IT GETS BETTER - FROM A SUICIDE SURVIVOR - PatnStephen2

[OpenMinded209]

Thank You

[patnstephen2]

@OpenMinded209 You are most welcome :) Thank you for viewing our Vid.

[ShelliKittens]

Most of us can only dream of having so many close friends, people you can count on to love you just the way you are! I have only one very close friend and no casual friends, I'm alone 99 percent of the time and find it utterly difficult to connect with other people. I'm so terrified of rejection that I keep myself locked away. When I viewed this video, oh how I wanted to be a part of it! Thanks so much for sharing a little about your lives. I am not suicidal! Still, I'm hopeful it gets better!

[patnstephen2]

@ShelliKittens Our hearts go out to you and we lift you up spiritually. The world is a wonderful place that also hurts some time. But we can't really "protect" ourselves from getting hurt. You will venture out when you are ready and you will find those who choose you as much as you choose them. Be well and don't be ruled by fear. Much love! P&S

[pianomansam2011]

Great job guys! I grew up with religious parents too and finally came out when I realised I don't have a problem being gay other people made it a problem, inspirational and great effort for all those lovely friends being part of the clip because we all know we couldn't be happy individuals without a good support network of awesome people. Sam x

[patnstephen2]

@pianomansam2011 Thanks loads Sam! You are 10000000% right. Our friends make it all possible with their love and support. Glad you found your way to your real self. Keep loving yourself as you are and spread that love around baby!

[xadam2dudex]

how can u go to a baptist church and a catholic church ?? the baptist hate catholics ..they say they are satan's agents and the pope is the anti-christ ? that musta been a very schizophrenic experience...great ending to a great video

[patnstephen2]

@xadam2dudex You are right it was a bit Schizzo particualrly during my father's more devout period when we would attend BOTH churches every Sunday. My parents made sure we got out religious money's worth :) Thanks for viewing and appreciating the vid.

P&S

[alexandernicolo]

sweet!

[patnstephen2]

@alexandernicolo Thank you - we like the video we made because of the love of our folk in it with us. Thanks for stopping by.

[paddybt4]

great video, really made me think. iv started making my own check them out. still along way to go

paddy

[patnstephen2]

@paddybt4 Thanks for viewing our video and above all we want it to make people think... so good on you. We popped over to your channel and checked it out - good start over there. You are a handsome lad and pleasant and over here in the US people will LOVE your accent. Keep it up :) P&S

[CaptKujata]

Oh and congratulations guys!

[patnstephen2]

@CaptKujata Thanks so much. So after making our IGB video we decided what we would do to celebrate 25 years toegther is get married... In Every State Where Same Sex Marriage is legal! And we have done that! 7 Weddings now and next week we Add New York City! Very excited. The entire wedding tour has been filmed for a documentary called Married and Counting. Search that title and check out the trailer.

[CaptKujata]

@patnstephen2 Very very cool! I will certainly be checking those out :D *HUGS!*



[ShelliKittens]

@patnstephen2 -----FABULOUS! I'm so happy for you guys, what an adventure life is for you! Thanks for sharing a part of it with us! I'll be looking for the Documentary, in fact, I'm downright excited about seeing it. :)

[patnstephen2]

@ShelliKittens Thanks again and please keep an eye out for Married and Counting. The film is a 90 minute documentary following our celebration of 25 years together. It has been submitted to about 20 film festivals thus far and we are waiting to see where we are accepted. Pray for us to get SUNDANCE!! :) Here is the trailer: youtube.com/watch?v=aKTjTRgBat­k

Hugs, P&S

[CaptKujata]

LOL omg you guys are so cute. XD

[4everyonecounts]

Lovely Video. Thank you so much for sharing. Wonderful for you to include your chosen family ( I think that is so important). Looks like ya'll are surrounded with So Much Love and I am so touched that you took the time to share it. This message of Hope, Love and Empowerment is something I wish I would have had around 20 years ago. 

[patnstephen2]

@4everyonecounts Thank you so much for the positive thoughts here. Yes 20 years ago we were all seeking the validation that we knew we deserved as rightful, blessed human beings. We send you and all out there the message that we are stong and we belong.

