Homosexuality offends Muslim service members. I don't support Muslim service members who kill homosexuals but I will try to accept and understand their diverse beliefs. As good Americans we need to accommodate the beliefs of Muslims everywhere.
The best payback/revenge (or whatever you want to call it) that you can give to your critics is to live a good and happy life. I can see the happiness in you, so I think you'll be fine. Be strong, proud and happy. The people that matter don't mind and the people that mind don't matter.
I'm all about people being who they are but why are you proud to say you're gay? As Norm McDonald once said "It's not an achievement". I'm straight but I can't say I'm proud of it, I was just born this way.
Our stories are almost identical. Right down to having to join the military because parents cut me off. That was back before internet, or gay news papers, or gay rights. By God's grace, I met my lover in basic training. We were together the next 16 years, and raised his younger brothers. It is amazing to me how things have changed, and how they have remained the same. God bless you, and shine on.
Thanks for your story....do you still talk to your siblings....I'm 22 and still haven't come out to my parents that's something that I'm too afraid to do...but my friends know.i just don't know how to work up the courage to do so.. My parents are super Christian like yours and everytime my dad sees anything about gay people he immoderately says how he is grossed out and that it is disgusting and all...it's all a bit sad.
@cgr389 I do talk to my siblings still, yes. In fact, we get along amazingly. I love all three of them with all my heart and they feel the same way. They were all very accepting. I actually just left home yesterday. I was home for Christmas and things went really well. My parents have come a long way from where they were.
It's great that you are out here... If you make one guy stop and think, "maybe I can do something else", then you have done a lot for a whole community..
I look forward to hearing more of your thoughts and events..
Keep up the good work. i am proud of you being in the military and being out and open. something i wish i could have done the whole 5 years i was in, but could not.
So glad to hear you are able to be yourself in the Navy. I retired in 2004. For the most part I was unofficially accepted as gay at most duty stations. But the last command I was stationed at I found my chances of making chief go to zero simply because my I was outed to my Division officer by a former friend. I did nothing wrong or inappropriate; I was simply guilty of being gay. I began to realize my career was effectively over and retired.
I was in the Navy about 30 years ago. Before DADT. And my experience was very similar to yours. Everyone knew I was Gay. We still could not be 'open' officially, but there was no great need for secrecy. Officially, I had to deny, deny, deny. And especially for those of us with a top level security clearance, the question came up repeatedly, because our movements were monitored. But at a personal level, there was great acceptance by both my peers and superiors.
@jcroce1994 it's cool to hear that people were accepting even back then. it is awesome to not have to hide who i truly am tho. i can openly talk t without hings out with friends without fear of repercussions whenever need be. :)
@jcroce1994 I was also in the militayr before DADT and had to hide it. not one day didnt go by that i didnt worry about getting kicked out. some knew, most didnt. i made it 5 years and got out on my own.
i really wish that i could just come out on facebook just to get this pressure of me but i cant seem to do it i'm only 16 and like my parents accept me and love me and i have a few friends who know but i want to really get it out there
@deromo1 It gets easier with every person you tell and eventually you will be able to just put it out there without any hesitation. Don't worry if it takes a little time, just make sure you have people there to support you! :)
@Caduckster You know what dude! I am tired of people and their judgment. SO WHAT that you're into the same gender! Some people just need to think, hey.. Maybe this person just feels more comfortable that way! I salute you for staying strong even though the struggles and I support you 100%!
Taylor you can tell just how happy you are with yourself and it is a thing of beauty. I hope your parents come around but regardless you area great young man and keep on keeping on.
If you were my son - I can't imagine being any prouder of not only your courage, but your service. I would be so proud - I would tell the world, and you daily. Many congratulations on where you are in life and spirit. :-)
I find it ironic that conservative,homophobic Christians cherry-pick their text and say that being gay is an abomination,when they do not pay the slightest attention to the passages about eating shrimp, wearing clothing consisting of more than one kind of fabric,befriending others that are not Christian or even the ones that say an entire town including its cattle should be burned to the ground if one person is not christian and that no one should walk on it again.defeating the purpose of the US
Never will they acknowledge those proscriptions (forbidden things) that they themselves are in violation of! Comedian Bill Maher has aptly used the expression "Christianists", to describe these folks! So you are indeed "Spot On" my friend!
Rafi my friend, firstly I cannot believe you're just over the hill from me in San Ramon, small world! What I wanted to say is most self described "Christians" have this absurd obsession with "Mosaic Law" and passing judgement on those whom they believe fall short!
