Curtis Loves David Gallagher!

My first gay crush was actor David Gallagher!

He played Simon Camden on the "7th Heaven" TV show. 

I had never seen it though, as there was no WB affiliate where I lived. 

But then in 1997, TV Guide featured it. 

As I looked into his eyes, I loved his smile, and his perfectly parted hair.

I was a naive 13 year old that year, and all I knew was that I got this warm feeling inside just looking at him. 

I wanted to be near him.

And to be like him. 

Being a blond with green eyes myself, I held the
TV Guide up to the mirror and tried to style my hair the same way. I kept that issue at the head of my bed for nearly a year, saying I liked one of the articles in it. 

A year later, I was literally in my OWN 7th heaven when my parents sprung to pay for for DishTV. 

Not only could I watch all the new episodes, but WGN ran many reruns all day. I stayed home sick from school as often as I could to catch them. 

My mom loved that I had taken a liking to such a "wholesome show."

If she only knew the unwholesome things I dreamt of while watching David!

Curtis - Aztec, New Mexico
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Cory Loves Devon Sawa!

My first gay crush was teen actor Devon Sawa!

I'd known since I was about age 7 that I didn't feel about girls the way I felt about boys.

So I'd pretty much accepted that I was gay by that point.

One summer day in 1996 at age 13, I came upon a special issue Tiger Beat featuring the movie "Wild America" starring Jonathan Taylor Thomas, and an actor I'd never heard of before named - Devon Sawa.

One look at Devon's blonde, angelic, masculine features, those gorgeous blue eyes, full lips and taut frame wrapped up in that leather jacket, spotless white t-shirt, and tight blue jeans? 

My heart actually leaped into my throat!

I'd had never (and still to this day have never) fallen so hard and so instantaneously in my life! 

For the next three years, Devon consumed my every waking thought. I immediately found every movie he'd done to that point.

I literally rewound the nude scene in "Now & Then" so many times I wore out the VHS tape!

Devon disappeared for a bit after "Wild America" but I was very pleased to see him make a resurgence on TV.

And I was even more delighted to see that Devon, like a fine wine, has vastly improved with age. 

He's not just beautiful anymore, he's now a very sexy, full-grown man. 

But I still feel a bit of nostalgia for the boy I used to crush over, dreaming of him lying next to me in my bed, with him wrapped in my arms.

Cory - Wyoming, Michigan
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Henry Loves Fred Dryer!

My first gay crush? Actor Fred Dryer!

When I was around 12, I used to stay up late and read in the family TV room, as I liked the silence. I have a big family, so getting some time just for myself was rare. 

Then one night in 1984, I was bored of reading and I switched on the TV. There was a show called "Hunter" just starting. I was just about to change the channel, 'cuz police shows were not my thing. 

But then, I saw HIM. 

A tall hunk of MAN with broad shoulders, black sunglasses, and tight blue jeans. I had never seen a man with a huge bulge like the one he had!  

Of course, I was sold. 

I watched the show and sat very close to the TV so I wouldn't miss any scenes of his very visible bulge.

As this was "pre Internet searching" all I could do was watch the re-runs at night to get my fill.

And when I went to bed, I would dream that he would stand in front of me, grabbing my arm and placing my hand on his growing bulge...
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Andy Loves Val Kilmer!

My first gay crush was Val Kilmer as Batman!

It was 1995, and I was 9 years old at the time.

I had always loved Batman, so when "Batman Forever" came out, of course I HAD to see it. 

From the first time I saw Val Kilmer as Batman,

I was smitten. Oh, those intense eyes, pouty lips, great body and tight little butt! Who could resist someone who was so -- MALE!?

Val was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen! And then there was his voice. The kind of soft, sensual voice that could just make you cream your jeans! WHOO DOGGIE, WHAT A MAN! 

I swoon a little bit now just thinking about it.

There was no doubt in my mind that he was the man of my dreams. That is until I discovered Jonathan Taylor Thomas, but that's a whole other story!

I still have my "Batman Forever" movie poster. 

I would probably still drool over it today! LOL!

Andy, Phoenix Arizona 

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Steven Loves Scott Bakula!

My first gay crush was actor Scott Bakula!

I was age 13 in 1991, and I fell madly in love with Scott on "Quantum Leap."

He had those kind eyes and that big nose. And even though he was so big and strong, he had that sweet voice.

I wanted him to hold me tight, and kiss me all over my face.

I watched way too much TV back then, and had simultaneous crushes on the dad from "The Wonder Years," Ken Howard from "Coach," and basically the entire cast of "Wings" (particularly Antonio the cab driver).

But Scott was the first guy I seriously thought about kissing and making out with. While I had no idea what to do in bed, I did know that every time he took his shirt off, I didn't want to look away.

