Wow, I am so amazed that your father said "I finally feel like I have a son" after you came out to him. I'm glad that you two were able to share such an experience like that with each other.
73 y/o gay man. Your video is inspiring. Wish I had the benefit of watching it when I was 16. It would have made life easier. But it was a different time .... 60 years ago. I admire you and your family and friends.
All the power in the world to you man. I was in the same position. It was horrible and it nearly ruined my childhood. I'm happy for everyone that doesn't have to go through what I did.
I just cry a lot and feel really sad because I see people that have a supportive family that accepts them for who they are and they don't have to run away to be themselves and they can just go on with their life, and I'll never be able to have that... :'(
If you feel strongly about them responding negatively, I would wait to tell them until you are independent. I cannot imagine what you are going through but know that someday they will know the real you. No matter how they react, respond with continually loving them. This will let them see that you haven't changed and have always been the same person that they've come to love.
Yours is a great story for young, gay Christians to hear. I am putting this on my "Coming Out As Gay" UA-cam Playlist. I am glad that so many people have seen your story, and I hope that many of them are either experiencing what you have done or have kin who are experiencing it. The change in your sister's attitudes toward others just shows that Harvey Milk was so right about the impact that one's coming out can have on other people.
Grant, you have many people who love you and we would love hear an update about how your life has been since you shared your beautiful coming out story.Please Grant have mercy on your many fans and speak with us!
Your video was really encouraging. My family is also religious, and I found that my being gay didn't go down well with them at all. 2 years later, they still hate it. You are very blessed to have a family who can accept you for who you are :) Very blessed indeed
What an awesome response from your father. Love makes *all* the difference and determines whether this process (coming out) is a positive thing or an absolute tragedy.
Apparently you made this video a long time ago (I'm commenting in 2021), so I hope things for you are still going well. Very mature, and honest video...very brave young man...articulate as well. Good luck to you!
My son came out to me and he cried so hard before we talked I said "my love (that's what I always called him) what is wrong? He said Dad I got something to tell you, I said what can be so wrong that you're crying this hard? He said daddy I'm gay, I said so what's the bad news? He said crying and laughing at the same time that's the bad news!!?? I said just make sure he is worthy of your love!!! He hugged me, then. I cried because he had this burden of his shoulder!!! Now My husband and I are planning his wedding, we both love his other half!!! I hope his mother will come she is not happy with me cause I came out to her and she just packed and left!!! Oh well!! The young man in the video should be a motivation speaker to other young gay teens!!!!! Thanks for reading my story!!!! Everybody stay PROUD AND HAPPY!!!!
Praise the Lord for your sharing your experiences. You’re very brave. Just be happy and positive. Remember to be yourself and ignore the ignorance of others judging you. Their negativity is THEIRS and its up to you to avoid them, at all costs!!! (My mom is Catholic and my dad is Jewish.). None of us have it easy to “come out”. God’s blessings and many positive vibes to you. Have a great life, young man!!!
@@GrantTravels Hope you are still doing well now, this video has helped a lot of people, you are amazing. Maybe you could come back sometime and do a new update video
I'm happy for ya! I think you handled the whole situation rather smoothly and it seems to have worked out. I support the cause and all that kinda stuff.
You are a beautiful person in every sense of the word. There aren't enough words to express how happy I am for your relationship with your dad; I think I love that man. What a truly wonderful way to tell your son you love him!! Congratulations to you both for opening up to each other. I wish you both a long and love-filled life. Thank you for sharing this experience with us. I'm sure that, through you, your dad has saved many lives. Love you both!
Always remember that being gay isn't wrong at all, if god didn't want people to be gay he wouldn't let 'gay' be created if that makes sense god allows people to be gay he created it in a way so he would never hate you or any one else that's gay, I'm not gay or anything like that I just have a strong opinion that there's nothing wrong with it :) xxxxx
My life hasn't been probably what you think it has... I have gone through a few health struggles that have held me back the last 5 years (don't worry, they don't involve STDs or drug addiction). But, mentally, I feel I am starting to come out on the other side of it. At times, I feel like life throws us too many boulders. But we just have to keep doing our best to push through it. (:
@@GrantTravels my life seemed very calm when I was 12, but God let me know that by the time I would be in my early 20’s that my life would begin to be very stressful and chaotic. So I just kept going to church, praying and just enjoying the temporary calmness. By the time I was 24 the chaos in my mind began, but I also had accompanying angels helping and giving me strength. My parents taught me very well to persevere (to just keep trying the best that I can) so I just kept enduring my difficulties. Over the next 50 years I’ve had only 4 respites from my difficulties (2 resulting from legal medicines and 2 resulting from miracles). Those respites sometimes lasted a few years, some lasted but several weeks but all were a gift from God to bolster my strength to continue enduring. I’ve also helped others by showing them how to endure and keep trying through very difficult times. In the end God’s love for us will prevail if you trust in Him and just keep loving Him and others. Just keep being honest with yourself and your loved ones, and seek help from others when it’s really needed.
You did the right thing by coming out. At the same time of my life, I didn't, and over the years it almost self destructed me. The fear, anger and self hate turned into self destructive behaviours and in the end I came out, but like you said, "IT could have been so much better". I'm glad to see it worked out so good for you! Your amazing.
Thank you so much for posting this! I am on the brink of coming out to my dad and this made me cry like halfway through! I am so happy that it worked out for you. Just like you I was raised Catholic- so I think it is going to be difficult. I don't think it will surprise my dad- but I'm not sure. Thanks for posting- this has inspired me.
Bless you and i hope all is well with you. This is 2020 and your Your love and compassion for others shown by making this video is still so meaningfull.
