As a straight woman now aged 70, I’m so grateful to hear these life stories. It really was such a different era growing up in the 50s and 60s when such things were not spoken of (unless in hushed tones). I know now that my (Catholic) uncle was gay - he was dismissed from the armed services because someone decided he was gay. He died last year at age 83, still in the closet and I feel so sad that he was unable to be his true self and live his best life 😢 Thank you John for sharing your story. I’m so happy that you found your truth and was able to live the life you have had. Amazing. Catholic guilt is real!! I hope you will live out the rest of your life at peace with yourself ❤
It was a pleasant change to be presented with a retrospective rather than yet another often very predictable coming out story, related by a youngster who has yet so much to experience. This is not to denigrate the importance of the latter in helping those afraid or reluctant to come out, but it is equally important to show that a happy and fulfilling life lies ahead too. Such life stories are of course all quite unique, yet so often there are those tangential moments that are immensely gratifying. Most enjoyable. Thank you.
I wonder if the movie Brokeback Mountain inspired your long-time friend to take things to the next level in your relationship. He passed away knowing he was loved. Thanks for sharing!
Well done. Thanks for sharing your story. I was a Baptist Pastor at one stage. I was married to my very accepting wife for 51 years and cared for her with MS for 26 years. She wasn't able to ambulate for the last 15 years. She has now passed but as she was nearing the end I thanked her for accepting me as her gay husband and she said "Of course. That was easy. Why wouldn't I?" She was amazing. We had a son and a daughter and we have 4 grandsons. I am not looking for a man. Too old now.
When we need to be someone we aren’t, we go through pretty hard moments, which make us get hurt deep inside. I've been with my very first boyfriend since 1977. Was that easy? Nope. The other way around: it was awful, cuz we both, at that time, had to keep it in the closet. He got married, had children and we kept seeing each other secretly for years. I did suffer too much. One very day, he packed his bags, said good bye to his family and chose me for I was always the one he loved. Nowadays, we live an amazing life, loving each other even deeper cuz we know how difficult being together was. I thank God every single day for having made me strong.
Thank you so much for sharing your coming out story. I loved it and I could really relate, growing up Catholic in the Boston area. You look great at 82! I'll be 72 in few months and hope to be as vibrant as you are in 10 years time!
John, I shall be 88 in May -- I understand completely what you (and your friends) have gone through. Thank you for explaining it to all in the kind, generous, and caring manner in which you did.
I really appreciated you sharing about your Catholicism. I, too, was an altar boy and believed everything I was told. I suffered a lot of Catholic guilt from masturbation. It took years for me to put that crazy, warped thinking behind me. And, by the way, you don't look your age; not by a long shot. Thank you for sharing your story!
Just in case there's anyone who doesn't know how to read music, or wasn't paying too much attention to that which flashed on the screen at about 13:45, the music that's playing at the end is John's own song "Special Friend". A most appropriate way to finish his story.
Great catch! Honestly, I never thought anyone would notice at all! So here's what happened. John came to my studio for the interview and then he said something about his original songs that are probably sitting on an older computer. I asked him to send me some of his songs. I picked this one and arranged it for piano. So that's the backstory of this particular music. I've done the same with another 2 guests who had original melodies, but I haven't published them yet.
John, I appreciate your story as there are many episodes similar to mine. I came out at 57th and I truly appreciated as I skipped the 1980th era. Today I am married to a men and enjoying the last part of life in peace. Thank you, again! Max.
You sure can, but I gotta tell you that I only wrote out the melody of John's song. Then I improvised an arrangement and recorded the music you hear. I could totally send you the sheet music I wrote, if it's of any help.
I love this guy. He is so relatable. I too grew up Catholic and gay. The Catholic guilt is a real thing.would love to have a cool friend like him!😊lol!
But you know based on the information I’ve gathered from a number of guest speakers, I think those who grew up Mormon were in a tougher situation in general. Though I’m sure there are some horror stories on the Catholic side as well.
I don't think John was associated with the Mormon Church at all. His issue was with the Catholic Church. They all have the same issue with our community anyway .
The Catholic Church and religion in general, are the problem. The foundational doctrines of all Christianity in the Bible are plainly anti gay. Religion is a poison that destroys lives. There is no reason to return to a dying institution that rapes children, destroys minds and ruins gay people’s lives. Besides, the Bible is full of multiple falsehoods, and complete nonsense.