No one ever knew about my crush, and I pretended that I had the hots for Paula Abdul every time the video for "Promise Of A New Day" would show on VH1.

I'd always agree with my best friend that Paula looked so hot dancing in that grass. Little did he know I was actually hot for Scott!

Steven - Frederick, MD

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Christina Loves Phylicia Rashad!

My first gay crush was actress Phylicia Rashad!

I had always watched "The Cosby Show" but it wasn’t until I was 8 that I really started to notice the beautiful Phylicia Rashad. 

In 1988 we had just moved, and I was watching the show while my parents unpacked. There was a scene where she just floats into the room, hair flowing back, skin glistening, with a smile on her face. 

All of a sudden I felt a rush and I felt hot!

From that moment on, every time Clair Huxtable came onscreen, those same feelings arose. When I hit puberty, the feeling became more intense. I thought she was the Queen!

I used to steal magazines that she was in from my parents, and I recorded every episode of "The Cosby Show" on VHS. I certainly didn’t tell anyone that Phylicia Rashad got my blood boiling, but everyone knew I loved her.

And don't even get me started on how hot she looks dancing in the opening credits!

Christina - Alameda, CA

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Kevin Loves John Wesley Shipp!

My first gay crush was John Wesley Shipp. I was 9!

My mother had returned to working in the late 70's, so I was left with my grandmother every afternoon after school.  

Each day I got off the school bus at 2:45pm - just in time to get a cookie and sit with her.

Together, we both watched "The Guiding Light," her favorite soap "story."

I can remember feeling "tingly" in my bathing suit area, every time John wore his. I just wanted to touch his chest, biceps, and inner thighs!  

I was still way too young to understand why I felt this way, but I knew that John was somehow stirring these feelings.    

I didn't feel this way again about another guy, until Tom Selleck started taking his shirt off on "Magnum PI" for me every week!

Kevin - New York, NY

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Sophie Loves Kate Winslet!

My first gay crush was actress Kate Winslet. 

At age 9, I totally fell for her in 1997. To me, she was simply the most beautiful creature in existence. 

There was just something about her that made me dizzy and made my heart ache.

I would stare at her picture for hours and try to draw her, dreaming up all sorts of plots and scenarios in which I'd get to meet her. I remember busily collecting "Titanic" posters and pictures of Leonardo DiCaprio with my friends. I had a strange little crush on Leonardo as well, which, in retrospect, seems just as gay?

I remember asking them, 'But don't you just think KATE WINSLET is b e a u t i f u l ?' I couldn't understand why they weren't as into her as I was.

My mom said I was too young to see "Titanic," so we rented "Sense & Sensibility" instead. 

I remember being terrified there would be a nude scene, and everyone would be able to tell what I was thinking. 

Kate just tore a hole in my heart that day. 

And even without a nude scene, I was blushing and excited all over throughout the entire film. 

Sophie - Vienna, Austria

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Paul Loves Seann William Scott!

Thinking back, it’s hard to remember my exact first gay crush. However, the front runner to this day has to be Seann William Scott!

I had older sisters and was allowed to watch the "American Pie" movies. I was a 10 year old in Northern California when the first one came out, and I was in love. 

Yup, I was in love with the guy who played Steve Stifler. I don’t know if it was the arrogant attitude, his womanizing antics, and/or overtly sexual behavior - but boy, was I in love! He was a total jerk, but his body was perfect.

I was unaware that this would explain the type of guys I’ve dated as an adult! But besides that, I followed all his movies, and one of my favorites was “Road Trip.” 

Embarrassingly enough, it's because of the scene at a sperm bank. He gets his prostate stimulated by a woman, and watching him enjoy that was the pinnacle of prepubescent "alone time" in my room.

That eventually lead to me getting caught watching that scene on repeat. Although my sister heard the scene repeating from my room, it was still my big secret. Or so I thought!

To this day, I still get excited whenever I see him in a movie or on TV. And I can’t wait for the "American Pie Reunion"!!!

Paul - San Francisco, CA

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Thomas Loves Matthew Lawrence!

My first gay crush was actor Matthew Lawrence.

I first became aware of him on the show "Blossom" in 1991, when he played a younger version of his real-life brother Joey’s character in the show.

I was 12, and saw him shirtless in a scene. And I just remember feeling this… flutter, I guess.

And when he played Robin William's son in "Mrs Doubtfire," I was just totally crazy over him.

I don't think I've missed anything he's ever been in. And I promise you, he's been in some bad stuff. But all he'd have to do is smile and I couldn't take my eyes off him.

At 13 years old, I found out he was born Feb. 11, 1980 - just 9 days from my own birthday - which made me giddy. I would fantasize about meeting him, and telling him this quirky fact. We'd hit it off and it would be like fate.

