God's love accepts us as we are yet His grace overcomes our born weaknesses. The Bible says that in our weakness God's strength is magnified bringing even MORE glory to His Almighty name. Believe not the enemy of your soul for: If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. Where sin is strong, God's grace truly abounds more. Trust Him today.
I'm not going to lie to you, this brought me to tears. I am a 13 year old girl and I am in love with my best friend. I am from a Christian family. And even though I don't believe in God, I have to fake it for them. even though I've never liked guys, I have to live a lie to please them. Well, I've decided. I'm going to tell them. Thank you so much. This has really changed my life. "The time we have on this earth is too short. Don't waist it living someone else's life." Steve Jobs
A friend of mine uploaded this video to facebook. I was surprised (but not in a bad way). I knew a lot of the people here and your father subs at my school. My older sister used to date Alex and we were always over for bible quiz. I'm proud of you, all of you... Even if you don't know me.
I am so glad I found this video, it was so inspirational. I can relate on so many levels; I grew up in a conservative baptist home (everyone in my family is baptist), and I pretty much spent most of my life hearing that God hated gays and lesbians. It was the hardest thing I'd ever done coming out to my family, and our relationship has never been the same, but I'm glad I'm not living in the dark anymore. Anyways, great video, and I hope tons more people see it! This message needs to be heard!
What a wonderfully done video. The intolerance and bigotry in our country is... intolerable. Thank you for making this video. Being honest is a pretty powerful message.. and truth.
Wow! I am Very Grateful that God led me to your youtube video. I have been very depressed 4 a while & ur video has blessed me again with a ray of hope just as it says in Jeremiah 29:11. I was searching in a dating site that I have made a profile in and ran across your youtube address. Thank you for calling me friend in the video. It means a lot! I would like to get to know u better as a friend in Christ. Thanks 4 ur call to honesty and rest as well as ur desire 2 shine a light 4 others 2 see. :)
I'm 24 years old and just now got the courage to come out as lesbian! My mom doesn't believe me, but my dad has been nothing but supportive! When I came out to myself, three weeks ago, I balled like a baby, praying to God to at least make me bisexual so that I could have a fighting chance at a "normal" life (sorry to all bi people out there for that). I tried to go back to being bi(what I came out as 1st) but I couldn't, I was gay there was no going back. I have good days and bad but I try!
@michaeldeangray Thanks so much! Really needed that today! I really mean it, it's a battle everyday, especially since everything seems to be going to crap(I'm unemployed and living at home but I'm trying to find a way to move out). I think I need to give her time, and as long as we don't talk about it, we're good! I'm going to pride though. I've taught myself that I'm 24 I have to live my life without getting her permission!
i'm bisexual and i've always hated myself. i just recently came out mainly to myself. i always felt like a freak because i had feeling for both genders. but then i got educated and learned what being bi truly is, now i don't!
I'm using this video to come out on Facebook tomorrow (4/24, Easter). Thank you so much @michaeldeangray for making this. I really feel that people will understand a little bit more when they watch it. :) <3
Very nice! Thank you for sharing a part or ur difficult journey with us...if we could get to a place as a community, teach acceptance, may be it wouldn't have to be so hard for someone else.
WOW! Michael, what a great video you posted! I'm very much inspired by your video and was wondering if we could use it in the Netherlands for our guest lessons at schools about sexual diversity & discrimination ?
@avaiboot Exactly. Through the relative anonymousity of the internet it is hard to know who is who.
Some things are choices, like my choice to join in this discussion, but the choice of orientation has been proven time and time again not to be a choice by the scientific and medial communities.
Could you wake up tomorrow and decide to like someone of the same gender?
@shanoodlep if you feel atracted to plp of the same gender, you made a choice, even years bfore. it also happens to kids, but plp say they are to young to make this choice
and no, i cant wake up tomorrow and choose to be homosexual, as it is a much complex thing, and ive already chosen to like weman
@avaiboot im tired as well,tired of people like you saying its a choice, i have more important things to do than "debate" on youtube videos, if you wanna believe its a choice than go head and believe it. theres about a million other people out there who think its NOT a choice. peace out buddy boy
@speedx50 this is the internet, if you are tired of plp believing in their own terms then you should turn off your pc and read a book, instead of debating with someone who is heterosexual
I found this a very well produced video, helpful. I have always wondered when I was a kid y it was that I had more crushes on girls thenguys, bit as I grew older, simply followed the flow and ignored that side of me. until the last year, I did not confront my own feelings with yself, and acknowledge that I am bisexual. Only my absolute closest friends I trust know. I am having a hardtime telling my family especially since I am with a guy that I love. My family would disown me,so its difficult
Hey, just wanted to say that this video is amazing. I live and have always lived in Maine. I'm currently in the closet, only out to my mother and two uncles. This video, although tied to religion a little too much for my liking, is very insirational not only for myself but for others as well. So thank you for the time, thought, and heart you and your friends put into this video. I plan on coming out on Thanksgiving while I have my mom here. Wish me luck. -Moonlight
Unbelievable story - I grew up in Bradford and attended Bangor Christian Schools back in the 70's and early 80's. Good for you for having the inner strength to accept yourself and be proud - only wish I had done the same way back in the day. Have been out for a while now - however my family is not exactly understanding (Bradford Baptist church) or accepting. So after watching this, you are my role model. Way to go.
Thanks for sharing your story in such a beautifully sincere, heartfelt, inspiring, way. I hope that your sincere, compassionate, heart, will lead you to continued growth in true love, goodness, and inner peace, symbolized by your soulful walk through the beautiful woods of Maine, in all of their autumn splendor (I am a fellow Mainer) . As you remain open to the intuitive "still small voice" of core integrity, perhaps life and love may guide you in ways that you may not have considered before.
What a truly powerful and moving story!! Excellently done and hopefully a wide audience will view it and realize there is nothing wrong with being gay!! No, I'm not, however, my best friends are...besides my husband...and I wouldn't trade them or their lifestyle for anything!! And, although someone wondered about Jews or Muslims, the DO believe in G-d. Just differently as are gays!!
I am also a Christian who wishes I could have seen this video when I was younger. I am also a Christian who went through hell to try to reconcile my Faith with my sexuality. I am also longing to find a guy like him to be in a relationship with.
As another Christian who just happens to be gay, thank you; thank you; thank you for this video. In eight minutes, you've captured the story of so many of us who struggled and fought so hard against who God made us to be, because we weren't what others wanted us to be. I'm so honored to know the grace of Christ in my life; to share it with others; and to offer honesty and hope to those who haven't found the end of that tunnel yet. Thank you again for shining a great light that way.
I must say, I have a very negative view of established religion. Despite that, this video is quite positive and if it can help even one person into honesty then I can swallow my dislike of its motivation. You're very brave to put this in such a public forum and I commend you for doing so; I hope that you continue to be an example for other gay youth. Thank you.
Thank you for your honesty and courage, Michael. I wish I would have had the courage to 'be me' thirty years ago. Six & half years ago I, too, was able to 'rest'. Thank you for doing your part in making it better for all of the young and not so young who walk in similar shoes. My hope is your video touches LGBTQ and straight folk alike. We have to work together to make the world a better place.
I came out about three years ago. I was home schooled all12 grades and grew up as a pastors kid in a Pentecostal church. Your whole story is almost identical to mine and I just wanted to thank you for being vocal with your faith. you have inspired me.
