Not worrying about society’s role expectations has been a challenge at points of my life and a success at other points. The frequently rigid definitions of masculine and feminine within and outside the gay community has been problematic for me and at times have left me wondering where I fit in.

There is no one gay community (in Cleveland). There are strong pockets of long term make and female couples and older folks just coming out. Many gay men and women I find are not social in gay oriented events and activities.

Single people from 30 to 55 or so are hard to find.

(With regards to coming out) A lot of backstory here. Short of it is that I always knew and have been quietly out since high school or earlier.