“To Close Off Is Not In Our Blood.” Parents Flee Iran, Accept Gay Son.

Поділитися
Вставка
  • Опубліковано 10 тра 2016
  • In the 1970s, Eric Namaky's parents were put on a list to be killed in Iran and fled the country. It was their own journey to freedom that taught Eric to embrace being who he truly is and inspired him to come out to his parents, who eventually learned to accept him.
    More first-person LGBTQ stories: imfromdriftwood.com/
    I'm From Driftwood on Facebook: / imfromdriftwood
    I'm From Driftwood on Instagram: / imfromdriftwood
    I'm From Driftwood on Twitter: / imfromdriftwood

КОМЕНТАРІ • 113

  • @Lepewhi
    @Lepewhi 8 років тому +140

    Not only a handsome young man, but a touching story. BRAVO to you and your family!

    • @moniq914
      @moniq914 5 років тому +1

      Those nonverbal cues of acceptance are like magic.

    • @cxarhomell5867
      @cxarhomell5867 3 роки тому +1

      As long as he's not muslim.

  • @arlosmith2784
    @arlosmith2784 Рік тому +10

    The problem is Islam not Iranian culture. My experience is that Iranian-Americans who aren't really observant Muslims have no problem with LGBTQ+ people. In contrast Arab Muslims in the US tend to be more homophobic. 🌈

  • @robertfury5554
    @robertfury5554 4 роки тому +112

    I know this guy personally, was in my graduating class. Great guy with a heart of gold, you'd be hard pressed to find a better guy out there. Congrats Erik!

    • @cxarhomell5867
      @cxarhomell5867 3 роки тому

      As long as he's not a muslim.

    • @robertfury5554
      @robertfury5554 3 роки тому +1

      @@cxarhomell5867 No, he is not muslim sir.

    • @cxarhomell5867
      @cxarhomell5867 3 роки тому

      @@robertfury5554 Oh, ok.

    • @robertfury5554
      @robertfury5554 3 роки тому

      @@cxarhomell5867 he is proud of his Iranian heritage. Honest and loyal to a fault to his friends.

    • @cxarhomell5867
      @cxarhomell5867 3 роки тому

      @@robertfury5554 Then he shall refrain from Islam.

  • @kishmish64
    @kishmish64 6 років тому +44

    Born into aBritish Pakistani family . I came out st 26... both older brothers had married. One arranged and the other love marriage . My sister married an Iranian .
    I just thought it was time to come out
    Told my family , they totally excepted me ... even my amazing sister in law from Pakistan
    Yet extended family for years told me it’s not right ..., however family in Pakistan never questioned me or said anything negative towards me.....,

    • @cxarhomell5867
      @cxarhomell5867 3 роки тому

      Welp, if he's a muslim good luck with life lol

    • @cxarhomell5867
      @cxarhomell5867 3 роки тому +2

      That means its prohibited btw, you cant be both gay and muslim

    • @MohammadHossainMD
      @MohammadHossainMD 3 роки тому +6

      @@cxarhomell5867 What are you? Arbiter of gayness or Muslim........LeL

    • @bomtown
      @bomtown Рік тому

      What a warm rush of relief to be accepted by the people that love you!

  • @gonapetersen6719
    @gonapetersen6719 8 років тому +47

    My best wishes to you and your family. I am living in Denmark, homosexuality is very normal here. I hope someday it become normal in our Iran too. As Danish says : Life is only on loan. BRAVO to you and your family. From Denmark Behrouz

    • @jonSnow-cs2dm
      @jonSnow-cs2dm 4 роки тому

      It never because yea all running away because year gay get out of it so how will it ever change when year not willing to stay fight fight change it from within

  • @kieselmk
    @kieselmk 8 років тому +9

    Ever and ever again I am looking forward to find a new video here... Thank you all for sharing your stories and thank you for making this project possible!!

  • @dawgeral333
    @dawgeral333 8 років тому +13

    Very moving story. I even got bit choked up toward the end. All the very best to you...and your parents.

    • @TigerPrawn_
      @TigerPrawn_ 8 років тому

      +Geoff Alnutt Me too, my eyes are a bit teary

  • @Fandango541
    @Fandango541 4 роки тому +6

    In 1972 I met the most beautiful man I ever knew. His last name was Mojalelli (probably not spelled right). He looked as handsome as you, was very soft-spoken, kind, gentle, very sensual, basically the perfect man. I was in love with him instantly. Sadly, his father, according to him, was a high-ranking general in the Shah's army. When everything between the US and Persia, aka Iran went down the tubes he moved back to Iran and I never heard from him again. I imagine he was probably killed by Sayyid Ruhollah Musavi Khomeini. Quite honestly I never heard that the Shah had so many college students murdered as he was the one who was trying to establish a more liberal society, but what do I know. In any event I still remember Cameran to this very day. I still wonder if he made it through the chaos. I will never forget him.

