Coming out
🕑 Added 2024-09-21 15:53:43 +0000 UTCHey everyone, I’ve been sitting with this for a while now, and I think it’s finally time I share something that’s been on my heart for a long time.
For most of my adult life, I’ve lived in a story I created—a story that felt safe, comfortable, and familiar. I was content, or at least I convinced myself I was. I had built a "straight" life, the one I thought I was supposed to have. But deep down, there was always more to me that I wasn’t ready to face or share.
For a long time, I was scared to come out—scared of how it might change my relationships, how people would view me, and honestly, scared of how it would change the life I had worked so hard to build. I felt like by coming out, I would be undoing years of my own narrative.
Telling my parents was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. I wasn’t sure how they would react. It took a lot of courage, and while it wasn’t easy, their love for me never wavered. In the end, they embraced me fully and unconditionally. In fact, that has been the case with every person in my life. I know not everyone gets this kind of response, and my heart aches for those who face rejection, but please know this: when you live your truth, you will find your people—the ones who love you just as you are.
Although I have been out in my personal life for a while now, I’ve never really understood the idea of posting a “coming out” post, as if my sexuality should matter to anyone. If it truly didn’t matter, why should I have to announce it at all? The truth is, I’m not doing this for me—I’m doing it for anyone who is where I once was. For anyone still living in a narrative they feel they need to uphold, even if it’s not true to who they really are.
Coming out isn’t always a straight path (pun intended), and it can feel like an uphill battle, but I’ve realized the freedom and love you receive on the other side is worth everything. For anyone who might be struggling with their own story, know that when you embrace who you are, you open the door to new connections, new joys, and new possibilities.
Thanks for reading, and thank you to all the beautiful souls who’ve supported me along this journey. I’m finally living authentically, and it feels so damn good. 💙
Comments
Justin
Congratulations
Duck13
I congratulate you for being you…🫶🏻
Dashawn Dias
Always been waiting for this it’s never to late to join the party congratulations
Michael Eads
Proud of you for being you
Patrick
Thank you so much for sharing that! I love you ❤️
Justin
I'm in the same boat
Eddie
Congrats, brother! Very happy for you!
Officer Daniels
💙💙💙💙💙💙💙
Joseph Raymond
I always suspected. You have such a pretty house from the photos you’ve shared. Welcome out! We’re all glad you’re here 💜
Stephen Moore
Love this and so well written
Ben
You’re amazing and I’m so so so impressed by you and happy for you 🤗
Greg
Thank you for sharing your past and present in this very emotional and supportive post. Like yourself, I didn't allow myself to accept or acknowledge certain feelings within myself, I built up a "straight" life, I had a girlfriend and later wife, we had two children together. I thought I had what everyone else had and wanted out of life... the wife and kids and success. I was forced to come out after a series of bad decisions that ultimately cost me my marriage, and a lot of friends and family. That being said, the only regret I have is the pain I caused in the manner in which I had to come out. Getting to where I am today in my personal life, my happiness now, the freedom and the love I have today was very much a struggle and an uphill battle. Every step of the way, in retrospect, was an achievement, another shackle being broken. You were wise to say once you embrace who you are, start living your truth, new connections, new love, new joys not only are possible but present themselves to you in ways you never thought possible even for yourself. I write all of this for a three fold reason. First to support you Justin, your story deserves celebrating, you live to a large degree in the public eye, where actions are scrutinized, conjectured about, this that and another. So thank you for your story! The second, to share my own story, simply and sweetly lol. The third, because of people like you in the public eye, the example and road I took in life, made it possible for my daughter to come out to her mother and I over the summer as lesbian. Instead of throwing a Sweet 16 party, at her request, we threw her a Coming Out Party to which she had so much support from her friends, classmates, and of course her family. Much love and respect, Greg
Jimmy Curtis
Hugs!!
