Coming Out?

[KB3ZGV]

As a ham radio operator. I'm scared to do it. Won't people look at me funny? I've only told two very close friends. Well unless you count my mom, she always knew.

I even make up excuses when I go to buy solder and RF connectors, but I think they are starting to see through my lies

[N7YA]

We're here for you. At first, i used to laugh it off and tell them it was a weird cell phone, but it was eating me up at night. I couldnt stop the thoughts that i was missing a long path to africa, or that a dxpedition was slipping through my fingers.

Trust me, it may be tough, but be who you are and know you are not alone in this.

[N2CHX]

Just tell them that the stuff you're buying is to build a kinky sex toy, and that you're gay and into BDSM.

[PA5COR]

^that will shut them up good ;)

[W4GPL]

:lol: yeah, I'd rather be known as a gay BDSM enthusiast than a ham.. Unfortunately, I'm not sure I'm kidding.

[N8YX]

Time was when alternative-lifestyle folk were in the closet and the radio enthusiast/engineer was mainstream America-esque. My, how things (and perceptions) change...

[N7YA]

No...i think it would be better received to be a raging leather man with assless chaps and a huge moustache than to be a simple ham.

[K7SGJ]

No...i think it would be better received to be a raging leather man with assless chaps and a huge moustache than to be a simple ham.

Wow, you should maybe think about a KA-REAR in alternative western wear design. Perhaps you could debut the line in a little back room on Brokeback Mountain?

[NQ6U]

Better to come out as a ham than to continue to live a lie. Despite their deviant behavior--huddling over electronic equipment in dimly-lit rooms talking to strangers hundreds or thousands of miles away--many hams are otherwise well-balanced, productive individuals who are an asset to their community.

Then, of course, there are those of us who frequent The Island.

[W4GPL]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-fo-W1wDXHA

[W7XF]

:lol: yeah, I'd rather be known as a gay BDSM enthusiast than a ham.. Unfortunately, I'm not sure I'm kidding.

Uhhhh....Jeff... I didn't know you had THAT wild streak in ya!! :spin:

[WA4TM]

No...i think it would be better received to be a raging leather man with assless chaps and a huge moustache than to be a simple ham.

Now there is a vision that will be hard to get out of my mind!:yes:

[suddenseer]

I have yet to tell the men I have slept with that I am a ham. When I go to pride events, the vhf/uhf walkie talkies stay at home.

[X-Rated]

I have yet to tell the men I have slept with that I am a ham. When I go to pride events, the vhf/uhf walkie talkies stay at home.

The shame of who you are is too much to bare. Sigh.

[KB3ZGV]

I was going to take up female impersonation, but my feet are too big for all the really cool shoes.

[KG4CGC]

http://forums.qrz.com/showthread.php?184333-When-do-you-tell-a-woman-you-re-a-ham&highlight=w6ire

http://forums.qrz.com/showthread.php?214191-Why-I-don-t-talk-about-my-hobby-with-non-hams&highlight=w6ire

[n2ize]

I generally don't mention ham radio to anyone unless I am asked. And depending on who asks and/or why they are inquiring I may either, deny it completely, change the subject abruptly,or, mention that I have a casual interest in ham radio.....which is basically true, ham radio is not my main interest in life, I achieved what I wanted to in ham radio. From my early teens I wanted to be an AM'er and I accomplished that goal. I am not the stereotypical ham operator. I prefer a few nice slices of fresh baked ham, glazed or smoked ham to a ham radio ;)

[KK4AMI]

I generally don't mention ham radio to anyone unless I am asked. And depending on who asks and/or why they are inquiring I may either, deny it completely, change the subject abruptly,or, mention that I have a casual interest in ham radio.....which is basically true, ham radio is not my main interest in life, I achieved what I wanted to in ham radio. From my early teens I wanted to be an AM'er and I accomplished that goal. I am not the stereotypical ham operator. I prefer a few nice slices of fresh baked ham, glazed or smoked ham to a ham radio ;)

If I remember correctly, you have also mentioned having other hobbies like Radio Control Helicopters and the Violin. If you are trying to avoid the stigma of being known as the lowly Ham, you have certainly done so, but maybe going in the wrong direction. :lol: Now where did I put my .44 Magnum and NASCAR season pass, time to audition for that Viagra commercial

[n2ize]

If I remember correctly, you have also mentioned having other hobbies like Radio Control Helicopters and the Violin.

Yes, those among other things.


If you are trying to avoid the stigma of being known as the lowly Ham, you have certainly done so, but maybe going in the wrong direction. :lol:

I don;t consider hams to be "lowly" at all. I think ham radio is a great hobby. And, if anything I try to avoid the negative stigma and stereotypes that many hams place upon the hobby, more so than the general public. Most non-hams I talk to feel that ham radio is both interesting, somewhat mysterious, and intriguing. At the same time if they know you are a ham they will place any electronic glitches and/or malfunctions at your feet... something I like to avoid. I would say I try to keep my radio interests "low key" (no pun intended). +I am sometimes disheartened by a lot of the gossip, backstabbing, rivalry, and nonsense that a lot of hams impose upon the hobby. That is what prompted me to avoid many of the established radio clubs and radio organizations shortly after I was licensed. People trying to make the hobby into a cutthroat busineses as opposed to a hobby for enjoyment,

I have also experienced the same sort of nonsense in some of the rc clubs. But not to the extent of ham radio. And, some of these pet peeves can be the result of regional affiliations. For example, I flew as a guest out of an rc club in So. Carolina and I was pleasantly amazed as to how much more relaxed and laid back their members were as opposed to our clubs up here in New York. Seemed like the folks down there really got it... It's just a hobby to be enjoyed... not a Wall Street board meeting if you get my drift. Took a break from flying and was offered some good barbecue and some beer. My reaction... these folks have got it right... my fellow New Yorkers could take some lessons from those people. Perhaps similar holds true for ham radio clubs as well. Problem up in this area is too many people take the office into the flying field or the radio shack. Maybe they should try leaving the office at the office for a change. :lol:

Far as the violin goes, thats more a passion for me than anything else. Much as someone who may play guitar, drums, etc.. I don;t expect to ever become famous or rich playing the fiddle. I've been playing on and off since I was 10, I play for an amateur orchestra and so far we have good vibes all the way. No hero's no soap operas. We just get together once a week to make beautiful music and we give concerts to share that music with others.

Guns... I like guns. Used to do a lot of target shooting and I might get back into it again. I was on a varsity rifle team in high school and loved it.

NASCAR... never got into it yet but it looks like it could be fun.

Viagra ?? I doubt even that would help me :snicker:

[N7YA]

I have yet to tell the men I have slept with that I am a ham. When I go to pride events, the vhf/uhf walkie talkies stay at home.


You are a smart man!