“We met on an online App (Scruff) and grabbed drinks shortly after chatting. I (Jonny) got there first and waited inside the bar. I saw Zach getting his ID checked and shot him a big smile and waved. He always tells people he knew from the moment I smiled at him that he was instantly hooked.
We talked about our dads and how we both lost them around the same time from the same cancer. We were both from m very different parts of the US but had very similar views on life and what makes relationships work. More importantly we both knew what we wanted in a partner and what we had to give to someone else. After a long, slow walk to my apartment, Zach walked me home and then came upstairs for a nightcap. The second he left I knew I couldn’t wait to see him again and we have pretty much been inseparable since.
Advice to the LGBTQ+ would be to expand your friends outside of just the gay scene. It’s important to know who you are but not define yourself just because you like the same sex.
We have found having many types of friends (straight gay bi married friends with kids) helps keep us healthy from falling into the traps of having to fit into a certain mold. Sometimes we feel we can only go to gay bars or gay parties, when in reality the world is here for us. Be part of every community. And most importantly be open and honest with what makes you happy in life.”