Thank you for that sincere talk. I can relate to this exactly. God bless you and I am convinced that you are loved by Him as much as any of the others of us believers.
Grant, you gave one of the most heartfelt stories I have seen on youtube. You are a wonderful young man, who is no different from the wonderful young man you were before your family knew you were gay. Your eyes and words show the pain you have suffered, even some from yourself. You are a beautiful young man with a wonderful heart and I wish you the very best in the future. Somehow, I know you will have a great future. You are loving, humble and truthful. God still loves you as always!
Thank you for sharing your story. I'm positive it will help other's! I wish you the very best and always talk with someone if you are feeling down or depressed. You have a lot to offer and you do make a huge difference in the lives you touch.
Dads are underestimated. How often haven't we heard that in real life dads are more accepting than mothers? My dad stood behind me and supported me ever since he found out, when I was 20 years old. My relationship with my dad was never bad, but it grew so much stronger after I came out to him. He actually became a much greater dad in general after I came out. My mother freaked out. My parents were very active Lutheran protestant chuch people. I was in the Royal Garde at that time and not living at home, so she was all in his hands. It took him four years to turn her around, but she came out wonderfully. I was 33 when my dad died and 36 when my mother died. I miss them very much. I wish they had lived to meet my partner/husband, with whom I have been together with for 21 years now. They would have loved him unconditionally and it would have been mutual.
Hey Grant..many many Kilometres away in Australia I share the ache … but have been doing so for much longer. My generation did not approach parents with anything deep and personal, so I suffered and lived with guilt and self hate for decades. My family on both sides are religious but, thankfully, more Christian than religious. I married (sincerely) and had 3 kids, but had to sit on my real self very hard. My wife and I split and I brought up the kids. Then, it all came out by accidental discovery of phone messages. The most understanding were my sisters and Mum. My brothers/ nephews and some close friends were not. I am a Christian and I know fully that God loves me. So many strange happenings have told me this. But, I am also a teacher and in the Defence Force so I have to continue to hide inside in these aspects of my life. Having a partner to love and cherish is out of the question. Your story comes from a beautiful heart and you are not any kind of accidental birth. God's love is unconditional - he says so. Unfortunately there are those who think that they know more than God does and judge others through hate and bigotry. God gave me an extraordinary depth of caring for everyone and that has absorbed my life and given me much joy. My sexuality is not important in comparison. Know that you are much loved, Grant.
You have me speechless. The amount of strength you have is unreal. It was shown through all those years of heartache. I hope you eventually have peace with those who turned you down in the beginning. My heart goes out! xx
This is like my favorite video on the web, I am in tears about your story!! As weird as it is I had to "come out" as Catholic to my atheist/agnostic parents, and I have a friend who has two moms, and she's not religious cause she thinks religion "doesn't want [her] parents to be happy." Your dad should be a saint...!!! I have a question... what do you plan on doing about it? Do you have a boyfriend? What is your stance on gay marriage? I need help convincing people that "the Church isn't that bad"!!!!! Your story is so inspirational, God bless you
You amazingly sweet, articulate, and (wow) handsome guy: it is now five years later, and I hope everything has gotten much easier for you now that you're in adulthood. High School was not kind to me, so I feel like if you made it through that, your gonna do great. Thanks for sharing your story.
Wow you have an amazing story. I hope it goes like that for me when I finally decide to come out. I hope you're still living the happy life that you seemed to be when you made this video :) Oh and also thank you for making this video I'm sure it has given many people hope that their parents reaction will be good when they come out, including me
Grant, I recognize you as a great person. I was a very religious person. I now recognize that the church indoctrinated me. I am very sympathetic for those people who are of the church. Yet, through the help of you, and perhaps rather natural inhalents, I have realized that you cannot change the fact of how you are. I am gay, I hold to Christian morals mostly, being that your story is so similar to mine, I declare you as a great example. I honor you. My name is Rudy by the way. I say that you are someone I look to as a reference. I grew up in the South. I have been through a lot. I'm thankful that you made this video. God bless!
It was so weird watching you today Grant.....first off.... thank you fk sharing ......I saw in you what I saw in myself 15 years ago when I came our ....my parents were the reason I held back as long as I did.....my parents just needed time to absorb everything....I really hope your journey is a smooth one and that you get as much support as possible.
I crushed on a boy in second grade. In fourth grade I was gravely ill and when I survived I became very religious (Catholic). My father had prayed that he would go back to Mass if I recovered. I did, he did. I told my mom, dad and two of my sisters at 16. I heard no word from Dad. Mom made a visit for me to see a psychiatrist. Younger sister said “I hope not” .that was it. But I was a very religious Catholic, molested at 13, suffered from that to this day. Went to seminary, left, acted out, then eventually after.5 years of that I had religious experiences and was on a seesaw for years: acting out promiscuously, confession, REPEAT AD NAUSEUM and I mean ad nauseum. Married a wonderful woman, 4 children, after 20 years divorced; eldest son died, years later my ex died, a few years later my youngest son died. 3 dear people. Today I have my two daughters, one with 4 the other with 7 grand-children. It’s not a simple story. A lot of trials and tribulations not just for me but for the wife/mother and children. I can not regret my children and 11 grandchildren and all their posterity, God willing, which will ensue. I’m still on the seesaw: God vs. my memory of lustful promiscuity. Can’t act out anymore. I don’t know if you will read this but you are lovable and I love you. God bless.
My god father was the same way, and wow, you are, just amazing. I wish I had as strong as faith as you. Don't let anyone bring you down, you rock! Any advice, you seem so strong with your faith, I feel like I'm losing faith, I want to stay strong, what can I do?
