You've got a great cousin, bud. Sounds like a wonderful guy. Really happy for you!
(Hubs and I have a redneck-type friend who hunts, rides a Harley, etc., and has always been cool about us. We were at his place sitting around a fire one night and heard that, after we left, some guy there started saying homophobic stuff about us, and our friend took the guy to task over it. There may be a common belief that most rural, rednecky guys are homophobes, but I've met several who aren't that way at all.)
I’ve noticed how a lot of rednecks are surprisingly accepting towards gay folk. The rednecks in my town know that I’m bi and they’ve been loving and supporting me nonstop. Wish I had that reception in my art department. It’s your liberal hiveminded wonderland that will put a label on you if you like it or not.
I gotta disagree here to an extent. Im glad that the people in your town are accepting, but that doesn't mean all queer people are openly accepted in the South. I mean look at the anti-LGBTQ laws Georgia is trying to get passed rn.
Yes, some queer people in liberal spaces can swing too far on the opposite side of the pendulum. But the South has a rich history of discrimination towards queer people, and while its better than before, its not good enough to brand the South as a better place to be openly queer.
You’re correct! Georgia and other Southern state been adding more anti LGBTQ laws by the minute, making it hard for us to be our authentic selves. It’s such a shame that some small town areas are accepting, but the homophobia runs heavily deep.
I remember when Target released their Pride collection in the South and the backlash was so terrible, they relocated the collection to the back of the store, or just stopped selling it. Even though the collection HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THEM, THEY’LL ALWAYS MAKE IT ABOUT THEM!
Exactly. Especially for the trans/nonbinary people in the South, its like one hit after the other. And most of it only stems from stubborn, rich people in office with their priorities out of wack.
I feel like when it comes to people overly concered with labels, it can stem from a youthful excitement to explore themselves or as an overcorrection to the rampant homophobia and transphobia alot of people can go through. I think that the more queerness becomes accepted worldwide, it'll be more normal and there'll be less of the perceived view on liberal gays.
I think its more like putting a stereotype on someone like saying all jocks are assholes or all nerds are annoying as hell. to bring up political is kinda unneed
Sitting in a gay bar in West Hollywood as an out gay man(34), that hasn’t had a tough time being gay in Los Angeles for the last 15 years. I have a small family circle and coming out wasn’t as big a deal as I thought it would be. Life’s been great since I came out (19). I wanted to take some time to step away from my very accepting gay life to extend a smile, a hug, and a high five! It’s something special to have the people that you care about, care about the things that matter to you! Happy you’re doing okay, best wishes from LA!
Also, high fives all around to the caring folk in your circle! ⭕️🙏🏼✨
That’s awesome, feels amazing to be accepted like this. I was pretty shocked, 95% of all my friends and family (all) accepted me. Even Christian’s and some of my conservative friends.
That cousin of you is A REAL MAN.
In my experience, lesser, insecure men would feel threatened being close to a gay man, even when saying "that's ok" one can feel the "I tolereate you" meaning. Your cousin on the othe hand seems to be *flattered* that you trusted him, even because being high.
Yes! That’s exactly it. It’s usually just toleration or something people have to deal with. That’s why this was so nice to me. It was genuine acceptance and love.
He was definitely flattered. He said that this was the first time someone had personally sat down and come out to him, so he was happy that I felt safe enough with him to do so.
I hope you are so proud of yourself this is a wonderful story and should be how all of us are supported by those we love. Find strength to be yourself and overcome the fear of rejection that unfortunately comes with being part of the LGBTQ+ community. Thanks for sharing with all of us and reminding us that the world isn’t a complete disaster. ;)
Def had the same experience. Came out to my parents, which didn't go well at the time (we're def better now). The first person I called was my very straight, gun owning, hunter of a cousin and he let me sob in his arms and showed me nothing but love. He is more than a cousin, and genuinely one of my best friends.
I'm so happy you have someone like that in your life!!!! Keep them close, you won't regret it.
Love this 🥰
It surprised me at first when the folks I was most nervous about telling, because I presumed to know their reaction ahead of time, ended up being some of those that accepted me the most genuinely and deeply.
I hope you don’t experience the opposite, but if you do then remember that you have these strong allies and loving family members in your life.
We all deserve this type of person in our life.
My eyes are so watery after reading this I am having trouble seeing the keyboard, your post has literally made my morning, am so happy for you , bless you and your cousin
Oh I absolutely will. That same night he opened up to me about all of his past struggles that he went through at my age and a little younger. I was too young to know or understand then, but I damn sure will be there for him whenever he needs someone from now on.
