Jason Loves Jim Palmer!

My first gay crush was baseball player Jim Palmer.

I was about 8-years old and infatuated with the Jockey underwear ads featuring him.

So much so, I cut the ads out, folded them into discreet squares, and hid them in my Ziggy pencil box.

During the summer vacation, I went to stay with my grandfather in Colorado. While on vacation, I even posed like my dear Jim Palmer for pics to send back to mom.

Of course, this was my own little secret.

At the same time I was posing, at home my mother decided to surprise me by redecorating my bedroom in an "Empire Strikes Back" theme. She pulled out all the stops: Empire wallpaper, sheets, bedspread, and a Star Wars Estes Rocket hanging from the ceiling.

The one change I wasn't so excited about, was a new "Empire Strikes Back" pencil box. The minute I saw that, my heart sank. I though for sure my mother had come across my Jim Palmer in skivvies pic stash, and I would be in trouble for sure.

It's sad to think back at the idea that I would be punished for that. But now at 40, my mother and I have a good laugh about it!

Jason - San Francisco, CA
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Inspired by the "Born This Way Blog" - www.BornThisWayBlog.com

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