My whole reasoning to get this story out is because I want to write a book about overcoming homophobic culture in the South. I want to shed light on those abused and mistreated due to their sexuality. After years of therapy, it’s nice to be able to talk about it and use my experience to help others ❤️

You are the first man I have ever heard with a Southern accent. I am from South Africa. Your story made me cry. You are stunningly amazing. You rock!!! No bigger hate than Christian love. Religion is a vile, evil curse to humanity.

As a PROUD, GAY, God-fearing, God-loving Christian, I can't begin to say how sorry I am that you had to endure the all-out abuse (it was abuse!) from your family because of their narrow-minded views; views which do NOT align with ANYTHING in the Bible. More so-called "Christians" know not the first thing about being a true Christian. I am so thankful you are doing better and that you are working on your life. Be PROUD of yourself that you have survived and that you're on the way to recovery. Much TRUE Christian love to you, young man. (By the way: that "something" that stopped you from flipping that car into the ravine? The Hand of God. God knows that you are created in the Divine image just as you are! NEVER doubt your worthiness!) Congratulations on your marriage!!

Yours is the saddest coming out story I’ve ever heard. And you didn’t deserve all that abuse. I’m so glad you finally were able to escape and take matters into your own hands! I think you’re wonderful and deserve THE BEST the rest of your life!!!

Let's be crystal clear: 1. There was never a time where there was anything "wrong" with you. You are a beautiful Child of God who made you who you are. 2. What you experienced is called "child abuse." No debate. Child abuse. 3. Your decision to forgive your family belongs to you, but in my opinion, they belong in jail. I'm so sick and tired of people making excuses for these disgusting excuses for parents/family. A prison term is appropriate. 4. I am so glad that you chose yourself over them and decided that you needed to live. 5. To all young Gay people, remember this always: God made you Gay and God expects you to protect that person and defend yourself and who you are. This is not something a young person should be called upon to do in developmental terms, but unfortunately we are called to defend ourselves from an early age against hatred. Always choose yourself and put yourself first. Do whatever you can to find allies/support. I grew up in NY, and came out at 18 in 1974. I look at this situation as a grandparent - I wish I could have protected you and turned your parents in. Much Love to you, and thank you for making this video.

What an amazing story of triumph over adversity. Be proud of who you’ve become.

Although I am from a different country to you, I can identify with your experience 100000%. It's been such a hard hard life in a family that did not understand this, thinking it was a choice.

Although I am a straight guy I would never go against one of my children if they told me they were gay I would support them all that I could oh, I know all of the religions out there are against being gay but I think they need to practice what they preach you're supposed to love everyone and not be judgemental, in my opinion I don't think anyone turns gay, I truly believe you are born that way so why would you be against someone or just simply being who they are. I wish you nothing but happiness young man have a happy and great life and be safe

This was incredibly painful to watch. So sorry you went through so much pain & hardship. You are no doubt right spiritually to forgive your family, but I would have a hard time doing it. What a truly shitty way to treat anyone, much less your own child. So needless & sad! I hope the rest of your life is truly blessed & will make up for the hard times. A tour de force of a first video btw. Congratulations on your marriage! Love to you both!

So firstly its very brave of you to actually come out in such a situation.But it makes me so happy to see us gay people being brave enough to actually take a stand and say “Im Gay” without feeling any sort of embarrassment and shame.Im really proud of you❤️

Thank you for sharing this. Yours is a very sad story, but with a positive ending, thus far. The mantra, “it will get better” really does apply, and struggling gay kids need to hear these kinds of testimonials. 🙏🏻

Argh. I explored South Carolina once, and it changed my outlook on everything I thought or would think I knew about the U.S.

Fear of leaving the known, however hurtful, for the possibly better unknown...that is what keeps most of us stuck where we are. Glad to see you allowed yourself to (literally) move on with your life. For those of us still stuck, in the closet, at work, with negative people, whatever...let's be brave and take a leap of faith that we can make things better. It all starts with allowing elevated self-worth to take hold.

I am sooooooo sorry you went through this. I can’t for the life of me figure out out how people who profess the name of Jesus at minimum evaluate the effects of turning on people. If people are suffering from depression, drug use and other mental illness or disorders as a means to you disowning them to stay faithful to the Bible then the issue isn’t the person but your theology!! Hope you find love and acceptance and healing!

As a Southerner that had an Assembly of God minister as a grandfather, so I can relate to your story. I'm from Arkansas and was brought in a area in the Ozarks with an Appalachian. culture.