Hello Grant. Thank you for your story. As a 60 year old gay man who didn't come out until I was 38, I can tell you that it is better to come out when you are younger. I struggle with my internalized homophobia still 22 years later. I don't hate myself as much as I use to, but there are times when the self-loathing raises its ugly head. I started mental health therapy when I was 57, and it has helped immensely. I strongly urge you, and everyone else, gay or straight and everything in between to find a therapist that works for you and talk with them. I started out at twice a week and now on an "as needed" basis. I wish you happiness in your life.
I come from a long line of Italian Catholics. I lived my life to make everyone else happy. I couldn't take it any more and just came out! A bigger bunch of hypocrites would be hard to find. I am the same person I was before coming out but no one except one family member saw that. The one family member, a first cousin is a CATHOLIC NUN! In her words "God made all his children in his image and the ones who damn you will be the first to be judged by him." AMEN!
Hi Grant, Thanks for sharing your story as it was sensitive, thoughtful, and captivating. I wish you all the best, as it does get soooo much better. Although my story is similar to yours, after coming out I met my partner. We have now been together for 28 years, and recently got married (Minnesota). Thanks again as you seem like an awesome person ! ! !
Wow-- my situation is almost the same as yours. My dad is actually a pastor, but when I came out to him he actually took it really well. And I came out the same day you posted your video, Lol.
What a great confessional story! I wish I would of seen this earlier. Any updates on your life or other links that you have? I'd like to support you on your journey.
It's a shame you haven't kept up with posting video's.....I'm an elder in our community and for some reason I watched a 'coming out' video years ago and ever since UA-cam's algorithms keep sending me 'coming out' stories...today it was yours...When I was your age being gay was still against the law in every country...so I've seen alot of changes....It is my goal, and hopefully I'll see this before I get 'chucked into the furnace' that no one in our community will ever have to 'come out'....That everyone accepts all people have the right to love and be loved. Our main hurdle, as you well know, is organized religion.....and I make this comment not to offend but to educate.....Organized religion tells people we are wrong...and society as a whole believes this, if they are religious or not. Where people have to start experiencing their lives from is the understanding that everyone's basic human right to be free from religion [must] come before religions legal right to freedom of religion. I have no problem with one believing in what they want to.....I do have a problem with someone generating hatred, intolerance or bigotry toward something different from what they believe. I've got to say - it took a shit load of 'guts' to do what you did..and luckily your folks didn't cart you off to 'Conversion Therapy'....You are an incredibly brave young man and an 'icon' for our community....I'm sure there are thousands of young men and woman who will find strength in your experience. Thank you for sharing.....
Awesome video. Catholic, and been there, done that. I still struggle with it all, but in the end, I know God loves me still. Hope you'll make more videos. You're helping other people more than you know!
Fortunately there have been many Biblical scholars that have studied the Bible, the times, languages and translations that have explained what was actually meant in the scriptures, what was lost or changed in translations etc. It is all available with a mere google of "Christianity and Homosexuality". It has been very helpful to many gay people who grew up in the church believing they were damned to hell. You are a very brave and obviously good-hearted young man.
You are not alone & know that it takes more than courage to come out & tell everybody your secrets about yourself. I am proud of what you have done & have accomplished. Keep your chin up, little bros! God is with you surely & someone special will come your way & fill your needs. I know this to be true, cause you are intelligent, manly, honest, caring, funny & your holy spirit shines so brightly. But most of all, your are gorgeous inside & even more on the outside. God will not abandon you !
Grant, I am glad you did not turn away from God or the Church. I finished studies for Roman Catholic priesthood but, at the last minute decided not to be ordained. Years later I left the Roman Catholic Church because they banned a particular gay ministry. I discovered there are other non-Roman Catholic churches that are open to gay folks and gay marriage. I joined one in Seattle and over time was ordained Deacon, Priest, and then Bishop. All of the so-called anti-gay passages in Scripture can and perhaps should be understood differently. You may want to check out Amazon for some books about that. When asked by a reporter what about gays, Pope Francis said, "Who am I to judge?. I saw a vid of Pope Francis returning to Rome and he was talking to a gay couple. He asked them if they would marry if they could and they said yes. He married them on the spot and asked a couple of cardinals to draw up the necessary documents. Whenever I preach I always end with the most important thing is love. May God bless you Grant.
I love this Video. It is such an inspiration for young people (like me) to go their way and love themselves. Thank you for this video. God bless you. I'm wondering if you still read all of your comments.
Hi Grant, great video, so pleased for you that your family accept you. There are so many in the Catholic Church who judge, they make life hell for others. Be true to yourself Bro and those Catholics who know and love you will accept you if they don't then it is their problem not yours. God bless you x
Hey! Great video, made me cry a lot... I kind of relate with your story, i'm also 18, but there's some differences: I haven't come out yet, I have 3 brothers and 4 sisters, I went to a catholic only boys school from the 2nd grade to the 12th grade, I didn't really have friends as I grew up and the ones that I have would never take me as I am; and my family (all of it, brothers, sisters, parents cousins, uncles, grandparents, etc.) would never accept me and would probably kill me (not literally)... I can't really come out right now, not as long as I live with my family... I don't want to leave my family or the life I have here, but I had a shity life and it's gonna continue like that unless I move out...
