Who Has Made a Difference in Your life?

[Guest ChgoBoy]

I'm curious as to who has made a difference in YOUR life - that being, someone who has allowed you through their own personal empowerment to either become publicly vocal or silently active behind the scenes - to further the cause of who we and you are as gay, lesbian, bisexual & transsexual people.

 

There has been so much progress over the years to bring us to where we are today; that it's hard to believe that we all don't have personal heroes, publicly or privately, who we have embraced or supported and still do to this day.

 

I have a number of people who I reflect back upon and attribute them to this day as being my source of strength and inspiration.

 

Just because I love embedding musical videos of one of those people who chose to never care about what other people viewed of him as being anything else other than who he was - I'm going to do it here, again.

 

Who were, and still are, your source(s) of empowerment when it comes to being honest in situations when honesty defines you more than it does anyone else?

 

[video=youtube;lDckgX3oU_w]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lDckgX3oU_w&feature=player_embedded

[+ Cash4Trash]

At age 60 I still had secrets and issues that had never been resolved. The escort Mick here in New York wrapped

me in his arms and gave me the safe space I needed to open up. I am so much happier today because I had the good fortune to meet him. As always, thanks Mick.

[+ Charlie]

When I was 21, I had the good fortune to become friends with some early (pre-Stonewall) gay rights activists. I was saddled with typical Eisenhower-era notions about homosexuality, and they completely changed my perspective. They introduced me to icons like Frank Kameny and Barbara Gittings, as well as C. A. Tripp at the Kinsey Institute, got me involved in organizations, and by the time Stonewall happened, I was an old hand at protests, educational efforts and networking with others who believed we had a right to be ourselves. I had already come out to my parents at 19, but the influence of my new friends caused me to be comfortable about my sexuality, and completely natural about it with straight friends and colleagues. I have been openly gay my whole adult life.

[NYTomcat]

There are lots of people. Not famous so much but privately. Many will slam this but this forum as a whole was one. They gave me a "gay home" when I needed one. Many will say I paid for sex and yes I did. But I also was given love and understanding for free by many. I can list the posters and escorts but they know who they are. However

 

 

Romann.... you are a man I will never be able to thank. Escort yes.... and great. But you as a man and human being went beyond anything I could imagine. You are my hero.... in so many things. I owe you in ways I can never repay.

 

Thanks chgo. Great post

[TruthBTold]

Freddie Mercury at Wembley Stadium for Live Aid. ChgoBoy, thanks for the memory. Feeling the people power of everyone clapping at the same time in Radio Gaga still sends shivers down my spine.

[leigh.bess.toad]

I join my good friend TC in saying this forum as a whole has meant so much to me. I came here about 13 months ago, a deeply closeted married man who had always known he was gay but had never even considered the possibility of coming out. through the love and support of so many friends here, I am now out of the closet and in love with the most amazing man who I now hope to spend the rest of my life with. I am now active in the community and involved with the gay community center here in town hoping to help others.

 

So many have played a huge part in my personal journey that I know I will forget some and for that I apologize, but it is late and I'm tired. 24 hours with Tyger and Dave will tend to do that to anyone. Please know I appreciate all that everyone has done. But a few (well quite a few) stand out for me.

 

First, and foremost to me is NYTomcat. TC -- your struggle was my struggle. You provided the initial inspiration for me to overcome my fears and take that great leap from out of the closet. We have traveled far together providing love and support to each other along the way. You are the brother I never had, the best friend I always wanted but was afraid to have for fear my secret would be discovered. We will travel this road of life together for many years to come. I love you like no other and you will always be a hero.

 

Tyger Hudson. My sensei. My geisha. My inspiration. You took the worst of my client from hell phase. You helped a scared man with so many self doubts see that I do have much to be proud of, much to contribute to others. Even 3000 miles apart, when I was at my lowest points of the last year, somehow you knew I needed you and without a word from me would reach out and lift me up and make me realize that all would be okay. I have told you many times, even tonight as we parted company after an incredible day together, that the love and respect I have for you is limitless. I would not be where I am today without you.

