Im not sure if its ok to get a girlfriend

[drobs]

I live in the deep south, I was in the Army and Im a combat veteran of Iraq and so are most of my friends and its a very macho environment, Im an avid shooter and gun collector, Im a practicing Catholic, I drive an old truck, and Im a dyed in the wool republican. Basically all signs point to straight. I think people have this image of me that is definitely not gay. More or less Im in a very right wing conservative environment and I know that I would not be well received, if that makes sense.

Doc,

You and I are similar. I'm prior service Army Reserves (peace time - 1990's) I like guns, I have my CCW license and carry a G19, built 5 AK's from kits, I reload, spent 4 years contracting in Iraq. I "own" a house in rural Southern Missouri with my partner of 12+ years. Drive a 4x4 pickup. I can step out my backdoor and target practice. Recently I got into shooting cap & ball with Black Powder. Probably going to start casting my round ball.

I've 2 good sets of friends 1/2 gay &/or liberal the other 1/2 straight republicans. My straight friends I met hanging out at the local gun shop. While I didn't come out immediately to them I eventually did and they have met my partner and are still good friends. We get together to BBQ and shoot frequently + hang out at the gun shop.

So what am I getting at - don't hide in that closet forever. Times have changed.