Saturday, January 29, 2011

My Parent’s Coming Out Experience

Two weeks ago my dad told one of his really close friends about my sexuality. Tom is a really nice southern guy who dedicates his time to helping less fortunate people through their church. It was a family decision (with permission from myself) that my dad would tell him. Tom was extremely proud of me, as well as my family, for being so supportive. He also told my dad that he and his wife thought their son was gay too. Ha

A couple nights ago my parents went on a dinner date with another church couple. They are one of the funniest couples I have ever met, both FSU grads. My parents told them as well and they said the response could not have been better. I got especially excited about this, because both of them are ordained ministers! Getting more and more acceptance from faithful people is a great feeling. Then the wife tells my parent’s that they think their daughter is a lesbian, who is also around my age. What is it with all these parents thinking they have gay children…Haha

My dad gets his hair cut by a gay hair stylist named Ken, who he befriended years ago. Long before my parents knew I was gay, Ken and my dad would talk about the gay community, because my dad was always interested in learning more about it. Well, my dad was scheduled for a haircut this past week and he came out to Ken about me.

My dad said Ken had to stop what he was doing and started crying. He was so emotional because I have something that Ken never had…acceptance from my parents. Ken is in his early sixties and his mother, now in her eighties, still won’t accept his sexuality. Ken said he was sent to a psychiatrist to be fixed and a mental facility in order to become straight. It didn’t work, obviously. Unfortunately, Ken’s husband passed away, so my parents are planning on having him over for dinner one night when I'm home so I can meet him.

Apart from physically coming out to friends, my parents have been doing other things to come out. They went to Wilton Manors to support the local gay owned restaurants and shops. They stopped for lunch at a small café owned and operated by two lesbians. After lunch they went to Gelati Martini Lounge, a place that serves gelato ice cream infused in a martini. They met the owner of the shop, also gay, and said there is only one other shop like his in the entire country. Afterwards, they went to a small wine and tapas place.

My parents said the place was PACKED and when they asked why, they found out the entire gay men’s choir was there doing a wine tasting. So my parents started talking to the members and had a good old time.

After they left the wine place, they stopped at a shop called To The Moon, which is a candy shop that has every candy you could ever imagine, from every decade and country. They started talking to the owner of this shop (a bi-sexual man) and he was so engaging that they hung out with him in the candy store for 15 minutes before leaving.

Than the other day, their friends invited them to a live play that centers around wo gay guys and their search for spirituality. They loved it.

I am so proud of them!

Sunday, January 16, 2011

The People's Choice: Question #4

 
Q: What kind of boyfriend would you like and what would you want out of a relationship?


A: I want a man who encourages me to become the strongest version of myself. I want a relationship to add extra warmth and happiness to my life. I want someone who's independent, who will push me to succeed and celebrate my victories along the way. Someone who the two of us can grow off each other without much effort.


I want someone who I can workout with, go on spontaneous adventures with, cook with, seek advice from, pray with, laugh with and learn from.


I want a boyfriend who is attractive, intelligent, patient, financially stable and genuine, who's able to get along with my friends and family and vice versa. Someone who I am physically, mentally and emotionally attracted to. A confident alpha male, yet sensitive and caring.


And he must loves animals!


Thanks for the question Cash and thank you to everyone who sent questions to make this fun, little series possible! I enjoyed answering them!

Saturday, January 15, 2011

Christmas 2010

Happy Holidays everyone!

Christmas Eve
 


 
The Food
 
Spicy conch fritters and California figs stuffed with honey goat cheese wrapped with prosciutto de Parma

Cod yellow tail snapper and scallop ceviche


Teriyaki monk fish medallions and shrimp cocktail


Wild Mahi-Mahi with pineapple mango salsa served with Israeli couscous


Grilled Portobello mushroom stacks with wilted spinach and shaved manchego cheese with sherry vinaigrette


Grilled Alaskan Salmon with orzo salad




Thursday, January 13, 2011

The People's Choice: Question #3

Q: How about a list of your favorites (anything) or about any men you have in mind right now.