Dalsinger
Such a brave post! I’m happy you are able to live your AUTHENTIC life. I hope you enjoy nothing but massive successes in your life!!
cobrien6594
Thanks this helps a lot
Officer Daniels
💙💙💙
Popz Reyes
Sending you lots of love and many more positives outcomes your way! I have always appreciated the joy and laughter you’ve brought into this world. More so when my mom passed a few years back. Seeing passed vines videos and stuff you reshared, it was helpful. I Admire your strength and ability to be open with us, I can’t even imagine how hard that is! I couldn’t do that 😂❤️
Shane Borden
Smiling as I read this! Love to see you embracing who you are. Much love. ❤️
Chris Johnson
Thank you for this!! 🥰😉
Cliff Hollaway
Ur awesome buddy. I never ever “came out” to my parents they just knew and everything was ok and they supported me in every way
Lucas Simpson
Yes daddy. Bout time. 😍
Daniel
You are an incredible human! You are strong and resilient and can do whatever you put to yourself man!!
Ivan Morales
I'm going through the same thing. But I think most people knows about me but just being polite about it.
Jacob Scholle
Yessss the feeling you get when you come out and just live and be who you are is amazing. It’s sad that some people do face rejection. It takes a lot of strength to come out. We love officer Daniels. 🌈❤️🧡💛💚💙💜
Thom
♥️🧡💛💚💙💜 love this for you! “Be yourself, everyone else is taken.”
bearT
Live your truth Justin. Others will follow. Sending love
J Brian K
As LEO, I struggled with this forever…. It’s amazing when you can finally break the shackles and be who you are….. which is who you’ve always been…. But now you get to share your life with others just like they share their life with you!!! It’s so normalizing and beautiful! It is the way I wish everyone got to experience life. Thank you for sharing! Absolutely beautiful!!! I am happy for you!
Jason
We love you Daniels ❤️❤️❤️
Officer Daniels
Be free hunnies 💙
Manuel Ferreira
Thank you for sharing truly an amazing heart
Tracy
Thanks for sharing 👍 I'm still closeted at 64. Shows the kind of fear I've lived with all my life.
Mysterious person
Yesssssssss! Your ass is definitely fuckable but the bulge is nothing to play with 😂😈
Officer Daniels
Top for sure lol
Mysterious person
What’s that mean 😭 I would love to see both lmao
Officer Daniels
It’s probably not the answer you’re hoping for 😅
Mysterious person
Congrats ❤️❤️ not to be blunt but do you prefer top or bottom?
Sean
Well said, thank you for sharing your thoughts 😁
Jason Kingston
Bruh, I hollered at your response because I said it in your voice in my head 😂😂😭😭 but all jokes aside, I’m so proud of you.
Officer Daniels
I’m gay as hell!
Jason Kingston
Yes, I was, without essentially putting a label on it because a lot of people don’t like labels. I was just curious and of course, you’re not obligated to respond. 🫶🏾
Micah Crizer
I’ve been following you from the very beginning in the early Snapchat days. So happy for you. I hope you have all the happiness in the world. You deserve all the good things. ♥️
Officer Daniels
Are you asking if I’m bi? I don’t understand
Keith Krauzyk
❤️❤️❤️❤️ So Very Happy For You !!
Jason Kingston
We appreciate your authenticity. We love you for it. Is your love specific to one or both or do you love whoever loves you/love all around?
Billy Tudor
🫂
Officer Daniels
💙💙💙
Ryan C Hale
Love you sir! Happy for you to be your true self❤️
CJ
Really appreciate you sharing your story and I’ve always felt the same way about how my sexual preference is my own. But realizing how many others could be in the same situation: Stuck. And fearing there is no way out. Hearing about others like me who were in the same boat and how they overcame it ultimately helped me do the same at 25. For 10 years I lived under the enormous pressure of needing to live a “straight life” and that I would disappoint so many if I had shown them who I really was. Pressured by Hollywood and television that if I was gay I was supposed to act more feminine to which I knew deep down I wasn’t. Finding you and many others who I could relate to. In a masculine role in life but just prefer men sexually helped me come out and live my true authenticate self. Helped me understand I’m not alone in this and it’s okay to be who I am. I did lose some friends but made so many more real friends throughout the last 6 years of my life and nothing feels better than knowing you get to surround yourself with people who truly love you for being you. Thanks Justin! Stories/Authentic personalities on display like these really do help others in the same situation. Forever grateful! 🩵
Dylan C
Way to go king!