You didn't bring bullying on yourself, friend, no matter what they tried to make you feel. There's not a thing wrong with you. Thank you for being brave and sharing your story.

you deserve all the happiness this earth can possibly give you. So inspirational and you're so strong.

Those without sin cast the first stone. Thanks for sharing your story! Continue to be your true authentic self; you seem like a wonderful guy. You’re a cutie and love the accent!

Thank you for sharing. I know you will help many young folks with your message and support. I often say that if someone can’t accept you, than that is their problem not yours.

This was extremely difficult to watch - I had to stop several times and paused...the amount of ignorance and hate is so extreme and abusive that I felt a parallel with this and extremist mindsets halfway across the world where people are terminated due to their uncontrollable love for another human being. I am so happy that you found a way out of your situation and is able to find love and peace outside of your family. Wishing you all the love and happiness the world have to offer! Thank you for sharing your story.

Thank you Dylan, I am confident your story will help others in similar circumstances. Being true to yourself is honoring your creator. I came out in 1974, back then it was really hard too, but every time I stayed true to myelf blessings followed. I wish you nothing but love, joy and happiness.

Thank you so much for sharing your coming out story, Dylan. I cried at some parts of your story, but I'm so happy to see that you have made a success of your life & I know that this video will help many people. Young people who are going through what you did as a teenager will be encouraged that life can & does get better. I really hope you are writing your memoirs. Btw, I love Dolly Parton too & I hope she sees this video one day 😊❤🥰

When I struggled with suicidal thoughts, I met people that were affected by suicide whether it was someone who had a close family member or friends that committed suicide. I realized suicide is entirely evil and it never takes away the pain, It gives the pain to someone else forever.

I'm so sorry you went through all of that. :( I'm glad you're still here with us and sharing your story!

Your story resonates with me a lot. Thanks for sharing

Dylan you are whole, you are beautiful, you are aware, you are all things great. I was more then moved when I listened to your history, I related to it, and it was 60 years ago for me, but almost the same. Go out into the big world and do great things.

Dylan, this is such a great story of how to overcome the homophobia and hatred. I’m so glad you turned your circumstances around and found your happiness. We sometimes talk about chosen family, and I’m proud to call you bro! Much love to you!

We are never alone even though it may sometimes feel like it!

Love this life for you Dylan. I’m so happy you manifested this life for yourself. I wish you nothing but happiness in the future :)

i hope you heal!!! ❤❤❤

Thank you for sharing this!!!

I love you sunshine! And I'm super proud of you.

Dylan, I'm so proud of you! It's inspiring to see how much you have learned to care for yourself!

Ily ❤️🤟🫂 so much bro, God 🙏🏼 bless you and have a 😊😁 happy Thanksgiving ! 💯 🦃

I am so sorry you had this pain. I hope it will get better for you.

I just came across your channel and I'm now a subscriber! I'm so sorry about what you went through. Very heartbreaking. 💔😢 I'm so glad that you made it through. Thank you for sharing your story. ❤

Your story touched me so much & I could relate alot. I also grew up in small towns in NC & SC. I'm a new subscriber and really am loving your videos so far. I have a Southern accent also (But live in Hollywood, CA now lol). I get comments daily on my accent haha. I saw your comment about wanting to write a book. That book could help alot of people. Btw, you're so handsome also. Oh & I'm so happy that you put yourself first and found happiness!

Whoa this is so powerful. Your story is so important for people to hear. You are so lovely and loved🌈🦄❤️🍰 Thank you for coming out the other side of this experience a bright and beautiful person.

I can hear the emotion in your voice, and i think it just conveys so much warmth. is it weird, i trust you?

Glad to hear your story.

First of all, I wanna say I LOVE your accent!! Secondly, I wanna say thank you for your story. I recently made a coming out video talking about my experiences. I can definitely relate being in a strict, Pentecostal church & battling with who you are versus being taught that it’s wrong.

Thanks for sharing this story. I'm glad you found the happiness you deserve.😄

Late to coming across this video, but your video really touched me because my coming out story was similar, although I’m 33 now. I can hear the pain in your voice, recounting those unpleasant memories. Your story is going to help so many of our young LGBTQ+ people. and they are going to need it, as society continues to go backwards.

Well done, Dylan! I am glad you have grown beyond the pain!

What a journey, hope your family has learned from your experience, too. The light in your eyes is so beautiful, anyone can see that, no one can thrive in those situations, it's so awesome you are encouraging people to escape such oppressive circumstances. All the best to you and your husband! ❤

Love your story. Thank you for sharing. Youre a beautiful person.

What a tough man, as well as such a true sweetheart, you are. I hope your life proceeds wonderfully from this moment on.

