Necessary Roughness

June Gives Us Reasons to Celebrate

Having been a self-described “professional homosexual” for the last 13+ years, I always find myself pulled in several different directions every June. Many of our community’s organizations love to hold their events/dinners/receptions this month; there are numerous Pride events; and pool season is already well under way. Although I gave up the schmoozing and networking a few years ago—and now am a professional homosexual in title only—this June is no exception for me.

This birthday for me is a milestone one. On June 9 I will turn 40. I know a lot of people get depressed at birthdays such as this one, but I tend to believe the mantra “Age is only a number.” And considering that I believe I look several years younger, wish I was 23 again, but often act like I am of retirement age … well, what the heck does 40 really mean? Birthday wishes on the 9th will be greatly appreciated, but the real celebration occurs on the 11th, when I will gather with friends, family, acquaintances and assorted barflies at Roscoes on 7th in Phoenix. As it is one of the top gay sports bars in the country, I could think of no better place to party. Plus—because of my love for four-legged animals—we are raising money for AZ Cocker Rescue that night!

June 28 is the anniversary of the Stonewall riots, which is precisely the reason June has been identified as Gay Pride Month and the main reason for all the events. I recently watched the PBS special American Experience: Stonewall Uprising and recommend it to all of Compete’s readers. It’s an eye-opener, for sure.

One day that frequently is overlooked by our community is Father’s Day. Perhaps it is because so many gay people have been turned away by family and don’t have reason to observe this day. But there are plenty of others for whom Father’s Day remains an important day. This year it is June 19, and I hope those of you with strong father-son or father-daughter relationships thank your dads for their support and love. Many do not have that, so please don’t take it for granted.

In this issue of we celebrate Father’s Day by recognizing the greatest father-son combinations in sports. And I spoke to David and Mike Rae (a former professional football player) about their relationship. In my nearly four years working for Compete, this ranks as one of the stories I most enjoyed writing. I hope you enjoy it, too.