people still look at me like I’m some sort of anomaly, when I wish I would just be treated normal all the time. You’ll get that the rest of your life..:take it in stride. Hoping all the best that God can bless you with! ❤️

My heart aches for you. As a gay Christian I understand the hurt and can assure you that God is on this path with you and your relationship with God can be deepened through this path.

You are special, beautiful and deserve to live your life your way. God never makes mistakes. Don't allow anyone to diminish you, great things lie ahead for you

Being gay does not automatically make you a child abuser, .i am so proud of you and your family for being so awesome in you just being gorgeous you, I’m so pleased for you and whatever comes your way and hope you are happy in life , you’re amazing!

I just wanted to hug you the whole video.

I was raised in a Mormon family and have lived the values of family and spiritual health all my life, I was attracted to guys all my life and dated guys in school, I served as a Mormon missionary for two years and it helped me realize I need to be myself, I have no time to waste, it's my life and I need to live it the way I was born to live it. I didn't choose to be gay. I know my family will be supportive, they love me and they're giving me space all this years to develope my personality with confidence. I haven't come out to them yet, or well, made it official yet. Idk why, I know they will support me and accept me the way I am, but I think I'm afraid of them suffering because of my fault. I'm not afraid about Myself anymore, now I'm strong enough to deal with it.

I’m a member of this church. I’m glad you’re out of the closet. It’s not healthy to pretend to be something you aren’t. I stand with my church on every doctrine and principle, and remember that also includes compassion, love, empathy, and understanding. There was obviously going to be a choice on whether to act on your sexuality or being an active member. You made your choice and I respect you for it. I don’t know you, but I love you and wish you eternal happiness and peace.

I've been in a mixed orientation marriage for many years, She has been my greatest support since I came out to her. What will be will be. We do not know, but we are prepared for all contingencies. Thank you for your story. I love you brother and support you in all you do. Sid

Hey Joseph, your story is beautiful and is inspirational. I’m in a similar situation with my Christian family. My parents have been church leaders and worship leader/pastor. It’s extremely difficult but I have recently found a support group through my friends in college and I hope that someday I have the courage to come out to my family as well. Specially being in a position where my family and myself have been a big part of the church. Coming out to them is also coming out to the church. Great listening you speak about your experience.

Joseph, you have a beautiful soul you are a gift from God to your family they will learn many things about life, love, and giving tolerance acceptance of differences from themselves through loving you! you were chosen and you are loved not just by family but by many people many you have never met, I was raised in the church and was asked to leave so I did but I kept my love and my walk with Christ this can't be taken by anyone I have been blessed and have received countless gifts and blessings I pray and have had my prayers answered in perfection. I to was given a similar journey the love I have given has been returned to me tenfold.

It's great to hear other people with the same situation... I'm 19 and have left the church but have only come out to my mom, she's cool with it but I still don't have near enough courage to come all the way out

Your comment about the person equating being gay with being a Pedophile really struck home with me, I had a nephew that said being gay was the same as beastieality! I was shocked and disgusted and that set off a big arguement that was very hurtful. I ended up in tears mainly because that nephew always treated me with love and respect but then continued to be good to me so it worked out but how can people think such things.

Hun. I don’t even know what to say. Thank you for sharing. I’m soooo proud of you❤️❤️❤️

Hey Joseph, you did a great job on your video. I am glad to hear that you survived your first experience with a Stalker. I'm glad that you are still able to enjoy the love and affection of your family during your journey through life. For some people that is so important, especially young kids. Coming out today is much simpler and garners much more support than when I came out and I am happy that that is occurring since being Gay is not something that can be changed no matter how badly someone may want to do so. I hope that you continue to enjoy the life you have ahead of you and find someone special to make that journey with.

"It's easy to find anyone in Mormon town". LOL True dat.

I have watched a significant number of coming out videos and this one of the more heart wrenching. I just want to give you a big hug and tell you everything will be alright. You have to love and accept yourself and simply be Joseph. PS I have a similar number of nieces and nephews and some of them are very religious also, and they still love their gay uncle. Your doing good! You more than anyone else deserve your love and respect.