Because of this video, I came out to my family and (though I cannot say it was easy) they accepted it; they still love me. It is now easier for me to be me, to love myself, and to love others with honesty. ~ THANK YOU Michael. You & your friends helped save me (and my soul).
Because of this video, I came out to my family and (though I cannot say it was easy) they accepted it; they still love me. It is now easier for me to be me, to love myself, and to love others with honesty. ~ THANK YOU Michael. You & your friends helped save me (and my soul).
An excellent video! I totally relate to the part where you talk about how you finally surrendered your thoughts to God and He kept you gay. I had a similar experience when I finally faced up to who I was with myself and with God. His response was very surprising. And now I am living honestly and with rest and joy. I just married the woman I love in a beautiful ceremony performed by our pastor (I believe the first same-sex marriage in the Vineyard in Canada) and another pastor.
"Cum dilectione hominem et odio vitiorum" (With love for mankind and hatred of sins.) - St. Augustine of Hippo. Basically, love the sinner and hate the sin. Everyone deserves respect. It's the sins that cause us to lose dignity.
wow this video is so amazing....this helped me and i'm sure many other teens before me and will continue to help more and more people....so from the bottom of my heart thank you....cause i'm proud of the way God made me and God made me to be trans and that's who i won't be afraid to be=')
Wow, great message... Congratulations on this realization in your life. You have a great understanding. Your generation's consciousness is heightened.. By the next generation, homosexuality won't be an issue!!! (fingers crossed)
Find yourself, be yourself and love yourself!! Enjoy being you!!
Michael, I am SO proud of you. I came out in March of 1999 at the age of 19. After 10 years of searching, I found my soul mate and I married him two months ago. I couldn't be happier. Aside from the opposing side we see in the media, in my personal life I am surrounded by love. The wedding was solid proof of that. I hope you realize that more than one kid thinking about suicide is going to see your video and is going to choose a full life all because of you.
michael i want you to know how very special you are to the world. your talents and kindness, and love are so special to others. my gay son came out at 15 but i always knew he was not like his siblings from birth. but he is great and i could not care anymore for him or his great friends as i do, they provide me with the utmost respect and love. i feel complete when they are around me. they are so fine and giving. i have never been prouder than i am of my son and i will always be proud of him.
The eloquence of others makes the road easier for those less fortunate. There is no difference in sexual discimination than in religious intolerance, racism, or any other form of bigotry. I am proud to be a heterosexual male, and I am proud that one of my best friends is not... This video has said everything that he can not; and he deserves to have his voice heard as well.
wow... this video was amazing. thank you for helping me understand that it is ok to be yourself. now i am going to have more confidence in coming out... thank you again =)
Wow! Such a great job of debunking the religious groups claims against gays, while being respectful to a belief in God, any God. Truly inspiring story. Thank you.
Thanks for sharing your story, Michael--it takes a lot of courage, especially on youtube where people can be pretty vicious. People will always hate and homosexuals seem to be a favorite "hated," but clearly you're just trying to live your life and be honest with who you are. I really like how you challenge parts of the bible traditionally used to attack gays. People tend to let their righteous beliefs drown out their ability for empathy and understanding. Beautiful cinematography, too!
Michael--what a wonderful video--powerful, honest, and wonderfully presented! Love is the answer, of course. Too bad so many gays feel it necessary to confuse love and sex, and make the whole thing confrontational. I love to hear about love, but feel sex should be personal and private.
I wish you love and the best of luck on your personal journey.
Michael: When God made you and your parents got you as a gift from God, he made you what you are today, a great person that loves men, the same way God made other people that love women. But do not let anyone tell you that you are going down the sin path or that you will go to hell because God is the only one that can judge. Kudos to you: great video made by a great young man that has the courage to say: this is who I am and God made me this way.
@michaeldeangray I must tell you, that as a 48 year old Man, whos' own sister went around High School begging pity because her brother was gay, even though I wasn't out ( we are talking the late 70's early 80's here), then I joined the milirtary in the early 80's, and contracting HIV in 1985, I am very proud where we have gotten to and with people like you willing top step up to the plate, where we are going. all I want to say is Thank you ! Great Job !
I admire your courage and eloquence, Michael. I consider myself one of the lucky ones. i finally came out to my family when I was 35 after reading a Rob Eichberg's book, Coming Out: An Act of Love. I'm now 53, and my partner and I will celebrate our 20th anniversary in March. Good luck, people. It really does get better.
WoW! You are a truly amazing person! Thank you, sooooo much, for this video. I really needed to see this it today, and will definitely be passing it on.
i will ALWAYS hate on gay people, no matter of the GAY videos they make, manely because they are GAY and they suck cock!
siriously, homosexuality is a mental sickness and it should be healed!! now im not a religious or something, i HATE religion, but i also hate gay people because they carry themselves like faggets and they like man
to all gay people: try to fuck a woman till u get normal xD
@KingOfShadows1500 Awww. . . c'mon. Come out, come out, wherever you are! You don't have to loathe yourself for being gay. See, that's what this video's all about. . . accepting yourself. Come on. . . you can do it!
@michaeldeangray Aw, c'mon. Lawnmowers have higher standards than that, just like women and little girls. Kingsy obviously couldn't get close enough to any of those to get help with his spelling.
Great video. Shows what a person with intelligence and character is capable of. Nice to see what can be done by someone who doesn't need help producing a simple sentence.
@KingOfShadows1500 wow dude, not only you don't speak or type english the way it should be done but it seems as if you are one homosexual yourself. Stop living the lie and accept that you are a fag.
@navy4567 i dont have problemes with my english its called ABBREVIATIONS! stupid idiot! and y are u calling me a homosexual while the video says not to insult people with this? FAIL! haha and im not a homo, in fact i like woman and i DISLIKE this video, you like MEN and you like this video, so you are GAAAAY!
@Namaste4Me dude, y are u defending gay people? is it because you are gay? im not disgusting but i hate gay people because being gay is like being schizophrenic! its sickness! do you really think its normal for a man to put in penis in an other`s man ass???? i dont think so! and if you do well it means you have serious problems!
@KingOfShadows1500 I 'm defending gay people because I remember the bible asks me to love my fellow man.. Try to think of all people, even gay people, as your fellow man who struggling along just like you. Picture everyone as a small child, and don't listen to anybody but yourself. Ask yourself, and your god, whatever you believe in...if you really hate and don't understand others
@Namaste4Me WAATT???? my god?? dude ure religious?? man u gotta suck balls!! religion sucks and i dont belive in anything cuz god DOES NOT exist, stupid nerd! and the bible is just a bunch of shit! my religion is Hardcore Metal xD OH YEAH! and gay people suck because they have problems so im not gonna ask anyone im just gonna go listen to some great metallica songs :D
@KingOfShadows1500 For a 14 years old kid to abbreviate is one thing, to say I'm born in 1996, etc.. last comment about you forever. If you hate religion and there is no god according to your own words, this is not the place and time for you to criticize anything or at least, not the proper forum If you love women is one thing, hating other just because there are different (gay) is like hating bulgarians just because they are bulgarians. .
@navy4567 dude, being gay isnt normal! its like being schizophrenic! its a mental problem and it ISNT normal! beaing bulgarian is like being canadian or whatever... but being gay is like being sick!! and they act like they were normal!! thats y i hate them!
I'm a straight, non-christian woman, but your message speaks to me as well. I, too, have secrets that has become to big for prevarication and lies. Thank you for this beautiful, moving, inspiring video.