To be Christian and to be a follower of Jesus is to be celibate outside of marriage no matter what your sexual orientation may be . Your real self should be the "Imitation of Christ " . Be humble in all matters ...Pride is a great enemy of the soul.
@Geroge That may be the way you choose to live your life, but by no means anyone should be the 'imitation of Christ', or the "imitation of" how YOU personally choose to live your life. If anything, many of us are running away from religion as fast as we can. You're not going to change anyone's mind with these posts.
Thank you Mr. Sparks for sharing your life. The surprising thing is. His life is very similar to mine. I was born and raised Roman Catholic with all the struggles that means. Thank you for sharing your talent of creating music for the world.
More from 𝐉𝐨𝐡𝐧 𝐒𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐬:
𝐂𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐜 𝐆𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐭 & Sex: th-cam.com/video/oTpPS4oPTaI/w-d-xo.html
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐔𝐧𝐠𝐨𝐝𝐥𝐲 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞: th-cam.com/video/N_zu7nSqJ94/w-d-xo.html
𝐔𝐧𝐠𝐨𝐝𝐥𝐲 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞: th-cam.com/video/N_zu7nSqJ94/w-d-xo.html
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A healthy attitude when reflecting on life. Love it
As a straight woman now aged 70, I’m so grateful to hear these life stories. It really was such a different era growing up in the 50s and 60s when such things were not spoken of (unless in hushed tones). I know now that my (Catholic) uncle was gay - he was dismissed from the armed services because someone decided he was gay. He died last year at age 83, still in the closet and I feel so sad that he was unable to be his true self and live his best life 😢
Thank you John for sharing your story. I’m so happy that you found your truth and was able to live the life you have had. Amazing. Catholic guilt is real!! I hope you will live out the rest of your life at peace with yourself ❤
It was a pleasant change to be presented with a retrospective rather than yet another often very predictable coming out story, related by a youngster who has yet so much to experience. This is not to denigrate the importance of the latter in helping those afraid or reluctant to come out, but it is equally important to show that a happy and fulfilling life lies ahead too. Such life stories are of course all quite unique, yet so often there are those tangential moments that are immensely gratifying. Most enjoyable. Thank you.
Thank you for putting into words what has been my own personal ideology 😊
Such an honor and privilege to know you John! This was an amazing share. Thank you🙏🏼💜
I wonder if the movie Brokeback Mountain inspired your long-time friend to take things to the next level in your relationship. He passed away knowing he was loved. Thanks for sharing!
Well done. Thanks for sharing your story. I was a Baptist Pastor at one stage. I was married to my very accepting wife for 51 years and cared for her with MS for 26 years. She wasn't able to ambulate for the last 15 years. She has now passed but as she was nearing the end I thanked her for accepting me as her gay husband and she said "Of course. That was easy. Why wouldn't I?" She was amazing. We had a son and a daughter and we have 4 grandsons. I am not looking for a man. Too old now.
Maybe you should make a video ?
Great story and you look fantastic for 82 years old im 55 hope to look as great when i get there 🤞 wish you much happiness.
A very moving account of your life. So much grace and dignity. I hope I can share your optimism as I age. All the best.
Thank you for this video John Sparks
You have lived a truly remarkable life. In some ways, it makes me quite envious, in many ways I relate, however. Thank you for sharing your journey.
When we need to be someone we aren’t, we go through pretty hard moments, which make us get hurt deep inside.
I've been with my very first boyfriend since 1977. Was that easy? Nope. The other way around: it was awful, cuz we both, at that time, had to keep it in the closet.
He got married, had children and we kept seeing each other secretly for years. I did suffer too much.
One very day, he packed his bags, said good bye to his family and chose me for I was always the one he loved.
Nowadays, we live an amazing life, loving each other even deeper cuz we know how difficult being together was.
I thank God every single day for having made me strong.
This is a wonderful story. Thank you. ❤
I had to laugh, I was also an altar boy and one of my dinner party jokes has been that I was never abused! Thanks again, lovely interview.
Glad you’re here🤣
Thank you so much for sharing your coming out story. I loved it and I could really relate, growing up Catholic in the Boston area. You look great at 82! I'll be 72 in few months and hope to be as vibrant as you are in 10 years time!
I like how straightforward he is.
John, I shall be 88 in May -- I understand completely what you (and your friends) have gone through. Thank you for explaining it to all in the kind, generous, and caring manner in which you did.
