I'd like to introduce myself.

[Cuban_Liberal]

Hi, y'all!

I thought I'd take a moment to introduce myself to those of you who don't know me already. My name is Tony, and I'm a 27 year-old gay male from the tiny downstate community of Arcola, the heart of Illinois' Amish country. My area is fairly 'maroon', meaning that while it tends to favor Republicans at the polls, it's not unheard of for Democrats to be elected.

As far as personal background goes, I have 3 older sisters and 3 younger brothers, and I fairly well fit the stereotype of what a middle child is. My dad is a first-generation Mexican-American and my mom is an escapee/immigrant from Cuba who is now a naturalized American citizen. I was born in Miami and lived most of my life in the South, although I gradated high school in Indiana. I'm a veteran and have worked as both a paramedic and a deputy sheriff. I graduated from Wabash College in Crawfordsville, IN and am currently attending law school at UIUC. With my life-partner, Padraig18, I co-own a small news agency and an independent bookstore.

I'm politically active on the local and congressional district levels, serving as a precinct committeeman and as a member of my county party's executive committee. I have no current political aspirations beyond these, although that could and likely will change in a few years.

Temperamentally, I'm pretty laid back, although I've been known to become pretty cranky with RW disruptors, bullies and people who don't understand the meaning of the word 'no. *grin* I moderate with a pretty light hand, and am always open to answering questions. If you have a question or a problem that you'd rather not post publicly, don't hesitate to contact me via PM; I'll do the best I can to help you out.

So, how about telling me about yourselves?

:hi:

[acmavm]

1. Middle aged caucasian female born in Omaha, Nebraska with four

grown daughters and a twelve year old son who will soon be late for work if she doesn't get the hell off this board.

Being a dem and living here has been my own personal hell. But since I sometimes enjoy arguing, this place provides plenty of opportunity. (Omaha, Nebraska, not DU. Although lately this place has been very strange and difficult as well.)

Anyway, it's been nice meeting you.

[terrya]

2. I could tell you about myself, but it isn't all that much.

My name is Terry. I'm a 48 year old gay man and I live in Chicago. I was born and raised in Decatur, Illinois, the former "Soybean Capital of the World" :-). I have 2 older sisters and mom. My dad passed away from cancer a year and a half ago. I still miss him very much.

I have a dear man, Doug, who is my partner, best friend and the love of my life. We met 5 years ago online (on a gay and lesbian message board) and we clicked immediately. We exchanged emails, phone calls and pictures...and cemented that attraction. We met in person...and fell in love. Doug lives in Toronto, so it's a long distance relationship. I will move to Canada and be with him. I know, it's strange...5 years, so far apart. Some people may scratch their heads about why one would maintain such a relationship. But...how can you say no to true love? How can you say no to someone who makes you more happy than you could ever dream possible? How can you say no to someone who gives you so much love, gives you the sight to see the beauty in the world? Basically...if Doug isn't in my life....than I will be alone. It's that simple.

I work at a small university in Chicago's Loop. I work as a system adminstrator.

Well...that's it for me. :-)

:hi:

T

[meegbear]

3. My name is Michael ...

and I was born and raised in Lynn, Massachusetts, just north of Boston. I'm 39 years old and have 1 brother and sister and my mom. My father and another sister are gone. I went to the University of Lowell, studying Computer Science and robotics. I'm currently a systems engineer for a sofwtare company and work as a part time consultant at another.

I grew up obese (and gay), but since lost it, and it greatly affected my perceptions of the world; people not liking you first for what they see, then for who you are. While I sometimes find myself applying the same negative stereotypes on people, I also try to think that in the end, they're just another person ... yes, even repugs (sometimes).

I am single and I keep hoping to someday meet that one person, but I have yet to in life. In the mean time, the void is filled by my 2 cats Max and Penny. Max is a 99% pure white tomcat who is a complete extravert. Penny is a small triple pawwed moo cat who looks about 5 months old, but is actually 5 years old.

Thats enough about me. Have a good holiday.

[ronnykmarshall]

4. Hi y'all,

My name is Ronny K Marshall.

I'm a 43 year old (good gawd I can't believe it) homersex'al feller and I live in West Hollywood, Ca.

