The Candy Apple Metaphor: A Young Gay Man's Journey Through Closeted Life

A young man from the UK, reubenwoodall, recently shared a thought-provoking video on social media about the difficulties of being closeted. Using the analogy of a candy apple, he explains how a protective layer of inauthenticity can affect relationships. "I envision being a closeted gay person as if you're a candy apple," he says in the video. "You have the apple, the authentic you, and then the candy coating you've built around yourself." He details how this 'coating' created layers of inauthenticity that made forming platonic friendships challenging. He describes instances of fear and judgment when interacting with openly queer individuals. Reuben's video resonates with many, highlighting the emotional toll of hiding one's true self and the importance of finding those who appreciate authenticity.