 

The Legendary Dave Rockin. My go-to guy, the guy I’ve hired more than any other. I had always yearned for that one escort whom I could really connect with in a special way. I found him in you. You have challenged me to grow and become a better man. Even after that first visit, it was clear to me that you were the man I was looking for. We connected immediately. And your love and concern for me has touched my heart. Be it as a married man, a newly out and confused gay man, or now as a man in love, you have helped guide my steps along my journey. And I will always love you for it.

 

Romann – Along with Tyger, you bore the brunt of me at my worst. Yet you were always there for me. From our first meeting you adopted me as one of your “kids”. Through my journey of the last year, you were there to provide counsel and support when needed most. Words cannot express the admiration I have for you. You will always be in my heart.

 

Dane Michaels – from our first meeting your life story was an inspiration. Your generosity with me was beyond anything I had reason to expect. You have been there when I need you most. You have inspired me to become a better man. You have shown me what is possible. I am so enormously proud of you and your own personal journey through life. We will remain friends for many years to come and I cannot wait to see you as you continue this incredible journey you are on.

 

The fact that I have been with each of the last four men (Tyger, Dave, Romann and Dane) in the last week should tell you it has been a tumultuous week for me.

 

Nate Bruno – you were there with me to share my first Pride event. Your support and friendship has meant so much to me.

 

I have learned and grown because of all of my escorts. David-sf, Ryaan Morgan, Ace, Sean Knight, Peter Hung, BMW. You have all helped me become what I am and I am forever in your debt.

 

And my forum family. First and foremost my other brothers – Whipped Guy and Doitb4ugo. You both inspire me and have been there for me when needed most. I love you both more than you will ever know. Diverdan. You have been my calm voice of reason to help me through the last year. My respect for you knows no bounds. Thank you for all you have given me. So many others, but in particular countryboywny, Poolboy21409 and Chitown, have helped me so much along my journey.

 

Daddy – for the forum you have provided here to the help through my newbiest of stages you have been wonderful friend. As I told Tyger today, without this forum, I would still be stuck deeply in the closet. Now, because of this place, I am an out and proud gay man. My life has been completely altered because of this place. For what you have given to me, to all of us, thank you from the bottom of my heart.

 

Thank you Chgoboy for this wonderful thread.

[+ sf westcoaster]

Daddy's site and before that HooBoy's site have been the conduit for my journey from a married life to the life that I know I was always intended to live. The life of a gay man. It was through the above mentioned sites that I first met David-SF, who mentored me along he journey. I can never adequately express my gratitude for his care, guidance, concern and compassion as I made the transition.

We too often forget that escorts can bring so much more than incredbile sex to the table. David always provided and continues to provide those extras, he is always there for me, always responsive to a call or email and although it sounds corny, he is in my eyes "a knight in shining armour" - always ready to help me. Thanks David!

[Phil_musc]

What an emotional, touching thread. Really good to read how some of you have evolved over time with the help from guys you have met here. It's almost like an end of year retrospective. Thanks for sharing and allowing us to see a bit of the real you.

 

And Lee, I am soooo jealous of your past week. You must be exhausted!

[leigh.bess.toad]

And Lee, I am soooo jealous of your past week. You must be exhausted!

 

Exhausted? No. Exhilarated more like it.

 

And I knew I would forget someone important in my life that has had a big influence on me as well, and I've apologized to him. But Bosguy. Your story is such an inspiration to me. We have become such good friends in the months since Palm Springs. When I'm exhausted or a bit beat up physically do to fast approaching old age, you lift me up. Thank you.

[+ kontor1]

Thanks Lee,

 

I very much appreciate the kind words you put in! I hope that next time we can even spend more time together to get to know each other a little bit better

 

Million hugs and kisses to you!

