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חשבון האינסטגרם "ישבנים מטיילים" (The Travelin’ Bum) מציג ישבנים גבריים מעל לנוף הטבעי, ומספר את סיפוריהם האישיים. בעל העמוד הוא ג’פרי פרלה (בתמונה הפותחת), בחור גאה בן 26 מהחוף המערבי בארה"ב. העיקרון פשוט, פרלה מציג בבלוג שלו גברים גאים המתפשטים וחושפים את ליבם. חלק מהסיפורים יכווצו לכם את הלב וחלק מצחיקים, אבל מעל לכל העמוד מוקדש לשניים מהנושאים החמים ביותר באינסטגרם מאז היווסדו: ישבנים ונופים.

בראיון למגזין להט"בי מספר פרלה מדוע אנשים מרגישים בנוח להתפשט מולו ולחשוף את סיפורם האישי. "בעיניי זו דרך לשחרר את עצמך מהסיפור שלך. כשאתה מטייל, אתה נפתח לחוויות חדשות ודברים שאף פעם לא עשית. אני גם חושב שלהיות עירום מול מישהו יוצר קשר חזק יותר באופן מידי ומאפשר לך להיפתח כלפיו".

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>> מבט מבפנים: סצנת האורגיות של תל אביב נחשפת

>> "הלוואי שהיה לי תומך! החיים היו הרבה יותר קלים"

>> "אמרו לי שלא אהיה מרוצה מהתוצאה בסוף הניתוח"

במהלך עבודתו בין טיולים וסיפורי חיים קווירים, פרלה הבחין בבעיות בתוך הקהילה הלהט"בית. הומואים, הוא משתף מניסיונו, פתוחים הרבה יותר לשאלות אישיות מאשר גברים ביסקסואלים. "אני לא יודע לגמרי מה הסיבה לכך", הוא אומר, "אני חושב שהיום, להיפתח לאנשים אחרים זה הכל. למדתי שכמה שאני אמיתי ופגיע בעמוד שלי, כך זה יותר טוב. אם לא תחלוק יותר ממי שאתה, איזו טביעה תשאיר בעולם אחרי שתחלוף ממנו?".

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I am from a little village in France and for me, it was not an option to be gay. I tried with girls. Obviously it was a not great. Then I moved to Sydney in Australia where I had to realise I was not straight. Here in Sydney, being gay is absolutely fine. I met the right people and came out when I was 28. It was such a relief for me to tell my mum and my sister. I took me a long time to find myself but I don't have any regrets.

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Our first date was probably the best I had ever been on. We clicked instantly when we first met, spent an entire day together just talking, and decided to go on a date the following weekend. He was so cute; he texted me three very thought-out options, and I decided on the hot springs because I had always wanted to go. It was about a two hour drive and an hour long hike down- and it was so much fun! The hot springs are clothing optional, and I had never done anything like that before. He's such a free spirit and I was really attracted to that about him. I always felt comfortable being myself and I still haven't found anything that can faze him. I'm much more reserved and tend to take things more seriously, but he inspired me to be a lot more open and he's broken down so many of the barriers I had. I think it's really important to be with someone who helps you grow and who you can grow with, and we've already grown together a lot. We love to camp, hike, and travel. Our relationship is talking about going to Mexico with friends and going the same day. It's watching meteor showers, hiking in the desert, camping at the hot springs, six flags, peeing in the same urinal because we can, going to concerts and friends parties, planning trips to Greece we know we can't afford, and me going to all his shows to see him dance. We've already made a music video together and a short film. We've shared so many special things together and it's still just the beginning. I can't wait to see where else we go and what else we create! I love you babe  @alexlepkowski @jamalkwade

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My twin brother, Michael and I have been best friends since we were born. We came out to one another after I found out that we slept with the same guy. Our mother decided to confront me one day and asked if I was gay. I immediately texted my brother and he said “Throw me under the bus too” so that’s what I did haha. As a result, our mom threw holy water at us. Her reaction inspired us to write a book, Pray The Gay Away. Growing up we only had one another, our book shows you that things do get better in their own fucked up ways.

