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Hey, Jon,
I love you dearly, think the world of you, and ALSO appreciate the
realism of your perspective, on this file. I share your view about the "way things work", which is (to some significant extent) inescapable. And there is no point sugar-coating it. Yes, I have no doubt that many (if not most) fat gay guys would like to be with a good-looking fit person. And that is not always going to happen, unless one is willing to wait for someone who appreciates someone fatter.
I'd just like to mention a couple of things, however, Jon. There is a perception out there, that fat people solely have themselves to blame, for being fat. This is partly true, and partly not. When I was under the spell of my
inamorato at uni, I starved myself (didn't eat anything but lettuce, tomatoes, and the odd slice of turkey); went to the gym every day and ran miles and miles around the track; and did Nautilus obsessively. That was over a period of three years, and I never got an ounce under 200 pounds. (Of course I did look better, at that weight, and I am 6'2", with very wide shoulders, so, I think I actually looked reasonable, then.)
But it still wasn't good enough for Danny, my love at that moment. He dumped me because, he said, "A - you're still too fat, and you're just not goodlooking enough, for me." (Since then, interestingly, he has phoned me and said, "A - dumping you was the biggest mistake of my life: because when I am ever going to find someone as kind and caring as you are, again?" Well, I suppose if he had had that epiphany at the time, all would have been mended. But he didn't, and it wasn't, and that's that. I'm fortunate, now, to have found a b/f who particularly LIKES older, and heavier, men. . . and I feel very fortunate to be in his company.)
Anyway, when I was treading those boards, as you say. . . it was an all-consuming pursuit. I was starved to the point of fainting in classes: and I spent so much time in the gym that I didn't have the chance to READ a BOOK, or anything. That's no kind of life for anyone, Jon.
Absolutely, by making healthier choices in terms of diet, and exercise, ANYONE will be thinner than he otherwise, would be. However, what some people who are blessed with a slight frame and a fast metabolism don't realize, is, that it is much harder for some people to lose weight, than others. One often reads articles in the U.K. popular press, and in quite a number of American self-help magazines too, which suggest that if fat people just diet and exercise, nirvana is just around the corner. What I am suggesting here is, it ain't necessarily so.
This has always been a problem, for me. And it is always a bigger problem, for gay men, to be fat - than for their straight counterparts. In my experience, there are a lot more straight WOMEN who are willing to look past a man's physical appearance, and love him for who he is, INSIDE, than there are gay men.
In point of fact, and I am not passing judgement, because I am an offender, too - - - - the gay world operates on a ruthless hierarchy based upon looks, weight, fitness, and age. . . and woe betide he who is less than handsome, or old, or fat. Some very nice people out there never get a look in with a lover, because they simply don't "qualify". Love is an exceptionally fierce economic competition for physical, emotional, and monetary resources - and a lot of people do get left behind, in the process. (I was one of them, for a very long time: I can only say, thank God for
Jason Matthews. . . HE kept me going through my worst, and darkest periods, in life. Jason really SAVED MY LIFE, in some material fashion.)
Jon, you're absolutely right: it is what it is, and there is really nothing to be done about the basic facts of the matter. People must face reality, and cope as best they can.
My point in beginning this thread was not to CONTEST the reality of things, but rather - - - to offer some personal experience, commiseration, and comfort, to others who have been in my situation, and who have experienced personal and emotional hurt, therefor. And assist them, in the coping. It is very tough, being fat AND gay, and at the bottom of the erotic totem-pole. And so, when I read (the very cute!) Mr. Stern's article about this matter, it rang a bell, with me: and I simply wanted to share some love with anyone out there (and there are surely a few) who has been through some of the things, I've been through. And show some support for my fellow-fatties ;-)
Love, your friend,
"A" XOXOXOXOXOXOXO
P.S. Jon - when it comes to things romantic, I am very fussy, indeed. I love male beauty, and make no apologies, for that. Despite all the personal trials I have endured, I am glad that I waited 30 years for Mr. K. - because, not only is he sweet and kind, he is so devastatingly handsome, anyone on this board would cut off his right hand, just for the opportunity to kiss him on the cheek ;-))))
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GWuQP9kGn4E