Been lurking here for a while now, figure it's about time I ask a question... Basically, I grew up and currently live in a rural and pretty conservative part of Colorado, and I work in a pretty conservative field and am entering a pretty conservative profession. I came out a little over a year ago to my family, friends, and some coworkers. My friends were super cool, my family kinda quietly accepts it...it's definitely not something we talk about. I feel like I'm stuck, though, when it comes to meeting other people and relationships and sex and so on. I want (badly) all of these things...and I feel guilty for not pursuing them--like I'm allowing potentially happy years of my life to pass me by. But at the same time, I also feel guilty when I try to do something about it--as if pursuing sex or a relationship or even just a friendship with another gay male makes me some sort of deviant, even though I know, logically, at least, that this is ridiculous. So, I guess my question is: has anyone else had similar experiences with coming out in small, tight-knit, conservative places, and, if so, what (if anything) helped you get through it?
The 3 things that helped me were - * moved out of the small town and into a city * made some platonic gay friends (couples mostly) * went out to some gay pubs and clubs with the gay friends - felt the fear and did it anyway - though in the back of my mind I knew that they'd help me and protect me if the need arose Having gay friends (especially couples) can help you realise how normal gay people are. Normal - meaning that every one of them are varying and unique in every area of life just like the rest of the world's population.
There are plenty of gay men in Denver, flying weather is usually quite good, and radar works for you, not against you. Get a fast car, or a pilot's license and a used Cessna 152 or Skyhawk. When you get better established, move to Denver. Bright lights, big city.
