danny
It wasn't until I found this video on Towleroad this morning that I remembered an important episode in my gay life. The Real World New Orleans was on about 5 or 6 years ago. I was never really too into the Real World, but I was obsessed with the Real World New Orleans. Why? Because of Danny, the token gay guy.
Not only was he gorgeous (and still is), but he was such a confident gay man. He was never ashamed of who he is or what he stood for. He expected to be treated equally. He inspired me. If he could be that way growing up in Georgia, then certainly I could come out growing up in LA.
And I also remember his boyfriend Paul, and how he had to have his face blocked out on TV because of the military's Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy. And that made me mad. I felt it personally, as a GAY person would feel.
I distinctly remember one afternoon when I was laying on my bed, surfing the internet because I wanted to know Danny's last name and where he was living after filming the show. And I had some breakthrough. I was ready to stand up and walk into the TV room and tell my parents I'm gay. It's basically the feeling I had last October, but 5 years earlier. I knew I was gay, and wanted to finally do something about it and stop living a lie. I guess fear stopped me. I really wish I'd followed through!
But anyway, seeing Danny again reminded me of all that. I'm sad to hear he's had a rough time since he left the show. This video was posted on Towleroad because they broke up. But that doesn't diminish how inspirational Danny was to me back then. I should probably write him a letter and tell him. And I should probably get my ass to Seattle so I can try to get a date with him!
Anyway, readers, meet Danny! Did any of you have early inspirations like this?
Not only was he gorgeous (and still is), but he was such a confident gay man. He was never ashamed of who he is or what he stood for. He expected to be treated equally. He inspired me. If he could be that way growing up in Georgia, then certainly I could come out growing up in LA.
And I also remember his boyfriend Paul, and how he had to have his face blocked out on TV because of the military's Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy. And that made me mad. I felt it personally, as a GAY person would feel.
I distinctly remember one afternoon when I was laying on my bed, surfing the internet because I wanted to know Danny's last name and where he was living after filming the show. And I had some breakthrough. I was ready to stand up and walk into the TV room and tell my parents I'm gay. It's basically the feeling I had last October, but 5 years earlier. I knew I was gay, and wanted to finally do something about it and stop living a lie. I guess fear stopped me. I really wish I'd followed through!
But anyway, seeing Danny again reminded me of all that. I'm sad to hear he's had a rough time since he left the show. This video was posted on Towleroad because they broke up. But that doesn't diminish how inspirational Danny was to me back then. I should probably write him a letter and tell him. And I should probably get my ass to Seattle so I can try to get a date with him!
Anyway, readers, meet Danny! Did any of you have early inspirations like this?
posted by Matt at 1:06 PM
22 Comments:
Come on Matt! Danny and Paul were willing to sacrifice evryhting to be together. They ARE still together and each guy is so lucky to have someone!
You don't want to break them up to have a "date" do you? I admit I can fantasize about being Paul, as can each one of us. Each one is worth loving and holding on to but don't let your desire require the breakup of a couple in love! I've been victimized and been the bad guy and neither side is good or right.
But fantasies!!! Allright!
They are NOT still together in a relationship; just friends. Did you read the story? So I'm with Matt...time to visit Seattle and at least meet the guy. He's 29 now...hmmm...I'm 29. this could work!!! Danny, if you read this... :-) xoxoxox Tyler
I wouldn't say he was an inspiration to me, but I did have crush on him. Matt too. I bought the book so I could see more pics of them!!
Matt's comment that Danny had had a rough time since he left the show concerned me, because Danny seemed very likeable and decent and one hoped life would go well for him. But after reading around on the Internet, I don't see anything about a rough time for Danny other than that he and Paul have broken up, which is unfortunate, but let's face it, it happens. Otherwise, Danny seems to be doing fine--earning a living giving speeches and making personal appearances, healthy, not a crack addict or felon, apparently contented. Is there some dark shadow over Danny's life I don't know about? I sure hope not.
He has a voice and smile that I want to have on "constant replay". I watched everyone of those inane episodes simply to watch and absorb his presence. That sounds pretty weird when I type it out. In any case, I found him riveting at that time (and still do).
paco
Danny is super sweet. My friend lives about 4 houses away from him and he stopped by at one of her parties and was willing to talk to everyone there. And he's hotter in person!
i'm guessing danny was the bottom in the relationship...which is hot...
I always thought "Paul" was black.
My God it's Lou Diamond Philips....
I just read ur story about adam, dave and coming out. I think u were in the right, and they were wrong.
Alot of what u've written makes me thing about myself too, and it feels weird to know that we have the same thoughts.
take care
I was in love with Danny as soon as I saw him on TV. You should fly to Seattle immediatley and marry him!
Here's Danny's nude pic from years ago:
http://img230.imageshack.us/img230/1953/robertsfullhc2.jpg
So are they together or not??
Ehhh, He could do ALOT better than Paul! He looked ALOT better with the 'blur' :-\
Matt, everytime I think I know what I'm doing with my blog you do something that makes me want to be a lot better.
This is a piece that definitely needed to shared. It brought a happy tear to see two guys so totally in love.
Hugs
Boz
I love them! I've never watched The Real World, and I'd never heard of either of these guys before, but they're adorable. I can see why Danny would've caused your inspirational moment, Matt. As for myself, no, I never had a moment like that. Telling the few people I did initially took a long time to happen, and a lot of effort and thought. So maybe... sort of a culmination of minor inspirational moments. But nothing like Danny.
This has nothing to do with this post. Sorry. I just thought u might like this xtube:
http://www.XTube.com/play_re.php?v=tqqbEz02Vsv
Seems like the kind of guy u might like Matt.
I did have a huge crush on Danny though. It was frustrating to see how many times he'd run around the house naked but all the good parts were blurred out.
no, thanks--i'm still pining away for pedro zamora
Matt, you've offered another reason to come back to this blog for more. Positive examples/role models are needed. Thanks for sharing!
What struck me about Paul was how much integrity he had, both toward Danny and toward the military. A captain in his mid-20's? He must have been a fine officer. What a tragedy that he had to give up one love for the other and then loose that one as well.
I would love to find a more eloquent approach, but it's early Sunday morning and I haven't finished my coffee: the military sucks. It is a myopic, narrow, biased, umnimaginative bunch of stiff necks more concerned with protecting their own perceived precious masculinity than appreciating the contributions that could be made by talented and willing participants. They ignore history and the part gays have played in militaries since Sparta. What really riles me is the ignorance of its own history with gays, from Baron von Steuben to the 603rd Camouflage Battalion. How many highly trained translators have been booted out over the past 4 years, because they were gay? 20? Talk about cutting off your nose... Fucking morons.
More coffee?
So Matt, I am confused. Are you out to your parents?
Awesome video, such handsome guys, thanks for sharing it.
Onanite
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