Next we'd be alone, him laying on top of me with his tongue in my mouth. Of course, that fantasy usually ended with me hiding in my room, taking my "daydreaming" to it's natural conclusion.

Here it is 2013, and I still really do have a crush on this gorgeous man. It's pretty well known now among family and friends that I am utterly infatuated with this guy.

I recently discovered a scene he did from an indie movie called "Trucker." He's in a sex scene, and even though it’s with a woman, mentally I'm switching her out for me every time I watch it. 

Which is probably once a day!

Thomas - Corning, NY
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Jude Loves Doctor Who!

My first gay crush was a TV character.

The Doctor is a time travelling alien/physician from the planet Gallifrey, who took human companions on great adventures. When I was around age 11, Doctor Who and the TARDIS materialized into my world, and I became obsessed with him and his magical blue box.

His character has currently been played by 11 actors, with Matt Smith as the latest incarnation. So over time, I fell in love with a character who is more than just one dimensional.

What makes the Doctor wonderful is that he makes you realize you are smart, clever, and brilliant. And my crush came at a time in my young life when I didn't see any role models that I identified with as a young man. 

He took companions in hand and introduced them to everything the universe has to offer - joys, wonders and horrors! And as Craig Ferguson sings: "Intellectualism and romance conquer over brute force and cynicism..."

Jude - Boulder, Colorado

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Akin Loves Eddie Cibrian!

My first gay crush was the very hot Eddie Cibrian!

I was 8 years old when I first saw him, as "Rock" from the film "But I'm A Cheerleader," which also featured RuPaul.

Although the film came out in 1999, I didn't see it until 2003.

And I swear I watched it at least twice a day, every day, for 2 and a half months!

And I specifically anticipated seeing him in the football scene. That's where "Rock" seduces some of the boys at the "True Directions" homosexuality rehab camp, by stroking a rather phallic rake and wearing a sweaty wife-beater tank-top and very tight denim shorts.


And I have never looked at my gardener quite the same since then. Coincidentally, two years ago I dated a boy for a few months who was called Eddie Serbian, and he worked alongside his father as a gardener/pool boy.

I asked my parents to hire them - which was before I came out and revealed that we were dating!

Akin - Bath, Somerset, England
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Jeanie Loves Claire Danes!

Actress Claire Danes was my first gay crush.

Watching "My So Called Life" at age 13 in the early 90's, I thought I wanted to be Claire's character, Angela Chase.

It was that age-old lesbian conundrum:

Do I want to be her or
do I want to date her?

She was deep, she was alternative, she was cool, and she wore flannel.

I wanted it all - except NOT Jordan Catalano. I hated that she liked Jordan, then it dawned on me that I was just jealous. That's when I first thought I might be gay (and perhaps a little too into the show).


Also, Angela Chase was solely responsible for my horrible flannel phase in my early teens. Hey, it was the 90's, so give me a break.

I never told anyone about my crush, until recently. 

I find myself still having a thing for alternative girls, which I will always attribute to Claire Danes.

Jeanie - Louisville, KY
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Lauren Loves Cameron Diaz!

My first gay crush was actress Cameron Diaz.

I was 7-years old when a friend of my parents' had taken my sister and I to see "The Mask."

Afterwards, when she asked us each what we thought about the movie, my only response was:

"The pretty blonde lady made my tummy feel funny."


I don't remember saying this, but I do remember feeling happy and warm the whole rest of the night.

The truth is, I was stunned by the gorgeous blonde in a red dress, who danced like no one I'd ever dreamed of. She was sexy, she was smart, and she was troubled.

I would learn later in life that "troubled" is something I'm not only drawn to, but feel a strong urge to rectify. But most of all, she was mesmerizing.

It didn't matter that she worked for some sleazy guy, was forced into a relationship with him, or that she wasn't particulary well-spoken. When Cameron danced, sang, or even just walked into a room, everything else just kind of melted away.

My younger self seemed to have a strong affinity for blondes (Hello, Kelly Taylor!), and although I'm primarily drawn to brunettes nowadays, I will never forget that night -- or that red dress!

Lauren - New Brunswick, New Jersey
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Justin Loves Austin St. John!

My first gay crush was actor Austin St. John.

I was 6 in 1993 when "Mighty Morphin Power Rangers" first aired, and every Saturday morning I would plop down in front of the TV to watch it.

The original leader was the Red Ranger named Jason Lee Scott (played by Austin St. John).

Jason had defined muscles, a deep timbre to his voice, and he was strong and great at martial arts. Although I didn't know it at the time, I would say that he represented a perfect masculinity to me.

Though I didn't have any tangible sexual attraction to men or women, I was drawn to Jason. While all of my male friends talked about how pretty Kimberly the Pink Ranger was, I would just stare at Jason's arms and face while giving non-commital answers to the others.

