I've been following all of your posts with not only interest, but concern for your health and well-being. You are among friends here, and you are doing something very good for yourself: putting your feelings of pain into words and expressing yourself. I think the other members of the Forum will agree with me that there are plenty of straight black men who are into fitness and enjoy rocking microwear! The chances are quite good that there are many straight black bodybuilders who wear string posing suits in bodybuilding competitions, for example. You and I have one thing in common that has influenced our feelings of being "less than:" difficult experiences in growing up that severely damaged our self-confidence and self-assurance. (For me, it was emotional and physical abuse at the hands of so-called "peers" in my neighborhood and school who, as it turns out, were most likely caught in the living hell of having alcoholic parents. More than one died early in life.) We have both persevered, have whole and healthy bodies, and are enjoying life. (I enjoyed a fulfilling career, and have much love and happiness in my life, with many fulfilling hobbies and interests.) Give thanks for your fit body, and keep up the good work. Enjoy the microwear you have, and wear it with confidence! Do NOT pay attention to those who would belittle you, because they are NOT worth your time!!! THEIR opinions do NOT matter. What you choose to wear is NOT their business, NOT their choice! Members of the Forum who are in SoCal: please give our friend some suggestions on beaches in the area where microwear for men and women is welcome. "Why," your mission (should you decide to accept it!

) is to go to a welcoming beach and ENJOY yourself. And also remember that you may see some attractive , fit ladies in microwear who would welcome your company as a fellow microwear enthusiast! (The ladies may think the guys wearing "bored" shorts might as well cover up in a blanket, if that's all they can manage! Geez, what are they trying to HIDE?!?

) You can do it! Give thanks for each new day, focus on proper boundaries, take care of your needs in a holistic manner, and work to be a kind and caring person in all aspects of your life. Help your friends and neighbors, and greet others you encounter when out and about. Strike up conversations with others when the opportunity presents itself. Keep us informed of your progress. We care!