Thank you for being your honest selves! Rigorous honesty is the cornerstone of recovery from the neurosis of heterosexism that is based on the irrational lie called heterosexual-supremacy. Rigorous dishonesty is the cornerstone of the lie.
so um what happens to jewish gay kids? or muslim gay kids? or atheists gay kids? do they all go to hell because they have not accepted god, and therefore god doesn't accept them? sorry, but this video is a little too tied in with religion for my taste.
@bassrocks9 Hhmm. That's a good point. The Bible teaches that the way to heaven is accepting Jesus's sacrifice for our sins and loving God with your everything. But this video isn't supposed to prove one theological doctrine or religion over another. It's simply to start communication; whoever it is that you are, be honest about it!
@bassrocks9 I think the video is geared more towards the gay Christian's struggle in particular. I bet the difficulty that devout Jewish or Muslim gay people go through is similar...they face discrimination as a result of legalistic interpretations of their holy texts as well.
As far as them going to hell, that's not what this video is about. Just as the Bible is up to interpretation regarding what are perceived to be anti-gay Scriptures, so are other Scriptures about who goes to heaven.
@bassrocks9 They address what they know. Will you now attack them because they don't presume to know or speak for how gays in other religions feel? These kids addressed through the god they know because IS what they and what they've grown up with. That is the god many of them have been told hates them. They have made no attempt to shut out those of other faiths and I think you are a petty ass for bringing it up at all. If you're so concerned? Make your own video.
@bassrocks9 I think their inclusion of their faith in this message is a reflection of their overall message: be who you are. They are people of faith - great for them! I am a Soka Gakkai Buddhist and proudly out about being gay. I believe their message still applies to me.
@bassrocks9 I think their inclusion of their faith in this message is a reflection of their overall message: be who you are. They are people of faith - great for them! I am a Soka Gakkai Buddhist and proudly out about being gay. I believe their message still applies to me.
wish i had a video like this when i came out. would have been much easier to know i wasnt alone in how i was feeling. i would like to know the name of the song the woman sings about love near the end.
wish i had a video like this when i came out. would have been much easier to know i wasnt alone in how i was feeling. i would like to know the name of the song the woman sings about love near the end.
@jan25ny I think the song you're talking about is "The Lost Get Found" by Britt Nicole. I love her music! She's actually coming in concert with a couple other artists at my church, Charleston Pentecostal Church, October 30th. Excited excited excited.
This is a wonderful video, and I'm glad that you made it. I'm sharing it with my friends because I think that everyone should see this. Well Done! And stay proud, my friend!
One of the best videos I have seen on this subject. It's beautifully done, well intentioned, loving in it's execution! I'm 50 and I've had these feelings since I was 10!!! NO one understood back then. And it was scary. Now there are so many accepting people. Please continue to get the word out. Love always conquers all.
I am a straight, older woman. It is about time someone made this video. I wish there was more support for others who do not fit the "mold". Everyone makes a contribution in this world, no matter who they are. When we devalue others, it makes us look stupid. We are all the same, with different gifts. We have no right to judge others, and should leave that job to our creator! Imagine on judgment day, finding out we were wrong! Love never fails... that applies to everything, no exceptions!
Michael, this is great. I shared it on FB. I'm honored to get in on this when you only have 4,501 hits! Hold on to your hat, and ignore the hate mail. I did a video called "Hockey Mama For Obama" that got 1,000,000 hits in 2 weeks during the election! It's mind blowing. But the haters are just crazy. Ignore them. Enjoy the power to delete and block them!
This was so beautiful; thank you for posting it. I'm Catholic, and I'm queer, and too often those two important parts of my life - those two important parts of who I am - are at odds with one another. This was stunning.
@kruele Haha Thanks! YOU are the audience who I'm most flattered to like the film - becuase the message doesn't have anything directly to do with you. :) The biggest thing I wanted people to understand isn't "It's fabulous to be gay!" It's simply, "Be honest about who you are, and get to know the real selves of the people around you - even our broken, ugly, weird, or forgotten neighbors. Love unconditionally."
Thanks for posting this. As a former lesbian [20 yrs] I completely understand your position. You're right we do not choose our feelings or attractions. I would like to apologize for the way the church has treated the homosexual community. I received the same looks, thoughts, and condemnation. It was only after I realized that the life wasn't what it was cracked up to be did I realize that God loved me too much to keep me where I was. My perception of his love for me changed... so did my desires.
@pjlindenr1 Your remarks, while they *sound* very heartfelt and sincere, are patently false. There's no such thing as "former lesbian" or "ex-gay." There are homosexuals, there are bisexuals and there are heterosexuals. You cannot change from one to another. Anyone who claims differently is either dishonest or in denial. There is absolutely no empirical evidence to support the concept of ex-gay. There is only anecdotal evidence, at best. . . and it's flimsy.
I think what he meant by we didn't choose to be gay is to let people know he didn't just wake up one day and decide he would be gay. He made it very clear it's who you are. This is a video all people that don't understand that need to watch. Kudos
If you are a GLBTQ Youth and you've had thoughts of suicide, call 866-4-U-Trevor, 866-488-7386. You are not alone.. And to the rest of us: On Oct. 11th, call on Congress to pass the Safe Schools legislation now. Please share everywhere.
Amazing job, young man. I'm very impressed & plan to do everything in my power to help your video go viral! Great message. . . only tag I might add would be "It Gets Better."
ok, i think you have a very good message here, and its a very beautiful video but i just wanted to say that if i had the choice i would still be gay... and the way you said we didn't chose to be gay... it sounds like we wouldn't if we had the choice..... and maybe some people wouldn't, but i know plenty who would...
@samualgregory But, it's not a choice. That being said, if there were a "cure" available for homosexuality, I would not take it. I have no reason to dislike my life as it currently stands. But the video's message that it's not reasonable to "choose" a life fraught with condemnation, unnatural stresses, bullying and other challenges is perfectly valid. Good for you if you didn't experience any form of self loathing along your path to adulthood. But, you're the exception, not the rule.
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This is the most narcissistically-driven piece 'o crap media I've watched in a while. Remember the n-word? When it mattered fifty years ago no one said shit! Use the n-word today and people will lose their mind laying into you like you're some corporeal demon. It's the same with being gay now, when it mattered no one said SHIT! Now that it doesn't matter people are making self-involved video-shorts proclaiming "they are who they are" and people are applauding like it's courageous. I'm all set..
If I could hug you right now - I would! Amazingly done - brilliantly honest! I am adding a link to this on my website - you can find it by searching Amanda Edwards and Kindness - its called TheKindnessRevolution but it has .ME at the end. I wish you all happiness in this life! You are an amazing person! Well and Justly made by GOD! Just the way he planned!
Seriously, I know you're trying, but people don't hate gays because 'the Bible says to'. The guys who write "Kill all fags" on restroom walls are not acting under Biblical direction or divine inspiration, but out of a need to feel superior to someone, or accepted by their peers, or because they think it's funny. No amount of "Go read your Bible" is going to make them be nice to gays.
For those who condemn homosexuality because you think the Bible tells you to: Do you eat lobster, crab, or shrimp? Leviticus 11:9-12 and Deuteronomy 14:9-10 unambiguously prohibit shellfish. If the Bible is a valid argument against homosexuality, it's a valid argument against eating lobster, crab, and shrimp.
