Hey everyone... I wanted to ask something that’s been coming up for me lately. In a recent dating context, there have been a couple moments where the other person was pretty open about things they’re into, sexually or erotically. Nothing explicit or inappropriate, more just honest glimpses into their desire, kink, attraction, or the kind of energy they’re drawn toward. And I noticed that instead of simply being able to meet that with curiosity, part of me got hit with comparison, jealousy, shame, and a sense of “oh, I’m not that” or “I don’t know how to be seen that way.” After sitting with it, I realized the deeper thing may not even be about the other person. It’s that I don’t feel like I’ve had many spaces where my own sexuality, attractions, preferences, or erotic self could be named, witnessed, normalized, or celebrated without shame. So my question is: Are there queer men’s spaces, workshops, discussion groups, books, practices, or community settings that have helped you explore shame around gayness, sexuality, desire, attraction, kink, or being honest about what you’re into? Not necessarily in a party/club/cruising context, but more in a reflective, embodied, honest, community-based way. I went to an erotic poetry event recently, and that felt adjacent, but not quite the thing I’m looking for. Curious if anyone has found spaces or practices that helped them feel more integrated, less ashamed, and more able to be witnessed in their desire.

Was so lovely to meet you in person, @Homar Maximiliano Hope to meet you all in person one day!

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Doing nothing lol What about you?

Who’s joining? Topic: internalized homophobia