I came across this video on Youtube, published by a young gay man in Texas whose name is Austin Wallis. It is the latest in a series of videos he published, starting in August 2014, through which he came out as gay. He is seventeen years old and in his junior year at high school. At his side is his boyfriend Nicolay. I was startled when I learned he comes from a Christian family and attended a private Christian high school. I realize I should not make assumptions, but from what I understand of the religious culture of the south western United States, homosexuality is generally not tolerated or accepted. However, I was pleasantly surprised in viewing his earlier published videos to find. He and his boyfriend Nicolay look very happy together and are able to withstand the occasional anti-gay slur aimed at them in public spaces. They found acceptance from their families and friends and life continued as normal. That is, until Austin was confronted with the reality of the institutional intolerance of homosexuality at the Christian high school he attended. As he details in this video, he is no longer a student at this high school. He is completing his high school studies at another school. In spite of this, he remains true to his Christian faith.
Apparently, the school was prepared to let him continue his studies, provided he stop publishing videos on his Youtube channel declaring his homosexuality and his relationship with Nicolay. If he refused to do so, the school threatened him with expulsion. That the school would allow a gay student to continue his studies, as long as he kept his silence, smacks of religious hypocrisy to say the least. I sympathize with Austin Wallis; he is experiencing ostracism from his religious community for being true to himself and his faith. In spite of the shameful treatment he received from the school, I hope he continues publishing his videos. Up until now they are a delight to view.
Apparently, the school was prepared to let him continue his studies, provided he stop publishing videos on his Youtube channel declaring his homosexuality and his relationship with Nicolay. If he refused to do so, the school threatened him with expulsion. That the school would allow a gay student to continue his studies, as long as he kept his silence, smacks of religious hypocrisy to say the least. I sympathize with Austin Wallis; he is experiencing ostracism from his religious community for being true to himself and his faith. In spite of the shameful treatment he received from the school, I hope he continues publishing his videos. Up until now they are a delight to view.
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