We should all be able to be ourselves. Many of us have had to deal with varying forms of stigma, judgment, and discrimination in our lives. This can make it harder to feel safe and okay about who we are. Sometimes it may feel that the world is created for other people and to be part of it we need to watch what we do and don’t do.

As gay, bi, queer men our days are filled with the daily highs and lows that most people experience. We work, we go to school, we look for work, we may be unemployed and volunteering, we may have a hard time getting through the day, we may struggle to pay our bills, and we may wonder what the future holds for us. Each of us are on our own paths and have things that support us in our lives as well as things we struggle with.

Whether we live in a small town, the suburbs, or a city, communities play a big role providing support and a sense of belonging in our lives. Having people we can talk to, spend time with, play with, and turn to when we are going through hard times is important.

As gay guys, it seems that we learn a lot about sexual pleasure and sexual health from each other or online through websites or pornography. Incredibly, the education system still isn’t prepared to provide us with sexual health information that is relevant to us and to the sex we have.

Gay, queer, trans, and 2-Spirit guys have been through a lot as individuals, networks, and communities. We have fought hard for our rights with the support of our friends and allies, and are still working to build communities that welcome and protect all of us.