Jennifer Loves Julie Andrews!

My first gay crush was Victor Grezinski of "Victor/Victoria," with Julie Andrews
in the starring role.

It was Christmas 1984, just before my 12th birthday, and my whole family watched this movie together.

I felt completely betrayed when Victor gave up her life in drag to be with a man. And I only wanted to be alone with my feelings.


Afterwards, I was in a sort of daze and obsessed with this person, indeed jealous that others might get to know her as I did. I fantasized about meeting her, and what I'd say to her. Unfortunately, I was 21 before I felt comfortable enough to explain my fascination with her!

Though many others followed, she remains my first crush.

Jennifer - North Carolina
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Inspired by the "Born This Way Blog" - www.BornThisWayBlog.com

Tony Loves Erik Estrada!

My first gay crush was Erik Estrada. I was 8!

And there he was as I watched every week on the "CHiPS" TV show.

Seeing Ponch in tight pants, straddling his motorcycle, was the start of it all for me.

I didn't even know what it all meant at that age, but I know I was transfixed to the show!


Tony - Philadelphia, PA
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Inspired by the "Born This Way Blog" - www.BornThisWayBlog.com

Mike Loves Randy Mantooth!

My first gay crush was Randy Mantooth.

I was 7-years old when I first saw him as
paramedic Johnny Gage on the TV show "Emergency!"

I remember watching this show for the first time, sitting on the floor at my grandparent's house in California. When he appeared on the screen, I was immediately captivated. I'd watch the show anytime
I could, never following the story, just him.

The creepy thing that I realize now, is that he played a paramedic/firefighter - and my dad was a firefighter for 30 years! Does this mean that I should find myself a good therapist?

My grandmother was a huge Liberace fan, and always watched his TV specials. And I remember the chauffeur that drove his Rolls Royce was hot, too. LOL!

Mike - Seattle, WA
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Inspired by the "Born This Way Blog" - www.BornThisWayBlog.com

Jordy Loves Scott Thompson!

My first gay crush was Scott Thompson
from "Kids In The Hall."

My parents must have left a 12-year old me alone with our TV, and our one and only channel, CBC. Because I know I wasn't allowed to watch "Kids in the Hall." But what kid listens to their parents?

I saw the beautiful blonde Scott in a sketch where he declares to the other members of the troupe that he's gay.

And I finally found out what the Catholic school kids on the bus were calling me. 'Gay' meant a man who thought other men were cute. I thought the other Kids were cute, too. Well, except for Kevin...

So how could 'gay' be wrong?

Of course, I had to hide it in my conservative town. But seeing Scott be so free about his sexuality in the early 90's was an inspiration.


I don't know that I would be here today without Scott to look up to, especially his flamboyant character Buddy Cole. Finally being able to see someone like myself was a revelation.

Jordy - British Columbia, Canada
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Inspired by the "Born This Way Blog" - www.BornThisWayBlog.com

Beverly Loves Robby Benson!

My first gay crush was Robby Benson
as Billy Joe McAllister in "Ode To Billy Joe."

It was summer 1976, I was 14, and my hormones were raging. The local movie theater was playing "Ode To Billy Joe".

I knew I was gay, but I was very inexperienced and still coming to terms with my sexuality.

I'd never seen Robby Benson before.

And when he came on the screen, I nearly died. Instant attraction and crush!

His face, voice, and mannerisms were so cute, and when he took off his shirt, things started to tingle in strange and interesting places. He was the first older boy/actor that I found really super attractive.

The movie's overall theme, the tragic figure he played, and the fact that he had a homosexual encounter in it made it even more titillating. The tragedy that follows was both powerful and moving, thanks to Robby's outstanding performance.


Later, I read the book that the movie was based on and contacted the author. He wrote me back saying that although Billy Joe was a fictional character, the story was loosely based on actual events.

Even today, when I hear the theme song that helped inspire the movie, sung by the sultry Bobbie Gentry, I immediately think of Billie Joe and Robby Benson.

I've followed Robby's work ever since, and I'm happy he went on to have a great career, even becoming the voice of the "Beast" for Disney. But that's another story...

He's still really attractive, but alas my crush has waned. However, the memories of that summer in '76
will last a lifetime. Thanks Robby!

Beverly - Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
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Inspired by the "Born This Way Blog" - www.BornThisWayBlog.com