I was born in thriving metropolis of Bakersfield, California and at the tender age of 25 I moved to San Francisco. I spent 14 fantastic years there before moving back down south to L.A.

I've been with the partner, Michael since 2000 (the main reason I moved to LA). We have two cats, Cosmo and Ricco and own our condo that is in the last stages of being re-modeled.

I had an older brother Mike who was also gay and sadly he died in 1989 of AIDS. My father passed away in 2002 of heart disease. My mom and step-father live in Bakersfield and my step-mom lives in Atascadero, CA where she and my dad lived. I'm blessed to have a fantastic family that doesn't give a rats ass that I'm gay.

I miss my brother and father like crazy.

Politically, I consider myself a liberal and pride myself that my mom and step-dad came over from the dark side in the mid 1990's and are now fire breathing liberals.

My main passions are music and writing. I love The Supremes, Stevie Nicks and Motown. I also one day hope my friend Cindy Alexander becomes a star so I can quit my boring job and spend my time promoting and touring with her and getting paid to do it.

If selected as Miss America, my platform will be free cosmetic surgery for all you want or need it. Hey! I live in LA ....HELLO?

Yes, I am also a smart ass.

[Cuban_Liberal]

8. Cosmo and Ricco are cuties!

I remember you posting pics of them in the Lounge.

:)

[ronnykmarshall]

10. They are, if I say so m'self.

[La Lioness Priyanka]

15. you're also really sweet!

[Brian_Expat]

5. Hi, I'm Brian

And like you I was trapped in the sinful and depraved homosexual lifestyle until I found Jesus and found freedom. Now, the only thing that gets me going is thoughts of hot, grunting lovemaking with Ann Coulter. Mmmm mmmm mmmmm.

(Did I also mention my sick, sick sense of humour?) :D

[davidinalameda]

6. I'm the poster the admins warned you about

BWWAAAAHHHH

welcome

I've been on DU for a while now. I'm a former moderator of the old civil rights forum with UGRR--she's so fabu!

[Zep]

7. Welcome Tony!

Ever considered moving up to Chicago?

Very gay friendly hereabouts, and you are still close enough to visit family on a regular basis.

[Cuban_Liberal]

9. I love visiting Chicago.

The Fates may someday cause us to wind up there, because that's where Paddy's from.

:)

[transeo]

11. I feel like I'm writing a personal ad...

Hola!

You can call me Isaac or Miss Bea Haven, 27 years old. I'm just your friendly neighborhood drag queen who enjoys singing, writing, cooking, reading, my kitty and most of all life with my fabulous partner, Joey.

I live in Seattle and work as a project manager by day and do shows at night. I get into politics where I can, mostly organizing fundraisers for community groups/candidates and attending rallies & marches whenever possible.

I'm a Pisces, and totally schizo. I reserve the right to change my mind as I see fit. I also have a substance abuse problem - I don't abuse enough substances. I could really use a cocktail about now. I believe in spreading peace, love, music and martinis to all the people of our world.

:hi:

Visit me online at www.missbeahaven.com.

[davidinalameda]

12. I want a chocolate martini!

:bounce:

[transeo]

13. Yummy, me too

It's torture to sit here in the office all day thinking about my poor neglected bar, sitting at home alone. Try adding a bit of peppermint schnapps to your chocolate martini for some festive flair! ;-)

[davidinalameda]

14. actually I rather have Baileys instead of peppermint

take Bailey's; good chocolate liquor; good vodka

mix to taste

it tastes like chocolate milk

:bounce:

[tjwmason]

23. Chocolate martini???

It's bad enough when people actually put vermouth in martinis nevermind chocolate. Gin (chilled to buggery) and lemon rind is all you need.

[La Lioness Priyanka]

16. i am bi

i love cats and am a socialist...i live in nyc but will be moving to sf soon...i was born and raised in india...i went to college at nyu...

[Duncan Grant]

20. Small world!

I'm seeing a "Welcome to SF" party in your future... :hi:

[La Lioness Priyanka]

24. why thank-you

will be there in april. looking fwd to a Du meetup!

