Creator of 'HaPshuta' Opens Up About Painful Coming Out Experience

Bar Almaliach, the creator behind the popular online phenomenon and series 'HaPshuta' (The Simple One), has revealed the difficult journey he underwent to achieve self-acceptance and public visibility. In an interview with Israel Hayom, Almaliach described growing up in Reut and hiding his sexual identity and love for pop culture for years. He recounted the moment he decided to come out to his mother, who initially reacted with distress, telling him, "If you are gay, then go back to the closet and lock the door." This response sent him back into hiding for two more years, during which he denied his identity and sought answers in extreme places, even anonymously asking rabbis online about his situation.

Almaliach eventually found the courage to come out again in high school. This time, his friends reacted very positively. His parents also accepted him, with his mother having undergone a personal process of learning and joining a support group for parents of LGBTQ+ individuals. Almaliach expressed understanding for his parents' initial reaction, acknowledging the different times and generational perspectives, and stated that they are now incredibly supportive and loving parents.