This is the story of the first time I ever had a full-on gay experience. I was 20 years old and had just returned to England after working in America at a summer camp for the summer, finding a new sense of adventure and freedom. One of these newfound freedoms was the desire to explore my sexuality.
In those days, Grindr didn't exist, so I ventured into a gay chat room, seeking a local room that seemed promising. While I realize now that it wasn't the safest option, as a 20-year-old, the thrill of discovery overshadowed any potential risks.
I created a login name using the classic format of that era: age, sex, location. Nervously, I began searching for potential people to meet. The room buzzed with chatter, and as I scrolled through various profiles, my excitement grew.
Initiating messages with a tentative "Hi" or "How's it going?" was nerve-wracking. Many conversations ended abruptly, sometimes even with unsolicited explicit pictures. However, one guy responded enthusiastically. He lived about a 30-minute drive away and mentioned he was 45 years old. As a taller guy wanting to be a bottom, I was specifically looking for older, more dominant "daddy" types who could teach me and put me in my place.
After exchanging a few messages, I naively gave him my phone number. An hour later, I found myself sitting outside his house, my heart pounding with a mix of nervousness and excitement.