Ray

Ray, age 11
Villa Park, Illinois (1970)

I was about age 11 in this photo of me and my siblings on vacation. It's hard to believe, but there is three years between me and my older sister on the right. And the rest of us are only one year apart!

As for me, I grew up very fast. And I always knew I was gay. But looking back at this pic, I don't understand how it was a shock to my parents when I came out.

My siblings knew I was gay right from the start. When I told my parents, they were very accepting to me and my friends. All in all, life was good. 

That was so long ago, that in this day and age, it just breaks my heart how some parents can just toss their kids out of their lives for being gay. 

We've come such a long way, but we still have a long way to go. 

Today, I'm 56 years old and living a wonderful life in fabulous Las Vegas. 

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Brian & Kevin

Brian & Kevin, age 4

Las Vegas, Nevada (1979)

In our pic, Kevin is on the left, and I'm on the right. We're twins. Perhaps this memory has been repressed for the past few decades, but it wasn’t until seeing this picture framed in my parent’s house a few months ago, that I realized BOTH me and my twin were fond of dressing up in women’s clothes as children.

You see, my brother Kevin has always tended more towards the effeminate side (even to this day) and it was no surprise to anyone that he was gay. With the exception of a few awkward teen years, he never really tried to hide it. He has always loved the theater, the drama, and the sequins.

I, however, was a totally different story. And was a total closet-case until about 10 years ago. I thought I did a better job keeping a lid on it, but obviously, this picture tells a much different tale - what with that fabulous pink hat and flowing scarf!

I knew I was different from the earliest of ages – even before I knew what “gay” or “straight” meant. I remember being more curious about boys than girls, but seeing how effeminate my twin brother was and the ridicule that he endured on a daily basis sent a message to me that there was definitely something wrong with whatever “that” was.

I played it straight for years and thought that I could somehow ignore the fact that deep down, I knew I was gay. And it wasn’t until my mid-20's that I finally had to courage to live my OWN life, instead of the life that others thought was “normal” - and I truly could not be any happier today.

My husbear and I have been together for over 9 years (married for 2) and it all just feels right to me. Finally.

And no, I don’t have the slightest inclination to wear women’s clothes today. But I truly loved finding this picture of me and my brother, documenting our queer youth. We are both fortunate to have a loving, supportive family who couldn’t care less about our orientation, just as long as we are happy. 

Editor's Note:
Brian & Kevin are our first gay, fraternal twins!
I'm no scientist, but - I think we just isolated TWO gay genes? :)

Brian's first, famous-person same sex crushes:

Ricky Schroeder ("Silver Spoons") & The Marlboro Man
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Click here - "Born This Way: Real Stories of Growing Up Gay" book
Click here - "My First Gay Crush Blog"

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Chris

Chris, age 5
Reno, Nevada (1986)

Either I wanted to be an American Apparel model at a very early age - or I'm worried about how to feign interest in that baseball bat.

I'm pretty sure I didn't even understand the concept of gay at that age. I did, however, know that no matter how much my Uncles wanted me to get into sports, sports had nothing on Super Heroes and soap operas.

Two things I enjoy to this day.

I came out at 19. Before then it was a slow progression of assuming my attractions were something I would get over. I remember at first, all I wanted was to see was a penis. I figured if I saw a penis my curiosities would subside. Then it was a kiss - just a kiss from a boy and I would be done. 

Well, just like a Pringle or a Kardashian, I learned that one just wouldn't be enough.

It was beyond a relief to finally admit these feelings to a dear friend, and then my supportive Mother. I didn't realize how much it would change the way I viewed the entire world around me. But in every single way, it was for the better.

Chris' first, famous-person same sex crushes:
Macaulay Culkin & Wil Wheaton