The Saint of Dry Creek

StoryCorps has posted another great bit of animation for National Coming Out Day. Clip recap: “Patrick Haggerty grew up the son of a dairy farmer in rural Dry Creek, Washington, during the 1950s. As a teenager, Pat began to understand he was gay—something he thought he was hiding well. But one day, after performing at a school assembly, Pat learned that his father could see him much more clearly than he realized.

How coming out should be!

"Mom, I'm gay"
Posted by Jordan Sammy on Thursday, July 30, 2015

Watch: YouTube star Joey Graceffa comes out as gay in magical new music video

YouTube star Joey Graceffa has come out as gay to his nearly 5 million subscribers in a magical new music video.

Graceffa celebrated his 24th birthday with the release of Don't Wait, which features goblins, a witch and a prince charming – with whom Graceffa shares an epic happily-ever-after kiss.

'I really just hope that it will be able to help some of you guys out there going through similar struggles I went through and do some good in the world,' he said in a postscript to the video.

Graceffa has received a wave of support from fans and fellow YouTube sensations, including Tyler Oakley, Alfie Deyes and Connor Franta.

'After 8 years of this topic being the most discussed thing on my YouTube channel. To FINALLY be open felt incredible,' Graceffa tweeted.

Don't Wait is currently number 72 on the US iTunes chart.

Watch the video below:

Tips on Coming Out

Coming out is when someone who is gay, lesbian or bisexual tells the people around them about their sexuality.

This can be difficult and people may worry that others will treat them differently once they know.

Even though it can be scary, most people feel that coming out is important as it means they can be honest about how they feel and not keep an important part of their life hidden.

Getting to know yourself and your sexuality

One of the first steps of coming out is acknowledging to yourself what your sexual preference is.

For many people, admitting to themselves that they're gay, bisexual or lesbian can be hard for many reasons.

It could be because they have been brought up to think being gay is wrong, or because they are worried about being teased or bullied.

If you're not sure if you're gay, lesbian or bisexual, you may find it helpful to talk to someone you trust about your feelings.

Who to tell about your sexuality

So you think The Bible wants you to throw your LGBT child out on the streets ?

1 Timothy 5:8

New International Version
Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

New Living Translation
But those who won't care for their relatives, especially those in their own household, have denied the true faith. Such people are worse than unbelievers.

English Standard Version
But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

New American Standard Bible
But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

King James Bible
But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
But if anyone does not provide for his own, that is his own household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

International Standard Version
If anyone does not take care of his own relatives, especially his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

NET Bible
But if someone does not provide for his own, especially his own family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
For if a man does not take care of those who are his own, especially those who are members of the household of faith, this one has renounced the faith and is worse than those who are unbelievers.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
If anyone doesn't take care of his own relatives, especially his immediate family, he has denied the Christian faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

Jubilee Bible 2000
But if any provide not for his own and specially for those of his own house, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

King James 2000 Bible
But if any provide not for his own, and especially for those of his own house, he has denied the faith, and is worse than an unbeliever.

American King James Version
But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he has denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.

American Standard Version
But if any provideth not for his own, and specially his own household, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an unbeliever.

Douay-Rheims Bible
But if any man have not care of his own, and especially of those of his house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.

Darby Bible Translation
But if any one does not provide for his own, and specially for those of [his] house, he has denied the faith, and is worse than the unbeliever.

English Revised Version
But if any provideth not for his own, and specially his own household, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an unbeliever.

Webster's Bible Translation
But if any provideth not for his own, and especially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.

Weymouth New Testament
But if a man makes no provision for those dependent on him, and especially for his own family, he has disowned the faith and is behaving worse than an unbeliever.

World English Bible
But if anyone doesn't provide for his own, and especially his own household, he has denied the faith, and is worse than an unbeliever.

Young's Literal Translation
and if any one for his own -- and especially for those of the household -- doth not provide, the faith he hath denied, and than an unbeliever he is worse.

So instead of using The Bible to disguise your own homophobia, educate yourself about Coming Out.

“The Bible contains six admonishments to homosexuals and 362 admonishments to heterosexuals. That doesn't mean that God doesn't love heterosexuals. It's just that they need more supervision.” ~ Lynn Lavner

Robin Robert's Awkward Interview with President Obama

Robin Roberts, who was the interviewer during President Obama's "evolution" on gay marriage back in 2012, revealed to Meredith Vieira earlier this week a rather embarrassing moment that occurred during the historic announcement.