It´s pretty much the same but I´m getting through it like I always did and hopefully things will eventually work out for the best... It's really nice of you to ask, Grant! I hope you're having an awesome life and you're happy! Lots of love
JoSalvador hey man, I was just reading your comment and you should know that if your current friends wouldnt except you for who you are, then dump them and get new ones. You cant choose your family, but you can choose your friends. The first step for you to becoming happy is to surround yourself with people who will except you for who you are. When you finally find some friends (and maybe even a boyfriend), that you can be yourself around, you will start to develop some confidence and you will start to get to be more independent and that will help you deal with your family... Sadly I need to take some of my own advice, but your comment made me want to say somthing nice to you. And I know its easier said then done.... I hope it works out for you.
Same bro I went to a catholic school from head start/ pre-k to present (11th grade), my family is super religious like really really religious and down to the bone Homophobic, like my mom and all my aunts and uncles give the dirtiest, most disgusting looks to all ppl who are not straight, my dad doesn’t agree with their sexuality but respects them as any other person. So coming out to them while I still live under their roof is a big no no, I’m really scared to think that I’m going to lose my family in the process if I ever come out, idk what to do, and I think to my self everyday why did god make me this way I’m really scared for what ppl/family what think of me, so I put on this huge act everyday acting as straight as possible. So same.. I have the same shitty life.
@@felixlebron2056 When you come to realize for yourself that God--who doesn't make mistakes--made you this way on purpose, your outlook will be a little happier, at least it was for me. I hope things get better, Felix. 🤗
Hey Grant, thanks so much for posting this video. I am in similar situation and come from very Catholic family as well. You have made more progress than me so I appreciate the encouragement. This is such a hard thing to do. I am very glad things worked out so well for you. By the way, you have hot arms :-). (Just had to say that.)
Grant,I think I can help you and anyone else here who is Catholic. There is a document from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops titled "Always Our Children." It is a pastoral letter to parents of GBLT youth and is an amazing read. It is a real short document- just a few pages, really. The first half is a bit dry, but the last half is wonderful. Well worth your time. May God keep you safe and protect you.
How are you doing. It's been a couple of years since you made this Video. I hope you and your Mom are closer now and it was great to hear your Father accept you unconditionally. I never came out to my Parents. My Mom died when I was 16 and my Father was one of those macho types that scared me. Just remember God is a very compassionate being and I know he forgives me and he will you too. I was raised catholic, went to Catholic School so you can see it wasn't fun for me. Good luck in your life, I hope you have found someone and you came live the way you want.
Hey! Very good! I'm sure that after your coming out, you feel happier. I'm a religious teacher, and just 3 weeks ago one of my student confess to me that he is gay. After that, our conversation is more easy. No barrier at all. Wish you luck and success.
This is a great story! Your really brave I cant imagine myself coming out when I was in high school. Your really inspirational and proof a person can be gay and a person of faith as well!
Hey Grant, that was such a heartfelt video about coming out. You are an inspiration to more young gays than you know. Thanks for doing such a wonderful video and sharing such a personal life story with others. I am sure that are a fine young man and you will have an amazing future.
What a powerful video ! I am in a similar situation and I can truely relate to your story. I just have a quick question. Did you lose your faith, going down that path ?
5 years later and you’re still helping people with this video. Thank you from 2018!!! 🤗
Javier GM you have an Instagram
@@koaprather4002 i Have I.G. @ Robert Brolo.
Thank You from 2019
I'm glad this video was able to help
@@GrantTravels Is there a way that we can follow you on instagram or something?
Wow, I am so amazed that your father said "I finally feel like I have a son" after you came out to him. I'm glad that you two were able to share such an experience like that with each other.
73 y/o gay man. Your video is inspiring. Wish I had the benefit of watching it when I was 16. It would have made life easier. But it was a different time .... 60 years ago. I admire you and your family and friends.
All the power in the world to you man. I was in the same position. It was horrible and it nearly ruined my childhood. I'm happy for everyone that doesn't have to go through what I did.
Out of all the "Coming Out" stories I have watched, this is the most accurate, and truthful one I have listened to, Thanks for this.
Are you God, who are you to Judge, there are millions of people and some maybe not in your aspect of truthful....
Truthful ? What exactly does that mean ? Maybe “more akin to your personal experiences”, but how can any given experience be “not truthful” ? Weird.
It's now 2019, and you are still helping people with this video. Thank you for sharing with us. You are fantastic!
Being Gay isn't wrong. It's only the closest cases that think so. Enjoy and live your life. Hello in 2019
Very well said!!!!
I just cry a lot and feel really sad because I see people that have a supportive family that accepts them for who they are and they don't have to run away to be themselves and they can just go on with their life, and I'll never be able to have that... :'(
If you feel strongly about them responding negatively, I would wait to tell them until you are independent. I cannot imagine what you are going through but know that someday they will know the real you. No matter how they react, respond with continually loving them. This will let them see that you haven't changed and have always been the same person that they've come to love.
***** Thanks for the advice, Grant!
You will you will be ok don't put yourself down
I'm sorry @JoSalvador, nobody deserves that. 😢 I hope that in these years past your original post things have gotten better. 🤗
I think it's awesome that this brought you closer to your dad. You seem like such a great person. Really glad you got beyond the self hate!
Seriously...I just want to hug you.
I loved your Dad's response " I feel like I have a son now" - That's so amazing. Great video. More power to you.
Yours is a great story for young, gay Christians to hear. I am putting this on my "Coming Out As Gay" UA-cam Playlist. I am glad that so many people have seen your story, and I hope that many of them are either experiencing what you have done or have kin who are experiencing it. The change in your sister's attitudes toward others just shows that Harvey Milk was so right about the impact that one's coming out can have on other people.