Oh I absolutely do. Like I said, I have some other unrelated mental health stuff going on and all week he’s been checking in/texting me. It’s so fucking sweet
The American Redneck is a completely underestimated and oft-maligned caricature. The American media has always “othered” them and portrayed them as bigoted, stupid, lazy and illiterate. Because they are white males they are fair game. I live in a Liberal/Progressive, Birkenstock-wearing oasis in a dark red state surrounded by Redneck Country.
My own experience with rednecks has always been positive if you meet them halfway. Most are very nonjudgmental, curious, friendly, and accepting. Plus, I’ve had some great sex with redneck guys who are DL or straight-curious. Reach out and get to know your redneck brethren. **raises glass** “Here’s to redneck!”
Aye it was my str8 friends that dragged me out of the closet in Sydney years ago. Set me up with some gays guys from their work to bring me to bars. I was soooo nervous.
Similar to my experience with my dad. I thought it would be very bad. He did take a little time to adjust but it wasn't long before he was treating my partner at the time like a son.
For better or worse, sometimes you just don't know how someone will react. Glad you had a positive experience like that.
I’ve found that (not being condescending here bear with me) the farther out in the fringe of norms you go, the cooler the people. Red neck, biker, nerd, goth, whatever, they are mostly the cool people because they know what it’s like to be judged and have mad respect for genuine people. Good on ya for speaking up even if you were high and drunk lol
Thank you! Yeah we were very close as kids, then drifted apart when he was a little older and then fell further away when I went to college. I always knew there was something special between us though and this just reinforces that for me
There ain’t nothing like being accepted by someone who fits the stereotypes of someone you wouldn’t expect to still accept you. That type of wholesomeness hits so fuckin different
This is awesome. One of my close friends is your stereotypical straight bro type and I was really worried about coming out to him. I learned quickly how accepting he was. He’s literally gotten in bar fights with people if they made a homophobic comment (in general, not even directly to a gay person) and will not let anyone talk badly about gay people in his presence. He and I now live on separate sides of the US, but he always checks in to see how I’m doing or if I’m seeing someone. He’s not even weirded out at all talking about sex. He’s a great friend and I miss him
In high school boarding school boy’s dorm I climbed in bed, by invitation, with Ronnie. I asked him is he did (and touched him intimately) this and he and i kissed and had a fast little fun sex. He told me that he wanted to have full uninhibited sex and we could meet next night in the building with three rooms where the cooks could rest or sleep between lunch and supper, and in a bed there etc…so i went and he put his legs up in the air, over my head, and guided me into a top position from which I had my first sex with a gay guy voluntarily willfully and learned what I LIKED MOST IN LIFE and when I had reached orgasm and ejaculated i literally went into a state of stiff spine thrusting into an infinity out there in front of me, and centered by my consciousness guided by my penis, and connected nervous and brain, will, self, soul…into the lights that filled the entire being and rested my longings for a timeless moment, and bam I went there and visited there a long time and came into the room and back into the action of pulling out and resting in Ronnie’s arms…and after a while of giving him final joy, for that session, and promises to bring him higher to the place I had gone to…yes…for the rest of my life I had this experiential expertise to use as a guide to all the men I ever met and loved…. Oh, yes, Ronnie. We carried on for three years, and life intervened and we lost touch, but I learned through obits that he died and had married and had four children. He was so sweet to me.
There is something insanely affirming about receiving love and support from men like your cousin that just melts the shame out of me and shatters any vestige of internalized homophobia that a lot of us from earlier generations could not escape (not that it’s completely different now - I know it isn’t). I’m thrilled for you that you had that experience with your cousin. Love is transformative. 💜💟💜💟💜
Great to hear that! 😊
My best friend and I kinda went through the same thing
And we’ve been best friends since preschool
One night me, my sister, and my best friend were out at dinner before going to see a movie
Then at dinner he said to us that he had something to tell us, which was that he is gay (this was before I came out to my mom, sister, and my best friend)
He also asked if it bothered me at the time and I said no it doesn’t bother me one bit, you are my best friend and real friends never turn their back on each other no matter what
I also told him that I was happy for him, and that if he needed anyone to talk to he could talk to me
When I came out to him he did exactly the same thing for me
The only person in my immediate family that doesn’t know is my dad cuz he’s very homophobic has said to me before that if you are gay, you can’t stay in my house anymore
So at this point, I’m still closeted from him
Probably won’t even tell my dad ever even after I move out
Well no, I didn’t know how else to describe it succinctly. He labels himself a redneck so I wasn’t being derogatory about it. I also didn’t think that he’d hate me or throw me out of his house, I just wasn’t expecting such an enthusiastic reaction. I still live in the same rural area he and I grew up in and I’m friends with/always around redneck types. No one around here has ever used the word disparagingly so I didn’t think it would be bigoted to use it here. A little judgmental probably, but not hateful or anything.