[ronnykmarshall]

40. I wanna be a part of that party!

:loveya:

:toast:

[La Lioness Priyanka]

81. i will be sure to let you know!

[newsguyatl]

17. umm, you forgot

to mention that you're gorgeous, too ;-) :hi:

[Cuban_Liberal]

18. LOL!

Do you really think so?

:)

[newsguyatl]

19. umm, yeh, i really really think so.

btw, check your inbox ;-)

[BTTB]

21. Hi hi hi

I'm 14, gay, male, hiding in the closet from my homophobic parents.

Welcome aboard!

[Cuban_Liberal]

22. Welcome to DU

:)

[davidinalameda]

25. welcome!

make sure you turn on the light in that closet--makes it easier when the time to bust out comes

and believe me DU is one of those lights you can turn on

[Moloch]

30. Welcome to DU!!

:bounce::bounce::bounce:

[ronnykmarshall]

41. Welcome, sweetie.

Oh my god. What can I say? My boy, it will be a hard, wonderful, interesting road for you.

There will be times when the whole world seems to suck. But I'm very proud of you. I didn't come out and except myself as a gay man until I was 20. I was doin' the you-know-what when I was 16.

Sweetie, PLEASE stay true to yourself. NEVER give up that there is a life waiting outside this big ass and somewhat scary world that will love you for who you are.

I went through hell. Not as bad as many people did, but it sucked. I lucked out. I have fantastic parents. I was SHOCKED, believe me. Both my brother and I are gay. (my brother died in 1989)

My mom, my dad and both of my step parents are wonderful.

I hope that one day you'll have that same support. If not, make sure that you have friends that support you.

God, I'm going on and on. I don't know what else to say but I wish you the best and want you to know that there are people your age and older like me that support you in their hearts.

I wish you the best.

Don't be a stranger around these here parts.

"Auntie RKM"

[sniffa]

88. weLcome to DU

:hi:

[LDS Jock]

27. HELLO!!! we all think so

we ain't blind

[ronnykmarshall]

47. and you!

You ain't chopped liver yerself ya know.

[Moloch]

26. Hi, Everyone!

I'm Damkira, the other mod (along with Cuban_Liberal) for this forum for this term. There's not much to say about me... I'm 25, single and am currently going to college in Lafayette, Louisiana. Oh yeah, and I'm gay :)

[LDS Jock]

29. not much to say? then post a pic

its said to be worth a thousand words :P

[Moloch]

38. sure :)

http://gay.com/personals/profile/view.html?source=search&key=8f762445&skip=0&type=search&member%5Fid=4355217

That's my gay.com profile, I wish I had better pics but oh well..

[Cuban_Liberal]

45. Wow!

You're cute!

:D

[Moloch]

52. Thanks!

As are you..

:7

[LDS Jock]

49. you're a cutie!

thanks for sharing.

[Moloch]

53. Thanks :)

Do you have a pic also?

[LDS Jock]

55. I'm in the gallery

[Moloch]

56. You're cute :)

Wow..

[LDS Jock]

57. :) thanks

[ronnykmarshall]

61. You should see the shirtless ones!

DROOOOOLLLLLL!!!

[LDS Jock]

65. this one?

thank you sweetie

[Brian_Expat]

71. Shameless

But be careful of his flirtations, he'll love you and leave you! I'm living proof! ;)

[LDS Jock]

75. oh listen at you!

:loveya:

[ronnykmarshall]

73. WOOF!

A new one, huh? Now who's the luck dog that's been a'takin these pictures?

[LDS Jock]

76. the ex took that

I need a new photographer though.. you volunteering?

[bigwillq]

80. Awww..Scott....

Stop showing off!!


You're too cute dude!

[davidinalameda]

31. welcome!

hope it's a quiet term for you both

[Moloch]

39. Thanks!

Yeah it has been a pretty good term on this forum. People here are generally more considerate and I haven't seen any personal attacks in a few weeks. DU has had it's share of trolls lately, but fortunately they have left this forum alone.

