DisConnected: Hair today, Gone tomorrow!

Before he begins this rant let him make a PREFACE to the following statements: operatorLA understands trends and fashion. At some points in his life he has been considered both fashionable and trendy. He does not dis-approve of this nor does he want to dissuade anyone from following trends and fashion. Being ahead of the cultural curve is something that the gay community can take Pride in. We not only spot the trends ahead of time but we are the ones that make them fashionable. However, he thinks that gay men in particular need to be less judgmental when in comes to our brothers.

operatorLA has had enough! This needs to end and it needs to end here.

Years ago, we took pride in our appearance, dressed nicely and groomed ourselves. Suddenly gay men wanted to only be around other gay men who were hairless, well-groomed and clean cut. From there the straighties took notice and the whole "metro-sexual" movement was born.

And if anyone is to take this article from Planetout seriously(which operatorLA does not), it seems that this trend in personal appearance may have caused some people to take issue with their own bodies. Having pride in the way you look is one thing and making yourself be the best you can be is too, but when it sounds like you are doing things to your body (hair removal, surgery, excessive working out) only so that someone else may find you attractive- then there is a huge Dis-Connect.

Preferences will change over time. Right now it is very trendy to have body and facial hair. Thank God! If operatorLA had to see another hairless twink act macho he was going to puke. But this will change too. In years, something else will be fashionable. So once you have lasered off all your hair, gotten surgery and made your body the way you think others want it to be, what they want will change and where will that leave you?

Make yourself who you want to be, but do it because You want to- not because of who you think you will be attracting.

Another thing that irritated operatorLA in this article, is the quote from a bear saying that their community regarded mainstream gay culture as too conformist. Oh PLEASE! have you ever been to a bear event where 99% of the guys there didn't look similar?

Now make yourself your best person, but do it for the right reasons. And really celebrate the diversity of our community. operatorLA likes men of all types and is not one to discriminate. Unless your asian, he really doesn't like to have sex with asian guys.

Be different, date someone that is different than you and have sex with lots of people who are different than you.

Rant done! operatorLA is ready to take Oprah's place as the next queen of enlightenment(you knew it wasn't going to be Tyra.)