Very brave and well spoken. I'm ex-LDS. While their 'program' is truly wonderful in many ways, if you don't fit the mold life is rough. I have had coloured friends who, when travelling, have found themselves treated poorly in some areas. When you talk about leverage, the church itself wields so much leverage - as any religion should because it becomes a part of everything you live. Leaving the straight and narrow path tears away a part of you in every aspect of life and that is so scary. I'm glad you are supported. My ex and my daughter later came out. If I had still been involved as much as I had been when I was a member then I would have had a very difficult time dealing with it and I would have made mistakes. I empathize with your parents and feel that your family is lucky to have each other and manage through this. Respect.

Congratulations..🎉🎈🎊 on coming out and living your truth...great story and Happy pride 🌈

Hey Joseph I am so proud of you for standing up for yourself for who you are and not being judged for what you are. Keep your chin up and be proud don’t let anyone bring you down

hi. i also grew up mormon. something a lot of people told me when i came out to them was that they still loved me. and while that sentiment was nice, i didn't care about their love. i just didn't want them to have to worry for me. i didn't want people to feel bad and think, "oh, she's a good person, sucks she struggles with same sex attractions." it made it so hard to come out to everyone. i started crying when you mentioned talking to your bishop.

This one dude stalked you. Oh my I’m glad you got out of that situation safe .... your Story really warms my heart and I hope that in the future you won’t be so hard on yourself. 💕

It's sad to see parents turn away from their children when they found, what parents should wish the most for them: love and happiness.

Love this so much you’re so brave for coming out and sharing this video. It’s so inspiring. I’m sorry for how rough it has been for you and I hope it gets better for you soon. ❤️

Bless your courageous heart, Joseph. It was very hard for most of us to come out. You are a sweet, beautiful youngman and I believe you will find your ideal bromance. Thanks for telling us about your painful experience. These videos of personal coming out stories help many, many more young men by giving them support and hope. Love you, boy.

Hey, another gay-raised-Mormon! This is the first time I've come across your channel, and I just wanted to say thank you for sharing your story. Like you, I always knew I was gay, but I had the added complication of being a trans guy. I'm in my mid-20s now and still have not come out to my dad (but I assume my mom has told him). Both parents are fully in denial. However, so many relatives and friends from church have shown me an overwhelming amount of support and love. Navigating faith and sexuality can be so complicated, especially in the LDS church (I myself have recently found a different spiritual path). Congrats on getting to a better place in your life, brother!

You’re so kind and sweet and you honestly deserve the world. Just know that God loves you, and He always will. He makes no mistakes xx

This is one on the best coming out videos I've seen. You just have got to live your life. We are born naturally gay so we live with it. I am very happy being gay and wish I do it again the next time around. You now have Hayden to help you. It's easiest with someone you love. It's all good from here on. Love you , Hayden and all of your videos and will continue to watch. thx for sharing.

You’re amazing, joe!! I’m so glad you trusted yourself and are true to you! You deserve all the happiness no matter what people think!

Wow, you nearly brought me to tears! I'm glad your parents are staying in your life.

god bless you. my mother threatened to cut me off the family vine. I call her a member of the Baptist Taliban.

Joseph, be strong and stay with your own beliefs, with love from the Netherlands. You sure look excactly like me in my twenties. Amazing!

Bud...I have never met you and came by your video completely by chance, I have been out for 20 years and the one thing I have never found is true love, always ended up deception, manipulation, etc..and overcoming the confusion of wanting a family and not knowing how to fill that void....still a mystery to me.Thank you for your share, and I hope you have nothing but happiness which surrounds you, the world needs and deserves more of people like you.

You're so handsome man! I grew up in Salt Lake City Utah, the capital of Mormon Ville. You're so brave for coming out. Its not easy in the Mormon community.

Hello you! Recently I came out to my family, my friends and the rest of my siblings already knew, but I’m having some problems with my parents. As you said in your video, Since I was a little boy, even before my baptism, I knew I was kind singular and different. As you, I served my Mission in Salt Lake City and I’m still doing my best effort to do my best.

