I was on the west-side of Jacksonville today for my chest x-ray. (I'll get results/details at my next appointment, on June 5th)
Perfect opportunity to take a nostalgic trip around the neighborhood where I met my very first boyfriend ever! 🥰
I didn't come out openly until I was in the process of leaving the Navy after my 20 years.
During the late 90's I began to seek out LGBTQIA+ places.
One night at a popular bar in the 5-Points area I explained to the girl hitting on me that I was gay but didn't know any other queer people. She suggested a few places in the Riverside neighborhood. And as they say, the rest, plus gay dot com, is history! 🤣
At a gay bar she recommended (3-D, now called InCahoots) an older gentleman suggested I check out a place called The Boot Rack.
The bartender that night at The Boot Rack was named Todd. We quickly hit it off. He asked me out, and when I said yes, he kissed me! My first kiss from another gay man! 🥰
We were together almost 5 years, and were great friends even after we separated.
Here's 1990's Bryan at the Boot Rack collecting Todd after his shift one night. Someone snapped the photo and gave it to us. Back when pics were developed and printed on photo paper! 🤣
The second photo is one of my favorites of Todd. He was the kindest, most gentle soul I've ever known! 🥰🙏❤️
The third photo I took this afternoon at The Boot Rack, incredibly still going strong, having survived lockdown! 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
