For 25 years, Mary and Chris Teague were textbook high school sweethearts.
They met at a school dance in 1999, fell hard for each other, married in 2005 and had four children together. Then, in 2023, Mary came out to Chris as gay—and the next year, Chris told her he was gay, too.
The Teagues, who have gone viral on TikTok with their story, spoke to Newsweek about their decades-long coming out journeys and how they're now navigating the transition from romantic to platonic partners.
"1999: I feel so safe with you. I wonder what we'll be like in 25 years?" Mary captioned a the clip summarizing their journey, which has reached over 1.1 million viewers.
The 42-year-old told Newsweek she had known she was gay since her early teens but had dismissed her feelings, convincing herself that all women felt similarly about other women. For Chris, also 42, the realization of his identity as a gay man came even earlier in life, but he kept it buried under societal and familial expectations.
It wasn't until late 2023, after years of self-reflection, that Mary mustered the courage to come out to Chris.
"I was terrified of his reaction but knew I couldn't keep this secret from my best friend in the entire world any longer," she said. Her honestly was well-received.
"Mary, it's OK, really." Chris told her. "I truly believe everyone falls on a spectrum when it comes to sexuality."
The two cried and held each other in their living room and Mary said she was "filled with immense relief." While she began to embrace her identity, Chris wrestled with his until February 2024, when he admitted to Mary that he too was gay.
From Partners to Platonic Soulmates
Their revelations could have shattered their relationship but instead became the foundation of a new and deeply supportive one.
Initially, they considered staying married to preserve their family unit, but both realized that they couldn't live authentically as a couple. They had an amicable divorce, marking the milestone with a divorce party featuring rainbow-themed T-shirts that read: "More Pride, Less Prejudice."
"Our relationship is just as strong now as it ever was," Mary said. "In fact, our bond has only grown stronger. We still go out and meet friends together and even ask each other for dating advice."
Mary has since started a relationship with a woman she met through TikTok. "She is amazing and has been a great support for us in our journey because she herself has been out for 25 years," Mary said. "Chris even flew her up for Christmas and she met our children."
Still, the process hasn't been without pain. Chris' evangelical Christian family has cut ties with him, citing their disapproval of his "sinful" lifestyle. For the Teagues, however, the price of living authentically has been worth it.
Hope and Self-Acceptance
Their story has resonated online, with over 700 comments on their TikTok video and some people reaching out to share similar experiences.
"I think my partner is gay and I'm closeted trans, so I'm just waiting," one user wrote.
"This was my husband and me," another said. "19 years together to find out we're both gay."
A third posted: "Sounds just like mine! 28 years tho."
Mary has found a community of validation on the social media platform and realized that their journey, while unique, is far from rare. Both Mary and Chris are resolute that their nearly two-decade marriage wasn't a mistake but rather a meaningful and indispensable chapter in their lives.
"We don't regret a thing. I do not feel I wasted any part of my life or that I hindered Chris in his journey either," Mary said. "We were exactly who each of us needed in this chapter of our lives.
"I wouldn't be who I am today without my platonic soulmate by my side through it all."
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