Grant, you have many people who love you and we would love hear an update about how your life has been since you shared your beautiful coming out story.Please Grant have mercy on your many fans and speak with us!
your voice is masculine af, and you are a beautiful guy. love to you !
Loved how authentic and thoughtful you were when you told your story. You seem like a great guy & I wish you a life of happiness. And a big hug.
Proud of you man .. much love from Australia! x
(Take it easy now)
Your video was really encouraging. My family is also religious, and I found that my being gay didn't go down well with them at all. 2 years later, they still hate it. You are very blessed to have a family who can accept you for who you are :) Very blessed indeed
Blood Doll ASMR did you hate your family
Blood Doll ASMR did you really hate your parents
What an awesome response from your father. Love makes *all* the difference and determines whether this process (coming out) is a positive thing or an absolute tragedy.
Apparently you made this video a long time ago (I'm commenting in 2021), so I hope things for you are still going well. Very mature, and honest video...very brave young man...articulate as well. Good luck to you!
Dont change anything dude, your you, your awesome be proud of who you are, you dont have to be anyone but your true self be proud of you !
This has to be the most inspiring coming out story I’ve heard. Thank you for sharing it. Really thank you.
Awh, that means a lot. I'm happy I could help. Thank you!
My son came out to me and he cried so hard before we talked I said "my love (that's what I always called him) what is wrong? He said Dad I got something to tell you, I said what can be so wrong that you're crying this hard?
He said daddy I'm gay, I said so what's the bad news? He said crying and laughing at the same time that's the bad news!!??
I said just make sure he is worthy of your love!!! He hugged me, then. I cried because he had this burden of his shoulder!!!
Now My husband and I are planning his wedding, we both love his other half!!!
I hope his mother will come she is not happy with me cause I came out to her and she just packed and left!!! Oh well!!
The young man in the video should be a motivation speaker to other young gay teens!!!!!
Thanks for reading my story!!!!
Everybody stay PROUD AND HAPPY!!!!
Praise the Lord for your sharing your experiences. You’re very brave. Just be happy and positive. Remember to be yourself and ignore the ignorance of others judging you. Their negativity is THEIRS and its up to you to avoid them, at all costs!!! (My mom is Catholic and my dad is Jewish.). None of us have it easy to “come out”. God’s blessings and many positive vibes to you. Have a great life, young man!!!
I love this video so much. I respect you so much, and god loves you. Love is not a sin. Being gay isn't harming anyone or causing any problems.
Love ya
@@GrantTravels im Supporting you.
@@GrantTravels Hope you are still doing well now, this video has helped a lot of people, you are amazing. Maybe you could come back sometime and do a new update video
@@GrantTravels
Are u circimcised or forskln?
@@gregorymalchuk272 really @Gregory? Lol time & place...time & place.
I'm happy for ya! I think you handled the whole situation rather smoothly and it seems to have worked out. I support the cause and all that kinda stuff.
I can feel my heart beating so hard as I watch this 😭
Hi you 2 yes both look nice I'm bi text me bk can you meet up have fun
You are a beautiful person in every sense of the word. There aren't enough words to express how happy I am for your relationship with your dad; I think I love that man. What a truly wonderful way to tell your son you love him!! Congratulations to you both for opening up to each other. I wish you both a long and love-filled life. Thank you for sharing this experience with us. I'm sure that, through you, your dad has saved many lives. Love you both!
What a wonderful story. You are SO lucky to have such understanding parents !
Always remember that being gay isn't wrong at all, if god didn't want people to be gay he wouldn't let 'gay' be created if that makes sense god allows people to be gay he created it in a way so he would never hate you or any one else that's gay, I'm not gay or anything like that I just have a strong opinion that there's nothing wrong with it :) xxxxx
100%.
It's all old beliefs and fear of the unknown.
This is such an amazing coming out video! Thank you so much for making this!
So, you're 24 now and I hope you are living a fulfilled and happy life and have a partner/husband who loves you and you love him.
My life hasn't been probably what you think it has... I have gone through a few health struggles that have held me back the last 5 years (don't worry, they don't involve STDs or drug addiction). But, mentally, I feel I am starting to come out on the other side of it. At times, I feel like life throws us too many boulders. But we just have to keep doing our best to push through it. (:
@@GrantTravels my life seemed very calm when I was 12, but God let me know that by the time I would be in my early 20’s that my life would begin to be very stressful and chaotic. So I just kept going to church, praying and just enjoying the temporary calmness. By the time I was 24 the chaos in my mind began, but I also had accompanying angels helping and giving me strength. My parents taught me very well to persevere (to just keep trying the best that I can) so I just kept enduring my difficulties. Over the next 50 years I’ve had only 4 respites from my difficulties (2 resulting from legal medicines and 2 resulting from miracles). Those respites sometimes lasted a few years, some lasted but several weeks but all were a gift from God to bolster my strength to continue enduring. I’ve also helped others by showing them how to endure and keep trying through very difficult times. In the end God’s love for us will prevail if you trust in Him and just keep loving Him and others. Just keep being honest with yourself and your loved ones, and seek help from others when it’s really needed.
@@GrantTravelsdid you ever want to tickle and massage other guys feet in middle school and high school
You did the right thing by coming out. At the same time of my life, I didn't, and over the years it almost self destructed me. The fear, anger and self hate turned into self destructive behaviours and in the end I came out, but like you said, "IT could have been so much better". I'm glad to see it worked out so good for you! Your amazing.
Thank you so much for posting this! I am on the brink of coming out to my dad and this made me cry like halfway through! I am so happy that it worked out for you. Just like you I was raised Catholic- so I think it is going to be difficult. I don't think it will surprise my dad- but I'm not sure. Thanks for posting- this has inspired me.