[LDS Jock]

28. well here is my life in a nutshell

My name is Scott. I am 26 with a birthday next month. I'm not sure if I'll age then or not. I haven't decided when to stop having birthdays. I am single, having broken up with someone around Feb. of this year, and shortly after found DU to fill my time up. I'm about ready to start dating again if I find a good guy.I live in Austin, TX which is the most liberal part of the state. Some have called it the San Francisco of Texas due to the laid back and gay friendly atmosphere. I am the youngest of nine kids (those damn Mormon families) and share an apt with one of my sisters. As with almost all big families, we are not as close as we could be. Some of my brothers and sisters I haven't seen since my mom passed away four years ago. My dad passed away several years before that. Politically, my mother raised us to be Democrats because she was and our family always was. I grew up in Arkansas in a small town in the Ozarks named for my mother's family. I enjoy playing sports, mostly tennis and basketball, but I'll play about anything. I also enjoy flirting with the cuties on DU. Some of my favorite things are raindrops on roses, and whiskers on kittens, bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens. Oh wait, those are Julie Andrew's favorite things. I like animals, Dr. Pepper (yummy), meat lovers pizza from Pizza Hut, margaritas. Enough rambling for now.

[dannynyc]

32. Former Ohioan, Present NYer checking in

Hi -

I'm 49 years old, live in Manhattan near the Village / Chelsea border, and love NYC! Politically, I consider myself middle of the road. Over the last few months I've taken a few online political tests and the results were I'm on the liberal border of middle of the road.

My formal education and early career was in accounting. Since that time I've switched to IT and have been pursueing a career in Project Management. I'm job hunting right now, so, if you hear of anything, drop me a line. <enough of this>

I've always had an interest in politics, but, that interest has increased over the last year. I really didn't know a lot about John Kerry prior to the election. I don't even remember who I voted for - probably Howard Dean. (IIRC, by the time the NY Primary occurred Kerry had the nomination all but wrapped up.)

I wish I could have been more active prior to the election, but, other issues got in the way. I did watch several blog sites and made great use of my e-mail lists. The people on my lists were of the same mindset as I am, but, sending out information helped them to discuss issues with the non-believers.

I've been involved with a number of non profit organizations in my life. When I lived in Ohio, I had a boyfriend (a ten year relationship) who worked at a Hispanic Social Service Agency. Other than that organization, most of the other volunteer work I've done has been with gay organizations.

One of my life goals was to have my name published in a book. That has happened! I'm in a book called "Gay Male Award Winners". I was the Volunteer of the Year at Heritage of Pride one year, which was the basis for inclusion in the book. The hilarious part is that I was subsequently kicked out of Heritage of Pride. (It's a long story.) A friend who lives in DC recently told me, "You're nobody until you get kicked out of Heritage of Pride!" So, I'm in good company!

On the fun side, I love to go to shows put on by drag queens. My favorite group is The Imperial Court, who produce Night of a Thousand Gowns every spring. It's great!

So, that's me.

[davidinalameda]

33. what's Heritage of Pride

:shrug:

[dannynyc]

68. Heritage of Pride (aka HOP) . . .

Is the local organization that organizes the Gay Pride events in NYC - The Rally a week before Pride Sunday and the Parade (members of HOP insist it's a March), and PrideFest.

[bigwillq]

34. What's up everyone? I'm Will-

I'm 26 years old, I turn 27 on Feb. 27!

I live in Connecticut. I split my time between my parents house in Ansonia and the condo I own with my boyfriend in Waterbury. Long story whyI do this, PM me if you really want to know! B/f's name is Willy, which is almost like mine

-well confession time---

My real first name is Michael but my middle name is William and I like to go by Will.

Willy and I have been together since July 2001. We have four fish, a turtle and two chinchila's together that live with him in our condo. He also has a daughter and has custody of his newphew. Busy life!
Willy's Puerto Rican, I am Italian.

I am a sports writer for a newspaper in New Haven. Been doing that for almost 3 years now.

My interests include: Sports, DU, music, movies, spending time with family, friends, B/F, I like to party, go clubbing/dancing.

I'm a pretty laid back dude who (at least I think) has a good personality, a good sense of humor, loyal, sensitive-I enjoy the simple things in life.


Hello everyone out there!:hi:

[davidinalameda]

35. are you on Outsports.com

great site--you should check it out if you're not on it already

[bigwillq]

36. No, don't think I'm on it

but I will check it out.

