[11/26] Sexuality, by Rob

[marksbrisby]

Coming out was quite awkward for me but it was also a big relief because I could express how I really felt about myself. People have been very supportive and non-judgemental which has helped my confidence. Over the years I have been able to be more open with people and feel less afraid of being gay. I couldn't have done it without my friends.

[TheVainDude]

ur like the voice of all gay ppl lol :D ur very cool :P

[Kickenjeff]

thank you Rob. I needed to hear that

[beadpoet]

thank you for sharing that.

[drby3]

nice chat young man!!!!

[mildminotaur]

yeh i can relate to what ur talking about, i'm still not out tho

[sleekcartim]

oh rob this one brought back a rush of memories, both good & bad. altho i lived pretty brave in some ways back then, compared to other gays of the time, i still share the same regrets as you. My hope is that i can help others get to a place in life that they dont make the same "mistakes" as us. self hate is our communitys cross to bear, that self love & acceptance can overcome. 1 LIFE

[bbne1]

Thank you, Rob. You continue to make a difference in a lot of peoples' lives, whether you ever meet them or not.

When you think about it, that's pretty amazing, isn't it?

[gaypaths]

Rob, it is not a big deal if everyone would just accept gay people as a normal part of nature, but still too many people are hung up about the issue. I'm 59 and i just went through a terrible experience with straight associates, because they assumed that my relationship with a 22 year old in an artistic business arrangement was based on my lust for the guy. While i was attracted to his beauty and admitted it, i was focused solely on business and would never have forced myself on his innocence.

[gaypaths]

Clinton can have anilingus performed on him by Monica Lewinsky in the White House, and most people are willing to look the other way, especially after he denied ever having "sexual relations with that woman" (true if the definition is intercourse). But my straight associates acted to interfere in my business deal with this young person because they assumed that i had lured this talented guy into a gay sex trap. When you're straight, you get a pass even if you use your position for sexual favors.

[martinw93]

Thanks for the advice Rob. I just really wish I could find someone like you have :)

[BlogsofWoolhouse]

You Will Martin.

[OLDS98]

I thank you for your commentary. It is always a pleasure to listen to you. I am catching up on my subscriptions, and I enjoy listening to you. You still are quite handsome. Nice smile too.

[brentbraniff]

Ive been out since long before you were born. I came out when it wasnt cool to come out. And in my case I had no boyfriend or any gay friends in town that would drive me towards coming out. For me it was probably because I was hoping that being out would help me to find other gay people. Sadly, it didn't. At that time other gay people didnt want to associate with an out gay man for fear of being found out.  Although now days Im accepted as a gay man, it's still difficult to find others.

[gordonbonnar]

I've never agreed more with a video =D.

I like to think of my sexuality as akin to my height. I don't have any control over it, but it can affect my life and is something I need to live with. Imagine if you had to keep your height a secret from everyone. It would be ridiculous and stressful. That's exactly how I felt all the time before coming out.

Thanks for another fantabulous video.

[dafttool]

Certainly, during the closet phase & then coming out, being gay becomes a central focus in your life whether you want it or not. It forces itself to the surface where it must be dealt with. Plus, there is another phase shortly thereafter where many intellectually OD on all things gay (our history, our politics, our social interactions, etc.). You feel as if you need to catch up for lost time. But as time passes, those needs become less pronounced & more balanced, allowing you get on with life

[coollikeyodais]

You are so good at defining and talking about a subject, any subject.

[mushacles]

Rob that was great. You really articulated the "in the closet" struggles very well. And you're so right about the out of the closet honesty as well - being able to share your feelings about the person you love with your family and friends is amazing. I'm so glad I came out but still wish I had done it sooner. Anyway, thanks for sharing these thoughts - powerful insight :)

[bummercucumber]

I've been out of the closet before all my boyfriends; not that I've had many. It makes things just as hard, because it's almost like going back into the closet; otherwise people wonder why the the straight guy is such a good friend of mine, and he's basically outed.

I had one experience where I ended up unintentionally outing a boyfriend. I still feel bad about that to this day. It's just hard to be so guarded once you've become comfortable with yourself.

[kensington25]

Another thought provoking and inspiring video. Thanks for sharing :)

[Swaction22]

I'm only out to my mom (single parent), not out to my brother or the rest of my family. I've just started dating and am kind of seeing this one guy. What you said in your video made a lot of sense as I could relate to it - the parts regarding your "in-the-closet" days. Thank you for such an insightful video.

[point5past]

always appreciate what you have to say. ...and now we get to hear from you on three channels (robmuch, the5guys, 5ssg)? nice! :)