I Want the World to Know

Jeff’s Coming Out Story from I Want the World to Know on Vimeo.

Jeff is originally from Miami, Florida, and is the youngest of 7 children. Five of his older siblings were born in Haiti, which Jeff describes as a very religious and conservative country. Being gay, he says, is unspeakable in Haiti and people are expected to adhere to their specific gender roles. However, Jeff’s mother and siblings have been incredibly supportive, loving, and accepting from the moment he came out. Jeff graduated from Boston College in 2008 and though he believes that some aspects of the school are closed-minded, he found his niche in the theater and English programs.

Eric’s Coming Out Story from I Want the World to Know on Vimeo.

Eric grew up in a small suburban town in a very religious home. From a young age, he was taught that being gay was wrong and something that could be “overcome” by praying and following the bible. However, when Eric reached his twenties he realized that being gay was nothing to be ashamed of, nor something that he could “fix.” Although coming out to his family was difficult, he says that time heals all wounds and that he has never been more supported or loved by his family today. Eric believes that coming out is the best thing that a gay person can do for him or herself because it enables people to be who they are meant to be.

Betsy’s Coming Out Story from I Want the World to Know on Vimeo.

Betsy, a Boston native, currently lives in New York City and is about to finish her Masters degree in Educational Theatre at NYU. She first realized she might be gay when she was 14 and wrote it down on a piece of paper in the school nurse’s office, which she still has to this day. However, Betsy didn’t act on those feelings until her freshman year of college. Betsy is now more confident than ever and believes that her sexuality is just a small piece of what makes her who she is.

Kristy’s Coming Out Story from I Want the World to Know on Vimeo.

Kristy grew up in Lawson, Missouri, and she was raised in a religious home where being gay was not accepted. She came out as a sophomore at Illinois State University and excelled in basketball. She now lives in New York City where she trains athletes at Columbia University and organizes Proposition NYC, the “hottest new Friday party to hit the New York girl scene.” She says she has never been more comfortable in her own skin and believes that creating a dialogue about sexuality is the best way to make room for compassion and understanding.

Visit the Proposition NYC website at http://www.propositionnyc.com.

Casey’s Coming Out Story from I Want the World to Know on Vimeo.

Casey, a Harvard graduate, now lives in New York City. She came out when she was 14 to her sister at a Grateful Dead concert and then to her parents at age 16. Her first girlfriend was her sister’s best friend. Casey has always been supported by her family, though she urges young people to be patient with their parents as they come to terms with having a gay son or daughter.

Jamie’s Coming Out Story from I Want the World to Know on Vimeo.

Jamie McGonnigal grew up in the small town of Marshfield, Massachusetts outside of Boston. He was involved in theater from a very young age and attended the Unitarian Church where he always felt supported. He came out on the night of the Tony Awards in the mid-90s, which he says, “is the gayest coming out story ever.” He now lives in New York City and is a successful actor and social activist for equal rights.

Check out Jamie’s website: www.talkaboutequality.org

Kristen’s Coming Out Story from I Want the World to Know on Vimeo.

Kristen is originally from Denver, Colorado. She began questioning her sexuality when she was a teenager and found support from her friends, family, and local LGBT organizations such as PFLAG. She founded the Gay-Straight Alliance at her high school and came out to her entire school as a way to make the group known on campus. She earned a college scholarship for her work and courage and continued to be a part of LGBT organizations during and after college. She now lives in New York City.