When did you know you were gay? And how did it change your life?

jhd1683, I was about ten when I realized that I was different from the other boys, or at least I should say my friend at the time and I, sort of came to the conclusion that we were lucky because we weren't looking for girls to play finger games like the other boys. Also as we had been playing with each others penis's for thrill feelings for some years we agreed that we preferred it, and so that was that.

Later my friend and I had to part because he was black and I am white and the country was misguided in the 1940/1950's causing it to be a social no go for whiteys to mix with blacks especially those from Africa. Thank the gods we are more enlightened nowadays.

When I finally came out to my parents they informed me that they had seen Ivan and I playing sex games at age seven, but being loving parents they didn't care as long as I was happy. If Ivan reads this he will now know who I am so. "Ivan, You I ask tonight How is Madagascar now, and how is the hotel."

I am now in a relationship that has continued lovingly and caringly for 38 years. This blissful experience I put down to my parents not interfering in what I was doing as a child learning about my body, so I grew up naturally without the evil interference that drives many gay people to suicide and depression. I am happy and contribute to society in a wholesome and positive manner and my lifemate and I are well respected in our community. I hope I have answered your question, but I am open to further communication if needed. ROBERTO.

I was seven when I figured it out. It didn't really affect my life until I was in college, when I became part of a gay community. Then my life became much better, and I am quite happy to be gay (not to say that I wasn't before). From time to time I wonder how much 'easier' my life would be if I weren't gay, but I'd never choose to be straight, even if it were a choice for me. If I weren't gay, i doubt I'd have such a strong sense of who I am, or such genuine friends, and genuine relationships. Diversity really changes your life--it can put you through rough things, but also helps open your mind to a new world, where people and ideas are alot less constrained.

When I was 18 I fell in love with my best friend. We were kicked out of a private christian college for being gay, and being together. We were both sent home ( I lived in California, she lived in Ohio). When I got home, my parents told me to break it off with her, or get out of their house. I ended up moving to Ohio the next day to live with my girlfriend. I lost my family and some of my friends too. It changed my life completely! It was hard at first, but Ive never been so happy and in love! Shes my soulmate, and was worth every risk I took. Were still together, 3 years now :) And our relationship is great!

It changed my whole life though, I went from thinking I was straight and having my parents pay for everything: car, clothes, bills, college, etc. To having to completely support myself in an unfamiliar place. Literally across the country (at age 18). It was a crazy time, but Im stronger because of it. And I want to get married, start a family and life with my girlfriend!

For me 'knowing' I was gay was not a single revolutionary moment, but a gradual series of learning and growing experiences. From first kisses, to crushes, thoughts, feelings and relationships. It is no different to anyone Else's sexuality in the sense that it is a gradual learning experience as I come to terms with who I am. I have avoided label ling myself because labels can be restrictive and destructive. However the most fulfilling relationships (in every sense of the word) I have had have been with men - that is why I call myself 'gay'.

I was 12. A friend of mine stole a porn form his dad and we watched it. I was fascinated by the guys. I became more introverted and started having more girl friends than guy friends. I steered away from sports and moved to the arts. It wasn't until high school that I found a place where I belonged. After that things became easier.

I was 13 when i realized.

(Im in highschool now.)

The people ive told have been fine with it. But once you come to terms with your sexuality, you start to realize how ignorant a lot of the people around you are just by listening to what they say.

So ive distanced myself from a lot of people because of it. At the same time, ive become more open to all different kinds of people (at least the open-minded ones).

Not that i am racist in any way, but when i was younger i generally associate myself with black people because i had these misguided perceptions (i come from an almost all-white community). I am glad to say that i have friends of all different colors and backgrounds now. Because all of that is really irrelevant as long as they are good people.

The same way that sexuality is irrelevant.

I found out I was a lesbian in 7th grade, when I developed a crush on my teacher. I took it terribly. I would hit myself in the stomach and pull my hair when I thought about girls. BUT then I got over it, and I'm happy with myself and life in general, liking girls is just a small part of me.

since i was in kindergarden. i got molested that day which turned me gay. it didnt change anything in my life since i was 5 during that time. im not gay anymore (im bi) and it was during 9th grade. nothing changed yet too except that i know look at girls the way i look at guys

im bi and jsut discovered this february 2008 i found myself attracted to guys as long as girls umm only friends and my bi cousin monica know well i never dated or done anything with a guy yet. i dated girls and liked it. my life really hasn't changed.

Cant date more smoothly in secondary school. Because those immature students dont respect Homosexual.