When did you realize you were gay?

[AgaBoogaBoo]

Any idea what percentage of the male population is gay? How many go on living their life as a straight person and having a family? Do we have statistics on things like this at all?

 

[nageov3t]

Originally posted by: AgaBoogaBoo
Any idea what percentage of the male population is gay? How many go on living their life as a straight person and having a family? Do we have statistics on things like this at all?

I can't imagine there's any reliable way to get statistics on the issue, especially with the huge stigma surrounding homosexuality in some cultures.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Demographics_of_sexual_orientation

 

[ShadowOfMyself]

Im not, but I have to say I thought about it a lot when I entered high school or so, around 14...

I started to have an attraction for a friend, no idea why, and at the moment things got really confusing and I had no idea which way to turn (because Ive had a big passion for a girl before him) ... Turns out it was just a puberty thing lol

Nowadays I can still find men attractive, obviously, (I mean, its not like I turn blind when looking at men) so I still pondered about being bi, but nope, the idea really puts me off, and after having some longer relationships with girls I have to say I really love them

Originally posted by: Ilikepiedoyou
strangely enough, I have some many traits that typically considered gay, I care a lot about my physical apperance, I am learning to become an architect, sports don't interest, very sensitive, I find friendships with females and gays more rewarding than typical straight males. I enjoy looking at pretty men or woman. Only thing missing is any sort attraction to men. My girlfriend thinks I am the all time perfect boyfriend.

LOL!! I am pretty much what you described too.. I hate physical activity, very caring/loving in a relationship, sort of "girly" when it comes to feelings, yet...

I have a really easy time "grabbing" the girls Im interested in (100% rate so far) probably because of that, but as the relationship goes on I start picking on things I dont like about them, and it all comes to an end shortly after.. argh lol gotta learn to be more understanting

 

[imported_Tango]

Originally posted by: GeekDrew

Originally posted by: Abe Froman
For those of you who are out to your family, was it hard to tell them? How did they respond? Favorably, or otherwise?

The short version is that they reacted really, really poorly, but I used it to my advantage. My coming out was long, drawn out, libelous, and painful... but was still far better than some of the horror stories I've read. If you really care for more details, just ask. Just prepare yourself for the worst, but hope for the best.

I am a little older than many people here, but personally the one thing I can;t stop thinking about my gay friends is the courage they had to do this.

My father was of another generation, and I know that if I had been gay I would never had the courage to look straight into his eyes and come out of the closet.

I have a tremendous respect for those who had to do it, because depending on how your family is I understand it can be extremely painful and emotionally stressful.

I also think most gay people have an ENORMOUS level of tolerance for the subtle discrimination they often still have to bare.

I know that I would freak out, especially considering the most intolerant people, those usually bashing gays in the most stupid ways, are often also the most uneducated, gross and unrefined individuals themselves.

I don't know how you can find the patience to tolerate this. I'm glad I am not gay, because if I were I would probably be in jail by now.

 

[AgaBoogaBoo]

Originally posted by: Tango

Originally posted by: GeekDrew

Originally posted by: Abe Froman
For those of you who are out to your family, was it hard to tell them? How did they respond? Favorably, or otherwise?

The short version is that they reacted really, really poorly, but I used it to my advantage. My coming out was long, drawn out, libelous, and painful... but was still far better than some of the horror stories I've read. If you really care for more details, just ask. Just prepare yourself for the worst, but hope for the best.

I am a little older than many people here, but personally the one thing I can;t stop thinking about my gay friends is the courage they had to do this.

My father was of another generation, and I know that if I had been gay I would never had the courage to look straight into his eyes and come out of the closet.

I have a tremendous respect for those who had to do it, because depending on how your family is I understand it can be extremely painful and emotionally stressful.

I also think most gay people have an ENORMOUS level of tolerance for the subtle discrimination they often still have to bare.

I know that I would freak out, especially considering the most intolerant people, those usually bashing gays in the most stupid ways, are often also the most uneducated, gross and unrefined individuals themselves.

I don't know how you can find the patience to tolerate this. I'm glad I am not gay, because if I were I would probably be in jail by now.

Agreed, there is a certain level of respect I can give to 95% of gays, they deal with a lot that most others won't ever even think about. I also have to say that maybe some people were meant to be this way - I wouldn't have known a few of the people I do today, if they were straight. I could see them all being very different people easily.

 

[Conky]

I'm a lesbian trapped in a man's body. True story.