Thank you so much for your courage and honesty. I live only a few miles from you, and I work to help young GLBT people accept who they are and cope with the struggles of being young and different. Your message is a blessing!
they leave out the bible verse in 1corinthians.the one i always use.satan will decive you..homosexuality is a sin like all other sin.no better and no worse.i know people that once struggled with homosexuality that are now set free.the homosexual spirit is a hard spirit to brake,but it can be overcome with jesus.god still loves the homosexuals just as much as anyone else.god doesnt make people gay.satan makes them believe they are.if you truely surrender it to god,you can be set free.god bless
@powdrpunkgrrl: My god does not judge people and say that people are being influenced by satan if they are gay. I understand that you believe that this is the case, but it does not make it true. People like you do a lot of damage to gay youth, trying to brainwash them into thinking they can change and not be gay, when in the real world the only cure for being gay is to accept that you are, and learn to accept it. My god will not send you to hell for something that you cannot change.
If you know anyone who has been "set free", they are not gay. It sounds like you are talking about reparative therapies. Sorry, but these methods have been solidly rejected by every mainstream medical and mental health organization out there. You need to do your homework. And let me say, you haven't earned the right to tell gay people about being gay. You do, however, have the obligation to listen to people who know more about their authentic selves than you do. Start listening.
@powdrpunkgrrl: And furthermore, even if we assume that the bible is the actual word of the one and only god, like you do, the word is still being interpreted by flawed and small human beings who can never fully understand what a god meant in a book such as the bible. As is commonly known, the bible is full of contradictions and phrases that can be interpreted many different ways. So god bless you too, but stop talking about things that you know nothing about!
Try to get a full sentence together for once. I can barely understand what you're trying to write. About the validity of your suggestion, there are no "spirits" dwelling within gay people, just like there are no "Satanic" influences in people with speech impediments, with no limps, mental problems, lepers, albinos etc.
Your post reminds me of a period in the medieval times when mentally disturbed people got their cranium drilled into so the "devil" in them can leave.
@powdrpunkgrrl set free? I don't think god created millions of mistakes. This has nothing to do with Satan and doesn't need to be overcome. Jesus said love one another. Not love one another if they're straight. I love how many christians decide to decipher the bible and make judgement. My son is gay and loves the lord with all his heart. He goes to SMU a christian university and sings in the church. It's not about surrendering it's about not being ashamed of who you are.
God's love accepts us as we are yet His grace overcomes our born weaknesses. The Bible says that in our weakness God's strength is magnified bringing even MORE glory to His Almighty name. Believe not the enemy of your soul for: If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. Where sin is strong, God's grace truly abounds more. Trust Him today.
jsisco11 1 month ago
I'm not going to lie to you, this brought me to tears. I am a 13 year old girl and I am in love with my best friend. I am from a Christian family. And even though I don't believe in God, I have to fake it for them. even though I've never liked guys, I have to live a lie to please them. Well, I've decided. I'm going to tell them. Thank you so much. This has really changed my life. "The time we have on this earth is too short. Don't waist it living someone else's life." Steve Jobs
GingerTheArcanine123 1 month ago
A friend of mine uploaded this video to facebook. I was surprised (but not in a bad way). I knew a lot of the people here and your father subs at my school. My older sister used to date Alex and we were always over for bible quiz. I'm proud of you, all of you... Even if you don't know me.
username6231994 2 months ago
I am so glad I found this video, it was so inspirational. I can relate on so many levels; I grew up in a conservative baptist home (everyone in my family is baptist), and I pretty much spent most of my life hearing that God hated gays and lesbians. It was the hardest thing I'd ever done coming out to my family, and our relationship has never been the same, but I'm glad I'm not living in the dark anymore. Anyways, great video, and I hope tons more people see it! This message needs to be heard!
heartlessnobody2 3 months ago
Very moving, very much my life. Thank you for telling your story and for sharing such an uplifting message.
dswain13 5 months ago
What a wonderfully done video. The intolerance and bigotry in our country is... intolerable. Thank you for making this video. Being honest is a pretty powerful message.. and truth.
flameoutguy 5 months ago
Wow! I am Very Grateful that God led me to your youtube video. I have been very depressed 4 a while & ur video has blessed me again with a ray of hope just as it says in Jeremiah 29:11. I was searching in a dating site that I have made a profile in and ran across your youtube address. Thank you for calling me friend in the video. It means a lot! I would like to get to know u better as a friend in Christ. Thanks 4 ur call to honesty and rest as well as ur desire 2 shine a light 4 others 2 see. :)
bmoss8077 5 months ago
I'm 24 years old and just now got the courage to come out as lesbian! My mom doesn't believe me, but my dad has been nothing but supportive! When I came out to myself, three weeks ago, I balled like a baby, praying to God to at least make me bisexual so that I could have a fighting chance at a "normal" life (sorry to all bi people out there for that). I tried to go back to being bi(what I came out as 1st) but I couldn't, I was gay there was no going back. I have good days and bad but I try!
sillykatz 6 months ago
@sillykatz I am wicked proud of you! Let me know how everything goes for you.
michaeldeangray 5 months ago
@michaeldeangray Thanks so much! Really needed that today! I really mean it, it's a battle everyday, especially since everything seems to be going to crap(I'm unemployed and living at home but I'm trying to find a way to move out). I think I need to give her time, and as long as we don't talk about it, we're good! I'm going to pride though. I've taught myself that I'm 24 I have to live my life without getting her permission!
sillykatz 5 months ago
This video is incredible! I wish I had the strength to do this. Beautifully done!
B3comewhatU3at 6 months ago
I will NEVER accept homosexuality. I don't know why, but I am homophobic.
Japansepuppy2481 7 months ago
@Japansepuppy2481 at least you are honest. but you should try and figure it out
bossfo 7 months ago
Respond to this video... Very Moving and I wish you the best!
bossfo 7 months ago
i'm bisexual and i've always hated myself. i just recently came out mainly to myself. i always felt like a freak because i had feeling for both genders. but then i got educated and learned what being bi truly is, now i don't!
sillykatz 8 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
Love this video! Have watched it many times, gets better everytime!!
JamiLynn85 8 months ago
I'm using this video to come out on Facebook tomorrow (4/24, Easter). Thank you so much @michaeldeangray for making this. I really feel that people will understand a little bit more when they watch it. :) <3
EternallyFree07 10 months ago
Wow! That was beautiful.
KeithHartman1 10 months ago
Very nice! Thank you for sharing a part or ur difficult journey with us...if we could get to a place as a community, teach acceptance, may be it wouldn't have to be so hard for someone else.
btownznd80 11 months ago
WOW! Michael, what a great video you posted! I'm very much inspired by your video and was wondering if we could use it in the Netherlands for our guest lessons at schools about sexual diversity & discrimination ?
Elysium2000 1 year ago
you actually choose to like men...
avaiboot 1 year ago
@avaiboot You actually choose to be a douche...
shanoodlep 1 year ago
@shanoodlep i preffer beein a douche than beein a homosexual
avaiboot 1 year ago
@avaiboot Good to know.
shanoodlep 1 year ago
@shanoodlep i gess you are gay
avaiboot 1 year ago
@avaiboot *guess
You will never know.
I could be one of the many straight allies standing up for inequality.
You don't even know what gender I am.
shanoodlep 1 year ago
@shanoodlep or you could be a woman, who choose to piss people
excuse me, but you also dont know what i think of peoples choices in life
and yes, plp choose what they like to do
avaiboot 1 year ago
@avaiboot Exactly. Through the relative anonymousity of the internet it is hard to know who is who.
Some things are choices, like my choice to join in this discussion, but the choice of orientation has been proven time and time again not to be a choice by the scientific and medial communities.
