What an interesting, thought-provoking thread! I fear my post may be a little lengthy, but I feel moved to provide my 2 cents.
I've had a couple of friends from this board who have invited me a few times to a glbt bar close by to where they live. I haven't taken them up on their offer and really haven't carefully considered why. Perhaps by writing this I'll get over my inner hang-ups and go have some fun with them.
I think one aspect of why I dress is to feel attractive. I am attracted to women, and have really never felt I was attractive as a guy. So, part of what I do is to make me feel good about how I look. A bit narcissistic to be sure, but oh well.
I grew up in a town where there was that "one" bar with the reputation. When I was growing up, there was danger in being different. I think perhaps my reluctance is partly from being aware of that danger while I was growing up.
I feel truly blessed to be living in a time (and for that matter, a society) when things are changing so quickly. I have gay friends, and that is very cool because it personalizes the issue. I'm pretty conservative in my beliefs, but I get real peaved that we waste so much time trying to prevent other people from being happy in this world. Surely there are bigger issues that need to be solved! (OK, off the soapbox now.)
I think I am a little afraid of being "hit on." It's kind of funny. Isn't that the end goal of feeling attractive? I'll have to work on beating down my inhibitions, and as has been written here, if it happens, to be prepared to be appreciative, but gracious in my response.
Hey, I'm a work in progress (as are we all.) I wish everyone peace!
