Good post! ... I remember having to do exactly the same thing, mirror and all, but the year was something like 1966. I suspect a lot of gay men have been through this personal rite of passage. I'm not sure it has gotten any easier a number of generations later. But in the long run, it's life-afirming - and essential if you plan on surviving.
I sort of lucked out by choosing the profession of theatre, where our kind is hardly a rarity. Still, the first step is always self-acceptance, and that may have been the hardest thing I've ever done. Looking back though, I realize that lots of people (not necessarily friendly ones) around me knew I was gay ... the only thing that got me through was the fact that the entire society practiced strict 'don't ask, don't tell' in those days.
Love your T-shirt ...now that's something nobody saw in the 1960's ;0) Thanks for posting ... Hugs to you, my friend.
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I sort of lucked out by choosing the profession of theatre, where our kind is hardly a rarity. Still, the first step is always self-acceptance, and that may have been the hardest thing I've ever done. Looking back though, I realize that lots of people (not necessarily friendly ones) around me knew I was gay ... the only thing that got me through was the fact that the entire society practiced strict 'don't ask, don't tell' in those days.
Love your T-shirt ...now that's something nobody saw in the 1960's ;0) Thanks for posting ...
Hugs to you, my friend.