Though I’ve barely unpacked the speedos for my current 6-week stint in San Diego, I’m heading to the airport for a quick European adventure. In an hour or two, I’ll hop on a plane for a night in New York City. Tomorrow morning, I have a photoshoot with Ryan Ross NYC – and then I’m boarding a chartered flight to Vienna, Austria for the Life Ball.

Though many Americans haven’t heard of the Life Ball, it’s Europe’s biggest HIV/AIDS fundraiser – and it’s quite the spectacle. I’m going to be joined by Haley Star (I wonder if she’ll wear drag through airport security?) and her friend Ronnie Kroell from Bravo’s Make Me a Supermodel. Word has it that we may be joined on the flight by other Life Ball attendees like Gloria Estefan, Maya Angelou, Sharon Stone and even Bill Clinton – to name a few.

The best part is, Haley Star and I are going to be walking in the Life Ball fashion show – which is being put on by Italian Vogue.

I can’t help but chuckle because this is so not the life to which I’m accustomed. I’m the first one to admit that my idea of a fun Saturday night involves some good take out food, a bubble bath and a movie. Really, I’m just a guy from Rhode Island that likes making YouTube videos about butt sex. All this fabulous-ness isn’t my world.

No doubt, I’ll have tons of pics to share with you. So stay tuned! And I’ll be back in San Diego by Sunday night for some much needed beach time with those speedos.

We hosted a blog buddy meet up (a huge thank you to everyone who attended!), watched a performance of Cirque du Soleil, filmed an upcoming lube-themed YouTube video – and recorded today’s talky blog for my second channel.

Check it out!

No one said they wished they worked more or made more money. Or spent more time watching TV. Or touching themselves. Or any of the many other ways we spend the bulk of our days.

The top 5 regrets of dying people are:

1. I wish I’d had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me.
2. I wish I hadn’t worked so hard.
3. I wish I’d had the courage to express my feelings.
4. I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends.
5. I wish that I had let myself be happier.

Basically, it comes down to this: Be true to who you are and how you feel and make more time for the people and things you love.

And it all begs the question: What are you doing with your Monday?

A combination of guilt, pride and religion kept me from owning up to who I really am.

Frankly, we’ve all been there. In a world (President Obama excluded) that often tells us that we are “less than” for being gay, self-acceptance is a real challenge.

But what really caught my attention was what he wrote next:

It wasn’t the subject matter of your videos that helped me to embrace and love my sexuality, it was being able to see someone who was so obviously comfortable in his own skin as a homosexual man discussing his sexuality and his experience as a gay man so openly and without shame. Somehow I knew that, unless I became totally honest about something so fundamental to who I am as who I love, I would never be able to function to my full potential as a human being and would go throughout life hurting people close to me, most of all myself.

These words speak to a simple truth: One of the most important things you can do to help others accept who they are is to lead by example – and be openly gay.

I often think about how different this world would be if closeted politicians, celebrities and world leaders were open about their sexual orientations. We could use a few more Ellen DeGenereses.

But, at the end of the day, the only people over which we have control is ourselves. The only person who we can persuade to live openly and honestly is ourselves – and, it turns out, that can make all the difference. Taking our personal safety into consideration, let’s lead by example.

In the last few days, a lot has been said about gay people. And so I think it’s time to set the record straight.

Please share today’s video with your friends on Facebook.

And a huge thank you to everyone who participated in this project. A special thank you to Toronto’s Police Department and the Metropolitan Community Church of Toronto.

Through heartfelt emotion and tears, the video shows why marriage – and, in particular, the legal protections it provides – are crucially important to our relationships.

P.S. Check out my Davey Wavey interviews on Gay Sunday Brunch and The Talk Flow.

Despite being 91 years old (and having been married nearly 70 years), by grandparents are surprisingly sharp – and they love going out to eat. So, on Sunday, we went out for Mexican food.

My grandfather was wearing his new suit. He bought the suit because he wanted something “nice” in which to be buried – and now he’s trying to get his money’s worth. Upon seeing him all dressed up, I asked, “Grandpa, what’s the special occasion?” He replied, “I woke up.”

I posted the anecdote on Facebook – and the picture received some 3,358 likes and another 147 comments. I read some of the comments to my grandfather, including one about how adorable he is. He asked if the woman who said it was attractive – and he seemed surprised when I told him it was a guy. But, at 91, he said he’ll take what he can get.