[livinginphotographs]

37. Looks like I'm the only straight male to check in....

I was raised atheist, so I've got a very sympathetic side to growing up gay. I know how it is to live a lie (saying you go to a certain church, pretending you're christian, etc.) That's probably why I've always been sympathetic to the gay rights movement.

Hope you guys don't mind me posting in here! :)

[Moloch]

42. I'm sure none of us mind you posting in here...

and Welcome

:toast:
:bounce:
:toast:

[Cuban_Liberal]

46. Straight people are most welcome to post here.

:hi:

[LDS Jock]

50. I'm thrilled you are here

Of course you are welcome. The community always needs sympathic supporters. The thing is, I think a lot of people have had to hid part of themselves due to fear of rejection or judgement. That you have been able to see parallels between your own situation and that of others and use it positively speaks well of you. Thank you for joining in with us. :pals:

[mitchtv]

43. Welcome, from a gay man

I seem to be the oldest so far. I was 60 this month. grew up in NYC(jackson Heights) went to SF in 67 the summer of love. I was actie in the gay liberation movement of the late 60' and 70's the environmental movement, and when I went to work for pacific Telephone , I became a union actividt and steward and was elected to the executive board of CWA 9410. I married my love in 77 and we are still together we moved to Sonoma valley and lived there till I could no longer maintain our small farm/ vinyard I had a liver transplant and Eduardo (the Mr.) got peritonitis. We both retired, joined the great gay migrastion to Palm springs and that brings us to date. I am a graduate of "the Movement". I have a sweet tooth for Latino men.In that noble pursuit I have visited many of the countries in Latin America.Cuba is still on my "to do" list.

[sundog]

44. nothing to lose

Steve here. I'll be 34 in two weeks.

I went to high school in the DC area. I later went to college in Baltimore & studied film.

I currently have a small restaurant in southern New Mexico. The business has been taught to me one step at a time by patient, generous & magnanimous mentors.

I have also lived in San Francisco, Miami & Northern CA. I spent several essential formative years on Indian Reservations throughout the country.

Though I have had some rich long-term relationships with women throughout my life (of the non-closeted variety), I identify myself as gay.

I am currently seeking a soul-mate and business partner. When I'm not cooking or doing other business stuff, I'm busy enjoying the insanity of the Lounge. Laughter is good medicine :)

I dream of selling my business, traveling to lots of far off places & eventually reinvesting on the West Coast.

[booley]

48. Living in St. louis in the state of Misery.I mean Missouri

;-)

To make it short, Living in downtown in an apartment that's way to big for me but that I got to keep my boyfriend happy (who then decided he liked another guy better and so slept with him)

Like most people on the planet, I am over worked (three jobs, one of which is my own business), am in debt (hence the three jobs) and have two cats who I love, except when the black one starts clawing at my rug.

I used to be the volunteer coordinater for pride St. louis and that was a lot of fun. hard work but fun. And right now I am trying to get more involved in politics and with a group called Vets and Citizens for Truth. They are still new but growing.

I would also like to get more involved in the local Pagan community in St. Louis. I think spirituality is best when shared.

My long range plans are too get out of debt, buy a few houses to rehab and have kids (hopefully in that order)

I am half irish, hazel eyes, blond hair and 33 ..blah blah blah...

Oh and here are my cats in one of thier cuter moments...



and because I want to see if this will even work, here's me in one of my (rare) cuter moments..

[LDS Jock]

51. you're a cutie!

sorry about the boyfriend. men can be such pigs. :hug:

"two cats who I love, except when the black one starts clawing at my rug." .. are you talking about a toupee or an actual rug? sorry, couldn't resist :P

[booley]

58. actual rug..on the floor

and thanks but alas, if only I can get some of the cute guys around here to think so.

[BeeBee]

83. A bit off-topic...

I know, but did LDS Jock get tomb-stoned? Maybe too many shirtless pics?

:thumbsup:

[Moloch]

84. LDS Jock

Requested to be tombstoned after witnessing too many bigoted remarks against his religion. It's a shame.

