ALASTAIR’S COMING OUT STORY

Coming out is a continuing process. Alastair sits down to talk about his own coming out story.

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[randomizerca]

"Part of coming out is coming out to yourself."

Well said!

[HusbandandHusband]

You did great Alastair, thanks for sharing your story! Have a great weekend guys!

[jasontiver]

Awesome. My child came out to me about a year and a half ago. Sometimes I thinks young adults are surprised when we aren't surprised. I believe in God and I believe that he doesn't make mistakes. So to me being gay or straight are both normal. The most beautiful thing in this world is love. The more of it there is the better we all will be.

[shaneo]

I like the way Alastair is really thoughtful (wise) and sincere.... and a keeper.

[beergrills]

Such a warm-hearted, level-headed young man. My best to both.

[toddbonin]

Alastair, thank you for that heartfelt and well-thought-out response. I'm struggling with the whole coming out process and I'm way older than you. I have so many questions and comments, but mostly I'd like to say of all the videos like this that I've watched recently, yours is by far the best and most hopeful. Thanks

[seansullivan]

What a supportive, balanced and grounded video; well done guys! I had a really tough time during my coming-out process, many years ago. I think you're absolutely right when you say that coming-out means first coming-out to yourself. I also had a strong Christian religious upbringing and initially immersed myself in my faith to try and 'cure' my feelings. In the end I suffered depression and began to hate myself. I learnt a very sobering lesson from this - You can't love God and hate yourself at the same time, it doesn't work that way. I'm still a Christian, I love my faith very much, it's pretty central to my life, but now I can also say that I love the man I've been with for 18 years and feel very blessed about it too. It's sometimes, but unfortunately all too often the case, that gay Christians feel rejected by their spiritual community. This has the effect of pushing us away from God, and away from a nurturing spiritual community, which we may also need access to; personally I think this is tragic. There is most definitely a place for God in gay relationships, and I always encourage those who may be feeling a little disheartened and who are searching, not to give up on God's infinite unconditional love for all of us.

[beachesboy]

So impressive. The more I see of Alastair the more I can see why Zach loves him (and vice versa). Zach, you do take such good videos. Low-key and professional. I was transfixed.

[imacinstead]

Zach, that is one brave, amazing dude you married there. I’m sure this was more than a little outside of Alastair’s comfort zone, but him doing it anyway to share with us and help others is not only moving, but really an example to all of us. Thanks for the video guys! I actually have someone important to share this with.

[Mmmcccppp]

I literally NEVER have commented on a YouTube video before, but I just want to say a quick comment. Your videos are simply wonderful. They're thoughtful, genuine, and helpful. From what I can see, you two are amazing people. I wish you nothing but the best. :)

[CassDunham]

I needed this! Thanks Alastair for sharing and Zach for recording it. I was surprised that you hadn't come out to your family prior to meeting Zach.

[SF-dhmc]

Alastair just gained a lot of fans from this video I think. I'm glad he did it.

[franciscovarela]

Alastair! You are the greatest! One of the most sincere, funny, and no drama coming out stories that I have ever heard in YouTube. The story about the letter to your mother, with the Q&A section, should be on a manual of how to come out for dummies; the comments about the email to your grandfather were just the cherry on top. If I could give you starts (and not just a single "like"), I would give you 5 (i.e., all of them). Very proud of having you representing the gay community on line.

[kingjaybautista]

"part of coming out is coming out to yourself" very well said, thanks for another great video

[collinsje]

Alastair is more of an introvert than Zach, and this is the most I have ever heard him say before!  He looks so relaxed and comfortable here, and I think he's found the perfect partner in Zach.  They fill in the blanks for one another, and that is great.  Hello, too, to B - the world's cutest dog.

[kevinwinfree]

Alastair, first of all I love that name...now, I’ve commented on so many of Zach’s videos and I truely care about you two and your relationship. You two have been such an inspiration for me to come out and be myself. Thank you so much for that. I had forgotten what Happy felt like, but now I’m just me. Seriously thank you

[levigriffin]

The part about not differentiating between jealousy and attraction... wow. That was literally me.

[kevinruff]

Thank You Alastair for your well said and openness to share your coming out story with us all, and I am proud and honored to say having you being apart of our military team, with your views and thought process, people, our country/ world and how you let us see the world thru your eyes deeply thank you.

[drewsean]

Wow! I have watched videos with Alistair from the beginning and from the first one I watched to this one, it is amazing how comfortable and well spoken he's become in front of the camera. That's one of the best coming out stories I've heard and I've watched too many to count. I'm a gay dad and have a transgendered son and I just want you guys to know that I'm very proud of you both and the messages you two put out to the world. Keep your videos coming.

[kentky]

Great video Alastair.  I'm amazed you've only been out a year, yet was brave enough to hold Zach's hand at West Point.  Big props my man.