My grandfather’s anecdote about waking up is cute… but it’s also true. Perhaps, at 91, there’s a greater sense of urgency. With the end more apparent, the value of each day is more obvious. But, the truth is, each day is a special occasion – regardless of our age.

When I was in Boy Scouts (a stint which lasted three weeks while in elementary school), we met with a Native American elder. Mirroring my grandfather’s philosophy, he said it’s impossible to have a bad day. “If you wake up,” he said, “then it’s a good day.” I’ve always remembered that.

In honor of my 91 year-old grandfather, here’s to making the most of the special occasion that is this Tuesday. Smile a little bigger. Laugh a little harder. And enjoy the wonderful gift that is today.

At any rate, check out today’s impromptu talky blog via my second YouTube channel.

And click here for the LGBT refugee video or here for the Los Angeles blog buddy meet-up that I reference in the video.

Next weekend, I’ll be in Los Angeles to do some filming – and so I thought it would be a great opportunity for my first-ever west coast blog buddy meet-up! Woot! You can stop by to say hey, take a picture or two and meet some of your fellow blog buddies! It’s going to be great and I hope to see you there.

Here are the details:

Hollywood & Highland Center Courtyard
May 13, 2012 / 5:00 PM
Gather by the fountain
6801 Hollywood Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90028

Make sure you’re following me on Twitter for updates and I can’t wait to meet you in person!

Davey Wavey and super-twunk Mike!

Yesterday, I announced our much-anticipated fundraiser to sponsor a gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender refugee facing imminent, life-threatening persecution in his or her home country. Our goal was $12,000 – which is the amount of money that it costs the established network of organizations to rescue the refugee. Without the money, there’s no rescue.

This morning, I checked the fundraising page to see where we’re at. I did a double-take. As of this moment, we’re at $11,603. In other words, it has taken less than 24 hours to nearly reach our fundraising goal. I’m blown away by your generosity. Thank you.

I didn’t even have to bribe you a YouTube video of super-twunk Mike dancing in his underwear. Yum. And if this turns out to be my last blog post, it’s because Mike murdered me for writing that.

As a commentator on YouTube pointed out, if each of my 153,000 YouTube subscribers donated $10, then we could save 127 lives. So far, we’ve received donations from 133 generous blog buddies. And while it looks like we’re definitely going to reach our $12,000 goal, please give what you can – even if it’s just a few dollars – so we can go above and beyond.

Here’s the link to donate.

Plus, if you are a part of this, I promise you’ll get that amazing warm-fuzzy feeling deep inside your heart. And, if you’re lucky, maybe even a video of Mike dancing in his underwear (which will lead to a different type of warm-fuzzy feeling deep inside your pants).

The response by many of you has been overwhelming positive – and so, with your your support, I’m thrilled to officially kick off our campaign with a YouTube video and the launch of our fundraising page. Because it’s a special occasion, I even put on a shirt.

Since it costs $12,000 to sponsor an LGBT refugee, that is our fundraising goal. It’s a lot of money – but I know we can do it. And, until we collectively reach the $12,000 mark – a generous donor is matching all gifts dollar-for-dollar. Whatever you give will count for double.

Check out the YouTube video and please make your donation through this link. I think this is the most important thing we’ve ever done and I’m so grateful that you a part of it. Thank you so much.

People often speculate that Spring is the horniest of the seasons. Personally, I’m horny every season – but I can understand why Spring might take things to the next level. After a long and cold winter, people emerge into Spring with skimpier clothes, more energy and the desire to get moving. It’s easy to see how all of this might lead to more sex.

Coincidentally (or perhaps not so coincidentally), I’ve been receiving a whole slew of emails about cheating. And so, I think it’s time to make a video on the subject.

But before I do, I want you to weigh in: What’s your definition of cheating? Is it talking to another guy online? Is it kissing? Is it doing more?

I have my own theories – but I’d love to hear yours. Let me know in the comments below. I’ll pick some of my favorites to include in the video!

P.S. Please stay tuned for tomorrow’s super-important LGBT refugee announcement!

Over the last few days, I’ve organized some of my favorite and most popular videos into 11 different, topic-oriented playlists. With something like 500 videos, it was no small feat!

Interested in coming out, for example? There’s a playlist for that. It’s never been easier to watch the videos that matter to you most.

If you’re subscribed to my channels on YouTube, then you’ve probably already seen the playlists pop up in your subscriptions feed. If not, here are my 11 playlists.