Please update me on how things go! Good luck with everything and if you need any advice, feel free to DM me.
Thanks again! Sundayis the day!
Bless you and i hope all is well with you. This is 2020 and your Your love and compassion for others shown by making this video is still so meaningfull.
Thank you for that sincere talk. I can relate to this exactly. God bless you and I am convinced that you are loved by
Him as much as any of the others of us believers.
Grant, you gave one of the most heartfelt stories I have seen on youtube. You are a wonderful young man, who is no different from the wonderful young man you were before your family knew you were gay. Your eyes and words show the pain you have suffered, even some from yourself. You are a beautiful young man with a wonderful heart and I wish you the very best in the future. Somehow, I know you will have a great future. You are loving, humble and truthful. God still loves you as always!
Thanks for sharing your story!! Very brave!
Thank you for sharing your story. I'm positive it will help other's! I wish you the very best and always talk with someone if you are feeling down or depressed. You have a lot to offer and you do make a huge difference in the lives you touch.
You are an amazing person. Thanks for sharing your story.
Courageous boy. Good for you. Your community loves and supports you. Stay strong and may you find love, happiness, and personal fulfillment.
Your story is precious in the best sense.
Dads are underestimated. How often haven't we heard that in real life dads are more accepting than mothers?
My dad stood behind me and supported me ever since he found out, when I was 20 years old.
My relationship with my dad was never bad, but it grew so much stronger after I came out to him.
He actually became a much greater dad in general after I came out.
My mother freaked out. My parents were very active Lutheran protestant chuch people.
I was in the Royal Garde at that time and not living at home, so she was all in his hands.
It took him four years to turn her around, but she came out wonderfully.
I was 33 when my dad died and 36 when my mother died. I miss them very much.
I wish they had lived to meet my partner/husband, with whom I have been together with for 21 years now.
They would have loved him unconditionally and it would have been mutual.
Hey Grant..many many Kilometres away in Australia I share the ache … but have been doing so for much longer. My generation did not approach parents with anything deep and personal, so I suffered and lived with guilt and self hate for decades. My family on both sides are religious but, thankfully, more Christian than religious. I married (sincerely) and had 3 kids, but had to sit on my real self very hard. My wife and I split and I brought up the kids. Then, it all came out by accidental discovery of phone messages. The most understanding were my sisters and Mum. My brothers/ nephews and some close friends were not.
I am a Christian and I know fully that God loves me. So many strange happenings have told me this. But, I am also a teacher and in the Defence Force so I have to continue to hide inside in these aspects of my life. Having a partner to love and cherish is out of the question. Your story comes from a beautiful heart and you are not any kind of accidental birth. God's love is unconditional - he says so. Unfortunately there are those who think that they know more than God does and judge others through hate and bigotry. God gave me an extraordinary depth of caring for everyone and that has absorbed my life and given me much joy. My sexuality is not important in comparison. Know that you are much loved, Grant.
You have me speechless. The amount of strength you have is unreal. It was shown through all those years of heartache. I hope you eventually have peace with those who turned you down in the beginning. My heart goes out! xx
Oh, you're such a beautiful person. I wish I knew more people like you. c:
This is like my favorite video on the web, I am in tears about your story!! As weird as it is I had to "come out" as Catholic to my atheist/agnostic parents, and I have a friend who has two moms, and she's not religious cause she thinks religion "doesn't want [her] parents to be happy." Your dad should be a saint...!!!
I have a question... what do you plan on doing about it? Do you have a boyfriend? What is your stance on gay marriage? I need help convincing people that "the Church isn't that bad"!!!!! Your story is so inspirational, God bless you
You amazingly sweet, articulate, and (wow) handsome guy: it is now five years later, and I hope everything has gotten much easier for you now that you're in adulthood. High School was not kind to me, so I feel like if you made it through that, your gonna do great. Thanks for sharing your story.
Wow you have an amazing story. I hope it goes like that for me when I finally decide to come out. I hope you're still living the happy life that you seemed to be when you made this video :) Oh and also thank you for making this video I'm sure it has given many people hope that their parents reaction will be good when they come out, including me
Grant, I recognize you as a great person. I was a very religious person. I now recognize that the church indoctrinated me. I am very sympathetic for those people who are of the church. Yet, through the help of you, and perhaps rather natural inhalents, I have realized that you cannot change the fact of how you are. I am gay, I hold to Christian morals mostly, being that your story is so similar to mine, I declare you as a great example. I honor you. My name is Rudy by the way. I say that you are someone I look to as a reference. I grew up in the South. I have been through a lot. I'm thankful that you made this video. God bless!
Good to see you embrace your religion sweetie xx I'm so proud of you
It was so weird watching you today Grant.....first off.... thank you fk sharing ......I saw in you what I saw in myself 15 years ago when I came our
....my parents were the reason I held back as long as I did.....my parents just needed time to absorb everything....I really hope your journey is a smooth one and that you get as much support as possible.
Good on you mate, wish you all the happiness and hope you meet someone awesome.
