Come Out Come Out Wherever You Are!

Today is October 11, 2010. National Coming Out Day! Hoo-ray. It's a day when all of those who are hiding a little secret can finally throw open that closet door and yell to the world "I Like wearing paisley pants!". Or you can just casually mention to a friend that you have a date this weekend with someone who happens to be the same sex. You pick. You might be surprised at the reaction you'd get, to either statement. I'd venture a guess that more people would speak ill of your clothing choice than of your date. Unless of course your date is with Prince, in which case the pants would totally work!

Oh it's good to be Gay!

So this weekend is Atlanta Gay Pride 2010. Yes, it's that time of year again. Thousands of my homo brethren and sistren (yes I am now creating words) will descend upon the city to celebrate the fact that they sleep with the same sex. Well, to hear some people talk, that's what Pride is about. But it's really so much more. Yes, I have sex with men. Rather good sex, I might add. Hot, juicy, explos...but I digress. That doesn't mean I think with my genitals. No more so than the average heterosexual male.

For me, being gay and proud means I understand that being gay is just a part of me, not all encompassing in everything I do. Now, before someone gets their Hollister shorts in a knot, I'm not saying there's anything wrong with those that choose to surround themselves with all things gay. I just think they are selling themselves short. I've heard, on numerous occasion, several gay friends turn down invitations to go out with friends because they were going to a 'straight' bar or were afraid they would be the only homo at a party. Newsflash, without the straight people you wouldn't be here. And just because you don't see anyone with the words 'Homo Here' blinking in neon on their foreheads doesn't mean there aren't others there. So suck it up (do a tequila shot if it will help) and go be gay and proud 365 days a year.

My friends aren't my friends because I am gay, they are my friends because I am Timmy. I just happen to like to cuddle up to my boyfriend at night rather than someone with those other parts down there. So I say we all raise a glass and celebrate Pride. Pride in being who you are, gay or straight, male or female. Because in the end, that's getting to the real.

Now if anyone needs me, I'll be sitting on a patio watching the madness unfold. I hope the fact that Pride is in October doesn't keep the speedo-wearing-dancing-mens off the floats on Sunday!