Taking Pride in my Speedo

BY RYAN O’CONNOR (HE/HIM/HIS), GUEST COLUMNIST

Here it is again, my favorite – Compete’s annual swimsuit issue. When I first started reading Compete I was a twenty-something college sophomore ready to take on the world. And … I had the body to match! Things have changed a bit since those early days of Compete. Back then I was bursting out of the closet—and my Speedo—to tell everyone I was out, proud and ready to, well, embrace my sexuality.

Looking back, being young and having a nice body were pretty much the most important things to me. I never thought I would get older, at least not THIS old! Nor did I think I would trade in my Speedo for a pair of long board shorts. Now I sometimes even wear a T-shirt to the pool.

But it is not just the style of the swimsuit I choose to wear that has changed. Life in the gay community has changed a lot, too. I now see more and more (and younger and younger) people coming out. Even that sentence has changed. I think ten years ago I would have said, “men coming out.” Gay doesn’t just mean men, and coming out happens not only to males but also to females, those who identify as intersex, non-binary, agender, genderqueer, genderfluid and more.

I love seeing more diversity in the media and in life. Finally it seems like more than ever people of all races, colors and sexes are being celebrated – something that enables people to be more authentic. And I think one of the most important aspects of Pride Month is for people to be able to just be themselves.

Recently I was listening to a traditional podcast and the host welcomed everyone by saying “Welcome guys, gals and non-binary pals.” Like same sex marriage, that is something even I would never have thought would be encouraged and accepted during my lifetime. And it took a bunch of gay and straight people to move the dial far enough for that to happen – WOW!

While I normally talk about dating, sex and relationships, in this issue I find myself also mentioning marriage – and while I don’t know if this is “same sex” or not, this issue coming out is the marriage of Compete’s Pride Issue with their 15th Annual Swimsuit Issue. Honestly, I don’t think coming out will ever be the same - LOL!

RYAN O’CONNOR is just a regular guy who is dating in this great big world. His advice comes from personal experience and his advice is for entertainment purposes only. We recommend you consult a physician, counselor or therapist in your area for specific advice about your personal situation. Otherwise, questions can be submitted to bedroom@competesportsdiversity.com