I crushed on a boy in second grade. In fourth grade I was gravely ill and when I survived I became very religious (Catholic). My father had prayed that he would go back to Mass if I recovered. I did, he did. I told my mom, dad and two of my sisters at 16. I heard no word from Dad. Mom made a visit for me to see a psychiatrist. Younger sister said “I hope not” .that was it. But I was a very religious Catholic, molested at 13, suffered from that to this day. Went to seminary, left, acted out, then eventually after.5 years of that I had religious experiences and was on a seesaw for years: acting out promiscuously, confession, REPEAT AD NAUSEUM and I mean ad nauseum. Married a wonderful woman, 4 children, after 20 years divorced; eldest son died, years later my ex died, a few years later my youngest son died. 3 dear people. Today I have my two daughters, one with 4 the other with 7 grand-children. It’s not a simple story. A lot of trials and tribulations not just for me but for the wife/mother and children. I can not regret my children and 11 grandchildren and all their posterity, God willing, which will ensue. I’m still on the seesaw: God vs. my memory of lustful promiscuity. Can’t act out anymore. I don’t know if you will read this but you are lovable and I love you. God bless.
Thanks very much for the upload.
I wish my dad were like your dad
My god father was the same way, and wow, you are, just amazing. I wish I had as strong as faith as you. Don't let anyone bring you down, you rock! Any advice, you seem so strong with your faith, I feel like I'm losing faith, I want to stay strong, what can I do?
Great story. Thanks for sharing. I can tell it was heart felt. : )
Hello Grant. Thank you for your story. As a 60 year old gay man who didn't come out until I was 38, I can tell you that it is better to come out when you are younger. I struggle with my internalized homophobia still 22 years later. I don't hate myself as much as I use to, but there are times when the self-loathing raises its ugly head. I started mental health therapy when I was 57, and it has helped immensely. I strongly urge you, and everyone else, gay or straight and everything in between to find a therapist that works for you and talk with them. I started out at twice a week and now on an "as needed" basis.
I wish you happiness in your life.
Thanks for sharing your story. You are a very courageous young man.
I hope you'll come back to the Catholic Church. Our hands will be open and extended for your arrival.
I come from a long line of Italian Catholics. I lived my life to make everyone else happy. I couldn't take it any more and just came out! A bigger bunch of hypocrites would be hard to find. I am the same person I was before coming out but no one except one family member saw that. The one family member, a first cousin is a CATHOLIC NUN! In her words "God made all his children in his image and the ones who damn you will be the first to be judged by him." AMEN!
I cried so much watching this
Grant, Thank you for sharing and caring.
Hi Grant, Thanks for sharing your story as it was sensitive, thoughtful, and captivating. I wish you all the best, as it does get soooo much better. Although my story is similar to yours, after coming out I met my partner. We have now been together for 28 years, and recently got married (Minnesota).
Thanks again as you seem like an awesome person ! ! !
All haters should be ashamed not him he is still a person hes just attracted to men.
Thanks for sharing your story Buddy.
Wow-- my situation is almost the same as yours. My dad is actually a pastor, but when I came out to him he actually took it really well. And I came out the same day you posted your video, Lol.
What a great confessional story! I wish I would of seen this earlier. Any updates on your life or other links that you have? I'd like to support you on your journey.
It's a shame you haven't kept up with posting video's.....I'm an elder in our community and for some reason I watched a 'coming out' video years ago and ever since UA-cam's algorithms keep sending me 'coming out' stories...today it was yours...When I was your age being gay was still against the law in every country...so I've seen alot of changes....It is my goal, and hopefully I'll see this before I get 'chucked into the furnace' that no one in our community will ever have to 'come out'....That everyone accepts all people have the right to love and be loved. Our main hurdle, as you well know, is organized religion.....and I make this comment not to offend but to educate.....Organized religion tells people we are wrong...and society as a whole believes this, if they are religious or not. Where people have to start experiencing their lives from is the understanding that everyone's basic human right to be free from religion [must] come before religions legal right to freedom of religion. I have no problem with one believing in what they want to.....I do have a problem with someone generating hatred, intolerance or bigotry toward something different from what they believe.
I've got to say - it took a shit load of 'guts' to do what you did..and luckily your folks didn't cart you off to 'Conversion Therapy'....You are an incredibly brave young man and an 'icon' for our community....I'm sure there are thousands of young men and woman who will find strength in your experience. Thank you for sharing.....
Wow! This was a long time ago. Hope you are doing well Grant! And I Hope you found a sweet someone to share your life with.
Awesome video. Catholic, and been there, done that. I still struggle with it all, but in the end, I know God loves me still. Hope you'll make more videos. You're helping other people more than you know!
Thanks so much, I am catholic/Christian, and hoping to come out to my family soon, and your story has inspired me, thank you so much!!!
You won't go to hell darling GOd created all races to be loved and accepted in his kingdom wether gay straight or bi .xo bless you honey
@aesthetic I literally laughed out loud for like five minutes. That was just so perfect!
Fortunately there have been many Biblical scholars that have studied the Bible, the times, languages and translations that have explained what was actually meant in the scriptures, what was lost or changed in translations etc. It is all available with a mere google of "Christianity and Homosexuality". It has been very helpful to many gay people who grew up in the church believing they were damned to hell. You are a very brave and obviously good-hearted young man.
You are not alone & know that it takes more than courage to come out & tell everybody your secrets about yourself. I am proud of what you have done & have accomplished. Keep your chin up, little bros! God is with you surely & someone special will come your way & fill your needs. I know this to be true, cause you are intelligent, manly, honest, caring, funny & your holy spirit shines so brightly. But most of all, your are gorgeous inside & even more on the outside. God will not abandon you !
Excellent video. Sounds like you are comfortable with both your spirituality and your sexuality. That is awesome! :D
I'm Catholic and I support and my whole family are and we support gay marriage.
Beautiful story. Thanks for sharing!