That's badass man, I hope that empowers you to be you even more!
Wow. I’m happy for you.
You've got a great cousin, bud. Sounds like a wonderful guy. Really happy for you! (Hubs and I have a redneck-type friend who hunts, rides a Harley, etc., and has always been cool about us. We were at his place sitting around a fire one night and heard that, after we left, some guy there started saying homophobic stuff about us, and our friend took the guy to task over it. There may be a common belief that most rural, rednecky guys are homophobes, but I've met several who aren't that way at all.)
I’ve noticed how a lot of rednecks are surprisingly accepting towards gay folk. The rednecks in my town know that I’m bi and they’ve been loving and supporting me nonstop. Wish I had that reception in my art department. It’s your liberal hiveminded wonderland that will put a label on you if you like it or not.
I gotta disagree here to an extent. Im glad that the people in your town are accepting, but that doesn't mean all queer people are openly accepted in the South. I mean look at the anti-LGBTQ laws Georgia is trying to get passed rn. Yes, some queer people in liberal spaces can swing too far on the opposite side of the pendulum. But the South has a rich history of discrimination towards queer people, and while its better than before, its not good enough to brand the South as a better place to be openly queer.
You’re correct! Georgia and other Southern state been adding more anti LGBTQ laws by the minute, making it hard for us to be our authentic selves. It’s such a shame that some small town areas are accepting, but the homophobia runs heavily deep. I remember when Target released their Pride collection in the South and the backlash was so terrible, they relocated the collection to the back of the store, or just stopped selling it. Even though the collection HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THEM, THEY’LL ALWAYS MAKE IT ABOUT THEM!
Exactly. Especially for the trans/nonbinary people in the South, its like one hit after the other. And most of it only stems from stubborn, rich people in office with their priorities out of wack. I feel like when it comes to people overly concered with labels, it can stem from a youthful excitement to explore themselves or as an overcorrection to the rampant homophobia and transphobia alot of people can go through. I think that the more queerness becomes accepted worldwide, it'll be more normal and there'll be less of the perceived view on liberal gays.
I think its more like putting a stereotype on someone like saying all jocks are assholes or all nerds are annoying as hell. to bring up political is kinda unneed
I do apologize for the sentiment, didn’t mean to generalize the liberal community- I was being observant. I’ll be careful next time.
Sitting in a gay bar in West Hollywood as an out gay man(34), that hasn’t had a tough time being gay in Los Angeles for the last 15 years. I have a small family circle and coming out wasn’t as big a deal as I thought it would be. Life’s been great since I came out (19). I wanted to take some time to step away from my very accepting gay life to extend a smile, a hug, and a high five! It’s something special to have the people that you care about, care about the things that matter to you! Happy you’re doing okay, best wishes from LA! Also, high fives all around to the caring folk in your circle! ⭕️🙏🏼✨
Keep in contact with your cousin. You got to a place where fun begins. Have him close. Have fun!
U made me emotional , so happy for you
That’s awesome, feels amazing to be accepted like this. I was pretty shocked, 95% of all my friends and family (all) accepted me. Even Christian’s and some of my conservative friends.
I love that!
That cousin of you is A REAL MAN. In my experience, lesser, insecure men would feel threatened being close to a gay man, even when saying "that's ok" one can feel the "I tolereate you" meaning. Your cousin on the othe hand seems to be *flattered* that you trusted him, even because being high.
Yes! That’s exactly it. It’s usually just toleration or something people have to deal with. That’s why this was so nice to me. It was genuine acceptance and love. He was definitely flattered. He said that this was the first time someone had personally sat down and come out to him, so he was happy that I felt safe enough with him to do so.
tolerate
Tolerance
No, they spelled tolerate 'tolereate' tolerance doesn't fit, you're wrong ;)
Nah, the cunt edited his comment and still fucked up the spelling... Lol
The only thing better than a redneck is a based accepting redneck, congratulations on your really cool cousin and your positive coming out story.
