Shaun Ross Shares Heartwarming Story of Grandfather's Reaction to His Coming Out

Model Shaun Ross recently captivated audiences with a heartwarming story about his grandfather's delightful reaction when he came out as gay. The post, shared on Threads, quickly went viral, resonating with thousands who appreciated the humor and wisdom in his grandfather's words.

Shaun Ross, a model who signed with his first agency at the young age of 16, took to Threads to recount a memorable conversation with his grandfather, which took place a year before his grandfather's passing. On Sunday, January 12, Ross shared this touching and humorous exchange with his followers.

A Grandfather's Love and Wisdom

Ross recounted, "I remember coming out to my grandpa. I was nervous, but his response caught me completely off guard. I said, 'Grandad, I’m gay,' and without missing a beat, he asked, 'Well, can you cook?'"

This unexpected question left Ross momentarily speechless. When Ross admitted, "Not really," his grandfather laughed and retorted, "How do you expect to keep a man?"

The humor in his grandfather's response not only broke the tension but also provided a glimpse into the vibrant lives of gay men in 1950s Harlem. Ross's grandfather shared stories of these men who hosted lavish dinners, dressed impeccably, and created beautiful homes, teaching him about elegance and self-respect.

The Viral Impact

Ross's post struck a chord, garnering more than 33,000 likes and nearly 200 comments on Threads. Many users were inspired to share their own coming out stories, some of which mirrored Shaun's humorous and touching experience.

One user shared how their aunt and mother inadvertently outed them to another aunt known for her overtly homophobic views. Yet, despite her initial bias, the 80-year-old aunt changed her perspective, illustrating that age need not be an excuse for intolerance. "Proof that people can grow and change," they concluded.

Many commenters praised Ross's grandfather for his accepting and supportive attitude. One user remarked, "I love this. It shows that 'that's just how it was back then' is not an excuse for homophobia, as it wasn't the case for everyone." Another commenter playfully suggested that perhaps Ross's grandfather was teasingly implying he wasn't "gay enough."

Curiosity about Ross's culinary skills was a recurring theme in the comments. Did he take his grandfather's advice to heart and learn how to cook?

Learning to Cook and Finding Love

In response to the many inquiries, Shaun Ross revealed that he indeed learned to cook. More than that, he announced his engagement to model and actor David Alan Madrick in August 2022, sharing that he is now happily engaged.

Ross shared a video showcasing a delightful spread that he had prepared, alongside a glimpse of the matching diamond engagement bands he and his partner wear. The video was a testament to how far he had come from that initial conversation with his grandfather.

In a later post, Shaun paid tribute to his grandfather, remembering him as a "cool" and "very honorable" man, who often regaled him with stories from his past, including tales of war and life in 1950s Harlem.

Ross's story is not just about coming out; it is about family, acceptance, and the timeless wisdom passed down through generations. His post encouraged a broader conversation about acceptance, love, and the ability to grow beyond prejudices.

What are your thoughts on this heartwarming story? Share your views with us in the comments below, and let’s continue to foster a respectful and supportive community.