High school student receives standing ovation after coming out as bisexual during graduation speech

'I’ve struggled with being proud of myself for a long time'

A teenager in New York City received a standing ovation after ending his graduation speech by coming out as bisexual.

On Saturday, Mason Bleu shared a video of his valedictorian speech in which he spoke about the importance of Pride.

After reminding his fellow graduates to always be proud of who they are, Bleu admitted that it is something he has struggled with all his life.

“Since I’m preaching about being proud today, it’d be hypocritical of me to continue hiding,” Bleu said.

“For a long time, I’ve struggled with my sexuality. I’ve dodged it and ignored it because I wasn’t proud of who I am.

"But today I’m changing that. I’m proud to be a bisexual man.”

At this point, the crowd cheered loudly with many rising to their feet to applaud the teenager, including teachers and administrators that sat behind him on stage.

Bleu continued his speech by explaining part of the reason he struggled to be open with others about his sexuality was because he was afraid people wouldn’t be proud of him.

“But the important thing about being proud is that you should always be proud of yourself before you want anyone to be proud of you,” Bleu shared, before the audience erupted into cheers once more.

“On that note, I want to thank everyone for coming out today because I just came out so thank you for coming out,” Bleu added.

“I want to remind you that the one thing no one can take from you is in here [points to his head]. Your futures are all so bright. Thank you so much and happy Pride!”

Sharing the video on Twitter, Bleu described coming out during the speech as the “scariest thing” he has ever done.

The clip has since been viewed more than 900,000 times, received 58,000 likes and 10,000 retweets.

Following the positive reaction online, Bleu wrote a short thread on Twitter in which he offered to talk to anyone who was struggling with their own sexuality.

“I did this not only for me but for anyone else who has struggled being closeted,” Bleu wrote.

“If anyone wants to talk to me about anything my DMs are open. I know what it feels like to be closeted and think that no one else is like you but trust me you’re not alone.”

On Sunday, Bleu also shared a series of photographs of himself celebrating at New York Pride.

“I am just a bicon living. Happy Pride y’all,” he captioned the images.

Over the weekend, the teenager’s social media account has been inundated with comments from people congratulating him for coming out.

“Congratulations on your bravery young man. Coming out to show the world who you are isn’t easy. But you’ve made yourself .. well yourself,” one person wrote.

Another added: “We are proud of you. Continue to live your truth.”

A third person commented: “Good on you brother! Be yourself, always be proud of who you are and where you come from!"