[ReesieRoo1]

This video is so sweet... I love all of your supportive friends!!! That is so encouraging to see the better lives you've made for yourselves!!! I"m glad your suicide attempts didn't work out- the world is a better place for having you in it!!!

[patnstephen2]

@ReesieRoo1 Thank you so much. What a sweet thing to say. All we who love him are mighty glad Stephen is with us today as he keeps us all together and keeps us going. He is the Lightening in all our bottles.

Much Love,

Pat

[zgon1]

Good to see the amount of people both gay and straght showing support to such a worthwhile cause!

[patnstephen2]

@zgon1 Thank so much. We were/are proud of this vid and we love each and every person in it and in our lives. This is still the most important message going around today. Hope, peace, comfort for those persecuted... there is nothing we say more important that that.

[zgon1]

@patnstephen2

You should be proud of this vid!

Everyone only gets one life and they should be able to live it to the full without the fear of ignorant people affecting them.

[patnstephen2]

@zgon1 You are 100000000% right there. And last night our Home state legalized same sex marriage and we are over the moon... You see we have been married in every state (&DC) where same sex marriage IS legal and we had a "protest" wedding in California so we are about to add wedding #8. The whole Wedding Tour is being filmed for a documentary. Have a look at (and spread around) the trailer for Married and Counting in our faves list on our channel.

[rootsm3]

I love this video. Raw proof that there are people who will love you for who you are.

[patnstephen2]

@rootsm3 Thanks so much. Yes that is the core of being happy - Making your family out in the world.

[MoxxieDreamer]

that's awesome guys, i guess it gets better, but right now i'm still going through the progress which get bully everyday and feel hopeless. this video gives you hope

[patnstephen2]

@MoxxieDreamer It will get better we promise. Our hearts are with you as you face for real bullies. Protect yourself any way you can without causing harm or making the situation worse for yourself.  Find the adult mentor, or best buddy that you can turn to to get you through this. Make the administration of your school protect you - that is their JOB & you & your family can hold them to it. Make a noise, be the squeeky wheel that creates the change. Know you are loved. WE ARE HOLDING YOU UP!

[daveiamfl]

What a beautiful video. Thank you for getting the message out there for young people. Many blessings to you in your relationship!

[patnstephen2]

@daveiamfl Thank you so much. We think this is one of the most important messages going around. So glad what we had to say spoke to you. KEEP THE MESSAGE ALIVE!

[Just4Fun20002001]

I love the last kiss on the shoulder...so supportive!

[patnstephen2]

@Just4Fun20002001 Thanks - Yeah we have a great and wonderfully supportive chosen family. Thanks for viewing us.

[terry46619]

I'm 56, made it thru the 'dark period' and never looked back. You two are AWESOME! And your video is too!!!

[patnstephen2]

@terry46619 Thank so much. Yeah we are right behind you in age (46 & 48) and the generation of us born in the 50s/60s had an identity crisis after Stonewall when gay went from the American unconscious to the American consciousness. It's good to be alive and gay in this incredible time of change. Thanks again.

[phantomsuccour]

Oh and you have an an amazing family!!!

[patnstephen2]

@phantomsuccour We do indeeeeeeed have a marvelous family!

[lou2u]

That was so sweet. I can believe that if the right person watched this video, it just might save his or her life (and I can't really imagine higher praise than that).

[patnstephen2]

@lou2u You are so correct - there is no higher praise that the words you posted. We are honored by your compliment. KEEP THE MESSAGE ALIVE!

[phantomsuccour]

@patnstephen2 If I end up with someone to make me happy as you look in your relationship, it would be the best thing in the world!!!! I'm also gay but I come from Africa and in my country you can go to prison for life or get killed for being gay. Luckily, I'm studying in UK right now and I'm planning to immigrate here and try to live a happy life. :-) Love xxx

[patnstephen2]

@phantomsuccour Sorry for the delay in response. We have been away this weekend. Your post really touches our hearts and we will hold you there and lift you up. We are both so glad you are in the UK where you can be yourself without danger from the Government. We pray that your imigration will go smoothly and that you will make a home with a family of your chosing that will hold you up the way ours does for us. Stay safe and always rememebr to love yourself - HUGS! @PatnStephen2

[FirstMV109]

I cried. T.T

Thank you so much for making this.

