Man who hid his identity growing up cries after spotting a familiar face at the Pride parade

Andreas Wijk (@andreaswijk on Instagram) was just too nervous about attending his first-ever "Pride parade," but everything changed when he saw his parents there, finally accepting him in front of the whole world.

Andreas grew up in an environment where people, including his parents, were not too open and accepting towards homosexuals; in fact, when he first came out to his family, they just prayed for him to heal. For years, they kept Andreas' sexuality a secret from everyone around. "I never kissed a boy. We prayed for 13 years, but I never changed," he said. Later, when Andreas opened up to his friends, they, too, dismissed him, saying he was going to hell. So, after years of being neglected, he grew up, perhaps hating himself for being different, and that's possibly why he never attended a Pride parade.

However, when Andreas finally decided to face the world and, most importantly, not be ashamed of his true self, the universe also surprised him with something he had never imagined. Well, he saw his parents at his life's biggest event, cheering for him like no one else, and looking at that, Andreas just couldn't control his happy tears. "After so many years of silence and shame, I can finally say: I’ve never been happier. My parents have completely changed their perspective," Andreas confessed. His father, a pastor, questioned his religious beliefs and changed his approach towards how he reads scripture, the man shared. "I feel closer to God than I ever have. Since I came out, my life has been filled with miracles," Andreas said.

Unlike Andreas, not all people from the LGBTQ+ community get their family's support. In many cases, some parents even disown their kids solely because of their sexual orientation. As shocking as it may sound, according to the Pew Research Center, 7 in 10 Americans confessed to society discriminating against people who are gay or lesbian. Unlike Andreas, not all people from the LGBTQ+ community get their family's support. In many cases, some parents even disown their kids solely because of their sexual orientation. When Andreas shared the beautiful moment on social media, people went all out, appreciating his parents for finally accepting him. For example, @david_dias commented, "His parents love him and showed up for him. The negative comments mean nothing when those who truly matter love you."

On the other hand, @goodgollymisspolly, a parent of homosexual kids, revealed, "Two of my children have chosen same-sex relationships. I love them for being authentic and proud. Life can be hard, but we all stand together in our rainbow love family. I love what your family has worked through with you and am so happy for you all. Love wins." @aidasofie_knits pointed out, "We do not only teach our children; our children teach us, too. Love is a powerful thing. I am so happy for you."

If you’re an LGBTQ young person in crisis and need help, please reach out to The Trevor Project at 1‑866‑488‑7386 or text START to 678678. thetrevorproject.org

You can follow Andreas Wijk (@andreaswijk) on Instagram for lifestyle content.