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“I'm Gay”: Twins Share Emotional Coming Out Phone Call to Dad

Twin models Aaron and Austin Rhodes' "Twins Come Out to Dad" YouTube video has struck a chord. The emotional Jan. 14 video captured more than 5 million views in just two days. 

"We think it is time to finally just be ourselves," they wrote on the YouTube video description

The Ohio natives who live in Los Angeles shared on video that they've come out to their entire family except their dad. The duo decided to videotape the coming out phone call to their dad. 

Grab a box of tissues. 

The 8-minute video depicts the twins' struggle to find the right words to tell their dad about their sexual orientation, followed by his reaction.

"I really feel sick. Okay, just call. Just hit the button," said Austin looking at his brother before placing the call.

The two are seen sitting on the edge of a bed, staring into the camera and stalling as Aaron dials the iPhone. 

"Oh my God, I'm going to pass out," said Aaron. 

The Rhodes twins both pause, start crying and wipe tears from their eyes as their father says he can't hear them as he takes a break from painting. 

"I really don't know how else to put it but like -- I'm gay. And um, Austin is too. And we just wanted to like call and tell you," said Aaron. 

"I finally fell like I'm at that point to be able to tell you. I just don't want you to not love us anymore," said Austin.

"Stop it. Would you just stop it," said their father. "I just don't know really what to say. You know I love you both. That will never change." 

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The Human Rights Campaign Foundation's "A Resource Guide to Coming Out" says it's normal to feel scared, confused, relieved and affirmed when coming out.  

Aaron said he felt like 10 million pounds was lifted off his shoulders after placing the call. 

The response of young people coming out to their parents is certainly mixed, according to Glennda Testone, of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center in New York City.

"I was really happy to see a positive reaction from a parent to their children coming out. It really sends a good message. Sadly, it's not always the case," Testone said.

Testone says 40 percent of New York City's homeless youth are LGBT and the biggest reason is due to family rejection after coming out. 

The former Ashland High School students are models with PYD Model Management and ADAM Models, according to their Instagram profiles. The two ran cross country in high school and graduated in 2013, according to the Mansfield News Journal

The Rhodes brothers left viewers with this message at the end of the video -- be yourself and do whatever makes you happy. 

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