Airman Randy Phillips wants his generation to talk about AIDS

Randy Phillips, the gay airman who skyrocketed to Internet fame after coming out to his dad on YouTube the day Don't Ask Don't Tell was repealed, shares his story about why his generation needs to talk about AIDS.

Airman Randy Phillips gets a haircut

I like this guy.

He gets a haircut every week to ten days? Wow. No wonder he looks good all the time, and I kinda don't. Haircuts are one of those things that I get when it's obvious things are going south hair-wise. I should pay more attention perhaps...

Airman Randy Phillips says "Merry Christmas"

Airman Randy Phillips, who famously chronicled his coming out on youtube while in the US armed forces while stationed in Europe, sends holiday wishes.

Airman Randy Phillips on accepting people's differences

Love watching this guy "process" the evolution of coming out as he goes through it.

He really rocks. Very proud he represents the USA.

Happy Nat'l Coming Out Day from airman Randy Phillips

This guy really inspires me. He's created an amazing opportunity to help people come out with pride, and doing a great job.

Go Randy!

Randy Phillips wears his new t-shirt to the base gym

With the repeal of DADT, newly "out" airman Randy Phillips wears his "It Gets Better" Project t-shirt to work out at the base gym where he is stationed.

Randy became an internet sensation coming out to his father on video and posting the emotional moment on youtube.com the day DADT was repealed.

Airman Randy Phillips, who came out on youtube, tells his mom he's gay

It's such an awkward conversation to have. And Randy Phillips has the whole conversation here. Good for him.

I was lucky that my father took the news really well, and it was a weight off my shoulders. It made my life better being able to be honest with my family about who I am.

I do remember the only thing my grandmother said was "don't let anyone at work know" - to which I had to explain I worked in musical theater... :)

But it's not such an easy thing for everyone. My husband came out to his parents soon after we met 17 years ago.

We realized we needed to give his parents some time to adjust to the news. I met his mother a couple of years later and she's great. But in 17 years, giving his father time to "adjust," his father has never shown any interest in speaking to or meeting me. I realize it's not my place to force myself into their family, so I continue to wait. 17 years and counting.

I'm very happy Randy Phillips has had the experience he did, and for the rest of his life knows he can move forward with honesty, dignity, and the love and support of his family and friends. This video will let others know that while it can be an uncomfortable conversation, it most often goes much better than we imagine it in our heads.