gay stereotypes

   Last night I was at a local LGBT group that was having a discussion about "gaydar" and LGBT stereotypes. It was an interesting conversation and even fun debate. One of the comments that I made was that I feel that as a gay man I'm more free to self define. I don't feel as limited by gender roles and things like machismo and all that. Of course I'm not saying they don't effect me at all, but I'm cognizant of them which I think makes them a little less influential.
   There was also discussion about where the stereotypes came from, and whether or not people play into them. All stereotypes come from somewhere, and whether or not they are true in a generalization is a different matter. Certainly when you watch Queer Eye For the Straight Guy you can see those stereotypes. Is that a good or a bad thing? I would tend to think neither. If a person is being true to himself, then it's good. If a man tends to be more feminine then so be it. The negative I think would be if someone changes himself to act a certain way because they feel that they have to in order to fit in.
   Personally I know I'm not the most masculine guy, and honestly I really don't care. I used to, but I'm pretty comfortable with who I am. I am myself, and I'm quite happy with the fact that I've had the opportunity to be more of me.