So, I just got back from a quick trip to Palm Springs, California. My last visit was way back in 2016, so yeah, this trip was definitely overdue. I stayed at The Twin Palms Resort, which, by the way, is a super chill clothing-optional gay men’s resort. The place is gorgeous and has this relaxed, classy vibe going on. Oh, and the crowd? Let’s just say there were plenty of good-looking guys around, and I had a great time chatting with some of them. This was actually my first time trying out nude sunbathing (yep, I went for it!) and hanging out by the pool without a stitch on. It was surprisingly freeing! Most of my days were spent walking around and sightseeing since I wanted to mix things up this time. My past Palm Springs trips were, let’s just say, a bit more focused on nightlife—drinks, clubs, and, well, some memorable vacation flings with hot guys. No regrets there, but this time around, I was in more of a "let’s enjoy some me-time" mood. I had plenty of moments to just think about life and what I really want out of it. I hit up some cute lunch spots and explored the shops along Palm Canyon Drive, which was super fun. Oh, and the gay mart? Total jackpot for summer clothes, briefs, and jockstraps—I may have gone a little overboard, but no regrets there either! Honestly, I was kind of surprised I didn’t have any hookups this time, but hey, no biggie. One of the highlights was definitely the vintage home tour. I got a crash course on Hollywood history, which was so cool. I also wandered into a few vintage shops and scored a menu from 1946 from the Cocoanut Grove at The Ambassador Hotel in L.A. How awesome is that? All in all, it was such a great trip. Sun, fun, and some quality time with myself. Palm Springs has this magic about it, and I can’t wait to go back. If you’re a gay guy looking for some sunshine, stunning views, and an all-around good time, Palm Springs should definitely be on your list. Trust me on this one!

It's been a few weeks since my initial blog post and the start of my coming out narrative. Continuing the story, after the events of that night, I was confronted with the reality of who I am. Even though it's been 12 years, I vividly recall confiding in my best friend about my attraction to men. Admitting this was incredibly hard, and it took years before I could comfortably identify as gay. My friend's love and acceptance were invaluable; she understood me and the barriers I faced in relationships with women. Reflecting on these moments, I see them as pivotal, liberating me from secrets and allowing me to embrace my true self rather than who I thought I should be. There were tough discussions with family and devout Catholic grandparents. My grandmother had long suspected and was wholly accepting, while my grandfather has found it harder to come to terms with. I never directly told my grandfather or father; my grandmother and mother took on those conversations. To this day, my grandfather inquires about my dating life with women, and I remind him we've discussed this topic.