[BeeBee]

85. That's too bad...

I grew up Mormon in Utah and as much as I don't believe anymore, I still get defensive when people Mormon-bash. LDS Jock is quite a bit younger than me and obviously he still identifies with the church much more than I do. I think it is sad that others don't respect his beliefs.

:cry:

[Behind the Aegis]

87. it is a shame

I thought about leaving Du after all the hateful comments I saw about gays. Then I remembered, I can be a real bitch...but I am also a really good educator...so I stick around. Too bad he didn't do the same, but it is understandable. We have probably lost quite a few good Dems because of some recent attacks on a variety of groups. :(

[newsguyatl]

91. yeh?

that's a shame, poor guy.

[bigwillq]

92. That's so sad! I miss him!

I saw his request in ATA and almost cried.

Scott, love ya man!:cry: :hug:

[ronnykmarshall]

54. Hellllooooooo studly!

Sorry to hear about the BF. I was in a situation like that years ago. Gave up my apt, moved in with the BF and two years later he just breaks up with me. Not a tear was shed by him. I swear this guy is an emotional void.

But life gets better.

[Name removed]

59. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[ronnykmarshall]

60. Welcome

[Duncan Grant]

62. Hey sweetie...check your PM.

:pals:

[BTTB]

63. =D

If you were reffering to me, I don't see any =(

[Duncan Grant]

66. Okay little mister, time for some adult gay mentoring.

BTTB,
I am thrilled that you've found a supportive and empathetic place here at DU - however, as your auntie 9_S_F, I have to ask you to exercise more maturity when you post here.

"Topless" (shirtless) photos, posted by a 14 year old boy (however innocently), are inappropriate here. I know you're mature enough to understand that. When you're 18 you can post as many photos as the mods let you get away with, but until then - chill out.

Here are 2 links for organizations here in San Francisco that work with LGBT youth - I offer them as just a way to better inform yourself about LGBT youth programs and gay teen development. I hope there are many resources available to you where you live and that you get appropriate guidance here at DU.

http://www.lyric.org/

http://www.sfcenter.org/index.php

edit: clarity

[sans qualia]

64. Hi peeps

I guess I'm feeling starved enough for attention to talk about myself. :)

My name is Gwen. I turned 19 in October. I live in Teaneck, New Jersey, a mostly blue town stuck in the middle of a mostly red county. I'm a pre-op male-to-female transsexual, and as I'm penniless and, for stupid reasons of ideology and ignorance, my insurance doesn't cover the surgery, I'll likely remain that way for some time. I hate it. It sucks. :cry:

I have one sister with whom I've never really gotten along. I'm currently a full-time college student studying philosophy, for all the good it'll do me. I hope eventually to live in Singapore. I'm normally a very shy person, although I'm less so now than I used to be. For some reason, I want to name one of my kids Tucker.

Also, I'm not really quite as gloomy as I probably sound. Usually. :P

[BTTB]

67. Wow!

HOLY SHIT. YOU LIVE RIGHT NEXT TO MY TOWN. I live in englewood! Holy shit! This is awesome!

Edit: and auntie, I'm real sorry =(

[ronnykmarshall]

74. Now for your punishment ..

You must write a ten page essay on the of DIVAS on the gay community.

You the subjects are:

A. Barbra Streisand

B. Judy Garland

C. Bette Midler

D. The Supremes

E. Madonna

F. Elton John

Merry Christmas !!

Love

Auntie RKM

[BTTB]

77. news on me

They're all gay? O_O

[solinvictus]

79. You forgot Cher!

;)

[sans qualia]

78. Yay!

Wanna meet up some time? I need a new shopping partner.

[mitchtv]

70. Singapore? they are not very friendly to gays, but

transexuals? I don't know about. Good luck and stay in college.

[libnnc]

69. Pleased to meet y'all...

My name is Lib. I'm 34 and I live in Winston-Salem, NC with my partner of 12 years, Mandy. I'm finishing my BA in History at UNC-Greensboro--getting ready to graduate next spring. I am hoping to attend grad school. I want to be a dusty, dull professor someday. :boring:

I've become a DU-addict. DU, Buzzflash and Air America have become my life lines. Its great to meet everyone here. B-) :hi:

[Moloch]

72. Hi Lib!

:hi:

Happy Holidays and Welcome to DU!