Favorite Singer-John Mayer
Favorite Food-Sushi
Favorite Color-Aqua
Favorite T.V. Show-Modern Family
Favorite Number- One
Favorite Actor- Steve Carell
Sexiest Actor- Cam Gigandet ;)
Favorite Actress- Emma Stone
Favorite Comedian- Gabriel Inglesias
Favorite Superhero-Flash
Favorite Villain- Poison Ivy
Favorite Movie- Superbad
Favorite Cartoon Show-Rocket Power or Scooby Doo
Favorite Candy-Snickers or Reese's
Favorite Drink- Apple Cinnamon Chia Tea
Favorite Shoes- Nikes
Favorite Things To Do- Art, Exercising
Favorite Cartoon Character- Yoshi
Favorite Fast Food Restaurant- Chikfila
Favorite Video Game- Mario Party and WOW
Favorite Cartoon Movie- Finding Nemo
Favorite Animal- Husky
Favorite Holiday- Christmas
Favorite Website-Blogger, duh. Followed by Facebook and YouTube

I do have a few crushes. Mostly just cute guys in my classes.

Thanks for the question headhunter!!

I'll be answering one more question for this series! Stay tuned :)

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

The People's Choice: Question #2

Q: How do you know whether you want a platonic or sexual relationship with another man?

A: Good question. 99% of my relationships have only ever been platonic. For me to want a sexual relationship with another man, I would need to be physically attracted to him, especially if we're referring to a hookup or a one-night stand.

But the qualities I'm looking for in a guy, that I would want to have a long-term, sexual relationship with, would be:
  • a sense of humor
  • a heart
  • spiritual
  • intelligence
  • driven towards his goals and aspirations
  • similar ideologies 
  • a sense of adventure
  • physical appearance, being fit and healthy
  • stability
I am still a virgin, so losing it is a pretty big deal to me.
 
Thanks for the question!

The People's Choice: Question #1

Q: Now that the comfort is there, are you ready to start dating? If not, what's holding you back? You deserve some love of a different sort.

A: I am not ready to start dating yet! You know, sometimes I think to myself and wonder how many relationships I would have been in if I was straight. It seems like all my friends have been in at least one long-term relationship. I used to get jealous and envied seeing that affection, until I realized I need to fully love myself before I dare step out into the world of dating.

I need to continue to focus on myself for now. Like I mentioned in my last post, I want to get involved in different activities and continue to learn about myself and what I enjoy. I've come a long way, but I still have some unfinished business to take care of. Until I am at the level I know I need to be at, it wouldn’t be fair for me, nor to the other person, to begin a relationship. I just don't feel emotionally ready yet.

I guess the lingering question is how long it’s going to take me to feel ready to going on dates and meet guys. Only time will tell...

Thanks for the question fan of casey!!

Friday, January 7, 2011

Connecting with my Parents

Before I do anything, I would like to start out by thanking every single one of you guys for all the comments and support I have been receiving, especially on the last post! It is the best feeling in the world to see you guys taking time out of your day to read my life and help me with my issues. That means a lot to me!

I never understood the inspirational quote “It gets better” until now. It honestly does get better, you just have to want it bad enough. Being gay is what makes me, me. I was once disgusted for being gay, but now I know it’s just a small part of what makes me unique.

Even though my parents and I don't have a lot in common, I feel more open with them, since coming out to them. Two nights after I came out to them, we watched a DVD my counselor lent me. It’s a documentary type film that addresses the controversy between religion and homosexuality. My parents loved it, so check out For the Bible Tells Me So if you get the opportunity.

I drove back up to school three days ago and so far I love my classes. I have no idea what this semester has in store for me, but one ne thing I know for sure, is that I have every intention of continuing my counseling sessions every Friday afternoon. Michelle keeps asking me to do yoga with her, so I'm going to start doing that. I am working out four times a week(but I want to change it to five or six). I want to be more open to new opportunites and things that will challenge me as a person.