Roberts herself came out as gay last December in a Facebook post acknowledging her longtime girlfriend Amber Laign.

NATIONAL CHAMPION SWIMMER TOM LUCHSINGER COMES OUT AS GAY: 'I HAVE COME TO ACCEPT WHO I AM'

Tom Luchsinger, who in 2013 won the 200m butterfly at the World Aquatics Championship in Barcelona, has come out as gay in a deeply emotional letter published over at Outsports.

Writes Luchsinger:

For as long as I can remember I tried to repress my feelings through athletics. I tried to hide who I was through medals and accomplishments. I tried to pray away my sexuality. I tried to shower it off. Nothing ever worked. After years of stress, hate, and disgust toward myself, I have come to accept who I am. I am a proud gay man living my life the best way I know how, surrounded by people who love and support me!

For years, my sexuality was the quality I was most ashamed of about myself. But now it seems that being gay is one of the characteristics I'm most proud of. I have accomplishments linked to my name that most heterosexual men will never have. I've overcome the fear of being rejected from the people I love the most. 

My friendships have gotten stronger because of my self acceptance. My smile is a lot more genuine and surfaces much more frequently. I laugh a lot more. My body has time to recover from a workout because I'm actually an easy-going person. I have found qualities-both physical and emotional-that I like about myself - though that's still a work in progress. My number of good days far out number my bad days.

I'm still the same person I have always been, just a hell of a lot better at it.

An Ex-Gay Therapist Was No Match For This Amazing Harvard Law School Student

Stories don’t usually start with, “Harvard University outed me.” This one does. When Scott Blair took the LSATs and checked a box on his Harvard application that he was gay, the university gay law student group called his mother’s house. She asked the reason for the call, and they told her, “Well, he’s gay and applied and we’d really like him to come.”

She confronted Scott about the call in the car soon thereafter. “Did you save the contact information?” he appropriately asked her. “No, I was hoping you were lying to them to get into a better law school,” she replied. The time had come to be totally honest, and Scott told her that no, he wasn’t lying.

“I almost want to drive this car into a tree,” said Scott’s mother. “Can you let me out of the car first and then you can go ahead?” he answered like a true lawyer-to-be.

His parents ended up joining a “Parents and Friend of Ex-Gays” group in New Jersey, even though Scott was comfortable with who he is. “That is the opposite of the group you are supposed to be joining right now,” he tried reasoning with them.

But reason rarely matters in the unfortunate world of ex-gays. His parents asked Scott to meet with one of the group’s leaders, to “understand what the homosexual lifestyle is about.” To humor them, he agreed.

By the time Scott met with him, it was the summer of his second year of law school. Harvard Law School. Scott was already a clever young man, but armed with two years of legal argumentative training, the guy didn’t stand a chance.

First, the counselor started with the “there is no gay gene” schtick. “Every study that’s reported to find a gay gene has been authored by gays,” he continued.

Scotts response: “I have no idea what studies you’re talking about, but sexuality is very complex. Everything that humans do is very complex. All a gene does is control the expression of a protein. I would be extremely shocked if one gene could control anything like that.”

The counselor looked at Scott with confused bewilderment, never having received such an answer. His next move was to pry into Scott’s upbringing –specifically his parents’ divorce. He told Scott that many people who are angry at their mothers following a divorce are “turned off” to women.

“So if I was angry at my mother, that would make me gay, but you also asked me how I felt about my father. My guess is what you’re going to say is that if I was angry at my father, that would make me want to seek the company of other men.”

The ex-gay counselor said yes, that can be the case as well. 

“Isn’t that sort of contradictory? No matter which one of my parents I hate — which I don’t — that made me gay.”

Next the counselor moved the conversation to the subject of homosexuality leading to the fall of civilizations, referencing the Roman Empire.

Except Scott is a history buff with a special interest in the Romans. “The Roman Empire only fell after it became Christian,” he told the therapist.

“Well they weren’t really Christian in any sense of the word that we would use today.”

“Saint Augustine was one of the most famous Christian theologists ever, and according to what you’re telling me, he wasn’t actually a Christian.”

“Well, you know, they were very Catholic.”

“You realize my mother is Catholic, right?”