So brave of you for doing this! Great to see people being open about their sexuality, especially those who are in the military. Just remember you are loved, by me and many others. Hope you find the love of your life! <3
some Christians would make Jesus really angry i think, full of hate not the message of love his ethic was made of. Very glad you have moved on and have a great life in the navy. Hopefully things in the USA are moving to full equality, as we have here in the UK. I have lived through times when being gay was illegal to now when we have equality, so things certainly do get so much better.
Yours is a terrific video; it is so honest and open. Though it is so very sad how your parents and family have reacted, it is great to hear that your military colleagues and current friends are so accepting of you and do support you. You have given out a very good message here that will be good for others to hear. In fact, I added it to my "Gays: It Gets Better" playlist on my YouTube channel. I truly hope that life keeps going well for you from here on out.
If someone were to ask me why I have belonged to the Human Rights Campaign and written it cheques for years, and supported every legislative campaign that it has launched with letters, e-mails and phone calls to Representatives and Senators, and even the White House, I would point to videos such as yours. Knowing that you can be who you are, openly, and without being subjected to discrimination in the military, and be accepted by those around you, lets me know that the fight is worth it.
@TheAmericanLinguist I only went for a year because my parents had been paying my bills and when they stopped paying, I had to drop out since I barely had enough money for food and my apartment. Plus I didn't have a job anymore, because I had been working at the school and you have to be a student to work there. So all that catalyzed my decision to enlist.
@Caduckster oh okay, just curious. good thing there's some good educational benefits in the military though. about how long did it take to get to E-4?
@TheAmericanLinguist yeah it's because of my job. if i choose to star re-enlist at my 2 year point, i can get automatic e-5, but it adds 2 years to my current contract (6 years). i would rather just take the exam and not have to worry about the extra 2 years since i can probably still get it fairly quickly and i don't plan on staying in past my contract.
Taylor a "Video Game Magazine" that had been dog eared? Talk about grasping for straws! They were trying to confirm their suspicions! I'm sorry you had to endure the "Repairative Therapy Hoax", but I'm so darn proud of how you've emerged from it all!
That was quite a great story actually. The biggest problem gay/bi people seem to face are the generation above them (typically). My story is kinda similar to yours, minus the parent thing - because nobody really cared that much. They just accepted it - as they should - and it wasn't a big deal.
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Homosexuality offends Muslim service members. I don't support Muslim service members who kill homosexuals but I will try to accept and understand their diverse beliefs. As good Americans we need to accommodate the beliefs of Muslims everywhere.
huskie767 2 days ago
The best payback/revenge (or whatever you want to call it) that you can give to your critics is to live a good and happy life. I can see the happiness in you, so I think you'll be fine. Be strong, proud and happy. The people that matter don't mind and the people that mind don't matter.
bharkonnen 4 days ago
I think your HOT! ;)
0597CC 1 week ago
I'm all about people being who they are but why are you proud to say you're gay? As Norm McDonald once said "It's not an achievement". I'm straight but I can't say I'm proud of it, I was just born this way.
htfcm 3 weeks ago
You are an awesome person don't ever forget that.
markus8696 1 month ago
luv u..u r strong and well adjusted so u turned out fine
1225baystreet 1 month ago
Our stories are almost identical. Right down to having to join the military because parents cut me off. That was back before internet, or gay news papers, or gay rights. By God's grace, I met my lover in basic training. We were together the next 16 years, and raised his younger brothers. It is amazing to me how things have changed, and how they have remained the same. God bless you, and shine on.
corathus59 1 month ago
<-- Rt. Rev. Robert D. Hall, OFC Facebook: Chaplain Robert D. Hall
RevRobertDHall 1 month ago
Excellent job! Congratulations! I'm an openly gay master police officer and police chaplain (Ecumenical Catholic Priest) - gay affirming. Great job! :)
RevRobertDHall 1 month ago 2
@RevRobertDHall that is awesome man!
Caduckster 1 month ago
Thanks for your story....do you still talk to your siblings....I'm 22 and still haven't come out to my parents that's something that I'm too afraid to do...but my friends know.i just don't know how to work up the courage to do so.. My parents are super Christian like yours and everytime my dad sees anything about gay people he immoderately says how he is grossed out and that it is disgusting and all...it's all a bit sad.
cgr389 2 months ago 2
@cgr389 I do talk to my siblings still, yes. In fact, we get along amazingly. I love all three of them with all my heart and they feel the same way. They were all very accepting. I actually just left home yesterday. I was home for Christmas and things went really well. My parents have come a long way from where they were.