Could you wake up tomorrow and decide to like someone of the same gender?
shanoodlep 1 year ago
@shanoodlep if you feel atracted to plp of the same gender, you made a choice, even years bfore. it also happens to kids, but plp say they are to young to make this choice
and no, i cant wake up tomorrow and choose to be homosexual, as it is a much complex thing, and ive already chosen to like weman
avaiboot 1 year ago
@avaiboot You can't even spell "attracted", "people" or "women" right.
I think that proves my point honey.
shanoodlep 1 year ago
@shanoodlep if you dont have any facts to prove you pick on misspellings?
anyway ''honey'', my main language is portuguese
avaiboot 1 year ago
@avaiboot so im assuming you chose to like women then, right?
speedx50 1 year ago
@speedx50 right
avaiboot 1 year ago
@avaiboot how?
speedx50 1 year ago
@speedx50 i just chose it, like i choose to eat a sandvich or a meal
avaiboot 1 year ago
@avaiboot thats HIGHLY debatable
speedx50 1 year ago
@speedx50 hehe, do you want to debate? cuz im tired
avaiboot 1 year ago
@avaiboot im tired as well,tired of people like you saying its a choice, i have more important things to do than "debate" on youtube videos, if you wanna believe its a choice than go head and believe it. theres about a million other people out there who think its NOT a choice. peace out buddy boy
speedx50 1 year ago
@speedx50 this is the internet, if you are tired of plp believing in their own terms then you should turn off your pc and read a book, instead of debating with someone who is heterosexual
avaiboot 1 year ago
@avaiboot whatever dude, youre an idiot
speedx50 1 year ago
@speedx50 and youre gay
avaiboot 1 year ago
@avaiboot yes I am
speedx50 1 year ago
You are so adorable, want too give you a big hug and a kiss on your cheek... thanks for doing this!
vegas787 1 year ago
I found this a very well produced video, helpful. I have always wondered when I was a kid y it was that I had more crushes on girls thenguys, bit as I grew older, simply followed the flow and ignored that side of me. until the last year, I did not confront my own feelings with yself, and acknowledge that I am bisexual. Only my absolute closest friends I trust know. I am having a hardtime telling my family especially since I am with a guy that I love. My family would disown me,so its difficult
DestinyAwaits92 1 year ago
Hey, just wanted to say that this video is amazing. I live and have always lived in Maine. I'm currently in the closet, only out to my mother and two uncles. This video, although tied to religion a little too much for my liking, is very insirational not only for myself but for others as well. So thank you for the time, thought, and heart you and your friends put into this video. I plan on coming out on Thanksgiving while I have my mom here. Wish me luck. -Moonlight
Moonlight935 1 year ago
@Moonlight935 Thanks! And definitely good luck! Let me know how it goes for you.
michaeldeangray 1 year ago
Nice video, congratulations on becoming happy with life and good luck.
sofraj 1 year ago
Unbelievable story - I grew up in Bradford and attended Bangor Christian Schools back in the 70's and early 80's. Good for you for having the inner strength to accept yourself and be proud - only wish I had done the same way back in the day. Have been out for a while now - however my family is not exactly understanding (Bradford Baptist church) or accepting. So after watching this, you are my role model. Way to go.
randallken 1 year ago
Thanks for sharing your story in such a beautifully sincere, heartfelt, inspiring, way. I hope that your sincere, compassionate, heart, will lead you to continued growth in true love, goodness, and inner peace, symbolized by your soulful walk through the beautiful woods of Maine, in all of their autumn splendor (I am a fellow Mainer) . As you remain open to the intuitive "still small voice" of core integrity, perhaps life and love may guide you in ways that you may not have considered before.
Togetherness8 1 year ago
What a truly powerful and moving story!! Excellently done and hopefully a wide audience will view it and realize there is nothing wrong with being gay!! No, I'm not, however, my best friends are...besides my husband...and I wouldn't trade them or their lifestyle for anything!! And, although someone wondered about Jews or Muslims, the DO believe in G-d. Just differently as are gays!!
jsimmonsfox 1 year ago
Everyone needs to see this video... simply everyone.
God has blessed you Michael - and through you, has blessed us all.
mikeindc3 1 year ago
I am also a Christian who wishes I could have seen this video when I was younger. I am also a Christian who went through hell to try to reconcile my Faith with my sexuality. I am also longing to find a guy like him to be in a relationship with.
pumperboy4u 1 year ago
As another Christian who just happens to be gay, thank you; thank you; thank you for this video. In eight minutes, you've captured the story of so many of us who struggled and fought so hard against who God made us to be, because we weren't what others wanted us to be. I'm so honored to know the grace of Christ in my life; to share it with others; and to offer honesty and hope to those who haven't found the end of that tunnel yet. Thank you again for shining a great light that way.
solopatriot70 1 year ago
Amazing and awesome!
AffirmingNetwork 1 year ago
That was beautiful thank you for this, I'll share it!
Flygyac 1 year ago
I must say, I have a very negative view of established religion. Despite that, this video is quite positive and if it can help even one person into honesty then I can swallow my dislike of its motivation. You're very brave to put this in such a public forum and I commend you for doing so; I hope that you continue to be an example for other gay youth. Thank you.
gatorco11 1 year ago
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Poohsdoodle 1 year ago
Thank you for your honesty and courage, Michael. I wish I would have had the courage to 'be me' thirty years ago. Six & half years ago I, too, was able to 'rest'. Thank you for doing your part in making it better for all of the young and not so young who walk in similar shoes. My hope is your video touches LGBTQ and straight folk alike. We have to work together to make the world a better place.
Poohsdoodle 1 year ago
Speechless! WOW! This is so very powerful - thank you so much for sharing this with the rest of the world!
-Pastor Patrick Potts
Family Worship Center
Apostolic Pentecostal Church
FWCBroadcasting 1 year ago
I wish more people would have the courage to do just this... I really wish I had it when I was his age, but I am doing it now.
If all 'you' can do is tolerate me, than please just leave my life. Being gay is just a very small part of me.
CCProgressives 1 year ago
I just wanted to say thanks.
I came out about three years ago. I was home schooled all12 grades and grew up as a pastors kid in a Pentecostal church. Your whole story is almost identical to mine and I just wanted to thank you for being vocal with your faith. you have inspired me.
mspidermane 1 year ago 7
@mspidermane Joey, you're amazing!
CCProgressives 1 year ago
@iluvmusick09 Yup, every week! I love it and the people there. :-)
michaeldeangray 1 year ago
Wonderful words to live by and plenty to think about! Thanks!
bilcal 1 year ago
Because of this video, I came out to my family and (though I cannot say it was easy) they accepted it; they still love me. It is now easier for me to be me, to love myself, and to love others with honesty. ~ THANK YOU Michael. You & your friends helped save me (and my soul).
SicilianJazz 1 year ago 12
@SicilianJazz Oh wow. You're welcome!!! I know it doesn't help with your family, but I am wicked proud of you!
michaeldeangray 1 year ago
Because of this video, I came out to my family and (though I cannot say it was easy) they accepted it; they still love me. It is now easier for me to be me, to love myself, and to love others with honesty. ~ THANK YOU Michael. You & your friends helped save me (and my soul).
SicilianJazz 1 year ago 2
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MurfQ 1 year ago
An excellent video! I totally relate to the part where you talk about how you finally surrendered your thoughts to God and He kept you gay. I had a similar experience when I finally faced up to who I was with myself and with God. His response was very surprising. And now I am living honestly and with rest and joy. I just married the woman I love in a beautiful ceremony performed by our pastor (I believe the first same-sex marriage in the Vineyard in Canada) and another pastor.