Main YouTube Channel

1. Gay Tips. This is essentially a course in Being Gay 101. Everything you need to know about being gay – from the hanky code to anal douching and everything in between.
2. Gay Pride. Empowering videos about the issues that affect the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community. With a few penis jokes thrown in.
3. Gay Travel. A look at Davey Wavey’s shirtless adventures around the world.
4. Gay Dating. Because there’s no “Gay Dating Handbook,” there’s this playlist. It’s everything you need to know about the world of men dating men.
5. Coming Out. Come out, come out -  wherever you are! These videos are made to help gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people come out of the closet to themselves and the world around them.
6. Straight Guys. Because they’re infinitely fascinating, a look at straight guys by a gay guy. Namely, me.

Second YouTube Channel

1. Gay Power! A less edited, more casual look at the issues affecting our community.
2. Gay Sex. Who knew there was so much to say about man-on-man copulation? I knew.
3. Gay Travel – Behind the Scenes. A more intimate, behind-the-scenes look at the cities that I’ve visited.
4. Rants and Raves. Sometimes, I have a lot to say. And by sometimes, I mean always.
5. Motivational S#!T. For those surprisingly-frequent instances where I channel my inner Deepak Chopra.

With 500 videos and counting, I’ll keep the playlists updated as I create new videos. And, I’ll add new playlists as I expand into different topics. People often ask how I’m never able to run out of video ideas – but with a universe as interesting as ours, I feel like I’m just getting started.

So, via my second YouTube channel, I decided to share the frustrating back story. And I suspect it’s a story to which many of you can relate. In the comments below, let me know if this strikes a chord with your own life and experiences.

Whatever the reasons for this obsession (I have a few theories), I think it looks a lot better in our imaginations (and on the computer screen) than it plays out in real life. Check out today’s video to see why…

Dear Davey,

I’m in college and my roommate doesn’t know that I’m gay. How should I come out to him?

From,
Kyle

Hey Kyle,

In the United States justice system, you’re presumed innocent until proven guilty. And, in our society, you’re often presumed straight until proven gay. Since your roommate probably didn’t sit you down to disclose his heterosexuality, it’s seems unfair that you’re faced with the burden of coming out. But unfair as it may be, it’s the reality of the world in which we live.

Here are a few considerations:

1. Timing. Some people may feel comfortable coming out right away. In a way, it makes sense. If your roommate is going to have an issue with your gayness, it’s better to know sooner rather than later. Others may feel more comfortable waiting a few weeks or months. While there’s no right or wrong time to come out to your roommate, you may want to do it before the room change deadline – just in case your roommate isn’t supportive.
2. Technique. There are a number of ways to come out. The most obvious is having a conversation with your roommate. Keep in mind, your roommate may already have some idea of your gayness – either through friends or by seeing your Facebook profile, etc. There’s a good chance that he or she won’t be surprised. When I came out to my freshman roommate during university, I took a much more passive – and less advisable – route. In response to my roommate hanging up a number of posters depicting female nudity, I hung up pictures of half-naked men on my side of the room. I also framed a picture of my then-boyfriend to display on my desk. While it’s not necessarily the coming out technique that I’d recommend, it worked.
3. Support. Depending on your school’s progressiveness, there are likely existing channels of support. In addition to any sort of gay-straight alliance, I’d recommend reaching out to your dorm’s resident assistant. Back in the day, I was a resident assistant – and, even despite my university’s conservativeness, we were happy to provide support and assistance in situations like these. If the roommate reacts negatively, reach out to the housing department and have him relocated. Your dorm room should be a positive environment in which you’re able to thrive to your potential; there’s no place for homophobia in that.

Do you have any tips? Or maybe you’ve gone through the experience of coming out to a roommate yourself? Please share in the comments below!

A month ago, I asked the question: Should we sponsor an LGBT refugee?

In the western world, gay people certainly don’t have it easy. We experience a tremendous number of inequalities – like workplace discrimination, anti-gay bullying and not being able to marry the person we love. But it’s easy to forget that, in some countries like Sudan, Yemen and Iran, homosexuality is still punishable by death.

Fortunately, there is a network of organizations and entities – including the Canadian government, the ultra-gay Metropolitan Community Church of Toronto and The Global Justice Initiative – that can be mobilized to save some LGBT individuals facing imminent, life-threatening danger in their home country. Through the program, these LGBT refugees are rescued, flown to Canada and placed into a loving home.

