Alx James, a Vine star with over 7 million followers, has come out as gay in an emotional video posted on his YouTube page. 

“This video is really for my family and for you guys,” says James. “I feel like I haven’t made a point to say ‘Hi, this is who I am'”

In the 14 minute clip, James recounts the resentment he felt towards his parents growing up in the closet and discusses coming out in the context of his Christian faith.  

“One of the biggest things obviously dealing with my life with the Bible is being gay and how that’s seen as an abomination. It’s very easy to pass judgement. It’s very easy to talk about someone when they’re not dealing with the situation other than yours.

He continues:

Don’t let someone tell you who you are. You know who you are and it’s okay to be who you are. My advice to anyone who is struggling with their sexuality and they are a believer in Christ – don’t let it stray you away from your faith. Don’t let the church tell you that it’s not okay to be who you are. Because it is. God does not make mistakes and God does not give you anything that you can’t handle. He doesn’t. It says it in the Bible. 

Watch, AFTER THE JUMP…