CONFIDENCE & GAY MEN...

Here are a few things you can do to start changing the dialogue, owning your confidence, and creating an environment that allows other gay men to do the same:

Encourage people in your life to speak openly about their accomplishments. Celebrate together. Become a safe space for confidence by encouraging that kind of positive self-talk. 

Accept compliments without caveat. You don’t have to minimize or shut down a compliment for anyone. Try this: Just say “thank you.” 

It’s OK to just receive a compliment.

Applaud other gay men when you see their confidence, rather than criticizing it. “Good for him” can become a regular part of your vocabulary instead of “Who does he think he is?” Give everyone permission to be themselves and proud of it.

Refuse to take part in confidence-knocking conversations. Instead, you might ask those chatting, “Why does his confidence bother you?” Or again, “good for him” works like a charm. Being mindful of not knocking others’ confidence will have a positive effect on those around you too.