National Coming Out Day

I forgot about this on Tuesday, but it was National Coming Out Day then. October 11 - the day for all gays, lesbians and bisexuals to be honest with themselves and the people they love and quit living a lie - come out of that closet. It's not an easy thing to do for anyone - but speaking from personal experience, it was such a relief to quit pretending to be someone I'm not and putting on shows by dating women. I've known I was gay since I was 12 or 13. I didn't know what it was called, but I knew I liked boys more than girls. I finally admitted it to myself and started poking my head out of the closet when I was19 or 20 - even though I was dating a girl and engaged at the time. And finally, I decided to just say to hell with it and quit pretending at all. I don't flame and have very few of the "stereotypical" gay mannerisms - I'm just a rasslin' loving, beer drinking, redneck who just happens to prefer being with other men. No big deal! I don't make it one and if anyone has a problem, it's their problem and not mine. The funniest thing is - the people I thought would be the hardest to deal with turned out to be the best ones. I hang out with a rough crowd. Drinking, fighting, loud country music and all that. And what did this "macho redneck crowd" say. Nothing! Well, Carson told me not to be looking at his ass... and then he mooned me, but other than that - they just take it for what it is.... me being me. Not only that, but they kept trying to fix me up with guys..lol. Go figure. Things got a little strained when I was dating Chris - he's a bit (a whole helluva lot) of a flamer - and that rubbed a few people wrong. But my friendships stayed strong and still are. My Ma is not happy with it - she probably never will be - but she knows and, for the most part, just stays off the subject. I don't flaunt my friends and lifestyle in her face and she doesn't bring it up either. Kind of like the U.S. Army..... Don't ask and don't tell!

What was the whole point on this post? Oh yeah - I'm so damn glad I came out when I did. I'm not "happy" all the time, but so long as I'm upfront and honest with myself and others - it's far better than living a lie. Every day should be a "Coming Out" day for people who are living a lie. No one should ever have to go through that bullshit of pretending to be someone else - just because people don't approve. I don't need anyone's approval. Just take me for who I am - a hard working, somewhat funny albeit grouchy, rasslin' fan and wannabe writer who just happens to be gay. That lst part shouldn't even be a factor unless it's someone I'm sleeping with anyhow. It's just a thing - nothing more.

And I know that some people see me and think I'm a card-carrying freak just trying to recruit others to the gay cause. ATTN: There is no gay cause. Every person I've been with, straight or gay - made that choice and in 98% of the cases - made the first move. I don't force anyone to turn "gay" or "bi" - I just let them be and express what they want and what they feel. Anyone who thinks different is an idiot.

Aw hell! Who am I trying to fool? We're taking over world and recruiting new members to the gWo (Gay World Order) daily. Just a few more and I get a new toaster! Woo-hoo! I can't wait!

OK - long enough rant! Time to get cleaned up and go out and present a strong and positive image for gay men everywhere. I might even shave. Nah! Maybe not! I'm outta here!
-Doug