“Well, thank you for your time,” he eventually told Scott, leaving the room.

In an interview with I’m From Driftwood, Scott reflects on the experience:

“It’s actually hard not to feel a little sorry for him, because he was gay before he ‘changed,’ and he claims that he realized homosexuality was immoral in the 80’s when he saw a lot of his friends dying from AIDS, and it’s hard to mock somebody for that.

“I would tell any kid who has to go see an ex-gay therapist or somebody that’s telling them that it’s wrong to be gay that they are smarter than somebody who thinks that and they are better than somebody who thinks that. And frankly any argument that somebody uses to support changing who you are is very, very bad. And very dumb. 30 second of thought will show you why it’s wrong.”

If we ever need a lawyer, we’re calling Scott.

See the whole interview here:

Here’s How To Talk To Your Kids About Gay Country Musicians

Yesterday unofficially became country music’s coming out day when we heard from not one but two twangtastic artists about their same-sex secret lives. And while in full disclosure we hadn’t ever heard of either Billy Gilman or Ty Herdon before, the news was still good.

Kudos to YouTube channel Heck Benderfor putting out an intelligent response so quickly.

In their latest clip, a father talks to his son about the gay singers.

Dad: “Some people think that Southern tradition, freedom and country music is being threatened by people coming out as being gay or criticizing the president — unless of course it’s Obama.”

Son: “But isn’t country music a representation of Southern rebellion? And isn’t coming out as a gay country artist one of the biggest acts of rebellion you can do in that field? And isn’t it a great act of Southern rebellion by criticizing your representation and hasn’t the South always been about individual freedom? And isn’t a great act of individual freedom loving whoever you want to love?

What do you do when your child comes out to you ?

Whether your child has come out to you, or if you found out unintentionally, your child needs you now. Every child's worst fear is that by coming out their parents will reject them. No matter what your beliefs, fears or prejudices, you need to let your child know that you love them.

Your child is the same person he/she was before coming out of the closet. Remember, someone's sexual orientation is just one part of who they are. Your child who loved pro wrestling and The Beatles is still the same kid you've loved since birth. Nothing about him/her has changed. You just have more knowledge about his/her life. Take this opportunity to connect as you did before you knew he/she was gay. Was there a meal you liked to cook together, a favorite TV show you watched? Make sure you continue to do the things you did as a family.

Show an Interest in Your Child's life

Talk to your son or daughter. If you feel comfortable asking questions about his/her sexual orientation, do so. But you don't need to focus on sexual orientation. Talk to him/her about school, work, other activities and interests. Studies show that children whose parents take an interest in their lives are less likely to engage in risky behavior.

What You May Be Going Through

You may blame yourself for your child’s homosexuality. Don’t. It’s not your fault. Most scientists and psychologists agree, people are born LGBT. It is not something that you could have influenced.

You may feel depressed and isolated, like you have no one you can talk to. Find yourself a supportive counselor if you need it.

Things will be different now than perhaps you hoped for you child. Most parents believe their children will grow up to be heterosexual, get married and have children. Letting go of that dream for your child can be hard. Remember though, that was YOUR dream. Your child may still choose to spend their life with one partner and have children. Even though your child did not choose to be gay, they may make some life choices you do not agree with. Although this may be hard for you, remember, it's their life and they have the right to live it as their own.

What Your Child is Going Through

When people come out, they often question their place in society. They wonder how they will fit in with the family. Will they still have a family? Get married, have children? How will their church or faith community accept them? Will their friends accept or reject them?

You have a choice. You can help your child feel accepted and loved, or you can add to their feelings of isolation. Make sure your child knows they still have a place in the family, no matter what the outside world tells them.

You can help your child connect with a supportive community. Many cities have support groups for gay and lesbian youth. First check the group out. Offer to drive your child to a meeting.There are many support groups on Facebook and elsewhere on the internet that you can join and contact parents in your area. STOP Homophobia is just one of them.

Support your child if someone makes a disparaging remark against gays. If she is a victim of harassment or homophobia, stand by his/her side. 

Who Can I Tell?

Who to come out to is ultimately your child's choice. Who you tell can have a consequence on his/her life. On the other hand, you might need to talk to someone and don't want to keep such important information to yourself. It's important that you be able to get the support that you need. Check in with your son or daughter before you tell anyone about their sexual orientation. Let them know you need to be able to talk to people to get support for yourself. REMEMBER you can always talk to support groups online, many anonymously.

