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A few days ago, I was at a happy hour with friends. Among them were several people I've known for years, but never came out to. Shame is very restrictive. Anyway, one of them went on a tirade about the homosexual lifestyle. "Gay men are warped" she said.
I'm proud that I finally had the guts to respond "well, I'm gay, and I prefer being warped to being bigoted."

I'm proud to be gay, mostly because its allowed me to be sensitive to the struggles of queers and other historically disenfranchised communities. I've realized that I am not doing my own body and mind justice until I speak out to defend diversity and equality. My sexuality has given me humility, and I'd like to think I am a better person for it.

When I finally came out to my mom, I was a mess. It was probably the first time I had cried in around 5 years. As I choked the words out, she said, "Oh honey, I don't care about that. That doesn't change anything for me." I needed to hear those words, but I was so worked up I couldn't say much more, so we hung up the phone. Her call back to me (I did this on the phone since we live in different cities) was what really made it all better. She called 5 minutes after we hung up the phone just to make sure I was ok and to try to make me laugh.

Now, on the life-achievements side of things, I'm proud that after saving a lot since I started being part of the real world (and getting a good job) I was able to buy a new house at 25. I have been working for quite some time for that.

This is my first Pride since I decided not to be gay anymore, so it's kinda weird posting here, but here goes...

I'm mostly proud of my mom. I'm the luckiest man in the world to have her in my life. She beat incredible odds last fall and came back from the dead. Although I'm proud of her, my pride turns to gratitude really fast. She did the hard work after she woke from her coma, but a Higher Power did the work of healing!

I'm proud of my boyfriend. Over the past few months, he's come out to his dad, graduated from college, and introduced me to his entire family. I know how difficult it was for him, especially to reconnect with his dad, a guy who has never been the most tolerant of gays and lesbians. I couldn't be prouder to be in love with a guy willing to confront a secret he's been hiding for so long, and a guy who is so understanding when discussing his differences with his family.

I'm also proud of the other gays and lesbians like Aaron who are willing to rationally talk about gay issues with others, in an effort to make the world a more tolerant place.

Kudos to Dunner. At the risk of hogging space, I would like to add that, as a queer man in the Twin Cities, I am proud to be a part of an extremely tolerant and understanding community, which aaron exemplifies with ease.

I am most proud -- or at least proud of my sense of humor -- when coming out to telemarketers. It usually goes like this:

Telemarketer: "Could I speak to Mr. ----?"
Me: "He's not here right now."
Telemarketer: "Could I speak to Mrs. ----, then?"
Me: "Speaking."

What typically follows is a pause, and then they launch into their spiel. I've only had one hangup.

To pride questions, I usually feel inspired to say something like this: I'm proud that the final lesson I took from all of the thorough ass-kickings I received in middle school was how to more effectively kick ass in my daily life as an all-out homo.

But, with a few more years in the open under my belt, I realize what makes me most proud are the allies in my life. In fact, they are the people that make it possible for me to kick said ass.

My allies are the real things. They don't 'tolerate' or 'accept' me, because they know that if all you can do with beautiful, beautiful difference is tolerate and accept its existence, you fail. F.

Their love comes to all of me, not 'in spite' of my sexual orientation and sexuality. They've come far enough to know that divorcing the person from his or her sexuality and sexual identity just makes a big hole in the picture and ruins everything. They know, implicitly or explicitly, that sex touches all parts of life and personal history. And, knowing this, they embrace the lives and the personal histories of gays, lesbians, bi's, trans's, and queers.

They know and do all of this for me, and they're straight. Sometimes they do a better job of it than I do. I don't know what could make me feel more proud.

I'm proud whenever I can show my love instead of being quiet, not just love of guys but love at all, because loving is a triumph in a society in which you will meet discouragement in too many subtle and unsubtle places. I'm proud of people who show me beauty and dignity that somehow comes across as sin or sickness to people who just can't get it. In a smaller sense, I'm proud that in less than three years I went from not knowing how to swim to being a kickass swimmer.

I'm proud of myself for just getting up, getting out and doing something this year. Proud of myself for being so much more social. Proud of myself for taking chances and doing things today that I would've only dreamed about a year ago. Proud of myself for losing those 50+ pounds. Proud of myself for stopping biting my nails. I'm proud of myself for trying to figure out who the hell I am, even if what I want often still eludes me. I'm proud of myself whenever I trust my instincts and find out I'm right. I'm proud when I stop myself from being the least bit judgemental of others in spite of how judgemental I feel it is in my nature to be. I'm proud that I don't feel frightened if everyone in the room knows I'm gay. I'm proud that I'm no longer ashamed to speak my mind - what I feel is the truth - no matter how offensive, rude or crass what I have to say may be.

I'm proud of my friends Derwin and Rob for going further outside themselves than I could ever imagine... that I can only imagine.

I'm proud of gay people for taking a stand for what's right, even if some think it may not have been the right time, and even when those who should be with us are against us.

I'm proud of a lot of things, but mostly I'm proud to be the person I am even if I'm not exactly sure who that is just yet.

I'm proud that I have a son who is still challenging me to be a better person. I learned a lot about myself, others, and humanity in general as I parented three children. I continue to learn from them as adults. It's hard to be a "stick in the mud" when you've got three bright, young adults kicking you in the rear saying "look up & move on".

I am so lucky and have so many things to be proud of, but none more than my two wonderful kids who accept their gay dad. It hasn't always been easy for them but they proudly and openly show their acceptance in many ways including walking in the Pride parade down Hennepin Avenue with Rainbow Families or PFLAG groups. And they're even active in high school and college GSA's. However, this weekend we're going to be butch and sneak off to the cabin so we'll miss Pride.

I think you just called me crazy. I promise I haven't forgotten about you. Life is just crazy these days. I'm proud of you and I'm glad you are my friend! Well at least I hope you still are after I've promised you that gift for months now. Have a great week my friend! By the way, I think you have a pretty awesome mom! : )

I made it into my own post, for it's worth it. Thanks for the idea.

I am proud of myself for recovering from a terrible accident. Proud of myself and Jesus I should say, because without him I can do nothing. I know that it was a long time ago but it has been a long road, and I have given my parents a lot of headaches since then. :) I am also proud of were I stand with the issue of being gay. I have grown up my whole life with Jesus and I never plan to let him go. I love everyone, but I also stand on his teachings and what he has to say about being gay. I love you Aaron, and again I just want to say that I really appriciate your willingness to share your love and your dreams with all. God bless :)

I also must say Aaron, that I wish I could have changed your mind because I did have feelings for you, but I know that everyone goes there own way too. :) You have always been a very well-rounded person and I think that is a great thing to have. You will always be a beautiful person to me. :)

Im proud of not being sappy... ever

My homo pride reached its peak when I was 18 and attending my first gay pride celebration. I felt liberated and overwhelmed, visually realizing there were so many of us in just one place.

That was ten years ago this month.

I attended this year's celebration in the very same place: University Park, which is right in the middle of downtown Indianapolis. It has the most beautiful fountain in it, too.