Thank you, thank you and thank you.

Your being in this world makes it a wonderful place to live. :)

[patnstephen2]

@FirstMV109 So so so so happy that our video moved you. You are very sweet to thank us so profoundly (and profusely) We hope that you carry the IGB message to all those you touch as well. Happy Holidays!

[kc55mo]

I've watched many of the IGB project videos and missed yours somehow. Your story was very moving and I wish for you both at least another 25 years together.

[patnstephen2]

@kc55mo Thank you so much. that is most kind of you. We love our life together and the fact that we found each other is total PROOF of IGB! Thanks again.

[Sushi266]

you guys are so cute :)

i'd never think you're 44!

[patnstephen2]

@Sushi266 Thank you so much... we are actually 46 and 48 :) But we take your meaning and your compliment :)

[angelikgg]

WONDERFUL

[patnstephen2]

@angelikgg Thank you - You're channel is cool too. Keep coming back:)

[bibbeny]

Okay, you guys almost, ALMOST, made a straight asexual man cry. Damn I hate being a Pisces. Just Kidding. about hating being a pisces. Good luck to you both!

[patnstephen2]

@bibbeny Thank a lot. As you can see from Pat's face at teh end of the vid he is just a second away from tears himself LOL.  Glad you liked it. KEEP THE MESSAGE ALIVE!

[patnstephen2]

@mathissurfer93 Thank you so much. We also wish you all the best and will keep up with your channel and your adventure as you move through your transition. Follow your heart and your future will be yours to create.

[DarcoLove]

omg what a sweet sweet video! ♥♥

i absolutely love the ending with all your family!

And congrats on your 25th anniversary coming up :)

[patnstephen2]

@DarcoLove Thank you for viewing our IGB VID and your nice words. Our 25th is in April and we can hardly wait. Keep spreading the IGB message :) HUGS!!

[SHENAKU]

lol that was funny your like "and we have a little bit of the family here " and then all these people just pop out into the movie lol XD

[patnstephen2]

@SHENAKU Thanks - yeah we sent out an invite and said this is what and this is when, be there if you can... LOL we weren't expecting the hord - but they all showed which just shows you what great people they all are. we love our family!

[lumipop]

nearly 25 years? amazing! congratulations on the wedding and thank you so so much for telling your story, and your encouragement

[patnstephen2]

@lumipop Thank you so much... yeah the big 25 coming up... It even boggles our minds sometimes LOL. We really do want troubled kids to know they can survive and grow and make a beautiful life. We are going to post some more content as the YTube is being awsome for us. Keep coming back :)

[patnstephen2]

@68DucatiDad Thank you for viewing out vid and for your kind words. The kids do need us and this message getting out there is the most important thing we are doing right now... thanks again :)

[hailetrekker]

What a powerful video. I loved it when you invited your friends into the picture. It was a great way of showing kids just how life can change if you give it a chance. Nice job, guys. Thanks for sharing your story.

[patnstephen2]

@hailetrekker Thank you for your support and words of love and encouragement. We are doing our best to keep the message going and to get information on IGB and The Trevor Project and many other worth help based organizations to kids and families in crisis. Our world needs and attitude check and hopefully more and more people will become FAR more concerned about keeping their kids alive by building them up instead of allowing them to be torn down. thanks again - P&S

[Sabriol1]

I'm not crying at work, it's just raining on my face.

[patnstephen2]

@Sabriol1 Dear Dear one... Let that rain fall and let the love in your heart that brought it grow. We send you big thanks! P&S

[buckangelent]

That was so awesome!! I think I know some of you!! Woof. Buck Angel

[patnstephen2]

@buckangelent Thank you so much and you are right we do have friends/family in common no doubt... God bless them all and god bless you. Your story is an amazing inspiration. Please keep telling it.