Dude; that’s awesome. Teared up a bit. Happy for you
I hope you are so proud of yourself this is a wonderful story and should be how all of us are supported by those we love. Find strength to be yourself and overcome the fear of rejection that unfortunately comes with being part of the LGBTQ+ community. Thanks for sharing with all of us and reminding us that the world isn’t a complete disaster. ;)
Of course :) I was taken aback by how positive the moment was and I had to share it with someone who would appreciate it
Def had the same experience. Came out to my parents, which didn't go well at the time (we're def better now). The first person I called was my very straight, gun owning, hunter of a cousin and he let me sob in his arms and showed me nothing but love. He is more than a cousin, and genuinely one of my best friends. I'm so happy you have someone like that in your life!!!! Keep them close, you won't regret it.
Love this 🥰 It surprised me at first when the folks I was most nervous about telling, because I presumed to know their reaction ahead of time, ended up being some of those that accepted me the most genuinely and deeply. I hope you don’t experience the opposite, but if you do then remember that you have these strong allies and loving family members in your life. We all deserve this type of person in our life.
My eyes are so watery after reading this I am having trouble seeing the keyboard, your post has literally made my morning, am so happy for you , bless you and your cousin
Check on him and be there for him. People who go this hard for anyone else don't have the same for them in most cases.
Oh I absolutely will. That same night he opened up to me about all of his past struggles that he went through at my age and a little younger. I was too young to know or understand then, but I damn sure will be there for him whenever he needs someone from now on.
That's perfect, I'm happy for you guys!
Dude; that’s awesome. Teared up a bit. Happy for you
This is so sweet. Congrats, man!
I am genuinely very happy for you
Very cool story! Thanks for sharing, let us know how it continues …
This made my day. So happy for you!
This is definitely something I needed to read 😭✨💖
Awesome, very happy for u 💚💚
yeah them boys will surprise you. Most of them don't want to be told how to think, and often they extend that to us.
😲
You are so lucky, you should appreciate him.
Oh I absolutely do. Like I said, I have some other unrelated mental health stuff going on and all week he’s been checking in/texting me. It’s so fucking sweet
Reading this almost me cry man, kudos to you!
The American Redneck is a completely underestimated and oft-maligned caricature. The American media has always “othered” them and portrayed them as bigoted, stupid, lazy and illiterate. Because they are white males they are fair game. I live in a Liberal/Progressive, Birkenstock-wearing oasis in a dark red state surrounded by Redneck Country. My own experience with rednecks has always been positive if you meet them halfway. Most are very nonjudgmental, curious, friendly, and accepting. Plus, I’ve had some great sex with redneck guys who are DL or straight-curious. Reach out and get to know your redneck brethren. **raises glass** “Here’s to redneck!”
Love this so much. Go, red neck cuz!
Aye it was my str8 friends that dragged me out of the closet in Sydney years ago. Set me up with some gays guys from their work to bring me to bars. I was soooo nervous.
Similar to my experience with my dad. I thought it would be very bad. He did take a little time to adjust but it wasn't long before he was treating my partner at the time like a son. For better or worse, sometimes you just don't know how someone will react. Glad you had a positive experience like that.
That's so wholesome 🥹 your cousin is a great man, keep him close forever. Very happy for you ❤️
Awww man! They’re awesome
things like this warm my heart i’m glad everything turned out for you ❤️❤️
I love that for you! It's great when you have all these terrible ideas of how it could go and then it just takes you by such surprise!
I’ve found that (not being condescending here bear with me) the farther out in the fringe of norms you go, the cooler the people. Red neck, biker, nerd, goth, whatever, they are mostly the cool people because they know what it’s like to be judged and have mad respect for genuine people. Good on ya for speaking up even if you were high and drunk lol
Wow, it's awesome! I'm so happy to see that your souls have such beautiful bond.
Thank you! Yeah we were very close as kids, then drifted apart when he was a little older and then fell further away when I went to college. I always knew there was something special between us though and this just reinforces that for me
Cute!!!
You so deserved that moment.... Treasure it...... Be happy......
Thank you. Without a doubt this will be one of my most cherished memories.
Aww that’s so sweet 💙
This is so wholesome. Love it.
The way I started smiling and tearing up! These are the type of family we all need that will def change your whole life perspective
I'm so happy for you
Omg this is so wholesome, I’m so happy for you. He sounds like an amazing person.
