Gay dogging

The pulsing bass of the nightclub vibrated through me as I spotted Ben across the crowded dance floor, his eyes mirroring my own hesitant, hopeful gaze, a shared understanding passing between us about the complexities of navigating the gay world and the LGBT community. Gathering my courage, I walked over, and with a grin, asked him to dance, suddenly feeling lighter than I had in years, daring to be openly me. His answering smile was all the encouragement I needed; this night, under the flashing lights, felt like the start of something real, something where we could both finally breathe. And in that moment, with Ben’s hand in mine, I knew that being gay wasn't a burden, but a beautiful part of who I was meant to be.