I really appreciated you sharing about your Catholicism. I, too, was an altar boy and believed everything I was told. I suffered a lot of Catholic guilt from masturbation. It took years for me to put that crazy, warped thinking behind me. And, by the way, you don't look your age; not by a long shot. Thank you for sharing your story!
Just in case there's anyone who doesn't know how to read music, or wasn't paying too much attention to that which flashed on the screen at about 13:45, the music that's playing at the end is John's own song "Special Friend". A most appropriate way to finish his story.
Great catch! Honestly, I never thought anyone would notice at all! So here's what happened. John came to my studio for the interview and then he said something about his original songs that are probably sitting on an older computer. I asked him to send me some of his songs. I picked this one and arranged it for piano. So that's the backstory of this particular music. I've done the same with another 2 guests who had original melodies, but I haven't published them yet.
@@lgbtqarchives
I noticed and it looks beautiful. :)
Thank you for your share. I can relate in many ways. What I enjoyed most was your positivity.
What an awesome person you are!! Super cool ;)
He’s great.
I'm much younger but your story is very similar to mine. I experienced exactly the same things. I've been loving this channel.
Glad to have you hear. Thank you very much!
One word: Delightful..!!!!
Love the power of his positivity in his story so nice to enjoy the generations before me talk so openly about their lives❤
John, I appreciate your story as there are many episodes similar to mine. I came out at 57th and I truly appreciated as I skipped the 1980th era. Today I am married to a men and enjoying the last part of life in peace. Thank you, again! Max.
I really enjoyed listening to you tell your story. Thank you 💜
Thank you for sharing your story, John.
Thank you so much for sharing, yours such a touching, somber and beautiful story!
Lovely! Glad you’re so confident and content with who you are. ❤
Thank you for sharing your story. It was very enjoyable listening to you. You look great. Happy trails to you.
Loved hearing your story. Thank you.
Great story John, thanks for sharing. Happy Holidays.
This is a beautifully real strong story ❤
A beautiful retelling of one’s life story! 😊
A great guy. Thanks for sharing.
Can I get a link to that sheet music? I'd love to play it as a special in my church. Thank you.
You sure can, but I gotta tell you that I only wrote out the melody of John's song. Then I improvised an arrangement and recorded the music you hear. I could totally send you the sheet music I wrote, if it's of any help.
Great story sounds like my life!
You guys need to come forward and share your stories.
I love this guy. He is so relatable. I too grew up Catholic and gay. The Catholic guilt is a real thing.would love to have a cool friend like him!😊lol!
But you know based on the information I’ve gathered from a number of guest speakers, I think those who grew up Mormon were in a tougher situation in general. Though I’m sure there are some horror stories on the Catholic side as well.
Beautiful ❤️ story . ❤️
I never considered the Mormons. From what I've heard you are correct about that.merry Christmas.😊
I don't think John was associated with the Mormon Church at all. His issue was with the Catholic Church. They all have the same issue with our community anyway .
Beautiful
I was 31 when I came out a father of two
Tough situation for sure.
[I love how you said you knew nothimg about being Gay at 30, LOL]
Growing up “normal” in a neurotic society can be confusing.
❤❤❤❤🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉
Daddy cute always healthy daddy
Well, I invite you to come back to the Catholic Church. We need you. God Bless.
The Catholic Church and religion in general, are the problem. The foundational doctrines of all Christianity in the Bible are plainly anti gay. Religion is a poison that destroys lives. There is no reason to return to a dying institution that rapes children, destroys minds and ruins gay people’s lives. Besides, the Bible is full of multiple falsehoods, and complete nonsense.
Why?! The Catholic church teaches that it's a sin to act on your homosexual attraction?! How evil is that?!
@@user-sf5fk6ox4c Yeah, why would he want to go back to the very place that made his life miserable! What kind of invitation is that!
To be Christian and to be a follower of Jesus is to be celibate outside of marriage no matter what your sexual orientation may be . Your real self should be the "Imitation of Christ " . Be humble in all matters ...Pride is a great enemy of the soul.
You are way off-base
@Geroge That may be the way you choose to live your life, but by no means anyone should be the 'imitation of Christ', or the "imitation of" how YOU personally choose to live your life. If anything, many of us are running away from religion as fast as we can. You're not going to change anyone's mind with these posts.
Yes everyone should follow our life story. Sarcasm intended.
Thank you Mr. Sparks for sharing your life. The surprising thing is. His life is very similar to mine. I was born and raised Roman Catholic with all the struggles that means. Thank you for sharing your talent of creating music for the world.