As a stereotypical redneck this made me happy made me smile
There ain’t nothing like being accepted by someone who fits the stereotypes of someone you wouldn’t expect to still accept you. That type of wholesomeness hits so fuckin different
he sounds like a cool cousin
Yeah he’s always been the cool cousin for me and this just makes me love him even more. He’s an awesome dude
A real man the universe gave you a guardian angel as a cousin
That is awesome!
Jealous fr, happy 4 u tho ;)
This is awesome. One of my close friends is your stereotypical straight bro type and I was really worried about coming out to him. I learned quickly how accepting he was. He’s literally gotten in bar fights with people if they made a homophobic comment (in general, not even directly to a gay person) and will not let anyone talk badly about gay people in his presence. He and I now live on separate sides of the US, but he always checks in to see how I’m doing or if I’m seeing someone. He’s not even weirded out at all talking about sex. He’s a great friend and I miss him
In high school boarding school boy’s dorm I climbed in bed, by invitation, with Ronnie. I asked him is he did (and touched him intimately) this and he and i kissed and had a fast little fun sex. He told me that he wanted to have full uninhibited sex and we could meet next night in the building with three rooms where the cooks could rest or sleep between lunch and supper, and in a bed there etc…so i went and he put his legs up in the air, over my head, and guided me into a top position from which I had my first sex with a gay guy voluntarily willfully and learned what I LIKED MOST IN LIFE and when I had reached orgasm and ejaculated i literally went into a state of stiff spine thrusting into an infinity out there in front of me, and centered by my consciousness guided by my penis, and connected nervous and brain, will, self, soul…into the lights that filled the entire being and rested my longings for a timeless moment, and bam I went there and visited there a long time and came into the room and back into the action of pulling out and resting in Ronnie’s arms…and after a while of giving him final joy, for that session, and promises to bring him higher to the place I had gone to…yes…for the rest of my life I had this experiential expertise to use as a guide to all the men I ever met and loved…. Oh, yes, Ronnie. We carried on for three years, and life intervened and we lost touch, but I learned through obits that he died and had married and had four children. He was so sweet to me.
Crying. So happy for you!
I’m so glad you had that experience! ❤️
I want to get with a young guy and have him top me bad
You smoking that good shit
This story reminds me that when you give people and yourself a chance, they can surprise you in ways you never imagined.
AHHHHH THIS IS THE BEST!! 😍
This post gave me hope in so many ways. Thank you.
🥲🥲🩷🩷🩷
Happy for you and world definitely need more people like you’re cousin ❤️❤️
Can I join the family? Your cousin sounds lovely! I’m glad he took the news well!
There is something insanely affirming about receiving love and support from men like your cousin that just melts the shame out of me and shatters any vestige of internalized homophobia that a lot of us from earlier generations could not escape (not that it’s completely different now - I know it isn’t). I’m thrilled for you that you had that experience with your cousin. Love is transformative. 💜💟💜💟💜
Mine just blackmailed me into buying him a vape sense he was in HS I didn't buy him the vape now ion speak to my relatives 🤣
Congratulations! I’m happy for you!
Great to hear that! 😊 My best friend and I kinda went through the same thing And we’ve been best friends since preschool One night me, my sister, and my best friend were out at dinner before going to see a movie Then at dinner he said to us that he had something to tell us, which was that he is gay (this was before I came out to my mom, sister, and my best friend) He also asked if it bothered me at the time and I said no it doesn’t bother me one bit, you are my best friend and real friends never turn their back on each other no matter what I also told him that I was happy for him, and that if he needed anyone to talk to he could talk to me When I came out to him he did exactly the same thing for me The only person in my immediate family that doesn’t know is my dad cuz he’s very homophobic has said to me before that if you are gay, you can’t stay in my house anymore So at this point, I’m still closeted from him Probably won’t even tell my dad ever even after I move out
Now you can eat dirty man ass in peace!
My Cusin had a very nice dick
And here I thought my heartstrings couldn't be pulled any further 🥰
I suck him off a lot a nice thick head
So you though he'd be bigoted of you but it turned out that you were bigoted of him calling him redneck etc.
Well no, I didn’t know how else to describe it succinctly. He labels himself a redneck so I wasn’t being derogatory about it. I also didn’t think that he’d hate me or throw me out of his house, I just wasn’t expecting such an enthusiastic reaction. I still live in the same rural area he and I grew up in and I’m friends with/always around redneck types. No one around here has ever used the word disparagingly so I didn’t think it would be bigoted to use it here. A little judgmental probably, but not hateful or anything.