If Your Religion Says Homosexuality is a Sin 

Some religions call homosexuality a sin. Others are more open and accepting of gays and lesbians. The debate is still out on this topic and probably will be for a long time. If your child was raised in the same religion as you he/she is probably having lots of conflicting feelings. Take a look at the work of some Biblical scholars who have a different interpretation of the Bible.

One of the best things about the gay community is....

... that we support each other.

Sure we can be at times bitter queens. But come right down to it for the most part we support each other. I think part of it may come from being rejected by our biological families that we are forced to create our own replacement families. We look after each other in ways that may straights will never understand. This video is just one example of that.

10 Ways You Can Make a Difference on National Coming Out Day

1. Share Your Coming Out Story

Many people think when you come out friends and family, you’re “out”—case closed. But the closet door often swings open and shut again and again. Whether it’s your medical provider, a new coworker or neighbor, the owner of a B&B you want to stay at, or an employer, LGBTQ people find ourselves coming out again and again in ways big and small. Maybe it’s subtly dropping a pronoun. Or answering the glare from someone who doesn’t think the gender marker on our driver’s license matches our presentation. Indeed, coming out is a lifelong process, not an event.

“Coming out” can apply more broadly than just to the LGBTQ community. By sharing our vulnerabilities and our authentic selves—whether or not what we are disclosing is identity-based—we can help others on their own path. Sharing something personal to help others is so brave, and receiving that story is a special gift.

Share your coming out story so that others can learn from your wisdom. In what ways do you find yourself coming out at this point in your life? What advice would you offer others? Send your coming out story to love@uua.org and we will choose a few to share on our blog.

2. Take Action to End Employment Discrimination

Did you know that in 33 states, it remains legal to fire, refuse to hire, or fail to promote an employee based on their sexual orientation or gender identity? Speak out for workplaces that affirm the inherent worth and dignity of all people, no matter their sexual orientation or gender identity. Add your voice to the chorus of others from a diverse array of religious traditions in support of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA).

Click here to call your senators and ask them to end employment discrimination.

3. Tweet Your Faith: Speak Out for LGBT Equality

“It always seemed to me a bit pointless to disapprove of homosexuality. It’s like disapproving of rain.” – Francis Maude

Sometimes, a simple quote goes a long way. This National Coming Out Day, leverage social media to make a statement! It’s stunning to think about the sweeping changes that social media platforms have created for human connections at all levels. Today, connect with your virtual friends on Twitter and Facebook and share a pro-LGBTQ quote or saying. Click here to use our “tweet your faith” tool.

While you’re at it, use social media to speak out against casual homophobia too. Use the hashtag “#nohomophobes” to call out this hurtful language wherever you see it.

4. Join the Chorus to Pass the Respect for Marriage Act

While the U.S. Supreme Court overturned a crucial part of the discriminatory Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) in June 2013, several parts of the bill remain the law of the land. A piece of legislation entitled the Respect for Marriage Act would repeal DOMA in its entirety.

Come out today for dignity, respect, justice and equality under the law. Click here to ask your congressional representatives to support the Respect for Marriage Act.

5. Channel Creativity to Inspire Others

Here’s a great way to make sure your voice is heard on National Coming Out Day: Chalk! You have to admit, when you see brightly colored chalk, you take note of what is being said. Why not use this opportunity to reach out to individuals who feel trapped in their own closet? Let them know “Gay is Good,” or “Gender Doesn’t Matter,” or whatever phrase speaks to you personally. This is also a great activity to get LGBTQ advocates of all ages involved on National Coming Out Day. Even though chalk is washable, please check your community’s policies on sidewalk chalk and be mindful about where you chalk and who might be responsible for cleaning up your messages.

If you have a chalking photo with a positive message, today or any day over the next month, share your photo on our Facebook page and we’ll repost it for everyone to see.

6. Become a Mentor (…and bring your honest, best self!)

There is no doubt that LGBTQ youth face unique challenges in our society. But many adult LGBTQ people shy away from mentoring, and the opportunity to provide guidance and support to young people, because we fear being discriminated against ourselves. Come out as a mentor! Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA) has endorsed nondiscrimination principles for 25 years that cover sexual orientation, race, religion, and ethnicity. Ten years ago, the sexual orientation provision became a mandatory policy for all of the organization’s affiliates. Click here to find a local affiliate near you.