I’m in a similar situation, but there’s no way I can come out yet, if ever... so I’m glad you had the courage to do it. 😚

You are a decent, considerate, kind young man. Your parents should be proud. Thank you for sharing this. I can see the pain on your eyes. I can hear the courage in your words. I do not know you, and I am proud of you. Religion can be judgemental. Which I find very sad. This video expresses your struggle as well as your respect for your parents. As a mom, I want to say, you have to live your life. You have to be you. Otherwise you are lying to yourself and everyone else. You deserve to be happy. Anxiety free. I truly hope you find your path. Just keep being you and all the good things in life will find you. And know that your words here, will make a huge difference for people going thru what you have and are going thru. Be happy. That is the purpose.

Thank you for your strong and compelling story. Your well spoken, honest, and clearly a loving caring soul. You deserve to be happy and healthy. Keep in touch. Rob.

I can see it was a struggle, but I wouldn't use the word "lifestyle," which trivializes the fact that you are simply being true to who you are.

Love knows NO bounds - SO sad that his OWN parents would push him to date girls again... narrow-minded people...

Big hug from Atlanta, GA! You are being true to yourself and that is a beautiful thing! I was raised Mormon, but I am no longer. Don’t let anyone or anything change who you are. You are priceless just they way you are.

You’re amazing! Thank you for sharing your story! You are so loved and held!

How sad that an organization, calling itself a church, feels the need to instill guilt and shame into its young people. I understand that even today that same organization will not accept the laws of the land in regard to marriage.

he really does look like a Mormon doesn’t he ALSO SO PROUD OF YOU CUTIE💕💕🥰😘 YOU INSPIRE ME SO MUCH AND I WISH YOU ALL THE HAPPINESS IN THE WORLD AND IM SENDING YOU A VIRTUAL HUG RN

Thank you so much for sharing this. It really helps those of us who have yet to come out. Seeing truly, what it's really like, all the emotions in your eyes....it makes me realize how beautiful learning to accept oneself is. Thank you. Far and away the most genuine, real coming out story I have ever had the privilege of hearing. When I told my mother, she said she'd make it her mission to find a girl I could love. I really really hope she can, but I don't think she will. P.S. I'm also an Eagle Scout.

This hit home in many ways. I was raised LDS, all the way until I was in singles ward etc. I had no idea I was gay, infact I had hardly dated and just, being the oldest child was repressed in some ways. We moved to UT from ID after I turned 18, I just stopped going to church. I had some minor things eating at me, I had meet gay people online and was quite bigoted but had this, falsification. After a few years, not doing a mission, and drifting away I started to finally, struggle with thoughts etc. To the point I finally accepted who i was and who I liked. Fast forward living in the closet till 23, I finally fell in love with another man. It was one of the purest more beautiful feelings and honestly experiences I have ever had in my life. I came out one day and things where tough. I had grown apart from the church enough to accept myself and honestly it helped me. The church was something I did believe in at one point, but just after I was 18 the illusion started to break, so by this time it was only a matter of old friends and family either casting me out or accepting me. My wonderful mother who had suffered hardships and lost both parents by 18 is just one of the most loving people I have ever known, and I felt comfortable telling her myself. After I broke the news, that I found love, and it wasn't, a girl... She hugged me and we cried for a bit. She told me growing up she had a gay friend that she saw cast from their family and just disowned, and she promised me she would never put anyone through such awful things. All things said and done, my father who I respect and love is a bit harsher, and I do not fear him, but I was a bit too much of a coward to tell him, so my mother did. We never really have spoken about it, but we do still have a good father son bond. That love has since become an ex but a really great friend, and I have found new love in my life. I am struggling with other issues in life right now and, honestly being myself, having a caring family, and someone I can genuinely love, no matter the hardship, has made my life far better then it ever has. It is amazing to be free of living 2 lives, and hiding who you are. I am really glad to see you are able to be yourself and seek the person you love and can fully love. Thank you for sharing your story, and dealing with the faith till the very end. It is a struggle on many levels of our lives, and in this church, down to the core of family and everyone you know for the most part. Once I cast the chains of secrets and the church to the floor, I felt truly liberated and, as myself. I know you are coming to find that yourself, and I wish you the very best. It is not an easy task to be yourself when you are raised to not accept who you are.