MurfQ 1 year ago
"Cum dilectione hominem et odio vitiorum" (With love for mankind and hatred of sins.) - St. Augustine of Hippo. Basically, love the sinner and hate the sin. Everyone deserves respect. It's the sins that cause us to lose dignity.
jeremyLLdc 1 year ago
wow this video is so amazing....this helped me and i'm sure many other teens before me and will continue to help more and more people....so from the bottom of my heart thank you....cause i'm proud of the way God made me and God made me to be trans and that's who i won't be afraid to be=')
kabutofan911 1 year ago
you are an amazing young man. I wish I were as brave as you are when I was your age. Kudos to you good sir!!
slmeyer22 1 year ago
Michael,
Wow, great message... Congratulations on this realization in your life. You have a great understanding. Your generation's consciousness is heightened.. By the next generation, homosexuality won't be an issue!!! (fingers crossed)
Find yourself, be yourself and love yourself!! Enjoy being you!!
In Love and Respect,
Tym Moss
MelodyManNY 1 year ago
Michael, I am SO proud of you. I came out in March of 1999 at the age of 19. After 10 years of searching, I found my soul mate and I married him two months ago. I couldn't be happier. Aside from the opposing side we see in the media, in my personal life I am surrounded by love. The wedding was solid proof of that. I hope you realize that more than one kid thinking about suicide is going to see your video and is going to choose a full life all because of you.
shaunboy579 1 year ago
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shaunboy579 1 year ago
michael i want you to know how very special you are to the world. your talents and kindness, and love are so special to others. my gay son came out at 15 but i always knew he was not like his siblings from birth. but he is great and i could not care anymore for him or his great friends as i do, they provide me with the utmost respect and love. i feel complete when they are around me. they are so fine and giving. i have never been prouder than i am of my son and i will always be proud of him.
thesmothermama 1 year ago
The eloquence of others makes the road easier for those less fortunate. There is no difference in sexual discimination than in religious intolerance, racism, or any other form of bigotry. I am proud to be a heterosexual male, and I am proud that one of my best friends is not... This video has said everything that he can not; and he deserves to have his voice heard as well.
zacharybsmith1975 1 year ago
wow... this video was amazing. thank you for helping me understand that it is ok to be yourself. now i am going to have more confidence in coming out... thank you again =)
DarknessAtHeart666 1 year ago
Wow! Such a great job of debunking the religious groups claims against gays, while being respectful to a belief in God, any God. Truly inspiring story. Thank you.
shamrock48 1 year ago
Thanks for sharing your story, Michael--it takes a lot of courage, especially on youtube where people can be pretty vicious. People will always hate and homosexuals seem to be a favorite "hated," but clearly you're just trying to live your life and be honest with who you are. I really like how you challenge parts of the bible traditionally used to attack gays. People tend to let their righteous beliefs drown out their ability for empathy and understanding. Beautiful cinematography, too!
Portlandsheri 1 year ago
Hey, I know some of the people in this, lol.
Maesterofcool 1 year ago
Awesome video!! Thanks for your honesty and courage!
dainaslam88 1 year ago
Brilliant video
knotryder 1 year ago
Michael--what a wonderful video--powerful, honest, and wonderfully presented! Love is the answer, of course. Too bad so many gays feel it necessary to confuse love and sex, and make the whole thing confrontational. I love to hear about love, but feel sex should be personal and private.
I wish you love and the best of luck on your personal journey.
nancecil1 1 year ago
Michael: When God made you and your parents got you as a gift from God, he made you what you are today, a great person that loves men, the same way God made other people that love women. But do not let anyone tell you that you are going down the sin path or that you will go to hell because God is the only one that can judge. Kudos to you: great video made by a great young man that has the courage to say: this is who I am and God made me this way.
navy4567 1 year ago
Well Job creating this video, although done in January of 2010, it should always be required viewing !!!
Just remember God Doesn't Make Mistakes
ftlmarc 1 year ago
@ftlmarc This video actually had to be put on private until July (long story). In the middle of September, it only had like 500 views.
michaeldeangray 1 year ago
@michaeldeangray I must tell you, that as a 48 year old Man, whos' own sister went around High School begging pity because her brother was gay, even though I wasn't out ( we are talking the late 70's early 80's here), then I joined the milirtary in the early 80's, and contracting HIV in 1985, I am very proud where we have gotten to and with people like you willing top step up to the plate, where we are going. all I want to say is Thank you ! Great Job !
ftlmarc 1 year ago
Your courage is incredible. Well done.
haemony 1 year ago
I admire your courage and eloquence, Michael. I consider myself one of the lucky ones. i finally came out to my family when I was 35 after reading a Rob Eichberg's book, Coming Out: An Act of Love. I'm now 53, and my partner and I will celebrate our 20th anniversary in March. Good luck, people. It really does get better.
RuskinCooper 1 year ago
WoW! You are a truly amazing person! Thank you, sooooo much, for this video. I really needed to see this it today, and will definitely be passing it on.
nqcastle 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
gay fag is gay!
i will ALWAYS hate on gay people, no matter of the GAY videos they make, manely because they are GAY and they suck cock!
siriously, homosexuality is a mental sickness and it should be healed!! now im not a religious or something, i HATE religion, but i also hate gay people because they carry themselves like faggets and they like man
to all gay people: try to fuck a woman till u get normal xD
KingOfShadows1500 1 year ago
@KingOfShadows1500 Awww. . . c'mon. Come out, come out, wherever you are! You don't have to loathe yourself for being gay. See, that's what this video's all about. . . accepting yourself. Come on. . . you can do it!
RandomMeltdown 1 year ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
@KingOfShadows1500 Have you ever had sex with...a lawn mower? You should try it; you might like it. :)
michaeldeangray 1 year ago
@michaeldeangray Aw, c'mon. Lawnmowers have higher standards than that, just like women and little girls. Kingsy obviously couldn't get close enough to any of those to get help with his spelling.
Great video. Shows what a person with intelligence and character is capable of. Nice to see what can be done by someone who doesn't need help producing a simple sentence.
Routebook 1 year ago
@michaeldeangray wow dude u got nothing to say at all? xD y in the hell are u talking about lawn mowers just because ure a stupid homosexual?
KingOfShadows1500 1 year ago
@KingOfShadows1500 wow dude, not only you don't speak or type english the way it should be done but it seems as if you are one homosexual yourself. Stop living the lie and accept that you are a fag.
navy4567 1 year ago
@navy4567 i dont have problemes with my english its called ABBREVIATIONS! stupid idiot! and y are u calling me a homosexual while the video says not to insult people with this? FAIL! haha and im not a homo, in fact i like woman and i DISLIKE this video, you like MEN and you like this video, so you are GAAAAY!
KingOfShadows1500 1 year ago
@KingOfShadows1500
You are a disgusting hate monger. Just shut up.
Namaste4Me 1 year ago
@Namaste4Me dude, y are u defending gay people? is it because you are gay? im not disgusting but i hate gay people because being gay is like being schizophrenic! its sickness! do you really think its normal for a man to put in penis in an other`s man ass???? i dont think so! and if you do well it means you have serious problems!
