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18. Coming Out, Christmas And Cuddles Part 1

Somehow another month passes, and it's December. Joel returns to youtube on the first with a voices video, and a promise to do daily videos in December again. Dave and him have decided to both drop their coming out videos in the first week, with Joel's first.

After Joel drops his, he cries. Dave cuddles him, saying he's so proud of him, and that he's sure everyone will love him still, that anyone who doesn't isn't a true fan. And he's right - Joel is met with almost all positive reactions.

(Some video highlights.)

"Hey, I'm Joel from Roomie Official and welcome back to another daily video in December. Today, we need to talk.

"I have known for a long while that I am not straight. I have dated men for years now. I've just been scared of coming out.

"The music industry doesn't always welcome LGBT people, and I have been scared because I post music content, you will be the same. I think my community is nice enough that I can now.

"So I'm sure you all want to know what label I identify as? Daddy. Sorry I should- youtube don't demonatise me please! Oh wait I'm coming out you'll demonatise me anyway uh- ANYWAY! I identify as bisexual, as women are great and men are great and yeah I should shut up.

"I hope you can all love and accept me still. My content won't change or anything, but I wanted to be honest with you all.

"So uh, I'm gay from Joelofficial, bi!" 

Everyone is super sweet and accepting. Reading the comments Joel cries again, reading his subscribers love, support, pride and their stories. On Twitter his friends, like Felix and the twosetviolin boys, as well as people he doesn't know as well, like PJ, Seán and Mark all shared their love and admiration. Dave was silent online, but in real life he showered him in kisses, love and pride.

The next day Dave released his.

(More highlights.)

"Hi! I'm Dave from Boyinaband. As you can see from the title of this video, I have to tell you something. I'm releasing a book! No, don't worry. I'm not actually. I'm just a raging homosexual.

"I have been ready to tell you this for years, before spectrum came out. However my partner wasn't ready so I stayed in the closet for them. As my partner is now- why do I keep saying my partner? It's Joel, do some detective work, I'm living in his - our - house, I collab with him loads, I sleep in his bed, I'm dating Roomie. Yeah anyway he's out now so I can be gay on the internet.

"It probably won't be too surprising that I am into guys, as 89% of my hate comments say 'gay' or 'fag' in them. Shout out to the creative 11%, thank you for taking the time to think of a new way to insult me. Weirdly, I appreciate it, keep it up.

"Being part of the LGBTQ+ community isn't all i want to talk about though. In the future I want to use my platform to talk about my experiences and help others. This will also be with mental health, being gay, being online and toxic or abusive  relationships. I want everyone to be as happy and safe as possible.

"I took patreon money despite this video being just me talking. That's because I donated it to LGBT youth charities. I also have a load of my own money, and if you can donate there's links in the description. Having these resources could save lives. If I'd have had them at hand when i was a teen I wouldn't have felt quite as wrong or lonely.

"I'm sure you want me to tell you what box I fit into, pan? No? Gay? Demi? The truth is, I don't. I use the label queer. I suppose I'm the closest to bi, but it's not quite right for me.

"There is one last thing. If I'm to be fully honest, and talk about my past with abuse, I must also tell you that I am in the 14.5%. I am a carrier. There's links in the description for you to read and educate yourself on us, and I'm happy to answer any questions. Nothing said in this video makes me less of a man, remember that.