Obviously, the process of rescuing an LGBT individual isn’t cheap. In fact, it requires $12,000 in funds to facilitate the process. And, without the money, it simply doesn’t happen.

When I was in Toronto, I was asked if we – meaning you, me and all the blog buddies – would be willing to raise the money to rescue one LGBT refugee. Obviously, I was on board. And, after posting about it last month, I know that many of you are, too.

I also know that there’s still much work to be done in the western world – and that we have our fair share of problems, too. And we will continue to work on those problems. But, in the meantime, we are being presented with the very real opportunity to literally save the life of someone that needs our help. The only answer is yes.

On Thursday, May 3, I’ll be launching a fundraising page to raise the $12,000. Because the funds go directly to the Global Justice Initiative, a registered nonprofit organization, the donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. And, thanks the generosity of an anonymous blog buddy, all donations will be matched dollar-for-dollar, peso-for-peso or euro-for-euro until we reach our goal.

So, mark your calendars for May 3. On that date, I’ll be posting a video to launch our campaign – and it will only come to fruition with your support. In many ways, I think this is the most important thing that we’ve ever done – and I’m honored to have you be a part of it.

Check out the video!

Turns out, The 100 Thing Challenge is an invitation to simplify your life. And, if there is one thing that I know, it’s that simplification is one the most powerful ways to transform your life. Through the challenge, you’re encouraged to recycle, give away, donate or throw away 100 items from your home.

It’s about not being so “stuck” in stuff – and it’s helpful in making space to move forward with your life.

I decided to make a YouTube video of my participation in the challenge. Check it out. And, if you’re inspired to be a part of the challenge (and I hope you are!), then post a picture of your “100 things” on my Facebook wall.

P.S. If you’re up for another challenge, try the Ultimate Plank Challenge in which I also participated.

I recorded this video rant because I think the gay community needs to be called out. Watch it. And let me know if you agree in the comments below.

As gay people, I know that we tend to be on the receiving end of much judgment. Through laws, our relationships are often judged to be unequal. Many millions of people believe that our love is evil and wrong. Sometimes, people even manifest that judgment through acts of violence against us.

But I also know that one of the easiest ways to change the world is to change ourselves. If we want to replace judgment with acceptance in the world, then we need to replace judgment with acceptance in ourselves.

Because we’ve experienced such judgment in our own lives, it’s always tempting to respond to others in the same way. But doing so further divides and already divisive world.

The truth is, we’re all brothers and sisters on this planet – and acceptance helps us realize and live this truth with great love. From American to Zambian. White or black. Tall or short. Gay or straight. We’re all in this together.

And I know that all of us can inspire deeper acceptance through the example we set with ourselves.

And indeed, I can’t help but wonder how many fewer wars, conflicts and atrocities we’d have if more straight guys embraced the pleasures of the prostate – instead of worrying that it makes them “too gay.”

Obviously, a talky blog is in order. Via my second YouTube channel, check out today’s somewhat tongue-in-cheek video.

Each week, I feature a new coming out story through a YouTube channel called OutStories. Have a webcam? Share your coming out story today.

When people share their coming out stories through my OutStories YouTube channel, they’re given a maximum time limit of just three minutes. It forces people to keep it short and sweet. Listening to Terrence share his coming out story, I wish that limit was a few hours. He’s a great storyteller.

Check out Terrence’s coming out story.

This morning, I spent a few minutes playing outside with my dog. With the Spring sun warming the northern hemisphere, the frozen world is finally awakening. The birds are busy building nests, the grass is starting to turn green again – and some of the more eager flowers are already in bloom.

It reminded me of a Buddha quote that a friend sent me years ago:

If we could see the miracle of a single flower clearly, our whole life would change.

How is a flower a miracle?

Well, think about what it took to make that flower bloom. First, the seed had to get there through whatever means. And then take root and survive. But beyond that, the flower had to evolve into a flower – over millions of years. And it only exists because of a zillion other coincidences – like that this Earth is the right distance away from the sun to support liquid water. Or, that the Earth even formed at all. Or that the universe didn’t expand outward too fast or too slow. Or that the big bang even happened in the first place.

Most miraculous of all, perhaps, is that you’re able to stand there and observe the flower – and that you’re able to contemplate its beauty.

And that’s just a flower. Think of all the miracles in your life. The people with whom you’ve met and connected. The experiences you’ve had. The love you’ve shared.

It’s all miraculous – and, as we’re able to see it all a bit more clearly, it changes everything.