Aa
Thank you
LR Wells
Welcome. The Council has accepted your application. Your membership card will be mailed within 5 working days. You represent us well!
Heather Westlake
Don’t let anyone dim your shining light. 🙂
Nahum Bautista
I’m so happy for you!! ❤️❤️
Leevon
So I at least have a chance with you officially? Haha kidding. But really happy for you! You just let down a lot of women though haha but that's ok
Pete
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and feelings. I can relate.
Eternally Fateful
Beautiful share Daniels! Years ago I remember Chelsie jokingly say in a video “I know who OD is dating but he won’t let me say” - that’s all I needed to hear 😂
SiMas
But that’s dope
SiMas
I love it plus I already knew because you n Josh stayed together a lot a lot
Derrick Cuomo
I hope you are able to also!
Derrick Cuomo
Love this for you! It is always the best to live authentically you, but it can definitely be hard. I’m always here if you need to talk
Aa
Congratulations Good for you! I wish I can do that one day who knows🤷🏻♂️
Davito
I had no idea. I totally get you as someone who’s coming to terms with my sexuality. I feel more happy since I embraced myself for what I am.
Jace
Love this, man!! 💪💪 You are a good dude and have been from the start!
ADFULLER90
Ahhh I’m so happy for you! Welcome to your new found freedom. 🥰
Officer Daniels
💙💙💙💙
ClayDough
Love that! Good for you man. Just imagine. Your mom thinks your straight. For good reasons lol. She wants your address to send you something. Yet, she knocks on your door to a single bedroom apartment you are currently sharing with your boyfriend. Shocked and devastated, she cried the entire way home. 11 years later my mom and I are closer than we ever were. Inseparable. She loves me and I love her.
Nicholas Panagiotou
Absolutely amazing. So happy for you, and thank you for sharing ❤️
Tod
Live your life how you want. and to not be happy just cause what other people may think is crazy. I’m happy you’re doing good and is comfortable with making a statement to us on here that takes courage. Keep enjoying every moment man
Kortney Propst
Coming from the lgbt community myself, I'm proud of you Daniel's! I hope life brings you all the happiest you deserve!
Steven Tran
beautiful!
Ben
I’m so so happy for you and I’m glad you have had a great response from everyone! You can live your true life fully now and I hope it’s everything you want. You seem like a great guy and deserve all the happiness in the world. From Scotland with love ❤️
James Cardona
That’s amazing Justin! My coming out story was very similar even tho it was long ago. We are both very fortunate to have our families love and accept us through it. Unfortunately that’s not the case for many. So happy you are able to share your journey and inspire those who follow. Thank you! 💙
Cory Canterberry
Telling my family was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do. So glad you done this! So proud of you
Eddie Jason
I was terrified for the longest time coming out to my family. Most of my friends I had come out to in my early 20s but growing up in a religious home I feared being rejected. Thankfully I was 100% wrong. But thank you for sharing your truth 💯.
JC
So proud of you and we support you for having the courage to do it publicly ❤️
Kotabear
Beautiful said!!
michael oshaughnessy
You are such a good man for all you do for kids and adults with downs syndrome .That makes you a amazing guy in my eyes keep doing what you do
Adam
Thank you for sharing this! You have a beautiful story my friend!
Justin
So proud of you for taking that step! You know everyone here will always support you! Welcome to being the real you and being happy!!! ❤️❤️
Yobani Saban
Love you! 🖤
Jesse Johnson
I’m so damn proud of you! You deserve all the happiness and joy in this world.
Spencer Jackson
Im glad you have the support you need! It can be a challenge for anyone to come out, and it takes a lot to tell the people you love!
Tallpeterbear
Congratulations!
Terrence Braddock
Coming out to my family was by far the most terrifying thing I've ever done. We're all really proud and happy for you, and glad we get to watch you live your truth!
RKricket
Lots of love man 🤗
George Taylor
♥️
James Bosarge
Good for u sexy
Bo
♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️ you are much loved!
Nj3alice
Yay for you!