[mmkayumm]

You guys are great. This video is so touching and I'm glad you too found each other. :)

[patnstephen2]

@mmkayumm Thanks, that's very nice of you - we too are glad to have spent our lives together and only hope and pray that gay youth who feel lost can know that real life awaites them past all the bullying.

[livelycanvas]

it's nice to see you acknowledge a variety of groups that are bullied-bullying happens to so many different people regardless of their sexual orientation. yesterday i wore my purple shirt for ALL of the people that have been bullied and/or committed suicide. it's a serious problem and these videos helps so many people of different age groups know that they are not alone. the reality is that life does get better because we have the power to make it better. <3

[patnstephen2]

@livelycanvas Thank you so much for your comment. You are RIGHT ON about the varieties of hateful bullying that go on. All from bad parent example and kids who feel so out of control the only ways they feel they can exercise any real worth are in abusive ways. The one thing I would say to anyone being bullied is find someone who is in your corner. If the parents can't/don't/won't be, then a friend, a school official or kind teacher - Someone that's with you until it gets better.

[Haplo2006]

So cute together and great message = )

[patnstephen2]

@Haplo2006 Awww - thanks :) glad you like the message and us (wink)

[gerryjim2]

Fantastic Guys! You Rock!

[patnstephen2]

@gerryjim2 Thank a lot. We both feel very strongly that this is the most important message going out on the net these days.

[missjulesdenver]

Awesome Awesome Awesome!  So happy for you.

[patnstephen2]

@missjulesdenver Thanks so much. Yeah we are pretty happy for ourselves too :O we occasioanlly will look at each otehr and say ...Heckfire we been together a LONG time :)

[patnstephen2]

@missjulesdenver Thanks so much. we are happy for us too. Can't wait for our big 2-5 Anniversary. Thanks for stopping by - KEEP THE MESSAGE ALIVE!

[xFurryHunterx]

I'm wearing red, purple clashes with my outfit.

*Badum tssss*

[patnstephen2]

@xFurryHunterx S'long as you are representing - fashion can always win out :)

[trisshandy]

Wonderful!

[patnstephen2]

@trisshandy Thanks so much... glad you like our little family effort. This message is so important. As someone who was bullied lots you need to feel that someone - anyone is in your corner!

[beautifullife787]

Thank you and congratulations!

[patnstephen2]

@beautifullife787 Thank YOU so much :)

[beautifullife787]

@patnstephen2  Your quite welcome. :) Thanks for being my first subscriber.

[patnstephen2]

@beautifullife787 You betcha :)

[kmocasteel]

I asked Phillip to pass on congrats from the Casteels on the plans to get married! (figured I'd cover my bases by posting a message just in case he forgets to pass it on)

[patnstephen2]

@kmocasteel Thanks love - much appreciated. Yeah it is about time he made an honest woman of me LOL - Pat

[allycupe]

I've been watching "it gets better videos" and you two made me cry soooo much. Congrats on your wedding.  25 years....amazing!

[patnstephen2]

@allycupe Thanks for viewing and for liking it. It was a labor of love for us (ALL of us) and hope the message keeps getting out there.

[ItGetsBetterBroadway]

wonderful video guys :) !!!

[patnstephen2]

@ItGetsBetterBroadway Thanks so much. Like yours this was a labor of love for us. LOVE LOVE LOVE Your vid as well.

[naranya6]

Brilliant - love you guys!!!

[patnstephen2]

@naranya6 Thanks ever sooooo. Sending you loads of love right back

[HDot1202]

P&S: Always knew you were beautiful souls, inspired to see you have paired them with such beautiful, inspiring thoughts and emotions. I hope and believe that your words will help another person struggling with bullying and feeling isolated to know that It Gets Better. XOXO, Helen

[patnstephen2]

@HDot1202 Thanks Helen - so gald you liked our little effort here. This is such and important message we just need to keep getting it out there to the kids.

[ronniefromsf]

how sweet was that!!! you guys, your chosen family, your message are all beautiful. thank you.

[patnstephen2]

@ronniefromsf Thanks so much. So glad you liked it. We wanted it hopeful and filled with love and light. Hope others will join IGB and make their own films the way we did :) thanks again.

P&S