BBBSA focuses on helping kids of single parents, and may not focus on unique problems facing LGBTQ kids. So learn what you can about other local organizations working to mentor LGBTQ youth—for instance, the L.A. Gay and Lesbian Center, Leading Youth Forward Every Day in Washington, D.C., or True Colors in Connecticut.

7. Watch Our “Transgender Identity & Inclusion” Webinar

This interactive, informative webinar, presented by Alex Kapitan of the Unitarian Universalist Association LGBTQ Ministries office, offered a crash course in transgender identity and provided practical and concrete ways to increase your mindfulness and support of people of all identities and ways of expressing gender. Learn more about the oft-misunderstood “T” part of the acronym.

Click here to learn more and watch the recording.

8. Embrace Intersecting Identities

Some of the bravest examples of “coming out” involve DREAMers–undocumented youth hoping for a brighter future and advocating for passage of the DREAM Act. Some of those DREAMers are also LGBTQ-identified. Now, more than ever, LGBTQ advocates are embracing the intersections of our movement with movements for immigrant rights, women’s rights, and racial justice.

Today, come out as an advocate for justice for all by sharing this photo via social media:

9. Come Out in Your Community

Years ago, the phrase “We’re Here, We’re Queer, Get Used to It” took hold. Sadly, many people are still not “used to it,” and continue to work against LGBTQ equality. Sometimes it feels good to show up without apology, demanding to be seen as we are, protesting the societal structures that seek to keep us down. This National Coming Out Day, consider holding a “kiss-in” in your community. Has your city council failed to pass an inclusive anti-discrimination law? Hold your kiss-in in the public square outside the municipal government building. Feeling the heartburn over Chick-fil-A’s anti-LGBTQ donations? Make a statement outside a local franchise.

10. Have a Conversation with Someone New about LGBTQ Equality

Do you have a friend, family member, or neighbor with whom you avoid talking about LGBTQ equality? Use National Coming Out Day as a conversation starter and share why LGBTQ equality is important to you. Conversations and personal stories make a difference and can really change the way people think about these issues.

Gay Teen And Mother Come Out To Each Other

Are you ready for this one?

This video is certainly a welcome experience, especially considering some of thehorrific coming out stories we've seen as of late. Though this video isn't new, it's recently making the rounds on the Internet and generating a lot of attention for a very clear reason: after this gay teen comes out to his mother... she comes out to him as well.

"That's very brave of you to tell me that," the boy's mother notes. "Thank you for telling me. It doesn't make me love you any less -- at all. Ok? Your choice is your choice. I accept you however way you are. You're still my boy... Honey, I'm okay with it. Okay? I am okay with it. Can I tell you something too? As you've been so open with me, I'll tell you a secret too... I've had a girlfriend."

Check out the video to hear the rest of the exchange.

Gay People Made A Straight Man Cry With Their Response To The Question 'Is Being Gay A Choice?'

I have always maintained that the fight for LGBT equality can only be won with the help of our straight allies, and this is a noble and fine example. This vlogger (who is straight) changed the life of one young gay man whose own parents not only rejected him when he came out, but subjected him to horrific verbal and physical abuse before tossing him out of his home. The incident brought the vlogger to tears, and his heroic and heartfelt response brought me to them in turn.

Hearts and minds are changed one person at a time. But this shows that one person with his heart in the right place really can make a big difference.

Not Ready to Love a Gay Child? Then Don't Have Kids

Parents annoy me -- annoy and frustrate me. I know that's an odd statement considering that I am a parent. (And yes, I annoy myself sometimes.) We parents need to do a lot better.

For the past couple of months, I have been answering some questions for The Parents Project, an organization that lets parents of LGBT kids ask questions and get answers. It's a great idea, and I feel honored that they think I might have something wise and helpful to say. A little while ago I was given this question:

My daughter recently told me that she is bisexual, but she hasn't told her father. She is concerned that he will have a poor response, and to be totally honest I am also concerned. I don't want to keep this from him, and I certainly don't want her to have to keep it a secret in our home, but I am not at all sure how to handle the situation. Do you have any advice?