Caduckster 2 months ago
Are you a third class? I'm enlisting, and I saw your rank on your uniform.
brentduanefoster 2 months ago
@brentduanefoster yes i am! :)
Caduckster 2 months ago
you are the best...
bogdan4807 3 months ago
It's a shame that your parents don't accept who you are. This is who you are, and they should love just the way you are.
lovessox 3 months ago
It's great that you are out here... If you make one guy stop and think, "maybe I can do something else", then you have done a lot for a whole community..
I look forward to hearing more of your thoughts and events..
Cheers,
b
Byftpup 3 months ago
Must.....resist....homosexual...urges. Cant do it,you are just to hot
lengthyounarther 3 months ago 4
Keep up the good work. i am proud of you being in the military and being out and open. something i wish i could have done the whole 5 years i was in, but could not.
RandolphAgarn1 3 months ago
So glad to hear you are able to be yourself in the Navy. I retired in 2004. For the most part I was unofficially accepted as gay at most duty stations. But the last command I was stationed at I found my chances of making chief go to zero simply because my I was outed to my Division officer by a former friend. I did nothing wrong or inappropriate; I was simply guilty of being gay. I began to realize my career was effectively over and retired.
Drawlen 4 months ago
I was in the Navy about 30 years ago. Before DADT. And my experience was very similar to yours. Everyone knew I was Gay. We still could not be 'open' officially, but there was no great need for secrecy. Officially, I had to deny, deny, deny. And especially for those of us with a top level security clearance, the question came up repeatedly, because our movements were monitored. But at a personal level, there was great acceptance by both my peers and superiors.
jcroce1994 4 months ago 5
@jcroce1994 it's cool to hear that people were accepting even back then. it is awesome to not have to hide who i truly am tho. i can openly talk t without hings out with friends without fear of repercussions whenever need be. :)
Caduckster 4 months ago 3
@jcroce1994 I was also in the militayr before DADT and had to hide it. not one day didnt go by that i didnt worry about getting kicked out. some knew, most didnt. i made it 5 years and got out on my own.
RandolphAgarn1 3 months ago
Great video! Hopefully your parents will come around someday :)
sander91nl 4 months ago
Congrats! Thanks for sharing your story. All the best!
bilcal 4 months ago
Awesome story, thank you for sharing!! :)
crashovrride01 4 months ago
i really wish that i could just come out on facebook just to get this pressure of me but i cant seem to do it i'm only 16 and like my parents accept me and love me and i have a few friends who know but i want to really get it out there
deromo1 4 months ago
@deromo1 It gets easier with every person you tell and eventually you will be able to just put it out there without any hesitation. Don't worry if it takes a little time, just make sure you have people there to support you! :)
Caduckster 4 months ago
@Caduckster You know what dude! I am tired of people and their judgment. SO WHAT that you're into the same gender! Some people just need to think, hey.. Maybe this person just feels more comfortable that way! I salute you for staying strong even though the struggles and I support you 100%!
DrawingRulez 2 months ago
It's great that you're able to come out publicly after the repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell. Best of luck!
dyad44 4 months ago
Taylor you can tell just how happy you are with yourself and it is a thing of beauty. I hope your parents come around but regardless you area great young man and keep on keeping on.
dsc999 4 months ago
Awesome. Came out in the late 60s and never though I'd see this openness. You are strong and smart and I wish you a wonderful life.
xav8rdan 4 months ago
If you were my son - I can't imagine being any prouder of not only your courage, but your service. I would be so proud - I would tell the world, and you daily. Many congratulations on where you are in life and spirit. :-)
clskmstg 4 months ago 21
I find it ironic that conservative,homophobic Christians cherry-pick their text and say that being gay is an abomination,when they do not pay the slightest attention to the passages about eating shrimp, wearing clothing consisting of more than one kind of fabric,befriending others that are not Christian or even the ones that say an entire town including its cattle should be burned to the ground if one person is not christian and that no one should walk on it again.defeating the purpose of the US
AlmostaFlipinSkater 4 months ago 12
@AlmostaFlipinSkater
Never will they acknowledge those proscriptions (forbidden things) that they themselves are in violation of! Comedian Bill Maher has aptly used the expression "Christianists", to describe these folks! So you are indeed "Spot On" my friend!
Blaine
blainebill39 4 months ago
@AlmostaFlipinSkater
Ciao Bello!
