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

Model Shaun Ross recently delighted his followers by sharing the heartfelt and humorous advice his grandfather gave him upon coming out as gay. The story, which has since gone viral, has resonated with many people and sparked conversations about acceptance and love across generations.

At 33 years old, Ross has made a significant name for himself in the modeling world, having signed with a modeling agency at just 16. On a recent Sunday, January 12th, he took to the social media platform Threads to recount the touching moment he shared with his grandfather.

A Grandfather's Unexpected Advice

Ross recalled, "I remember coming out to my grandpa a year before he passed. I was shocked by how he embraced me. I said, ‘Grandad, I’m gay,’ and he replied, ‘Well, can you cook?’ I replied, ‘Not really.’"

To Ross's surprise, his grandfather laughed and said, "How do you expect to keep a man?" This light-hearted and humorous exchange was filled with love and acceptance, breaking the stereotype of older generations being unaccepting of LGBTQ+ identities.

Ross further shared how his grandfather told him about the gay men he knew in 1950s Harlem. These men were known for hosting dinners, dressing sharply, and maintaining beautiful homes. Ross’s grandfather admired them for teaching him much about dignity and how to carry himself.

Viral Impact and Shared Stories

The post quickly gained traction, garnering over 33,000 likes and nearly 200 responses, as people were drawn to the warmth and humor of the story. Many users shared their own experiences of coming out, some filled with love and acceptance, while others were more challenging.

One user shared a poignant story about how their aunty and mother had outed them to a "very openly homophobic aunty." Despite her initial prejudice, this aunt, at 80 years old, was able to change her views, proving that age does not have to be a barrier to personal growth and change.

Many praised Ross's grandfather for his supportive response, with a comment that resonated with many readers: "I love this. It just goes to show that ‘that’s just how it was back then’ regarding homophobia, is NOT how it was for everyone."

The Cooking Question

Among the comments and responses, a recurring question emerged: did Ross learn to cook? In response, Ross shared that he indeed took up cooking and is now happily engaged. In August 2022, he announced his engagement to model and actor David Alan Madrick.

Ross later shared a video showcasing a delicious spread he prepared, along with images of his and his partner’s matching diamond engagement rings, symbolizing their love and commitment.

Honoring a Beloved Grandfather

In subsequent posts, Ross paid tribute to his grandfather, remembering him as a "cool" and "very honorable" man. Ross fondly recalled his grandfather sharing stories about his experiences in war and life in Harlem, painting a picture of a man full of life and wisdom.

This heartwarming story continues to inspire and remind us of the power of acceptance and love, encouraging others to share their own stories and reflect on the impact of generational support in the LGBTQ+ community.

We invite our readers to share their thoughts and experiences in the comments below, fostering an environment of respect and understanding as we continue the conversation on acceptance and love across all identities.