A Gay Man’s New Year’s Resolution List

Let’s start the New Year off  with a toast . . .

~   To You!

While you don’t need a New Year as an excuse to begin new or better habits…it seems that a fresh start is easier to accomplish at the beginning of a new year.

But where to begin?   A Gay Man’s New Year’s Resolution List !

We’ve listed some of the most popular New Year Resolutions among gay men to help YOU get started off to a brand new year:

1. Journal/Blog on GayMatters.net

Don’t go down a bitchy and bitter highway.  Release all of your baggage from the previous year by blogging or journaling.  Write your comments at www.GayMatters.net. If you would like to write some articles that you think will be of interest to the gay community, do. Email it to us. If it we agree, we will post it right here at www.GayMatters.net. If you’re still a little old school, that’s alright.  Grab a decorative notebook and write your thoughts freestyle every day.  Don’t worry about grammar or spelling.  This journal is for you. For the computer savvy, you can create your own personal blog.

2.  No More Drama

“Gay” & “Drama” do not always go hand-in-hand.  This New Year, gays around the world are making a pact to eliminate the nasty rumors, lost friendships and petty arguments that spice up our everyday lives.  Try a new approach for the New Year:   Forgiveness.  A more peaceful life can lead to better health by releasing any internalized anger and resentment.  Give others room to make mistakes and trust in the positive aspects of your relationships.  Take away the expectations that you place upon your friends, family, staff, co-workers and you’ll see that those relationships just seem to flow more peacefully.

3.  Mentor LGBT Youth

After all that you’ve learned at this place in your life, why let your life lessons go to waste when you can help guide a young LGBT adult?  There are more out pop culture figures than ever, but nothing beats an in-person role model.  Career guidance to life coaching, there are many ways you can help LGBT youth.  Start by volunteering for a youth group at your local gay community center.  Nearly every foster care program has another specifically dedicated to gay and lesbian young men and women.  When you find yourself caring for another human being for no specific reason…you’ll see other people caring for you, in return.

4.  Fight for Gay Rights

Even if you’re not the flag waving type, there is still an opportunity to help further gay equality. Here are 10 ways you can support gay rights:

a.)    Register to Vote – The best way to tell our government how you feel is to vote!  Be sure to update your address if you are registered to vote or sign up if you are not.

b.)    Sign a Same-Sex Marriage petition – Your single signature may at first seem irrelevant, but among millions . . . change happens

c.)    Write to your State Senator or Representative – Your State Senators and Representatives were elected by you and act on your behalf.  Let them know how you feel.

d.)    Contact the White House – For now, our Administration (who were elected by you and who act on your behalf) opposes equal gay rights.  Send letters supporting gay equality directly to our leader.  Let’s keep the upper hand by expressing our opinions with respect and professionalism.

e.)    Support Gay Schools – Call your city’s Department of Education or provide funding to The Harvey Milk School.

f.)     Write the Church – A simple email to gay-friendly churches can go a long way towards the confirmation of gay clergymen.

g.)    Support the Servicemembers Legal Defense Fund – Not only do they educate servicemembers on the current “don’t ask, don’t tell” policies, but they provide free legal advice.

h.)    Watch Gay television shows – it increases their ratings!

i.)      Volunteer for a Gay-Rights organization – Find the one that best suits your lifestyle

j.)      Lobby for Gay Adoption.

5.  Get HIV Tested

The anxiety of getting an HIV test and the fear of a life-changing result is overwhelming, but the freedom that comes along with knowing your status is worth the tension.  Why leave your health up to chance? Understand HIV/AIDS and be responsible . . .get an HIV test.

6.  Come Out to Yourself

Coming out is a process that unfolds at your own pace. This may be the year for you to be free! The first step to understanding your sexuality is self-reflection.  Don’t skip this important step on your way out of the closet. Get to know yourself this New Year and create the life you desire.

7.  Shed Bad Influences

Bad influences come in many forms: drug and alcohol addiction, sex addiction or even that cute guy who tells you he can’t have sex while wearing a condom.  Don’t be a victim, let alone a statistic.  Besides, doing drugs and barebacking is so last year!  Create a brand new You in a brand new year by kicking an old habit and knowing your boundaries.  Recognize your own addictions and test your safe sex practices.

8.  Actually Working Out at the Gym

While some vow they will finally get a gym membership this upcoming year, other veteran gym bunnies resolve that they will actually work out at the gym instead of cruising boys and talking to their friends. Lift a bar bell or two and work on that V-shape.  Just make sure you do it for you and not because you want to join the parade of shirtless guys at the club.  Get some ideas from www.HowCelebsGetFit.com

9.  Volunteer to a Gay Charity

Volunteering is not only fun; it’s an opportunity for you to give back to something greater than yourself. You can also meet other gay people with similar interests. There are many gay organizations that need your help.

You don’t need a special talent to volunteer, just your dedication.  Call your local gay community center and offer your assistance with some of their programs.  Or choose a gay organization that best fits your interests.  Perhaps you can give 30 minutes a week just listening and getting to know at the Nursing Home?

10.  Stop Smoking

If you’ve ever smoked, then you know how difficult it is to quit.  In addition to the nicotine addiction itself, many smokers feel as if they can’t drive, take a break or wake up without a cigarette.  These are just excuses that many smokers give to justify their habit.  But, did you know gay men are at higher risk for lung cancer?  (See our post on Reducing the Rate of Cancer among gay men).  So, this year, break the habit!