    • @savioartwork
      @savioartwork 3 роки тому +1

      Heart breaking . Hope than when we get to the other side of the veil all the what's, why's where s, and hows will be received to us about ourselves, our dear ones and the world. That would be pacifying I think.

  • @etamlous
    @etamlous 8 років тому +14

    Nice ending. I have 3 Persian gay friends and unfortunately all were shunned and pushed out by their families and communities. Honor is very important in tight knit communities and they'll sacrifice relationships with their gay kids for a community.

    • @Nightbird.
      @Nightbird. 7 років тому

      It really is sad this happens in the Persian-American community. Even the biggest star of Persian music..Googoosh..made a song and video about this issue called "Behesht"..which is here on YT. Just have a tissue handy..because it is a tear jerker.

  • @emka198
    @emka198 2 роки тому +4

    I am so touched by your courage to openly talk about your experience. thank you.

  • @nicholashilton2514
    @nicholashilton2514 6 років тому +2

    Parma, Ohio, here! Thank you for your touching words and beautiful story. Much love!

  • @WPGinfo
    @WPGinfo 5 років тому +1

    So subtle, so heartwarming!

  • @bomtown
    @bomtown Рік тому

    I really enjoyed listening to you and your story💫

  • @ted1091
    @ted1091 4 роки тому +1

    Excellent story. Thank you

  • @dmc8092
    @dmc8092 8 років тому

    Very interesting. Thank you.

  • @graydarkness
    @graydarkness 4 роки тому +1

    Beautiful. This is amazing. 💕

  • @MrTBoner1
    @MrTBoner1 3 роки тому +7

    Sorry that his family went through what they did in Iran. The Shah did many regrettable things to people who were against him, but with the revolution, more people were killed in the first two years under the rule of Khomeni than those killed attributed under the entire Shah's regime. People forget all the good that the Shah did for his country, from establishing universities, hospitals, orphanages, to bringing up the literacy rate in his country. I spent some of my childhood years in Tehran, and loved every minute of it.

  • @ellabrodie9439
    @ellabrodie9439 Рік тому +1

    When he opened the door for him 😭😭😭🥺❤

  • @misterfreehugs
    @misterfreehugs 8 років тому +39

    It would have been nice to hear how Eric's parents came around and accepted him :] Nonetheless, stories like this one, is the reason I subscribed 6-7 years ago.

    • @ImFromDriftwood
      @ImFromDriftwood  8 років тому +7

      +misterfreehugs Thanks for following us for so long! We're glad the stories are meaningful to you. :)

  • @bearowl4101
    @bearowl4101 8 років тому +4

    A really interesting, heartwarming story. I wish this guy the best!

  • @cuppatea4466
    @cuppatea4466 5 років тому +2

    What a lovely story. Love and peace to you and your wonderful parents.

  • @sososhuster982
    @sososhuster982 4 роки тому +3

    such a brave family !sending you much love

  • @charlie9901
    @charlie9901 4 роки тому +2

    What a beautiful dad. Thank him for me. Also... .you're also an exceptional person with courage .

  • @DannyLTerry
    @DannyLTerry 4 роки тому +1

    LOVE YOUR STORY AND JOURNEY THAT YOU WENT THROUGH. YOU ARE A GREAT YOUNG MAN AND AN INSPIRATION TO MANY!
    MUCH LOVE*

  • @kadrimarzouki2119
    @kadrimarzouki2119 8 років тому +4

    How cute and disturbing this kind of people could be. good for you! good for your parent to have a son like you

  • @anthonyc8157
    @anthonyc8157 6 років тому +1

    you truly are a strong and bright person. I'm glad everything worked in your favor. BTW that's a cute top

  • @slipdisco
    @slipdisco 4 роки тому

    Beautiful story!

  • @monica8833
    @monica8833 6 років тому

    Excellent story,a family of overcomers

  • @curtismonkelien1223
    @curtismonkelien1223 11 місяців тому +1

    I don't understand assigning the word "boy" to an adult male. It creeps me out.

  • @poetmale
    @poetmale 3 роки тому +1

    I miss some information about your daddy's transformation. How did it come about, and why are you so forgiving. I would perhaps bear a grudge. Apart from that: great story.
    Greetings from Denmark!

  • @galaxydriver32
    @galaxydriver32 7 років тому +7

    What a nice story and woah I kinda got distracted by his amazing beard

  • @paulcousino8773
    @paulcousino8773 5 років тому

    You are blessed. I've been with my partner for 22 years and my parents have not accepted him.

    • @eternalgemini
      @eternalgemini Рік тому

      That's horrible, there's something definitely wrong with them not you. ❤️ Some people are brainwashed with religion.

  • @steviejongh4511
    @steviejongh4511 7 років тому +36

    Great story. Middle Eastern guys tend to be hot!

  • @roysmallian2889
    @roysmallian2889 3 роки тому +1

    Good story. ULTIMATELY GREAT PARETS. You are very fortunate.

  • @juancarlosdelgado970
    @juancarlosdelgado970 3 роки тому +2

    Beautiful! Viva Iran!