[ncrainbowgrrl]

89. Hi there, lib!

I'm just down the road from you in Chapel Hill. :hi: I graduated from UNC-CH in 2002 with a BA in History- also came away with a vocal performance minor. I live with my partner of 5 years and our 2 cats. I identify as queer, but if forced to choose between the "G" "L" "B" "T" alphabet soup letters, I'd have to take the "B."

I'm Jamie. I'm 25. I want to be a brilliant policy wonk someday, but until then, I'll play one on DU. (kidding of course- my DU ramblings usually range somewhere between well intentioned/decently written brain dumps and less-than-brilliant sarcasm.)



*and now for: My mildly funny/amusing coming out story: *


Me(reading from a pre-written letter): Blah, blah, blah, I love you, I want you to know the true me... blah blah blah...Mom and Dad, I'm gay.

My Mother: But,... Jamie- you can't be gay. You have long hair!

[Rowdyboy]

82. Time to kick this most excellent thread....Hi, I'm Steve

Partner to Michael for nearly 16 years, proud custodian of Champion-a 5 year old English springer spaniel. I'm 50, retired with minor medical problems, and live in a 100 year old home in rural Mississippi. It's a "Money Pit" but its paid for and has fresh wiring, roofing, plumbing and painting). My partner teaches high school foreigh language and was formerly married to a wonderful woman for 18 years. We all are close friends.

We have had our union blessed by the Episcopal Church, though we didn't ask for it. The priest, a very kind man, decided to do it unannounced and quietly during a private prayer service for a friend with AIDS-sort of like he threw us a surprise wedding. I didn't even realize what was happening until it was over.

Sometimes I can be an asshole, but-usually-if you call me on my bullshit, I'll apologize and mean it. I've made some of my best friends that way.

Oldest of 5 kids, my dad was a long haul trucker, and mom worked as a lunch room lady (she made yeast rolls everyday!) and a police department clerk.

Thats a good start.

BTW,I have enjoyed you guys talking about yourselves on this thread TREMENDOUSLY. It helps to see you as individuals, not just a strange moniker/pseudonym. Thanks to all who've responded so far, and thanks to Tony for authoring the thread in the first place.

:hippie:

[Behind the Aegis]

86. Introductions

Hello y'all! My name is Jeffrey. I am a 35yo male living in Okla-HELL-ma! I have been unemployed for 18 months and am looking to relocate to the East Coast. My locale is very RED (and white!)!

I am very lucky to have a man who loves me as much has he does (because I am a damn handful). He is also a DU member. I am the oldest of four boys. We were raised in the South, and moved around a lot because my dad was military. Both my parents are pretty open-minded, although the gay thing threw them. I have several pets, including a parrot. I speak multiple languages. I am a practicing pagan, but raised a Jew. I do presentations on diversity and understanding. I also worked as a counselor type at the university level, specializing in gay and lesbian issues.

I am a passionate person. Although I am short, I can be very intimidating and use my knowledge to defend myself. I love my family dearly and haven't been home in two years because of the cost, and a few other issues. I have a very soft heart, but can be tough as nails.

That is me! :) BTW..Tony...both my partner and I think you are muy guapo! :)

[Ediacara]

90. Hey everyone, sorry I'm late!

My name is Pete, I share my birthday with our mod Tony, same year too. Somehow, I'm only 26 though.... I don't get it, maybe I went on a trip at the speed of light while I was sleeping one night.

Anyway.

I was born and raised in suburban Seattle, but I live in Montana now, going to school for paleontology. This is a photo of me in the field:



I'm the dude in the green.

Anyway, I met this boy here, and we got married (not legally though), but hmm... I'm not sure how it's going. More on that later maybe. In any case, I'm off to grad school next fall, either at USC, North Carolina State, U Pennsylvania, or SUNY Stony Brook.

Here's a better photo of me:



Ok, so not so smiley, but you at least see my face. No shirtless photos yet... Needless to say, I'm not 1/3 as hot as our dearly departed jock, but I plan to get there :-)

Here is another: