Andrew

Andrew, age 2

Portland, Maine (1988)

I remember as a kid, I always wanted to be the mom when my playmates and I played house. Of course, this caused a lot of issues between us, as our engendered gender roles had taken effect. There was more of an uproar that my parents' son wanted to be a mother, but there were no issue with the weird girl who wanted to be the family dog. Hey, at least I still wanted to be human -- just sayin'.

"Just next door -- blowing bubbles..."

There was a lot of family disagreement on whether I should play with Barbies or not. There is obviously nothing heterosexual about a male child wanting to play with and undress female dolls.

I don't remember this picture being taken, but I do remember my family used to talk about this picture a lot. As if, this was the time JUST before I "turned."


But, what I see in this picture is myself, who was -  and always will be - queer. And who wanted to be the mother, and wanted to play with Barbies.

I never had a memory of thinking I was "normal." I was always wearing t-shirts around my waist and putting the sleeves in as if they were pockets.
I loved wearing heels - they made me taller and made a clanking sound on the linoleum floor of the kitchen, a sound I still enjoy today.

When I was younger, puberty hit pretty young for me, around the same time as the girls. I remember thinking Erik Von Detten was so hot. Disney obviously sells sex to children.

Because at 8, I remember thinking some naughty, dirty things - and even thinking about being a housewife to Erik Von Detten.

Andrew's first, famous-person same sex crush:

Erik Von Detten (in "The Princess Diaries")

Jeffrey

Jeffrey, age 4

New Bedford,  Massachusetts (1963)

We were in a military family that moved quite often, and what I mainly remember about this picture is, my father being uncomfortable, and hurrying up the  process.

I first knew I was gay by around 6th grade. I remember crushing on Flipper's dad and Adam West as Batman.

And I loved TV dance shows like American Bandstand, Soul Train, and Lawrence Welk - ooh, Cissy and Bobby!

I love this picture now and use it for my Facebook profile at times.

Jeffrey's first, famous-person same sex crush:

Brian Kelly (the dad on "Flipper")
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Mark

Mark, age 6
Phoenixville, Pennsylvania (1976)

This was the first of many 'nightshirts' I would wear to bed throughout my childhood. This shirt, a men's medium, was given to me by my Uncle Ken - who just so happened to be gay, too.

He'd taken the requisite high school band trip to Disney World, and well - all I got was this AMAZING t-shirt. I wore this shirt religiously until there were holes in it that were bigger than Mickey Mouse's ears.

Uncle Ken had a huge influence on me. I guess I knew he was different at an early age. He had long hair and talked about Jesus Christ Superstar a lot.

While Ken wasn't Jesus to me, he was rad and rebellious.

I used to put a dish towel on my head and squint my eyes and pretend to be him. I was only 6!

While I wasn't smoking weed just yet (I waited until high school for that) with shoulder-length hair (which I did in college), I definitely identified with him.

Ken was a 'rock' in my eyes. I was only 7 when my parents separated, and he had a successful, 22-year gay relationship - that I watched with awe as my parents' marriage fell apart. I thought about how he and his partner outlasted the 'normal' couplings around me.

My Mom eventually went to live with my him, his partner, and their lesbian friend. I would visit with my brother and sister, and it was a whole other world.

I now still have a great relationship with my Uncle Ken, who has since married a new man in their home state of Vermont. I was at the ceremony, with MY gay brother, and my Mom's other gay brother.

Yes, that's 4 men in two generations - all gay.
And I don't think it was caused by the nightshirt...

Mark's first, famous-person same sex crush:
Aquaman
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Paul

Paul, age 4

Davenport, Iowa (1979)

I was always surrounded by family, cousins, and neighborhood kids. We had a huge yard and we were always playing and horsing around. My Aunt Peggy (also pictured) was always using me as a live dress-up Barbie. She would parade me around in her clothes, my Grandma's purses, makeup, the whole 9 yards. I could have sent in quite a few pics.

"Look at me MA, pink is not just for girls!
Let the slumber party begin!"

This pic in particular is of interest, because this nightgown is one that I always had to sleep in when I was at Grandma's. I was at her house a lot. I was her favorite and still continue to be nearly 32 years later.

In my family, the first born male has turned out to be gay for generations.
I am just one of many in our family. And that's some living proof, that being gay is hereditary.

As I look back at this picture, it brings a smile to my face. I had a great childhood, and I cannot complain. It takes me back to helping my Grandma bake and decorate wedding cakes, playing in her Avon makeup. And my Aunt Peggy is someone I've had an amazing relationship with until about 1993, when life got in the way - marriages, divorces, relocations, etc.

I knew something was different with me probably in Junior High. I always had "girlfriends" and loved to make out with them whenever I got a chance.
But I always pictured in my mind I was kissing their brothers instead : )

I never did anything sexually until I got to college and had my first boyfriend at the age of 20, and I've never looked back.

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

Bret Michaels (singer in Posion)

Ricky Schroeder ("Silver Spoons")

I also loved Bo Duke, then Dexter from 'Dynasty' - I loved the power he had!

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Click here - "Born This Way: Real Stories of Growing Up Gay" book
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Adam

Adam, age 4

San Jose, CA (1995)

This is me at age 4 - looking FABULOUS! I always remember wanting to look glamorous! I was always dressing up in my mom's tops, and wearing them as dresses. Or putting on her bright red lipstick, and rocking her hot pink heels.

"What do you mean 'came out' - he was never 'in'!"
- My Mom's caption for this picture on her Facebook

I recently watched a home video of me at age 2. I had a Fischer Price toy truck, with mom's high heels in the back.

Then my Dad said to me,
'Adam, put on Mama's shoes' - and I didn't have to think twice.

I plopped down, took off my Barney slippers, and proceeded to put on those neon pink heels.

My mom tells me they always commented on how well I was able to walk in her heels.

My whole life I always felt a little different then the rest of the boys.


I never knew exactly that I was gay until elementary school. But even before
I knew I was gay, I would have crushes on celebrity boys.

When I look at this picture now, it fills me with joy. I know how fortunate I am, to have parents that didn't scold me for dressing up as a woman. They loved/love me for me. And to this day, they're so proud of the man that I have become.

Adam's first, famous-person same sex crush:
Skeet Ulrich (in "Scream")
I thought he was so dreamy - before I found out he was the murderer ; )

Andrew

Andrew, age 5

Apple Valley, MN (1982)

Be honest with yourself - even as an adult. How else would you be able to pass through your Grandma's hallway WITHOUT putting that hat on? Furthermore, how can you NOT take it out for a spin in the garden?

"Just doin' a little gardening...."

I don't remember this particular day of my life, but I remember at this age (except for all but the hat), this is how I dressed all the time. Accessories included the ever popular wristbands and knee-high tube socks with the rainbow of stripes. And, my trusty companion: A leather coin-purse with a neon green shoelace acting as my purse strap.

I honestly never felt 'different' growing up. I had wonderful parents who just let me do what I wanted, and didn't make me do anything I didn't want to do (including homework).

My older brothers teased me relentlessly, but only because they were my older brothers, and that's what they do. To that end, I realized very late in life, when I was 18, that I was gay.

It was no big deal, no big freak out; just 'this makes sense, this is who I am'

David

David, age 5

Anaheim, CA (1993)

And so began a lifetime obsession with Disneyland.

I remember always being so excited to walk down Main Street and go to the castle.

Even back then, I had a fascination of finding my Prince Charming.

I've always liked this picture because I look so innocent and wide-eyed.

I still remember this moment quite vividly as well, as it was on our way out from Disneyland.


I remember running inside one of the gift shops and begging, yes BEGGING, my parents to buy me a Minnie Mouse doll. I remember my mom laughing so much and taking this picture.

I don't particularly like Minnie Mouse today, but maybe I appreciated her style? Who else can rock a big bow and polka-dot dress like Minnie does?

I always knew I was different, but only knew what my feelings were when I was older. Now, I can't wait to take my kids to Disneyland one day, and see what kind of pictures are produced.

David's first, famous-person same sex crush:

Mark-Paul Gosselaar (Zack Morris on "Saved By the Bell")
Devon Sawa ("Casper")
Yes, I had a thing for blond boys when I was younger 

Tricia

Tricia, age 10

Winnetka, Illinois (1974)

This is a pic of me with my 3 younger brothers, two of whom are also gay like me. My 7-year old fraternal twin brothers are to my right, and my 8-year old brother David, is to my left.

I'm gay, David is gay, and one of the twins, Graham (next to me on my right) is gay! So hey, 3 out of 4 ain't bad! We fondly call our brother Andrew (far left, arms folded) the black sheep, since he's the only straight sibling.

Back then, I was always a tomboy. I wanted to be Tarzan, or a cowboy, or Superman when I grew up. I always wore short hair and boy's clothes. I would be so proud when a stranger commented on my mom's four boys.

I had a huge crush on my 3rd grade teacher, which is when I knew I was different. I had fantasies of saving her from a burning house. My mother was always trying to feminize me, but I would play hooky if she forced me to wear a dress to school.

I fell in love with my roommate at an all-girls boarding school when I was 16.
I didn't come out until after college, though. Today I have a loving partner of 20 years, and two beautiful children, both of whom are definitely straight.

And now, my daughter tries to feminize me!

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

Julie Andrews (in "Sound Of Music")

Elizabeth Montgomery (Samantha on "Bewitched")

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Peter

Peter, age 6
Portland, ME (1949)

This is just a school photo of me. I really don’t have any photos depicting me in gay poses because I’ve never been even the slightest bit feminine. Well, one exception – I was 17 and working for my future brother-in-law at his gas station, and figured that gay guys should have SOMETHING feminine about them. So I grew my fingernails about a half-inch long. But they interfered with my work (mechanic – gas pump jockey), so I cut them off after a couple of months.

I was once a horse trainer, and at 22, one of the first guys I chased around was a younger stable boy. But I never did get him (dammit!). 

From as far back as I can remember, I've always known that I was different. My interests in humans has always been directed toward men, although I didn’t know what a "fag" was until I got into school. I was always playing cars and trucks in the dirt like the other boys, and was never interested in "girlie" things.

But I REALLY liked all the wrestling we did as kids. I knew it made me aroused, but hadn't realized why at that point.

In 1st grade, I got the crap kicked out of me because some 3rd grader decided that he didn’t like the way I talked (I have a cleft palate – without the hair lip though). I decided then and there that the experience was so distasteful, to say the least, that I would NEVER allow that to happen again. I quickly learned how to take care of myself, and have never taken any crap from anyone for any reason since.

I eventually came out at 17 when my dad asked why I never brought my friends to the house. After I told him that it was because they were gay - and so was I - he didn’t speak to me for 3 weeks. Eventually, he ended up trying to fix me up with the son of one of his employees. I told him that I'd rather find my own dates.

I've always been interested in all things mechanical. I've worked as an ironworker, a car mechanic, and I'm now self-employed with a restaurant and cafeteria/cooking hood-cleaning business.

While I don't advertise being gay, I never steer away from an opportunity to educate the straight world that gay is who we are, and it's OK. This is the way God created us, and that they can either get over it - or spend their lives fuming about it. That is the only choice in the matter!

I've been blessed with supportive family and friends, most of whom are straight. I live in a small town of 3,500 in Arizona and live a completely open life here.

The only way my life could be any better (maybe), is if I won the Lottery. 

Peter's first, famous-person same sex crush:

Ricky Nelson ("Ozzie & Harriet")

Jonathan

Jonathan, age 10
Cheshire, UK (1982)

This pic was shot at my prep school. The previous year, I had my first crush on Mr. Barton - a sexy, newly qualified teacher with a thick beard (and the first signs that I liked the bearish, masculine type of man). In this picture I was an innocent only child, whose life would change just 6 months later. My innocence was lost, but it has made me the person who I am today.

"Sugar wouldn't melt.
But 4 years later all hell broke loose."

Things were lovely and idyllic growing up, until my stepfather had a breakdown after the birth of my half brother. Mother didn't realize that he was relentlessly bullying me, both physically and emotionally.

However, things changed for me at 12, and I suddenly realized I could control my own life. My stepfather stopped the bullying when I stood up for myself, as a physically strong pre-teenager.

And my mother sensibly kicked him out shortly after.


I experimented at an early age with sexual encounters, with girls/women and boys/men. I lost my straight virginity at 13 and my gay virginity 6 months later with my then best friend. Very hedonistic days, and not at all like the teenage years shown in Disney films!

During university, I almost married a woman. But I knew I got more pleasure being with men, both emotionally and physically. I was outed at work by a security guard who showed a CCTV video of me making out with a fellow bank colleague - a very swarthy, butch, muscular hocky player - in a car in the parking lot! The security guard lost his job as a result of this.

I was surprised at the lack of shock at my outing, but it was then when I started to identify as a gay man - instead of a man that had occasional sex with men.

I am now 37, and married to my husband since August 2010. Our families attended and our life is amazing, fulfilling, and is made so by both of our life experiences.

Jonathan's first, famous-person same sex crush:

Brian Blessed (Prince Vultan in "Flash Gordon")

I found myself attracted to his hairy chest, big beard, and leather harness.
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LaMar

"Me and my best gal pal!"

LaMar, age 5
Benton, AR (1977)

My mom took this picture of me and Connie, my best friend from next door. My dad was a man's man and a building contractor who had been doing some repairs on our roof and left the ladder leaning up against the house.

Connie and I posed by the ladder for my mom, but I decided that I would climb up on the ladder so I could be seen in the picture better.

As you can see, I'm giving my best over the shoulder look.

Growing up, my family were Jehovah's Witnesses. So, I felt different because of that, in addition to feeling different due to my sexuality. I felt like a freak among freaks. The literature that the Witnesses put out regarding homosexuality pretty much all said that if I just prayed hard enough, God would help me overcome these "unnatural feelings."

So, I prayed and prayed and prayed and prayed and prayed - and nothing happened. God never changed me into a heterosexual. I took that to be because He didn't want to, not because He couldn't. So, I stopped trying. And, I did my best to get by until I was old enough to leave.

I eventually wound up living 800 miles away from my family. When I started dating my husband 13 years ago, I was so happy and I came out to my sister over the phone. I told her not to tell my parents, but I knew she would. I figured I had a week to call them and tell them myself before she burst.

When I told my mom 3 days later, she said that she had known for a long time. I'm sure my posing for this picture was a big clue for her. My dad on the other hand, wasn't quite as prepared. He told me that day, 'I'm not sure that I really understand this. I'm not sure that I like this. But, you're my son and I love you regardless.'

From that point on, my parents and I rebuilt a great relationship. At the time of his passing in 2009, my father considered my husband to be part of the family.

Looking at this picture now, all I can say is, 'Damn, I was a cute kid!'
A cute kid who was blessed to have wonderful parents who taught me the meaning of unconditional love.

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

Ricky Schroeder & Jason Bateman (both from "Silver Spoons")
Neil Patrick Harris (as "Doogie Howser, MD")
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Shawn

Shawn, age 5

Litchfield, Ohio (1987)

This is back in my childhood in Ohio. RURAL Ohio. VERY rural Ohio. I guess I've always felt different, but didn't recognize this as "gay" until about age 15.

"Gettin' Hitched"

I was friends with a girl my age two doors down (yes, really) named Jennifer. She pressured me into a marriage of convenience with the words, 'Hey, let's play gettin' married!'

As a kid, I enjoyed marriage as a ceremony. Perhaps it wasn't a movie I shouldn't have watched at age 5, but I loved the twisted wedding scene at the end of "Flowers In The Attic," where the mother falls off the balcony to her death.

Anyway, I suppose this makes Jennifer my first and only beard in my first and only homo-flexible moment.


My mom baked a Duncan Hines cake and Jennifer's older brother played preacher. We said our wedding vows, had an awkward kiss, stuffed our faces with cake, then danced on the porch.

Seeing this pic again really made me look back and realize how effeminate and, well, f*ggy I've always been. Now, 23 years later as an out adult, I look back on these photos and it makes me wonder why anyone would ever make me feel bad about being FABULOUS!

I see these photos now as cute and adorable instead of any kind of embarrassing. They're photos of me, the way I always was and continue to be.

Oh, and PS:
Our "wedding" ended in divorce after I saw Jennifer poop in a sand bucket and feed it to her dog...

Shawn's first, famous-person same sex crush:
Chris O'Donnell (as Robin in "Batman Forever")
If I recall correctly (and of course I do), his skin-tight costume gave me my first voluntary boner. Good times!
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Dare

Dare, age 4

Arcadia, California (1986)

So here I am at age 4. I got into my mom's make-up one morning and went to town.

Even at this young age, I was really into Depeche Mode, The Cure, Adam Ant, and of course Siouxsie Sioux.

I guess the story goes that my mom was running late for work, and so we didn't have time to clean me up.

So I actually went to preschool like this. My favorite part, is note my dog's choke chain I chose as a belt.

While my mom was frustrated, I remember she couldn't help but snap this photo.


And looking back, I did a pretty good job on the lips. So queer...
And punk rock realness.

I can't say I felt different here. But it wasn't long after, because I actually remember feeling different in kindergarten, which I guess was a year later.

I started chasing boys a little too much - and a little too long - at Light & Life Christian School! ;)
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Kevin

Kevin, age 6

Stamping Ground, KY (1970)

So this is me in 1970. I was 6 years old in this picture and the red hair just made me the class clown. This was taken at Stamping Ground Elementary, in a tiny town in a Baptist Community. I knew I was gay at 13 when I was attracted to Alan, my next door neighbor.

I actually was nearly killed in the yard of the old church in town by another boy throwing rocks up at the roof.

He had broken a piece of slate off and that struck me in the head from 30 feet up. So I had a "Damien" complex with the Baptist Church from then on...


To this day, anyone who makes fun of religion tickles me.

Kevin's first, famous-person same sex crush:

Robert Conrad (in "The Wild, Wild West")
Any episode with him tied up...

Chris

Chris, age 4
Great Meadows, NJ (1998)

This is a picture of me stealing my cousin's My Little Pony doll. I remember every Christmas Eve our family would have a big party and "Santa" would come and give my cousins, my brother, and I an early Christmas present for being extra good that year.

"MY Little Pony!"

Every year I would watch my cousin, Aimee, open her present in excitement. She would always unravel a brand new Barbie doll and I was always so jealous. The following years I started to ask my parents for Barbies. Luckily they couldn't say no to me, for at that age, I didn't know boys weren't supposed to play with Barbies.

I can recall from being a child that I wasn't like any of the other boys at school. They would all talk about the cool toys they played with, and how their fathers brought them on fishing trips. My father did all that too, but I never enjoyed it.

What I enjoyed most was going to work with my mother at her hair salon because we couldn't find a baby sitter. I loved to watch all the women go in a hot mess, and come out a beauty queen.

When middle school came, I remember a boy in the 8th grade had a crush on me. At that time I was only 11 years old and he was 14, and I didn't know what to do or think, so I started acting homophobic. However I knew secretly that I really had a crush on him too.

Once I got to high school I was done being a closet case. I came out at the age of 14, my freshman year. Although I am only still a Junior in high school, and only 17 years old and not quite an adult yet, I can most definitely look back and realize that I truly was born this way.

Thinking back, I feel silly now about how afraid I was of what people thought and how they would react. Luckily my family and my friends are amazing, and I am so thankful to have them in my life. It really makes me so proud to think that I am this young and this confident - especially with all the tragedies going on with gay teens my age.

Although I do not have the wisdom and years of experience as most people, I do want to say that everything will be alright. One day, that bully in high school, or that person that told you that you were wrong for being who you are?

They won't matter.

Chris' first, famous-person same sex crushes:

Leonardo DeCaprio & Jake Gyllenhaal