My Last word on the subject.
If we allow the Evangelical Christians, Nazis, Republicans and Homophobes to get us to equate the word "gay" SO much with bath houses, glory holes and drugs that we refuse to call ourselves "gay", they've won. And we've lost.
In the 90s, people started to try to use "queer" instead of "gay". It never relly caught on.
But that was supposed to unite us... "Lesbian, gay, and bi" are all "Queer.
This "g0y" thing is all about separating ourselves from people we look down on.. they're too effeminate and they have sex in a way I don't like.. so I'm not going to even use the same word as they do.
Well my friend....... the word gay is equated with bath houses, glory holes, and drugs..... cannot be helped man. That is the legacy that gay guys from the 70's - 80's left us.
And although it is a stereotype that is what remains in the minds of most Americans, gay or straight.
And iit is not the Christians, Republicans, or anyone else.... Fact is the streotype is probably due more to the mainstream media than anyone else. The stories that were run in Time magaine, shown on ABC News, all the other main media places emphasized all that part of gay life.
I was appalled by it all man.... fact is that is why millions of gay guys never came out in those years I think.
Just look at when Gay Pride parades started, all the local news would focus on the wierdness going on.... and I don't mean in coastal cities. I mean in places like where I grew up Salt Lake City, cities that didn't have large and active gay populations. It was emabarrasing to see the stuff guys were doing shown on the local news.. Of course it was the news media showing the sensational..... they never did a story about how the Log Cabin Republicans were donating to charity.....
But that was years ago Jasun. Last few years the coverage is good.... At least where I live.
One final thing man.... I'm a bit older than you and the term gay was not in use. When I was a kid, guys like us were referred to as fairies, queers, fags, and homos..... those were the gentle terms.... just hearing them I knew I didn't want to be one of those guys..... so I always kept everything hidden inside. Millions more like me I'm sure.
You may wish all of us to be as outspoken as you are man.... not going to happen. If I were king of the sexual world I would surely have things I'd wish for with gay guys.... less promsicuity, more openess, etc..... but man, neither of us have that title, rank or authority.
Tony has spoken.....