KingOfShadows1500 1 year ago
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Namaste4Me 1 year ago
@KingOfShadows1500 I 'm defending gay people because I remember the bible asks me to love my fellow man.. Try to think of all people, even gay people, as your fellow man who struggling along just like you. Picture everyone as a small child, and don't listen to anybody but yourself. Ask yourself, and your god, whatever you believe in...if you really hate and don't understand others
Namaste4Me 1 year ago
@Namaste4Me WAATT???? my god?? dude ure religious?? man u gotta suck balls!! religion sucks and i dont belive in anything cuz god DOES NOT exist, stupid nerd! and the bible is just a bunch of shit! my religion is Hardcore Metal xD OH YEAH! and gay people suck because they have problems so im not gonna ask anyone im just gonna go listen to some great metallica songs :D
KingOfShadows1500 1 year ago
@KingOfShadows1500 For a 14 years old kid to abbreviate is one thing, to say I'm born in 1996, etc.. last comment about you forever. If you hate religion and there is no god according to your own words, this is not the place and time for you to criticize anything or at least, not the proper forum If you love women is one thing, hating other just because there are different (gay) is like hating bulgarians just because they are bulgarians. .
navy4567 1 year ago
@navy4567 dude, being gay isnt normal! its like being schizophrenic! its a mental problem and it ISNT normal! beaing bulgarian is like being canadian or whatever... but being gay is like being sick!! and they act like they were normal!! thats y i hate them!
KingOfShadows1500 1 year ago
@KingOfShadows1500 Why do you hate people? Are you racist too?
Maesterofcool 1 year ago
what an amazing video and story.....we all need to love each other and know that God loves each of us
bluemoonparadore 1 year ago
This is an amazing heartfelt video. Thankyou for doing this.
bluecraig71 1 year ago
I'm a straight, non-christian woman, but your message speaks to me as well. I, too, have secrets that has become to big for prevarication and lies. Thank you for this beautiful, moving, inspiring video.
borupasaribu 1 year ago
Thank you for being your honest selves! Rigorous honesty is the cornerstone of recovery from the neurosis of heterosexism that is based on the irrational lie called heterosexual-supremacy. Rigorous dishonesty is the cornerstone of the lie.
TimEastonPA 1 year ago
so um what happens to jewish gay kids? or muslim gay kids? or atheists gay kids? do they all go to hell because they have not accepted god, and therefore god doesn't accept them? sorry, but this video is a little too tied in with religion for my taste.
bassrocks9 1 year ago
@bassrocks9 Hhmm. That's a good point. The Bible teaches that the way to heaven is accepting Jesus's sacrifice for our sins and loving God with your everything. But this video isn't supposed to prove one theological doctrine or religion over another. It's simply to start communication; whoever it is that you are, be honest about it!
michaeldeangray 1 year ago
@bassrocks9 I think the video is geared more towards the gay Christian's struggle in particular. I bet the difficulty that devout Jewish or Muslim gay people go through is similar...they face discrimination as a result of legalistic interpretations of their holy texts as well.
As far as them going to hell, that's not what this video is about. Just as the Bible is up to interpretation regarding what are perceived to be anti-gay Scriptures, so are other Scriptures about who goes to heaven.
treygn 1 year ago
@bassrocks9 They address what they know. Will you now attack them because they don't presume to know or speak for how gays in other religions feel? These kids addressed through the god they know because IS what they and what they've grown up with. That is the god many of them have been told hates them. They have made no attempt to shut out those of other faiths and I think you are a petty ass for bringing it up at all. If you're so concerned? Make your own video.
ShariSez 1 year ago
@bassrocks9 I agree
crowsonguy 1 year ago
@bassrocks9 I think their inclusion of their faith in this message is a reflection of their overall message: be who you are. They are people of faith - great for them! I am a Soka Gakkai Buddhist and proudly out about being gay. I believe their message still applies to me.
bradwlarsen79 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
@bassrocks9 I think their inclusion of their faith in this message is a reflection of their overall message: be who you are. They are people of faith - great for them! I am a Soka Gakkai Buddhist and proudly out about being gay. I believe their message still applies to me.
bradwlarsen79 1 year ago
wish i had a video like this when i came out. would have been much easier to know i wasnt alone in how i was feeling. i would like to know the name of the song the woman sings about love near the end.
jan25ny 1 year ago
wish i had a video like this when i came out. would have been much easier to know i wasnt alone in how i was feeling. i would like to know the name of the song the woman sings about love near the end.
jan25ny 1 year ago
@jan25ny I think the song you're talking about is "The Lost Get Found" by Britt Nicole. I love her music! She's actually coming in concert with a couple other artists at my church, Charleston Pentecostal Church, October 30th. Excited excited excited.
michaeldeangray 1 year ago
This is a wonderful video, and I'm glad that you made it. I'm sharing it with my friends because I think that everyone should see this. Well Done! And stay proud, my friend!
scotrik11 1 year ago
One of the best videos I have seen on this subject. It's beautifully done, well intentioned, loving in it's execution! I'm 50 and I've had these feelings since I was 10!!! NO one understood back then. And it was scary. Now there are so many accepting people. Please continue to get the word out. Love always conquers all.
ctsiaras 1 year ago
I am a straight, older woman. It is about time someone made this video. I wish there was more support for others who do not fit the "mold". Everyone makes a contribution in this world, no matter who they are. When we devalue others, it makes us look stupid. We are all the same, with different gifts. We have no right to judge others, and should leave that job to our creator! Imagine on judgment day, finding out we were wrong! Love never fails... that applies to everything, no exceptions!
GypsyRoseDee 1 year ago
Wow, this video was so great! Thanks so much Michael!!
JamiLynn85 1 year ago
@JamiLynn85 You're welcome, Jami!
michaeldeangray 1 year ago
Michael, this is great. I shared it on FB. I'm honored to get in on this when you only have 4,501 hits! Hold on to your hat, and ignore the hate mail. I did a video called "Hockey Mama For Obama" that got 1,000,000 hits in 2 weeks during the election! It's mind blowing. But the haters are just crazy. Ignore them. Enjoy the power to delete and block them!
pfte1 1 year ago
This was so beautiful; thank you for posting it. I'm Catholic, and I'm queer, and too often those two important parts of my life - those two important parts of who I am - are at odds with one another. This was stunning.
MeriWild 1 year ago 2
I'm a complete homo-phobic, but your standing up for what you believe in. i have to respect that.
BuiltHordeTough 1 year ago
Very cool - definitely posting for others to see. A great and important message. Bravo for taking the time and having the courage to do this!
icelarc2000 1 year ago
Wish I had seen this when I was your age. It would have helped me deal with being myself.
Miata94M 1 year ago
so great. i'm straight and non-religious, but the spirit you've done this in is just so moving, i have a lump in my throat.
kruele 1 year ago 2
@kruele Haha Thanks! YOU are the audience who I'm most flattered to like the film - becuase the message doesn't have anything directly to do with you. :) The biggest thing I wanted people to understand isn't "It's fabulous to be gay!" It's simply, "Be honest about who you are, and get to know the real selves of the people around you - even our broken, ugly, weird, or forgotten neighbors. Love unconditionally."
michaeldeangray 1 year ago
Thia was awesome<3 Good job.
xBrookieMayx 1 year ago 2
Thanks for posting this. As a former lesbian [20 yrs] I completely understand your position. You're right we do not choose our feelings or attractions. I would like to apologize for the way the church has treated the homosexual community. I received the same looks, thoughts, and condemnation. It was only after I realized that the life wasn't what it was cracked up to be did I realize that God loved me too much to keep me where I was. My perception of his love for me changed... so did my desires.
pjlindenr1 1 year ago
@pjlindenr1 Your remarks, while they *sound* very heartfelt and sincere, are patently false. There's no such thing as "former lesbian" or "ex-gay." There are homosexuals, there are bisexuals and there are heterosexuals. You cannot change from one to another. Anyone who claims differently is either dishonest or in denial. There is absolutely no empirical evidence to support the concept of ex-gay. There is only anecdotal evidence, at best. . . and it's flimsy.
