Our First Gay Crushes

The first time we saw the Born This Way blog, it was definitely an "aha" moment. Paul V. had figured out a fun way to share the essence of nostalgia, pride, and humor of early childhood for LGBT people; whether we slowly figured it out or knew from the moment we were zygotes, being gay is simply instinctive. But last week Paul launched an offshoot blog, My First Gay Crush. Once we heard, we couldn't help but play along in the office.

Here are our -- the staff of The Advocate -- first same-sex crushes. We kept it to celebrities and notable people just to prevent any cringe-worthy blast-from-the-past Facebook messages. Share your first gay crush below.

Scott McPherson, Creative Director
Mike Vitar as Benny "the Jet" Rodriguez, The Sandlot) -- Picture it, 1993, what prepubescent gay boy wasn't obsessed with The Sandlot? I certainly was. And it wasn't because the main character shared my name, his discovery of the true meaning of friendship, or the killer gorilla dog behind the fence. It was because of Benny "the Jet" Rodriguez, the cool new kid that everyone admired and who could run faster than an Olympian in his brand new PF Flyers. Swoon!

Boo Jarchow, Associate Editor, SheWired.com
Amy Yasbeck as Marian in Robin Hood Men in Tights: Specifically, the scenes involving her chastity belt: the one when she gets out of the bathtub, and the one when its finally unlocked. Really. though, I was just fascinated by it -- well, I wanted to unlock it myself. Yes, I was only 7 at the time.

Jeremy Kinser, Senior Editor
Maxwell Caulfield in Grease 2. He sizzles as Michael, the sensitive, lonely English exchange student by day who masquerades as a rebellious leather-clad "cool rider" at night. It's no wonder Michelle Pfeiffer's character is smitten -- he's even prettier than she is.

Brandon Voss, Contributing Editor
Steve Guttenberg: I got my own VCR around the time when his movies like Cocoon and Police Academy began airing regularly on TV in the late '80s. He just seemed really sweet, and I thought his hairy chest was perfection.

Ariana Castellanos, Intern for SheWired.com

Nicole Eggert from Charles in Charge: She had so much sass! And she flipped her hair everywhere *sigh.* She was, hands down, the hottest girl on television.

Christopher Harrity, Manager of Online Production
Carl Betz as Dr. Alex Stone on The Donna Reed Show: Mister Doctor Perfect Daddy. Blue eyes and black hair. Butch dimples.

Trudy Ring, Copy Editor
Julie Newmar as Catwoman: The ultrasultry Newmar was the first and best Catwoman on the Batman TV series of the mid 1960s. With her formfitting costume and purring voice, she was always trying (unsuccessfully) to seduce her adversary Batman, but she managed to win the hearts and awaken the libidos of many youthful viewers. Thanks for everything, Julie!

Ross von Metzke, Advocate.com Editor
Joey Lawrence -- singer, actor, Blossom's brother Joey: I actually bought his 1991 CD so I could stare at him shirtless on the cover. At first I thought I just wanted to look like him, hair and all. But then on one episode of Blossom, he spilled a milkshake on himself and some girl ripped off his shirt to help him clean up. I must have watched that scene 75 times.

Neal Broverman, Senior Editor
Kirk Cameron: In sixth grade I was waxing poetic to my friend about the wonders of the Growing Pains star. This snide girl who sat near us sneered, "Do you like like him?" I responded, "No, I just think he's a really good actor." (Yeah, a regular De Niro.) And now he's a whacked-out homophobe.

Michelle Garcia, Associate Editor
Janet Jackson: Come on -- she'll take you places you've never been before?! She was talking directly to me!