Coming Out Of The Closet: Realizing You're Gay

Welcome Back, Friends! Today I wanted to share a message we could all have used back in the day. Being positive and proud of who you are takes time, work, and support.

If you would like to join my Patreon Community where I can talk to you directly and join discussions on future and past videos!

Hope the day is a beautiful one and See you Next time!

[robertwalker]

I was born in 1953. I came out to my family around 1970. just in time to openly fight the good fight for our rights. Although I never got along with my parents, they accepted my sexuality to my face but i found out later that they never really did. I changed countries loooking for " my tribe " only to love and loose and then HIV and also heroin took friends and a very special freind... Im now 70 and live quietly on my own in the countryside and have a circle of friends... Ive never shared that before. . Kind thoughts from Australia Jaks. 🙋‍♂

[brucegreenberg]

Jaks, well said. I’m 80 now, and proudly call myself one of the Stonewall generation, becoming an unapologetic queer activist of the 1970’s. Met my same-sex spouse in 1972; we got married in 2008. Thank you for your candor and optimism. What doesn’t surprise me is that your generation still often must be selectively closeted. This should not be in our presumed enlightened 21st century society. Best. 💕🏳️‍🌈

[bradandroysawesomelifebrad]

I came out at 37 and met the love of my life. Been together now 21 years, raised three children into adulthood and are about to have our first grandchild. Every coming out is very personal and different for all of us. You can’t force someone to come out. They have to choose to do it and I respect that ❤

[KeithWilson-chcf]

I'm older 64 came out at 40 . I'll always regret waiting but I'm out now. You are a good young man. Enjoy your life.

[billwashington]

Jaks, I enjoyed watching your video. I'm 61 and from Long Island, NY. As you mature as you get older, you'll quickly learn that you must follow your own bliss. Human sexuality is so diverse, and there is no "one size fits all" approach to how we express ourselves. Don't believe in all the hype about what homosexuality, heterosexuality, and bisexuality is. Each person is unique to themselves. No homosexual man or woman is obligated to do what other homosexuals do. I say be loving and honest with yourself and others. Live within your means. Stand your ground and be sincere about your principles. Live by the golden rules of life and happiness will always be a part of your everyday life. And most of all, continue to love yourself. Peace and eternal life always!

[springsummerwinterorfall]

I’m 74 almost 75 and it was real hard for me to come out I was 31 when I finally came out and I came out all by myself. I’m coming out out of my closet into the streets. Thank you for the MATACHINE society.

[lebusraconte]

Hello Dear ! When I watch your videos, you smile, you smile and you smile.
I wish you to continue to be happy, to enjoy life and take care of yourself in any situation.
Greetings from France ! ☀️🍀💫

[duaneadams]

I wish that when I was younger I could have met someone like you to share life with. You seem to be wiser than your years and I'm drawn to that. Your videos have been very helpful.

[LucaRadices]

I wish so much I had this video in 2010, when I was coming to terms. It was still nice to see even in 2024. Very relatable and validating in many ways. Thank you.

[Kuda]

WHY is this so hard to say!~ It never seems to get easier. Much love!

[The_Kilted_Cannuck]

It took me 15 years to come to terms with who I am and start coming out. Coming out never stops. I've been with my husband for over 30 years now and we still come out whenever we meet someone new.

[josephsanangelo]

came out in '69 in Texas, imagine how repressed it was back then and when my Austin home was burned down and dog and cat poisoned in 84/85 I left the US FOR NZ where our rights were set in law. Good luck and best wishes

[mattnelson]

I want everyone to know that you matter you are loved you will find people who will except you and will be there for you. What a video emotional baby over here. Sending everyone 🤗❤️

[jeffreysalomone]

Amazing video. Truly from the heart. Youre a terrific role model for young gays. Please keep being you!

[brookesivo]

Thank you for you words of encouragement. I had no one to help me find the person I am today 75. I m blessed to be loved and share the love of my best friends

[garydenis]

Thank You Jaks for this! As the great bard Shakespeare said "To thine own self be true" is the only way to live!
Believe me, we all find our niche in the scheme of life. Follow your inner spirit and you'll never go wrong!

[ioanstokowski]

I want to tell you I know it still even takes strength and courage to make videos like this no matter how far you've come, how long you've been out, how much you've overcome to accept yourself and speak your truth, etc. And it is important to keep telling your story. Most of all, thank you for wanting to help others dealing with those feelings of intimidation, shame and fear. It gets easier with time but it's something as you said you will never forget. Good on you.

[stevenbaker]

Virtual hugs to each and every one of you all.

[RobertofDetroit]

Being able to say it, being able to to accept it, being able to love it…Very long road with a lot of ups and downs. Think it’s great you touched on how all of us are our own people. Thank you for sharing this, well wishes to you in all that you do! ❤

[tannereustace]

Absolutely love your points here, thank you for making this video. I came out to my family indirectly when my little cousin had found the coming out video I had made, and my family had wished I had just felt comfortable to tell them earlier, but like you sad, coming out can still be a very difficult process depending on your individual circumstances and your history with self-doubt and self-hatred. It's videos like yours that help people realize there is hope, as seeing your experience reflected in someone else is such a relieving feeling!