What a heartfelt story and strong person you are Dylan, and you are so right, there are people out there that will love you for who you are, don't put up with the ones that won't. Your accent is so adorable, I could listen to you talk for hours. Thanks for sharing this and you definitely will make a difference in someone's life. Take care and peace always

Thank you so much for sharing. I relate immensely to your story, although, granted, it seems you had it harder. But you coming out stronger on the other side is really uplifting. The bigotry of your family reminds me of something I learned from a spiritual book which is that you should never take anything from anybody personally because it is just a projection of their own reality. And in a way I think you were a blessing in disguise to them to open their eyes beyond their limited reality. I have family in the South too and I know that the evangelicalism there can be hard. God bless you sir! And thank you so much again for sharing!

Thank you for your truth- glad life’s better for you now. All the best xx

I saw another one of your videos but then got into this one. You are great and if I ever meet you, I will definitely hug you.

I’m both heartbroken and happy at the same time. I’m so sorry you had to go through all that, but I love that you are now a happy and independent person. So strong!

I am so proud of you! You chose to survive and you now have the life you so deserved!

Wow!!!! That is quite a story and really well told. It took two years for this video to make it into my stream, but I am so glad it did. You should feel very proud that you have overcome such adversity and learned how to live a real, truthful, productive life. You are an inspiration! Three cheers!

So so sad thank God your still here to tell your story bless you

This video has unlocked so many sad memories of my childhood 😢. Keep strong Dylan.

You’re a beautiful person. All best!

Dylan, this is one of the most inspiring coming out stories I've ever seen on here. You really experienced a worse case scenario of growing up in a homophobic environment. I hope a lot of parents watch this and think deep about what unconditional love means. So sorry you had to endure this unjust and abusive treatment and so happy you survived. Hope you write that book!

Thank you for sharing your incredible story. Much love to you.

Incredible journey, Dylan. I had no idea the 1980s mentality was still here. Glad to see you made it out alive. Keep building, keep creating. This is your century, YOUR Time. Live it.

I have been watching your videos for the past 2 days...and this is the current video I just finished listening to. You have been through so much--so much. I dont know you personally, but I am so glad for you and the life you were able to build. Im happy you over lcame your SA; I'm happy you found love again; I'm happy you are in such a better position. I subscribed...wishing you the very best. Hugs.

Damn! That's a story. Congratulations for making it through. All the best. There is nothing wrong with you.

I am so sad that you had to go through all that abuse, but look at you now. You look great, and have a wonderful husband. Things do get better. I have been with my husband for 23 years. It can work!

i’m a lil late to finding this video but wanted to say thank you. thank you for being here. you are a beautiful human. im so scared to come out.. your video made me feel less alone. ❤

Congratulations on telling your very inspiring and brave story Dylan. And congratulations on being able to be strong enough to be your true self and being able to resist trying to conform to what other people told you you should be or what THEY wanted you to be. Life is often not what we want it to be, but being able to be grateful for the good things you have now and for the good things you have had in your past life, will make your life in the future easier. There will no doubt be ups and downs in the future but you have already proven to yourself that you have the strength of character to appreciate and be grateful for the good things you've experienced in your past life get through any not so good experiences in your future life. Keep strong brother and always believe in your self. I wish you every happiness.

You are an amazing man. So happy you found the courage to get away from your vitriolic family. Forget about them don’t contact them anymore. Or they will destroy all you have worked for. You have a good life now. Enjoy it 👍🇺🇸💙💜⭐️💜🌈💪🌈🍀

What a nightmare! So sorry for what you went through.

Wow Dylan - what a story. I’m so glad your life is on track and you’ve found a soul mate. Your family lost a gem in you, but you were right to turn the page.

A fine video here. We are here for you Dylan. Your friends Are Your Family Now.

Man ol man OL man. Dylan your story is the only one that has made me have to pause it because I couldn't stop crying. Also it the most honest and heart felt story I think ive heard. Don't take this the wrong way but I'm glad you kicked your family to the curb, no they did it themselves. I am so glad that you are happy and have a man in your life that brings you joy. I KNOW your video will help countless people. Anyway I could definitely relate to your accent because I'm from Raleigh NC and lived in North Myrtle Beach for 17 years. Lol anyway thank you. FREEDOM......

Hello from the UK. I loved this video, but it was painful to hear what you’ve been through. I was super impressed by your resilience and attitude. I hope that one day your family will realise what they have lost in alienating you. Congratulations on getting married.