RandomMeltdown 1 year ago
I think what he meant by we didn't choose to be gay is to let people know he didn't just wake up one day and decide he would be gay. He made it very clear it's who you are. This is a video all people that don't understand that need to watch. Kudos
Dennyc52 1 year ago
If you are a GLBTQ Youth and you've had thoughts of suicide, call 866-4-U-Trevor, 866-488-7386. You are not alone.. And to the rest of us: On Oct. 11th, call on Congress to pass the Safe Schools legislation now. Please share everywhere.
RandomMeltdown 1 year ago
Thank you very much Michael for this video.
amerikanwonder 1 year ago
Amazing job, young man. I'm very impressed & plan to do everything in my power to help your video go viral! Great message. . . only tag I might add would be "It Gets Better."
God Bless.
CJ Hatter
RandomMeltdown 1 year ago
@RandomMeltdown No matter how low the valley or how dark life becomes, yes,, I have learned that life ALWAYS gets better!
michaeldeangray 1 year ago
Bravo! God bless you!
parnassusfan 1 year ago
ok, i think you have a very good message here, and its a very beautiful video but i just wanted to say that if i had the choice i would still be gay... and the way you said we didn't chose to be gay... it sounds like we wouldn't if we had the choice..... and maybe some people wouldn't, but i know plenty who would...
samualgregory 1 year ago
@samualgregory But, it's not a choice. That being said, if there were a "cure" available for homosexuality, I would not take it. I have no reason to dislike my life as it currently stands. But the video's message that it's not reasonable to "choose" a life fraught with condemnation, unnatural stresses, bullying and other challenges is perfectly valid. Good for you if you didn't experience any form of self loathing along your path to adulthood. But, you're the exception, not the rule.
RandomMeltdown 1 year ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
This is the most narcissistically-driven piece 'o crap media I've watched in a while. Remember the n-word? When it mattered fifty years ago no one said shit! Use the n-word today and people will lose their mind laying into you like you're some corporeal demon. It's the same with being gay now, when it mattered no one said SHIT! Now that it doesn't matter people are making self-involved video-shorts proclaiming "they are who they are" and people are applauding like it's courageous. I'm all set..
NathanaelSaintCyr 1 year ago
This is so beautiful. If you were my son I would be so proud of you <3
WhiteWolfFromTown 1 year ago 2
Keep doing what you do. Being you! Because by doing so, I believe, you will help others to be and or to find themselves!
ss7931 1 year ago 2
Great job! Not only is this a wonderfully produced video, it also has an amazingly powerful story.
ThriveProductionsLLC 1 year ago 9
If I could hug you right now - I would! Amazingly done - brilliantly honest! I am adding a link to this on my website - you can find it by searching Amanda Edwards and Kindness - its called TheKindnessRevolution but it has .ME at the end. I wish you all happiness in this life! You are an amazing person! Well and Justly made by GOD! Just the way he planned!
MandyandAmbersMom 1 year ago 5
Fabulous presentation!!!!
bonkosbluff 1 year ago
Being gay is neither good nor bad; it just is.
AxelQC 1 year ago
Absolutly wonderful and well done, Michael.
kl1104 1 year ago 3
Good start, next stop: realizing you don't need the God of the bible. Now THAT is a weight lifted.
youwantthey 1 year ago
@youwantthey How about you realize that you have no idea what God wants, and quit projecting your own prejudices onto God.
AxelQC 1 year ago
This is a great video! It is not gay to love another human being!
jimbobofbangor 1 year ago
Thank you for your bravery!
paolasp 1 year ago
Seriously, I know you're trying, but people don't hate gays because 'the Bible says to'. The guys who write "Kill all fags" on restroom walls are not acting under Biblical direction or divine inspiration, but out of a need to feel superior to someone, or accepted by their peers, or because they think it's funny. No amount of "Go read your Bible" is going to make them be nice to gays.
marksmith46 1 year ago
Great job! I admire your courage.
For those who condemn homosexuality because you think the Bible tells you to: Do you eat lobster, crab, or shrimp? Leviticus 11:9-12 and Deuteronomy 14:9-10 unambiguously prohibit shellfish. If the Bible is a valid argument against homosexuality, it's a valid argument against eating lobster, crab, and shrimp.
MaineGeezer 1 year ago
Thank you so much for your courage and honesty. I live only a few miles from you, and I work to help young GLBT people accept who they are and cope with the struggles of being young and different. Your message is a blessing!
wingatec123 1 year ago
Beautifully done. Thank you.
kelsmiley 1 year ago
they leave out the bible verse in 1corinthians.the one i always use.satan will decive you..homosexuality is a sin like all other sin.no better and no worse.i know people that once struggled with homosexuality that are now set free.the homosexual spirit is a hard spirit to brake,but it can be overcome with jesus.god still loves the homosexuals just as much as anyone else.god doesnt make people gay.satan makes them believe they are.if you truely surrender it to god,you can be set free.god bless
powdrpunkgrrl 1 year ago
@powdrpunkgrrl: My god does not judge people and say that people are being influenced by satan if they are gay. I understand that you believe that this is the case, but it does not make it true. People like you do a lot of damage to gay youth, trying to brainwash them into thinking they can change and not be gay, when in the real world the only cure for being gay is to accept that you are, and learn to accept it. My god will not send you to hell for something that you cannot change.
leeleses 1 year ago 2
@powdrpunkgrrl
If you know anyone who has been "set free", they are not gay. It sounds like you are talking about reparative therapies. Sorry, but these methods have been solidly rejected by every mainstream medical and mental health organization out there. You need to do your homework. And let me say, you haven't earned the right to tell gay people about being gay. You do, however, have the obligation to listen to people who know more about their authentic selves than you do. Start listening.
treeoflifer22 1 year ago
@powdrpunkgrrl: And furthermore, even if we assume that the bible is the actual word of the one and only god, like you do, the word is still being interpreted by flawed and small human beings who can never fully understand what a god meant in a book such as the bible. As is commonly known, the bible is full of contradictions and phrases that can be interpreted many different ways. So god bless you too, but stop talking about things that you know nothing about!
leeleses 1 year ago 2
@powdrpunkgrrl:
Try to get a full sentence together for once. I can barely understand what you're trying to write. About the validity of your suggestion, there are no "spirits" dwelling within gay people, just like there are no "Satanic" influences in people with speech impediments, with no limps, mental problems, lepers, albinos etc.
Your post reminds me of a period in the medieval times when mentally disturbed people got their cranium drilled into so the "devil" in them can leave.
treetri88 1 year ago
@powdrpunkgrrl set free? I don't think god created millions of mistakes. This has nothing to do with Satan and doesn't need to be overcome. Jesus said love one another. Not love one another if they're straight. I love how many christians decide to decipher the bible and make judgement. My son is gay and loves the lord with all his heart. He goes to SMU a christian university and sings in the church. It's not about surrendering it's about not being ashamed of who you are.
Dennyc52 1 year ago
This video demands a Super-Like Button~ It's beautifully put!
DawnLaurene 1 year ago 2