Brian Loves Shaun Cassidy!

During the summer of 1977 when I was 15,
I had my first big gay crush on Shaun Cassidy.

I loved Shaun's big puppy-dog eyes, big smile, long perfect hair, and his tight pants!

Shaun had just come out with his first album - yes, on vinyl, in 1977 - and was also on TV.


He played Joe Hardy, with Parker Stevenson - who wasn't too bad looking himself! - in "The Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew Mysteries" on Sunday nights.

I watched every episode. But my favorite showed Shaun keep reaching into his pocket to play a tape recorder.

Every time they showed a close-up of his pocket, they would show some of his hairy leg as well.

My young heart was pounding away! But my older brother complained about why they kept showing him playing his tape recorder. "Who cares," I thought, "I hope his pocket tears wide open!"

That summer while driving on a family vacation,
I would try to find his song, "Da Doo Ron Ron" on the radio. And again, my older brothers complained. They said they didn't want to hear him.


Going through puberty, I not only had my first crush, but I also learned to keep my feelings and thoughts to myself. And, I was taught shame and guilt very well by my family!

Brian - Royal Oak, MI
__________________________________

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

Lydia Loves Sara Gilbert!

At around age 12, I started realizing I liked girls. There were a few girls I found myself attracted to, but no one did it quite like Sara Gilbert.

It started out as just a thing for her character Darlene on "Roseanne," but even now I still find myself a little attracted to her.

I caught the show mainly in re-runs, and the Darlene I fell for was was dark, moody, brooding, and wore ripped-up jeans. And I identified with her.

Later I found out that Sara Gilbert really is a lesbian, has a partner, and two children. So I'm happy for her!

And, I kinda feel like my Gaydar picked up on that, even though she was acting as someone else on TV.
Lydia - Nashville, TN
______________________________

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

Patrick Loves Joey McIntyre!

My first gay crush was Joey McIntyre from
New Kids On The Block, when I was about 10.

My older sister was a big fan of them too, and had the "Hangin' Tough Live" concert video. Which we watched religiously.

She liked Donnie and pretended he was singing to her, but I secretly longed for Joey.

Especially when he sang "Please Don't Go Girl."


And I never refused when she wanted to watch it!!!

I even went out and bought his CD when he first went solo, so my crush lasted a good while. Haha!

Patrick - Ohio
__________________________________

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

Robert Loves Lyle Waggoner!

My first same-sex crush was Lyle Waggoner, circa 1975. I was about 6 or 7-years old at the time.

Lyle was exactly how I still like my men:

Big 'n manly, with beefcake handsomeness.

And thank you forever, Carol Burnett, for making him take his shirt off on your show.

Then he moved on to that cartoon come to life, on "Wonder Woman" as dashing Major Steve Trevor. What wasn't there to like? 

I'll never forget the first nudie magazine I ever stole. My childhood best friend's dad kept a stash of Playboys under his bed he snuck out. 

But amongst those magazines was this strange anomaly: a Playgirl. And there in the centerfold was my dream guy, Lyle Waggoner.

Naturally, I always wanted him to swipe that one for me, swearing it was only because he was on "Wonder Woman" and I wanted to grow up to be Steve Trevor.

It's been more than 30 years since then, and I recently reconnected with that childhood friend on Facebook. It was the first time he officially found out I was gay, and his only reply was:

"I should have known when you made me steal that Lyle Waggoner magazine from my mom."

Yes, Lewis - you really should have! But thanks for the magazine, which I still own today.

Robert - Los Angeles, CA
____________________________________________________________________________

Click here - "Born This Way: Real Stories of Growing Up Gay" book
Click here - "My First Gay Crush Blog"
Click to follow my blog with Bloglovin' Tweet

Ramon Loves Michael Bergin!

I'd have to say that my first major gay crush was
Michael Bergin as J.D. Darius on "Baywatch!"

This show was a huge part of my sexual awakening as a child. I was about 12 when I started watching it, and I knew I loved me some men - but this was when
I realized I had a passion for them. Especially looking at Michael, and I couldn't believe my eyes!


Oh, those 6-pack abs, huge pecs, muscular arms, broad shoulders, gorgeous back, flawless tan skin, and his beautiful face. It was true love!
I was so obsessed, I even took swimming lessons!

I couldn't get enough of him running and swimming in those red shorts. I so wanted to 'drown' at a beach, with that hunk on top of me, giving mouth to mouth.


Michael still has a special place in my heart, and not just because he still has it totally goin' on.
With his beauty and sexual charm, he gave joy and hope to a chubby, awkward outcast who was realizing how most of the world viewed gay people.

Love you, Michael!

Ramon - California
______________________________

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