I’m sure we’re all no strangers to stereotypes. Either you’ve been stereotyped or have stereotyped someone else.

For years, gay men have been stereotyped and many people think they have us all figured out. As a member of this amazing community, I'm here to tell you that I'm more than a stereotype.

Coming out for me was a challenge in itself, It was hard trying to figure out who I was and if it was all a phase or who I truly was. Once I figured that out, for some reason, I still didn’t feel complete because I was different than the perceptions of what I thought a gay person ought to be.

There are many stereotypes about gay and bisexual men in general. People think we’re overly flamboyant, we don’t like sports, we’re promiscuous, shallow and the list goes on.

While some of these things are accurate for some people, they aren’t accurate for me. I feel as though stereotypes need to be eliminated, and we need to just look at the person for who they are individually

I am not overly flamboyant on a daily basis, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t days where I can be. I’m not a huge fan of sports, but I do love baseball, and I am far from shallow.

What I’m trying to say is that stereotypes are ridiculous, we live in a world where we should be able to live and love whoever we want and not have to live up to the stereotypes that society has labeled us under.

Life is already significantly challenging as a homosexual in America because you have those who are accepting of you and those who simply think you are the worst person on the planet.

What makes it even more challenging is when you feel as if you don’t fit in with the rest of the world or even your general community.

I consider myself an outsider of the LGBT community because I don't feel that I fit in. I am a huge advocate for equality and pride, but it has been really challenging trying to find my place in the community amidst all the stereotypes and labels that I don't fit under.

No matter who you are or who you love, what's important is that you are proud of yourself and that you're not afraid to share that with the world. We are all here for a reason, and it's important that we live authentically.

For me, that means for me to keep discovering new layers of myself and not letting the stereotypes of what society thinks a gay man should be, affect how I perceive myself and live my life.

Love yourself and don't let stereotypes hinder you from embracing who you are!