Just wanted to share another Youtube coming out story with readers of Black Gay Men’s Blog. As we all know, coming out can be quite nerve wracking and should be done whenever the individual is ready, whether that is at a younger age or later in life. One of the concerns I often hear from black gay men about coming out, is the reaction of their fathers(for those who are close to or have present fathers), which was why I found this coming out story particularly interesting. The young man, Shon, had already come out to his mom and brother, when he was 12 – and heard the common speech, it a sin, it a phase etc. So, he got scared and decided to say he was straight after that. At 14, he came out to his dad, who didn’t really seem that bothered by the news. When asked why he didn’t seem that concerned, he dad revealed that he was bisexual. They talked about it and obviously everything worked out okay. At 16, he came out again to his mom, who gave him the same speech, but she also expressed concern about him getting bullied and not having kids. Shon, obviously, an intelligent young man, explained to her that he still wanted and intended to have kids. A couple of months after that, his sister came out as a lesbian.
Isn’t this the coming out story to trump all coming out stories? How would you react, if your dad came out as bisexual to you? Do you have or wish you had gay siblings? Apart from the titillating story, it just goes to show that you never know, just how family members are going to react to you coming out. Even when one gets a reaction, which sounds less than favorable, it is worth remembering that it might be coming from a place of concern and fear. Will you have kids? How will you be treated by the world? I’m not suggesting that some parents aren’t just downright homophobic, but sometimes we have to look at it from their point of view and give them some time. It is very encouraging to listen to young black gay men like Shon, who are secure about their sexuality and able to articulate it to loved ones. To all the young readers of Black Gay Men’s Blog (and some of you late bloomers) – you know your family and friends best. Go with your gut instincts and if you choose to come out, make sure it is the right time for you and you are not coming out as a result of peer pressure.
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An awesome and great coming out story. I’m happy for this young man and his family. We need more stories like this and people to understand the LGBT lifestyle and not just call it a sin.
Great Story!!
Great story!! I can actually relate, due to how I grew up. My sisters & I are all 3 gay. We grew up hearing the jokes that instead of a boy & 2 girls, that we were 2 boys and a girl. It, of course, shocked others, our parents included, but we are who we are, and everyone who knows us have many questions about how “this” could have happened. There is more to my story, but I just wanted to say that for those who do not have the support of their families, should find “family” in friends. We were blessed to have each other, but we see so many others who’ve had much harder lives, because of lack of family support.
I am glad he stayed strong and decided to really be himself no matter what. That is one of the most important lessons you can learn in life. You have only got one life. You have got to use it wisely and FOR YOU. Too many folks get so caught up in living for others…..it’s a shame and it’s very very saddening.