Rafi my friend, firstly I cannot believe you're just over the hill from me in San Ramon, small world! What I wanted to say is most self described "Christians" have this absurd obsession with "Mosaic Law" and passing judgement on those whom they believe fall short!
blainebill39 4 months ago
I LOVE U!
MegaUtuber456 4 months ago
hug hug and more hugs for you :) Im very proud of people like you :)
FkingRamirin 4 months ago
Apart from being in the USN, your story is remarkably similar to mine.
gregholbus 4 months ago
So brave of you for doing this! Great to see people being open about their sexuality, especially those who are in the military. Just remember you are loved, by me and many others. Hope you find the love of your life! <3
TheJulsey 4 months ago
LOve u Taylor
LordJimmie 4 months ago in playlist More videos from Caduckster
@LordJimmie aw thanks!! :)
Caduckster 4 months ago
some Christians would make Jesus really angry i think, full of hate not the message of love his ethic was made of. Very glad you have moved on and have a great life in the navy. Hopefully things in the USA are moving to full equality, as we have here in the UK. I have lived through times when being gay was illegal to now when we have equality, so things certainly do get so much better.
gaykernow 4 months ago in playlist More videos from Caduckster
@gaykernow i hope so too! we are slowly making the transition in that direction, so there is definitely a brighter future on the horizon!
Caduckster 4 months ago
love this, I hope you continue to make friends for the right reasons!
Message167 4 months ago
Yours is a terrific video; it is so honest and open. Though it is so very sad how your parents and family have reacted, it is great to hear that your military colleagues and current friends are so accepting of you and do support you. You have given out a very good message here that will be good for others to hear. In fact, I added it to my "Gays: It Gets Better" playlist on my YouTube channel. I truly hope that life keeps going well for you from here on out.
RCSVirginia 4 months ago
If someone were to ask me why I have belonged to the Human Rights Campaign and written it cheques for years, and supported every legislative campaign that it has launched with letters, e-mails and phone calls to Representatives and Senators, and even the White House, I would point to videos such as yours. Knowing that you can be who you are, openly, and without being subjected to discrimination in the military, and be accepted by those around you, lets me know that the fight is worth it.
RCSVirginia 4 months ago
@RCSVirginia You're awesome for doing that! We have come a long way from where we used to be and it is slowly getting better every day. :)
Caduckster 4 months ago 2
Just wonderful what you did very proud of you keep that smile up :) cheer for you.
Leatherson1 4 months ago
just wondering if you went to college, why are you a PO3/E-4?
TheAmericanLinguist 4 months ago
@TheAmericanLinguist I only went for a year because my parents had been paying my bills and when they stopped paying, I had to drop out since I barely had enough money for food and my apartment. Plus I didn't have a job anymore, because I had been working at the school and you have to be a student to work there. So all that catalyzed my decision to enlist.
Caduckster 4 months ago
@Caduckster oh okay, just curious. good thing there's some good educational benefits in the military though. about how long did it take to get to E-4?
TheAmericanLinguist 4 months ago
@TheAmericanLinguist i joined on september 7th, 2010 and made e-4 on may 10, 2011, so about 8 months
Caduckster 4 months ago
@Caduckster Wow, that's really quick. I know E-5s in the Marines and it's taken them 7 years to get there. That's awesome.
TheAmericanLinguist 4 months ago
@TheAmericanLinguist yeah it's because of my job. if i choose to star re-enlist at my 2 year point, i can get automatic e-5, but it adds 2 years to my current contract (6 years). i would rather just take the exam and not have to worry about the extra 2 years since i can probably still get it fairly quickly and i don't plan on staying in past my contract.
Caduckster 4 months ago
@Caduckster oh, okay, that makes sense
TheAmericanLinguist 4 months ago
Awesome story. It's good that you've taken charge of your life by joining the Navy and are making things happen.
th3g00dstuff88 4 months ago
@Caduckster
Taylor a "Video Game Magazine" that had been dog eared? Talk about grasping for straws! They were trying to confirm their suspicions! I'm sorry you had to endure the "Repairative Therapy Hoax", but I'm so darn proud of how you've emerged from it all!
Blaine
blainebill39 4 months ago
@blainebill39 haha well i was only in 7th grade, so i didn't really have much else. i was a very sheltered kid.
Caduckster 4 months ago
That was quite a great story actually. The biggest problem gay/bi people seem to face are the generation above them (typically). My story is kinda similar to yours, minus the parent thing - because nobody really cared that much. They just accepted it - as they should - and it wasn't a big deal.
Drew11189 4 months ago