by J.J. Gonzales

Created on: July 28, 2008   Last Updated: January 19, 2009

I am a gay man who grew up with three brothers and playing baseball my whole entire life. I did come out to my family and most of my friends. But I do still play baseball and softball so I do keep my private life private. I do not see anything wrong with it. The reason I do is that I do travel frequently with my team. And we all have to share hotel rooms. If my teammates knew about me even if they did accept it. I know everyone would be talking about who is going to share a room with the gay one tonight. And who ever did would have to put up with ridicule the next day also. Plus I love playing these sports and I would never want to hurt my chances of not being called back to play again.

I have tried gay leagues but I am very competitive and have noticed that the gay leagues are only out there to exploit themselves. We had a firstbaseman that showed up in complete drag and was upset at me because I asked that he not play. How can you be expected to run the bases in Heels. some of the guys complained of sweating too much or getting dirty. So I prefer to play in the higher leagues. My lifestyle has no bearing on my ability to play, But I know thats the first thing out of someones mouth when they hear i am gay. Don't get me wrong I am gay and I am proud of who I am. But I don't believe that I must wave the rainbow flag everywhere I go. My private life is exactly that, PRIVATE. You can be proud and live a private life at the same time. Its not a lifestyle its who I am. My family has been very supportive of me on what I have done and accomplished in my life. My friends feel the same way. I play sports and I also do auto mechanics. Every gay boys dream right? I know there are people out there exactly like me, I have met a few of them who would tell you to your face that they are gay if you ask. But will not go around flaunting it. And thats how I live my life, If you ask, I will be honest with you and say Yes I am gay. But for those who don't know. I guess its not for them to know in the first place. I don't go around flaunting that I am Mexican, or that I can fix cars. My life is my life and I am happy the way I am living it. And that goes for anyone of any race or gender. Be proud of who you are and what you can accomplish. But it does not mean you have to brag about it. Life is complicated enough sometimes without adding complications to it.
Privately proud,
J.J. Gonzales

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