Teen's Inspiring Response to Pal Who Came Out via Text
Photo: Getty Images
"I had no idea my brother was capable of making me emotional and proud lol," admitted Twitter user @paleveil earlier this month after tweeting shots of her little brother’s text exchange with his best “bro” — who came out to him in a message.
Photo: @paleveil/Twitter
Photo: @paleveil/Twitter
"This convo between my brother and his best friend just warms my heart so much," she wrote. "And they’re only 13."
Photo: @paleveil/Twitter
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Turns out the teen has had quite an effect on others, too. His sister’s post has been retweeted nearly 31,000 times since Nov. 6 and marked a “favorite” by 50,000. And in less than 24 hours, this week’s BuzzFeed feature of the sweet exchange has pulled in a staggering 1.5 million views and an avalanche of well wishes.
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"I’m surprised," the sister tells Yahoo Parenting, reiterating that she got permission from both of the boys to share their exchange. "I had no idea it would go this far!"
She confesses she’s also surprised that her brother showed such sensitivity to his friend. “I thought it was really heartwarming how my brother responded,” she notes. “I had no idea he had it in him. I’m REALLYproud of him :)”
The BuzzFeed commenters weighing in have glowing things to say about the duo as well. “That little bro is an example to other kids and I would be immensely proud as a parent,” wrote Milo Barki.
Jessie Lynn added that the two were role models: “For all the people complaining about the ‘younger generations’, myself included, THIS is the stuff that they are doing far better than our generations did.”
Responders on Twitter called for others to follow the boys’ lead. “I have so much respect for both of them,” tweeted @dreamylester. “The world needs more people like your bro.”
The big sister, for one, agrees. In response to @anxhueity’s musing, “Why can’t we have more ppl like this?” she replied as only family could: “I’m actually really proud of my brother and this never happens lol.”