Gay youths coming out of the closet and onto the Web
via Chicago Tribune, by
Moments before Isaiah Freeman-Schub left three years ago to study abroad in Paris, he picked up his laptop computer and wrote a life-changing blog entry.
"I must disclose that I am a Martha Stewart-watching, fashion-abiding, flower-arranging, boxer-brief-wearing, hair-styling, ... Rachel Ray recipe-cooking, vodka-drinking, nail-filing, exfoliated, pec-toning, pocket square-sporting, football-abhorring, Queer-as-Folk-viewing, Kelly-Clarkson-listening, accessory-coordinating, fitness-obsessed, Boystown-going, candle-lighting, fruit fly-leading, necktie-tying, pinky-extending, mirror-looking, GQ-reading, Jake Gyllenhaal-lusting, blow-drying, man-loving FAIRY."
He clicked the submit button, walked out the door and didn't bother checking his messages for days.
Freeman-Schub, 23, is one of a growing number of gays who are outing themselves online. Experts say that while an older generation of gays and lesbians struggled with making public their sexual orientation -- often remaining in the closet well into their adult lives -- the Internet has made it easier for a younger generation to take that step.
The phenomenon is the subject of a local exhibit called "Coming Out Online" by artist Doug Smithenry, who painted images from online video testimonials for the show, which is at the Center on Halsted, 3656 N. Halsted St.
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