Observations

Since I've began my coming out process, I've noticed just a few things that really bug me about the gay community, gay people/stereotypes, and the straight community's behavior toward gay people. And since I'm quite fond of listing out things, here goes...

1. Almost all of the gay people I know smoke! What is with that?! I have family who smoke, and that is fine for the older generation since they really didn't know any better, but why are late teens and 20-somethings lighting up? This goes for everyone I guess, since I don't understand how anyone can just start smoking after all the bad stuff we know about tobacco. I had a friend who came out last year, and then a few months later started up the habit!!! (Ok, those not might be related, but I can see some sort of connection) I have noticed every time that I've been out to a gay venue that the number of people smoking seems to be higher there than in other places. I just don't get it. Nor do I find that attractive at all!

2. Girls always seem to think of their male gay friends as just "one of the girls". I guess we both like dick, but there aren't many things similar otherwise (at least from my viewpoint). Yeah I like clothes and occasionally I do like to shop, but not every gay guy does (the same way that not every girl does).

3. In the same vein, not all gay people are the same! It is pretty rare for me to see people treating all women or men the same, but that constantly happens to the geighs. It hasn't happened too much to me, but I have seen it happen to gay friends and it's just one of the little reasons that is slowing me down from coming clean with everyone because while some of the stereotypes might fit me (i.e. the music) most don't, and I don't want to be immediately judged as being a certain way.

4. Is it me, or does anyone else get a little uncomfortable about the idea of Pride or public displays of affection? If anyone is reading, I'm sure I'll get some hate for that, and maybe I'm just naive, but I don't ever feel the need to wear a rainbow flag around me or make out with a guy surrounded by a bunch of people. And I understand it's all about moving the gay rights movement forward, because acceptance comes from knowing gay people and seeing them in everyday light. Maybe I'm just a little confused about this whole subject, but almost naked men marching in glitter adorned hot pants doesn't scream "Acceptance" to me.

If anyone else has experienced these things or can relate, a comment would be appreciated! I'm sure this must be a common thing to feel for newly minted gays.

Till next time!