Each week, I feature a new coming out story through a YouTube channel called OutStories. Have a webcam? Share your coming out story today.
William is 16. But don’t let his age fool you – his words are deep with wisdom.
His coming out story brought tears to me eyes. Not because it’s sad – but because his message is so beautiful, and so full of hope. William, keep your chin up.
Check it out.
February 4, 2012 at 11:55 am
Gee wish I could give you some great words of wisdom but this is all I have. The only person who matters and their opinion should really matter to you is you. You have to feel comfortable in your own skin. Then when you do and you find that special someone man oh man it is wonderful! You know the kind of guy who makes your heart race and you get the butterfly effect in your stomach and what is most wonderful of all is when he feels the same way you do about you. And when on one very romantic evening you fall into each others arms while watching tv or listening to soft music by the fire with some scented candles going and you just fall asleep and you wake up the next morning ,and it feels good and natural, you are in love. And that is all that matters.
February 4, 2012 at 11:57 am
Such a great message. We should hold our friends who love us close. And for the haters, well they just don’t matter. They will continue to go through life being miserable because they cannot find joy in anything.
February 4, 2012 at 12:15 pm
You are a brave, sensitive, articulate person. How proud I am to see a courageous young gay person from a small town come out. It definitely gets better. You are not alone . A collective hug from from your brother and sister hoods
February 4, 2012 at 12:40 pm
Without even knowing the identities of the people in your life, I can assure you that there is a huge difference in quality and character between the two groups, those who hate and those who love. And the ones who hate you don’t really hate you personally, they fear an aspect of your being that they don’t understand. Those who are most outspoken in their hate might well be trying to hide a part of themselves that they fear and loathe. Don’t be afraid to ask for frequent hugs from those you love to sustain you during this challenging stage of your life. You might also consider a response to your tormentors along these lines: “If I’ve done something to deserve your hate, I apologize…..but I don’t apologize for being who I am.”
February 8, 2012 at 7:35 pm
“If I’ve done something to deserve your hate, I apologize…..but I don’t apologize for being who I am.” OMG! I love that line… Good response.
@William: Very articulate; very sincere… Hang in there and just remember that those who matter don’t mind and those who mind don’t matter. (Well, in truth … everybody ‘matters’ in this life but don’t let the haters affect you or bring you down.) I’m sorry that you’ve had some breakdowns and that because you live in a small town life is sometimes difficult for you but stay strong. I grew up in a small town, as well and moved as soon as I was able so that I could just be myself without having to be concerned about the busybodies in my hometown who had nothing better to do with their own lives than to talk about everybody else. I’m not saying that you “have to” move when you are able; only that it’s an option that will avail itself to you one day. You’re a beautiful young man with what appears to be a great heart and a willingness to speak up for yourself and others. Those qualities that we carry with us, within, are what define us and give us the opportunities to realize our full potential. Who we love doesn’t matter; what matters is “THAT we love.” Take care.
February 4, 2012 at 1:08 pm
William, your message touched me. Take strength from those that love you and remember that there will be more people that wish you well than those that don’t; just sometimes the haters seem more obvious. Good luck on this journey and as Davey says, “keep your chin up.”
February 4, 2012 at 2:40 pm
Stay strong and you will go far in this world. You are a great speaker and talk from your heart. Love David
February 4, 2012 at 8:54 pm
Thanks for your story, This world, our planet is moving into the Age of Aquarius of dreams and magic,
keep the thought of love all around you, be playful like a child. Live the dream, send love out to all people, to all life and to mother earth, and know who you are, you are beautiful
February 4, 2012 at 11:10 pm
Wow! You’re families immediate concern was you being bullied. They cleared accepted you without issue. I’m glad that you have found strength and I hope you continue to find strength. I wish I were more like you at 16. Congratulations.
February 4, 2012 at 11:30 pm
William–
Beautifully said! You are clearly a sensitive and intelligent young man with a purpose.
The world is a better place with you in it, tipped that much more towards love and away from hate, and we all need that!
Thanks for sharing, Daveywavey!
Peace and Love!
February 4, 2012 at 11:33 pm
Beautifully said. Continue to speak like this, continue to come from love, rather than fear and hate, and you will help change the world. The world only gets changed one person at a time, and you are a powerful ‘one person.’ You speak for so many….and do it so well.
February 5, 2012 at 8:01 am
Wow.. What an amazing young man. U did something I never could have done as kid. Although I wish I did. Kids knew I was gay even though I tried so hard to hid it. They still picked on me were mean to me. It truly does get better and your message was very good. Don’t let others define you be yourself and know u are not alone.
February 5, 2012 at 6:33 pm
Maybe it’s wise to answer with a poem
I would like to shout your name, Love
with all my strength,
to shout it too loudly
that no dream will ever fall asleep again in the world,
no hope to die..
February 6, 2012 at 2:21 am
Yes William, the world still has a very long way to go before we get it perfect, but your coming out story helps in every way to achieve that. You are very brave and have the entire gay , LGBT population with you. You make us all very proud by sharing your story with us. I promise you, not only does it get better, it gets great. Hang in there mate. Love from Aus.
February 9, 2012 at 12:03 am
@William,the out youtube video maker:,@Everyone:
William,
Your message is beautiful ! And:You are amazingly eloquent & well-spoken.
I must admit that I find your heavy make-up un-necessary and a little distracting.
March 13, 2012 at 9:52 pm
William: You mentioned love and hate………LOVE IS THE STRONGEST POWER IN THE WORLD. EVERYTHING responds to LOVE. Just keep on being yourself and have a positive attitude and you’ll see exactly what I mean. P.S. You are LOVED.