Grant, I am glad you did not turn away from God or the Church. I finished studies for Roman Catholic priesthood but, at the last minute decided not to be ordained. Years later I left the Roman Catholic Church because they banned a particular gay ministry. I discovered there are other non-Roman Catholic churches that are open to gay folks and gay marriage. I joined one in Seattle and over time was ordained Deacon, Priest, and then Bishop. All of the so-called anti-gay passages in Scripture can and perhaps should be understood differently. You may want to check out Amazon for some books about that. When asked by a reporter what about gays, Pope Francis said, "Who am I to judge?. I saw a vid of Pope Francis returning to Rome and he was talking to a gay couple. He asked them if they would marry if they could and they said yes. He married them on the spot and asked a couple of cardinals to draw up the necessary documents. Whenever I preach I always end with the most important thing is love. May God bless you Grant.
I love this Video. It is such an inspiration for young people (like me) to go their way and love themselves. Thank you for this video. God bless you.
I'm wondering if you still read all of your comments.
This helped me soooo much!! Thanks a bunches!
Thank you so much for sharing your experience!! You look gorgeous and please keep making new videos!! :D
so proud of you thanks
Hi Grant, great video, so pleased for you that your family accept you. There are so many in the Catholic Church who judge, they make life hell for others. Be true to yourself Bro and those Catholics who know and love you will accept you if they don't then it is their problem not yours. God bless you x
Hey! Great video, made me cry a lot... I kind of relate with your story, i'm also 18, but there's some differences: I haven't come out yet, I have 3 brothers and 4 sisters, I went to a catholic only boys school from the 2nd grade to the 12th grade, I didn't really have friends as I grew up and the ones that I have would never take me as I am; and my family (all of it, brothers, sisters, parents cousins, uncles, grandparents, etc.) would never accept me and would probably kill me (not literally)... I can't really come out right now, not as long as I live with my family... I don't want to leave my family or the life I have here, but I had a shity life and it's gonna continue like that unless I move out...
JoSalvador how's your life now? Hope you're hanging in there!
It´s pretty much the same but I´m getting through it like I always did and hopefully things will eventually work out for the best... It's really nice of you to ask, Grant! I hope you're having an awesome life and you're happy! Lots of love
JoSalvador hey man, I was just reading your comment and you should know that if your current friends wouldnt except you for who you are, then dump them and get new ones. You cant choose your family, but you can choose your friends. The first step for you to becoming happy is to surround yourself with people who will except you for who you are. When you finally find some friends (and maybe even a boyfriend), that you can be yourself around, you will start to develop some confidence and you will start to get to be more independent and that will help you deal with your family... Sadly I need to take some of my own advice, but your comment made me want to say somthing nice to you. And I know its easier said then done.... I hope it works out for you.
Same bro I went to a catholic school from head start/ pre-k to present (11th grade), my family is super religious like really really religious and down to the bone Homophobic, like my mom and all my aunts and uncles give the dirtiest, most disgusting looks to all ppl who are not straight, my dad doesn’t agree with their sexuality but respects them as any other person. So coming out to them while I still live under their roof is a big no no, I’m really scared to think that I’m going to lose my family in the process if I ever come out, idk what to do, and I think to my self everyday why did god make me this way I’m really scared for what ppl/family what think of me, so I put on this huge act everyday acting as straight as possible. So same.. I have the same shitty life.
@@felixlebron2056 When you come to realize for yourself that God--who doesn't make mistakes--made you this way on purpose, your outlook will be a little happier, at least it was for me. I hope things get better, Felix. 🤗
Wow…what an amazing story. Congratulations to you. Be strong. You’re worth it.
Love your story and super glad to see someone with a similar story to mine!
You are a lovely young man. It's nine years later. I am still wishing you tons of love and good health. ❤🌈🙏
omg im crying, i love you so much and i love your story
Hey Grant, thanks so much for posting this video. I am in similar situation and come from very Catholic family as well. You have made more progress than me so I appreciate the encouragement. This is such a hard thing to do. I am very glad things worked out so well for you. By the way, you have hot arms :-). (Just had to say that.)
Grant,I think I can help you and anyone else here who is Catholic. There is a document from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops titled "Always Our Children." It is a pastoral letter to parents of GBLT youth and is an amazing read. It is a real short document- just a few pages, really. The first half is a bit dry, but the last half is wonderful. Well worth your time. May God keep you safe and protect you.
Pope Franny also said that we should love gay people too (duh XD)
Thank you for keeping your faith. And being yourself
How are you doing. It's been a couple of years since you made this Video. I hope you and your Mom are closer now and it was great to hear your Father accept you unconditionally. I never came out to my Parents. My Mom died when I was 16 and my Father was one of those macho types that scared me. Just remember God is a very compassionate being and I know he forgives me and he will you too. I was raised catholic, went to Catholic School so you can see it wasn't fun for me. Good luck in your life, I hope you have found someone and you came live the way you want.
This is beautiful
Hey! Very good! I'm sure that after your coming out, you feel happier. I'm a religious teacher, and just 3 weeks ago one of my student confess to me that he is gay. After that, our conversation is more easy. No barrier at all. Wish you luck and success.
This is a great story! Your really brave I cant imagine myself coming out when I was in high school. Your really inspirational and proof a person can be gay and a person of faith as well!
Hey Grant, that was such a heartfelt video about coming out. You are an inspiration to more young gays than you know. Thanks for doing such a wonderful video and sharing such a personal life story with others. I am sure that are a fine young man and you will have an amazing future.
What a nice guy. All the best. Glad it worked out.
To say it's wrong to be gay, is to say God made a mistake, and God doesn't make mistakes.
What a powerful video ! I am in a similar situation and I can truely relate to your story. I just have a quick question. Did you lose your faith, going down that path ?