We would get together in my backyard and pretend to be Power Rangers. I refused to be the Red Ranger and always played Billy (Blue Ranger), because I identified more as a geek. Plus, I couldn't pretend to be the person that I loved; that would have been too weird.

Austin St. John left the series in season two, and my heart broke. And I nearly fell off of the couch when I saw him return in 1996. By that point, I knew for sure that I was different than the other boys in school, but I rationalized my crush as, 'Oh, you just want to grow up to look like him.'

After all of these years, I still occasionally have dreams about being with him. In them, I'm jogging and I get attacked, and Jason comes and saves me in his red uniform. After saving me, he removes the uniform, and well - I'm sure you can imagine the rest...

Justin - Ohio
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Frank Loves Elijah Wood!

My first gay crush was actor Elijah Wood.

Actually, my crush was on two boys that were just a few years older than me:

Elijah Wood and Macaulay Culkin.


It happened watching the movie, "The Good Son."

At that age, I had this idea that I wanted to be their "best friend" just to spend time with them. I liked them both in other movies, but I think "The Good Son" is what definitely confirmed my crush.

I'm 27-years old now and I've met them both at various times in my life after I turned 21. My crush for Elijah was still there, but that ended as soon as I saw the first "Lord of the Rings" movie.

As for Macaulay, I had the privilege to be on the set for the movie "Party Monster," with a good friend and mentor, Brian Warner (best known as Marilyn Manson).

The little that I got to talk to Macaulay, I accidently told him about my crush as a child.

He said it was nice yet innocent, but that people change... Huh?

Frank - Dallas, TX
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Kim Loves Winona Ryder!

My first gay crush was actress Winona Ryder.

I was 19, when I saw her on a "Rolling Stone" magazine cover.

Seeing her at that time was my "When I knew for sure moment."

I would just stare at her in the checkout aisle at the grocery store.

Her hair, those eyes, her lips, those twisted up overalls, and no shirt.

It was amazing, and I've always remembered it. I didn't know if I wanted to be her or be with her. But I was definitely OK with either applied to me.

My girlfriend always says she's going to look for an original copy of the magazine on Ebay and buy it and frame it for me. :)

Kim - Columbus, Ohio
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Hilary Loves Lucy Lawless!

Lucy Lawless as "Xena: Warrior Princess"
was my first gay crush.

Actually, it was Lucy and Renée O'Connor as "Gabrielle" who were my first lesbian crushes.

I was 9, and still absolutely clueless about my own sexuality, but from the time I found the show in 1997, I never missed an episode.

Xena was who I idolized and wanted to be, and Gabrielle was the woman I wanted at my side.

I don't think I ever actually admitted my crush to anyone, and no one ever questioned it. Probably because I also watched shows like "Hercules,""The Adventures of Sinbad," and "Beast Master." But anyone who watched those shows knows they were loaded with more hot babes than any show with female protagonists.

Back then, I thought Xena and Gabrielle were more than friends, but I was so naive that I didn't even know women could be together that way. So they remained best friends in my mind, due to my limited knowledge.

Looking back, I can't help but wonder - even at such a young age - if I was picking up on the lesbian subtext.

Hilary - Saskatchewan, Canada
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Brittany Loves Queen Beryl!

I was about 4 or 5 when I had my first gay crush.

It was in the mid 90's when "Sailor Moon" captivated a whole generation of little boys - and girls!

However, I was much more attracted to the red-haired, busty villainess Queen Beryl. I remember clearly being entranced by her. And the doll I had of her was absolutely my favorite toy back then.

Heck, I'm pretty sure that she ended up cultivating a lot of my tastes. I'd still probably date her today if she was a real woman.

Today, I've got one foot in the pansexual closet and one foot out. But suffice to say that if anyone asked me for the first time I really knew I was gay, I'd point to Queen Beryl as my catalyst.

Brittany - Alberta, Canada
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Hillary Loves Melissa Joan Hart!

My first gay crush was Melissa Joan Hart. Or actually her character Clarissa, from the excellent Nickelodeon show, "Clarissa Explains It All."

It was the mid 90's, and I was about 12-years old. At the time, I just thought I wanted to be her.

Melissa was so beautiful, and always dressed so cool! And she was just so awesome and rebellious.

She had a pet alligator named Elvis, for crying out loud! How was I supposed to resist her charms?

As I got older and realized more about myself, I knew I didn't just want to be Clarissa, I wanted to be WITH her! It was quite a moment of self discovery to admit that yes - my devotion to Ms. Hart's little TV show was mostly because I wanted her to be my girlfriend.


It was no secret I was her fan, but I don't think anyone suspected the underlying crush. My mom indulged my fascination though, and allowed me to sport many now-ridiculous Clarissa-inspired outfits and hairdos.

Thanks, mom!

Hillary - Washington, DC
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