I so relate to you. I’m 51 now and am just now getting comfortable in my own skin. Some of my family has come around, some not. So sad this is still a issue. Wish you all my the best.

You did the right thing. I also grew up in the South (decades ago) and, at about 25 years of age, realized that moving away (California) was my only chance at a rewarding life. It ultimately paid off and I know I made the right decision. My family is who they are and I can't change them. For some people, the family they are born in to are not the right people for them.

This video was heartbreaking and liberating at the same time‼️ I’m Happy for You Brother‼️👊🏾💯

Thank you for sharing ❤

I am so proud of you.

You got thru and in a way it probably helped you self assert your identity … and now you sound like a very capable and wholesome person good for you. How encouraging it must be for other young gay people facing similar trials hearing your experiencing.

Your story breaks my heart. Looking forward to your upcoming book.

You are an inspiration! Thank you for your story! You are a a very strong man. I wish you peace and happiness .❤

I have to say your story made my heartbreak and I cried for you. It makes me feel like I could just hug you ....I know this would not help the pain you've gone through. (Thankful you did not kill your self.....you are such a beautiful person!)

a remarkable story of how you overcame enormous difficulties. A heartening story of your slow, painful, development and how you eventually freed yourself from the cultural prison you were living in. Breaking family ties must have been painful but it was so necessary for you. Well done.

Great story. I am so sorry for your troubles. I am with my husband for 25 years but only married for the last 5. My family is very accepting and I did not have the problems that you described. Good luck to you and your husband and i look forward to more of your videos. Thanks for sharing.

Thank you for sharing your story. I'm so glad such a beautiful soul survived such a terrible upbringing to result in the wonderful young man you appear to be in this video. I lookin forward to watching more from you. Love wins!

Hey Dylan, I just found you and subbed immediately. You are the poster child for young gay men. Congrats on having found someone you can love and marry. I am a counselor with thousands of young men in my practice. Please continue to speak out and tell your story.........thank you so much for your courage, insights, and determination.....Ray

Such a heart wrenching story, but the good news is you knew who you are, and did something about it. You seem like a really nice kid, and they should realize that they are losing out. Btw, I could listen to you read the phone book with that accent

Vert proud of & happy for you😊🌈

Thank you for sharing your story. I can identify with the self harm and self hate, I have struggled with self hate and my weight, which was my form of both self harm and at the same time self protection, because while being overweight is not healthy it is a defense mechanism to keep people away. I am sorry to hear all that you have gone through with your family.

Congrats for finding your way to adulthood despite so much adversity! Best wishes to you and your husband.

Dang Dude, thanks for sharing your story.

Dillion, you sweet, scared, child of our Heavenly Father on high! I am from Ider, Alabama, which is close to Chattanooga. I graduated with 59 other people. I’ve been blessed to serve a mission & live all over the world. After living in NYC for 18 years, I now live in Los Angeles. Dillion, your light is magnificent. I’m soooo proud of you for not losing your relationship with Jesus. You are truly a light that is illuminating truth. Keep praying, reading your scriptures, serving others & striving to strengthen your family relationship. In closing, please always remember, kindness & love always wins. Your Eternal Brother in Christ, Huge Hugs 🤗 Blake

"I want to be a beacon of light." YOU ARE! Never let ANYONE tell you different.

I am so, so sorry for the hurt you went through, but WOW I am so proud and happy for you because look at you NOW! I too have just recently been getting into my spirituality (I watch teal’s videos and saw your comment) and my life has started to change for the better as well. And it’s just getting started! I’m excited to see your content. Sending so much love and positive energy your way ☮️💖✨

I am so proud of you hold you head high hope you ok want to give you a big hug glad you have some one to love take care

YOU ARE A BEAUTIFUL YOUNG MAN. BE OF GREAT GOOD COURAGE. IT GETS BETTER. rw

Beautiful story! God loves us just as we are! Wishing you the best. Evangelicals just have it turned around. God created us this way.

You are incredibly brave and strong and I am hurt by all the people in this world who hurt their children and loved ones over something so simple. What is it about queer people that scares others so bad? What you went through is unbelievably horrible and I am so happy that you made it to where you are and that you are happy and healthy now. I wish that nobody would ever have to go through what you did because that pain to me is only imaginable and it hurts. Keep shining bright and spreading love❤️❤️❤️

I'm so sorry to hear about your coming out family challenges. Definitely their loss. Please create and find a loving chosen family who will support you.

You are adorable! How could anybody want to change you or harm you? Live and share your beauty with our sad world.

Wow...what a terrible experience. So sorry for your trauma. Glad things are better now !

Very, very important story! Good luck from Italy!