[Damascene]

My first real boyfriend - We met at work and saw I had an aptitude for his career. He showed a few things and I took off. We were not together long but he had a strong impact on my life.

[Doncon]

There are many heroes in history but many of the unsung ones are escorts who have helped people like me. I would like to sing praise to one who has greatly influenced and changed my life namely, ACE. I am in my early sixties and have lived that lifetime married in order to survive and succeed, constantly knowing I was gay. I had the good fortune of meeting Ace who truly understood what trials and tribulations I was going through. He embraced me with compassion, understanding, friendship, trust, and genuine concern for the betterment of my life. He was and still is a source of strength and support in this transition of my life. We continue to enjoy an open honest relationship as I venture forth in the gay world. I know that I have said it to him very frequently but I reiterate “ Thank you Ace for walking with me down the path of a new and exciting life”

[Mick NYC]

Thanks Cash for your very kind comments. It has been MY true pleasure knowing you all these years.

All the best,

Mick

[jj69action]

Nicely said Doncon nicely said. I to would like to sing ACE's praises, he has taken me from an unaware gay man to an exceptional gay who is really loving and enjoying life! Every time we have a session I learn something more about myself and my sexuality. ACE is simply the BEST! From the bottom of my heart THANK YOU!

There are many heroes in history but many of the unsung ones are escorts who have helped people like me. I would like to sing praise to one who has greatly influenced and changed my life namely, ACE. I am in my early sixties and have lived that lifetime married in order to survive and succeed, constantly knowing I was gay. I had the good fortune of meeting Ace who truly understood what trials and tribulations I was going through. He embraced me with compassion, understanding, friendship, trust, and genuine concern for the betterment of my life. He was and still is a source of strength and support in this transition of my life. We continue to enjoy an open honest relationship as I venture forth in the gay world. I know that I have said it to him very frequently but I reiterate “ Thank you Ace for walking with me down the path of a new and exciting life”

[Bosguy]

I began my journey to becoming a happy, confident gay man in my mid 60's thanks to Daddy, this wonderful Forum, and the many truly caring FRIENDS I have met. It started back in October, 2010 when I met Romann who introduced me to the Forum and has stood by my side through lots of issues in the past year. Through Romann I met Oliver and Tyger--2 more of the most supportive, caring men I have ever met.

In Palm Springs last March, my total outlook on life change--a wonderful inner happiness and smile showed up and has never gone away. I met Daddy who became my life coach andspent loads of time with Romann, Tyger, NYTomcat, Oliver, Lee, Dane Michael. NateSF and so many more.

I truly am the luckiest man alive to have the privilege of knowing the guys mentioned and others--my FORUM FRIENDS!!

 

Thank you is such a small word.

 

Boston Bill

[Guest Ace]

I've always said & believed that if you like what you do, or follow your passion,it isn't "work."..

To read that I have made a difference in someone's life (by way of being myself & choosing this alternate path to walk down) is a HUGE compliment & not something I take lightly! I thank all of you fine gentlemen for sharing your stories & to DonCon & JJ...

I couldn't be prouder to be part of your journey!

[doitb4ugo]

I can certainly see why you are so special, Ace. I have heard so many good things about you from members here on the forum. Thanks for being one more guy who takes the cynicism out of the equation.

[doitb4ugo]

I guess while I am barging into this thread I oughta say who has affected my life in a positive way. First off, It has to be my friends on this forum when my being gay is the only identity I need...not true for the rest of my life. Whipped Guy, NYTomcat, Leigh.bess.toad, who have all been there for me when I needed them most...and not always a pleasant proposition for them. They never failed me.

Also, Romann who was my first "guy" and still a great friend to me, and Raul my soulmate (the hottest of the hot), Ty, my Master and sensual guide(who I do not see enough on this coast), and local guy Randy who is so grounded yet flaky(I get to see his real self quite often).

 

Finally, Daddy, who I do not even know yet am certain he is making this a better world for me by hosting all of us crazies and getting us through both good and bad times....

 

r