YouTuber Max Emerson attended West Point Military Academy’s army prom with his National Guard boyfriend, Andrés Camilo, last weekend—and the internet can barely handle how cute their prom pics are.
Both posted photos on their respective Instagram accounts with the hashtag #GayArmyProm. In some, the couple was fully clothed, in others, they revealed…a little more.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BSeQj03BX9d/?taken-by=andrescamilo___
https://www.instagram.com/p/BSbZ_Z2DTsf/?taken-by=maxisms
The photos quickly went viral, with the one in a classic prom pose receiving over 36,000 likes.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BSYx6bgjngB/
Many praised the photos as a sign of inclusivity in the military. According to Emerson, whose also an actor and model, the support has been particularly meaningful for Camilo, who came out for the first time publicly last year in a YouTube video shot by Emerson.
“Andrés was pretty concerned about coming out last year, and to see how many people are being inspired by his story is really encouraging,” Emerson told the Huffington Post.
Visibility is a big step away from the “Don’t ask, don’t tell” policy, which was repealed only six years ago, the couple said. For those struggling with their sexuality, Emerson said, “Be kind to yourself. Be kind to others. Be patient, because it gets better.”