Daniel Howell Comes Out as Gay During Pride Month: 'This Feels Like a New Chapter'

Daniel Howell revealed in a new video Thursday that he is gay.

The YouTuber, who has more than 6.4 million subscribers, shared the message in a 45-minute video titled "Basically I'm gay." He explains that the video will answer "one of the greatest mysteries of our generation: What is Dan's sexuality?"

"Spoiler alert," he starts the video. "I'm not straight."

On Twitter, Howell told his 8.3 million followers it was important for him to share the news during Pride Month.

"I always wanted to upload this next video in the month of june," he tweeted. "It ended up taking an entire year longer than i thought but here we are again and now it is time."

He added, "This really feels like a new chapter for me. i doubted all my life that the world would change to be a place i could personally feel open and accepted and that’s because of all of you. thank you."

In the video, he described relationships throughout his life before explaining just how confusing he's found defining his sexuality.

"If we all just calm down, respect each other's experiences and try to be nice reasonable people ... it's quite simple," he said. "... The only thing that isn't cool is telling people what they should or shouldn't identify as. Because that ain't your problem or your business."

Warning: The below video contains strong language

He also mentioned his rumored relationship with his YouTube co-star Phil Lester, whom he met through "the magic of the internet."

"For the first time since I was a tiny child I actually felt safe. ... We are real best friends. Companions through life, like actual soul mates," he said. He did not confirm their current relationship status, saying he wants to keep the details private.

Howell's video was met with support from fans, who congratulated him in the comments.

"Proud of u Dan!!" wrote one. "Thank u for sharing with us and i love u for u. Happy pride!"

The British YouTuber, who also has 3.8 million followers on Instagram, has been sharing vlogs on the platform for nearly 10 years. The video was Howell's first upload in nearly a year.

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