THE VIDEO BELOW has been viewed more than two million times since being uploaded two days ago.
According to the description, it shows the parents of a 19-year-old man named Daniel Pierce reacting after being told that he was gay.
In a tense confrontation, his stepmother disowns him, saying that his lifestyle is a choice:
Since you have chosen that path, we will not support you. You will have to move out and do what you can to live… Because I will not let people believe that I condone what you do.
Later in the video, a man’s voice is heard angrily using homophobic slurs.
After the video went viral, hitting the front page of Reddit, a funding page was set up to help Daniel with living expenses.
It had a funding goal of $2,000.
In just one day, well-wishers have donated more than $46,000 – or around €35,000. Several people have donated hundreds of dollars. Many have offered places to stay.
Reacting to the donations, Daniel posted:
I am so thankful for all the comments, support and donations!… I was trying to respond to everyone but I couldn’t keep up!! Thank You! Thank You! Thank You! This is all just so amazing!!!Thank You from the bottom of my heart!!
According to the YouTube description, Daniel “is currently staying with very supportive friends. He is safe and removed from the situation.”
If you’re facing similar issues, BelongTo offers support to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender young people in Ireland. Visit belongto.org or call 01 6706223.