  • @jeffmorse645
    @jeffmorse645 5 років тому +4

    I think most Iranians would take the Shah vs. the fundamentalist Islamic state at this point.

  • @louisdewit4429
    @louisdewit4429 Рік тому +2

    Intelligent parents. ❤

  • @theBlackBearrrr
    @theBlackBearrrr 8 років тому +1

    this is really crazy, because I'm from Cleveland Ohio, and I live in Akron. just thought that was cool!

  • @ferencrupeck845
    @ferencrupeck845 4 роки тому +1

    What a really touching story and yes, you do have fantastic teeth. Good luck to you.

  • @buffetlegs
    @buffetlegs 2 роки тому

    Wow!

  • @williamzondersen
    @williamzondersen 11 місяців тому

    Amazing. Go on-- Eric much Happiness!

  • @putusuta6077
    @putusuta6077 Рік тому

    God Bless you young man

  • @MRG09100
    @MRG09100 3 роки тому +1

    I know it will sound shallow but this boy has the most beautiful teeth I've ever seen.

  • @user-dt3tu1ho5k
    @user-dt3tu1ho5k 7 років тому +15

    beautiful teeth wow.
    Superficial but what is with this channel and people with beautiful teeth? Maybe it is just the videos i've watched but 2 other videos I've seen the people have had great teeth.

  • @ivano4065
    @ivano4065 Рік тому

    Really sad.

  • @taiwoal
    @taiwoal 3 роки тому

    Hurray for this happy outcome

  • @gordygibson8776
    @gordygibson8776 4 роки тому +3

    Heartwarming story BUT you never need the approval of anyone to lead your life.

    • @eternalgemini
      @eternalgemini Рік тому

      Yes, but when you live in a country like that... You fear for your life!

  • @zorrento14
    @zorrento14 4 роки тому

    Meanwhile I've been married to a man for 5 years and my Dominican mom refers him as my friend every time she asks and my dad doesn't acknowledge his existence at all

  • @freddyhoyt6578
    @freddyhoyt6578 4 роки тому

    I wish my parents accepted me like that

  • @mdmizaanmdmizaan8384
    @mdmizaanmdmizaan8384 8 місяців тому

    Keep it up

  • @danial6790
    @danial6790 2 роки тому

    Beautiful

  • @bob110088
    @bob110088 2 роки тому

    Wow. What a beautiful man!

  • @00inwiththenew00
    @00inwiththenew00 7 років тому

    Such a good storyteller

  • @rodayodryve7998
    @rodayodryve7998 7 років тому +3

    My god, you are so beautiful. Wish you were in Chicago.

  • @sanciac8842
    @sanciac8842 5 років тому +1

    Wow good story!

  • @brucass93
    @brucass93 7 років тому +3

    beautiful

  • @joeymercantante-dz1rn
    @joeymercantante-dz1rn Рік тому

    Eric I think you and your family are amazing and very courageous and I have to agree you are very handsome 💕

  • @moea1559
    @moea1559 2 роки тому

    You can just tell, he defo is

  • @mingluke12
    @mingluke12 2 роки тому

    He is handsome

  • @sylvialupehernandez9154
    @sylvialupehernandez9154 Рік тому

    He is an American cool.

  • @fernsimonwoehllerman
    @fernsimonwoehllerman 4 роки тому +1

    My God, you are wonderful Guy. Persian Guy. 🥇😘🌻

  • @atzonaftaniel4798
    @atzonaftaniel4798 4 роки тому

    Those eyes, WOW!

  • @pieterdeiman3736
    @pieterdeiman3736 3 роки тому +1

    You are a very nice and beautifull young man... Lucky all went well

  • @moeiniusa
    @moeiniusa Рік тому

    Totally he's laying

  • @devilpizza123
    @devilpizza123 7 років тому

    He's soooo cute!

  • @craigburry1146
    @craigburry1146 Рік тому

    Such a stretch for your folks, but so not a stretch for your folks, if u know what I mean. The excesses of the Shah and then the excess of kohmenu and the Islamic state. Sanity and humanity are between both, and guys are up to shit there anyway I'm sure.

  • @catinbowler3387
    @catinbowler3387 7 років тому +1

    He is cute!

  • @iwantsifegold
    @iwantsifegold 7 років тому

    His so cute

  • @iran-persiapatriot9421
    @iran-persiapatriot9421 6 років тому +3

    Shame on you

    • @eye_nead_2_dookey
      @eye_nead_2_dookey 5 років тому +18

      Shut the fuck up

    • @SusanOnTVShows
      @SusanOnTVShows 4 роки тому +10

      Shame on him for what?

    • @semsemeini7905
      @semsemeini7905 4 роки тому +4

      Schmuck.

    • @a.534
      @a.534 3 роки тому +1

      iranians will never accept us as a whole just like lgbt people will never accept me as an iranian 😂

  • @asimbardhi4535
    @asimbardhi4535 Рік тому

    U stay with sheep u become a sheep u stay with a puf u become a puf