I thought about this question for a few days, but in the end I gave up. Every response I could think of wasn't the least bit wise or helpful -- things like:

"Why did you marry this man with whom you do not share core beliefs?"

"Why did you marry a man you knew might not love and support your children?"

"Why haven't you divorced this guy already?"

See? Not helpful. And it's because I cannot fathom being married to and choosing to procreate with someone I know might not love my children. That's just ridiculous. Why would anyone do that?

Before, I have likened being gay to being left-handed. Anyone can have a left-handed kid. It's something that is different from the majority of people, but it doesn't make it wrong. It doesn't have anything do with what kind of person someone is. It's just an another attribute that makes up who they are. Once upon a time, people thought being left-handed was an awful, horrible thing to be. Kids were punished for being left-handed and were often swatted by nuns, if the stories my father tells are true. But these days nobody cares. We got over our collective selves and let the left-handers be.

Gay teen kicked out of parents' home directs funds raised online to finance LGBT homeless shelter

Last week, a heartbreaking video surfaced of Daniel Ashley Pierce "coming out" to his family, who went on to disown him and kick Daniel out of their home.

An online fundraiser went viral and within six days, nearly $100,000 has a been raised to help Daniel get on his feet in a new home. Overwhelmed by the support and understanding there are many others in the same predicament, Daniel asked people to stop donating to him and turn their attention to an organization called Lost N'Found, which is renovating a building to serve as a homeless shelter for LGBT youth. Thus far, the organization has received roughly $10,000 from his post and plans to open in spring of 2015:

"I would say we're right at $10,000 (through Pierce donations), said Westbrook. "Daniel is an incredibly bright and courageous young man. He is the epitome of who Lost n' Found is here to serve."

In an interview, which can be seen here, Lost N' Found Executive Director says roughly 50 percent of gay teens in the southeast who come out to their parents are disowned and kicked out of their homes, calling it an "epidemic."

Gay Teen Eviscerates Every Religious Argument Against Homosexuality

Last week we reported on a truly horrific argument caught on video between a gay teen and his parents which resulted in him being kicked out of the house and essentially disowned. It’s painful to listen to.

But it all can essentially be summed up by this exchange between Daniel and his mother:

Mom: “You go with all the scientific stuff you want to, I’m going with the word of God.” 

Daniel: “Well, scientific proof trumps the word of God.” 

Mom: “No it doesn’t in my opinion.”

It’s an all-too-familiar communication dead end — essentially, “I can’t think for myself so I defer to what I’ve been told.”

But how much does Daniel’s mom really know about the almighty word of God? The hate she’s inherited may have deep roots, but to call it celestial is just plain shortsightedness.

Here’s another gay teen, TJ Montoya, who breaks down what the Bible actually says about homosexuality, since there seems to be a bit of confusion. We’ll forgive the awkward delivery and not knowing what “effeminate” means:

Things NOT To Say When Someone Comes Out Of The Closet!

TWINS COME OUT AS GAY TO THEIR PARENTS AND RECORD IT ALL ON FILM

21-year-old fraternal twins Luke and Adam Monastero have known they were gay since age 4, but have just recently come out to each other and their friends.

Earlier this month, the twins decided to finally let their parents know about the secret they have been hiding for nearly two decades.

Watch their coming out moment below:

And here is how they came out to each other:

How not to react when your child tells you that he's gay

In a disturbing and terribly sad video posted on YouTube Wednesday, a boy named Daniel is berated and disowned by his parents after coming out. The family claims to have supported him despite "knowing" he was gay since a young age, and though the details of the situation are murky, their hostile and, in the end, violent response is utterly reprehensible. 

The video, posted by user Regina Ryan, had this description:

A perfect example of how much hate and intolerance still exists today. This family gave a young man two options: attend a pray the gay away intervention, or face being disowned by the very people who are supposed to love him unconditionally.

Disclaimer: This is a 19 year old friend of mine who is currently staying with very supportive friends. He is safe and removed from the situation. I am posting this on his behalf per his request. I was not witness to the events that transpired, but was present immediately after to help him relocate.

A GoFundMe page has been set up to support Daniel now that he is without his family's care. In just twenty-one hours the video has received over one million views and Daniel has received nearly $100,000 in donations from strangers, showing that there is a great deal of support and kindness in the world. Our thoughts are most definitely with him as he traverses this horribly tough patch in life.