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I met my partner over 10 years ago. Back then he was working at a bar, I was one of those customers who would come over and order a drink just to say hello. I had a crush at the bar, who hasn’t? Three years ago we crossed paths again. I move back to the city and he was moving away. Each of us trying to escape the pain of losing someone important in our lives. In this transition we found in each other someone to confide, someone to trust in such difficult moments. That’s when we fell in love. We encourage each other to be ourselves, as individuals and as a duo. We travel to see the world, to explore what’s out there, together. We aren’t afraid to be who we are with each other. This is who we are.

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I have always been unapologetically myself; that includes strutting around naked wherever and whenever I can. Even though being nude was never an issue for me before sexual reassignment surgery at age 19, I longed for the day I could be 100% comfortable with my body. I asked my mom for a Cinderella dress at the age of two and grew up playing with Barbies and anything pink. I knew I wasn’t gay. I identified with being trans in 2006 at the age of 12 after seeing the term in a magazine and almost immediately told my mom. The unconditional love and support I had before, during, and after my initial physical transition at the age of 15 gave me confidence in knowing I could be accepted, but I didn’t know if surgery would be feasible. I was blessed to have the option to never “come out.” I lived five years presenting as a cisgender woman, but that changed when I launched my site in June 2016 with the first blog post titled, “Allow Me to Reintroduce Myself.” Sharing the link in a Facebook status is how I came out to anyone and everyone I had met after transitioning in high school. Overnight I became a resource for all people to learn about a transgender experience in detail, and I have since been able to help guide the transgender movement in a progressive direction. I didn’t have to come out, but I wanted to. I couldn’t allow anyone to bring attention to transgenderism without it being seen in a positive light. It was time to start breaking the social stigmas of what it means to be a transgender woman. Being open with my story and finally being my true whole self has been the most rewarding part of my journey thus far. I couldn’t be more proud to be the transgender woman you see before you.

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I fit most stereotypes that make up a gay person in the 21st century, EXCELLING in the arts, abhorring anything that made me sweat, and LIVING for fashion. I always like to state that I was a musician by genes and a model by choice. As I’ve grown older I’ve found myself diminishing from the vivacious and outgoing personality I once was. While in High School I truly believed I would’ve been able to take being gay to be grave, but it slowly ate away at my core. I NEVER liked the term “Coming Out” unless singing the Diana Ross hit single, so I referred to it as letting people in. I want to encourage and lift up everyone who thinks it’s not ok to be true to themselves and to live their truth. I have the stereotypical background story as well as growing up in a highly religious household hat didn’t necessarily lend an open mind and heart to those “struggling” with homosexuality. I’ve been blessed to have a mom that has since come around to further express her unconditional love for me and family members who identify as apart of the LGBT community. So in telling my story I leave you with this, Live your Truth, the maker of the universe LOVES you AS YOU, Don’t be Discouraged about current situations it really does get better, and don’t be racist. I say the last part because the LGBT community PRIDES itself in being “all inclusive” when most of its inhabitants write boldly on profiles, “NO FATS, NO FEMS, DISCRETE, NO BLACKS” then recant it by saying, “it’s only a preference.” So my question is, does your “preference” prefer YOU?

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Life as I knew it changed when I met Russell eight years ago. We live continents apart but our mutual love of adventure and exploration means we’ve been able to foster an incredibly tight friendship that knows no borders. We both travel so much that it’s always been difficult to nurture independent relationships but as long as we have each other, we know that we’ll always be loved, encouraged and supported by the other. True friendship is knowing everything about the other and them knowing everything about you. And when it’s like that, you don’t have to hold back. You can be candid, honest, weak or strong. You can trust that no matter how great the obstacle, you have someone who’s got your back. It’s been an incredible journey for us and I feel so much gratitude that the universe bought us together.

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My tattoo says "Amor Fati" which in Latin translates to " the love of fate", I've always been so torn with the saying, there's been so many rad things that have happened in my life because of chance, people I've met and experiences I've had. However they have all been met with counter experiences from being raped at 17, the death of my best friend, and sadness. It took a while to fully understand but all these little pieces of unfortunate and fortunate fate together has created a better me.

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So coming out for has been a long journey for me, I’ll start saying by saying this I’m a black Caribbean-American gay man who’s also happens to be Catholic as fuck, half of my struggle is explained in those very words. Coming out to my mom was like talking to a wall, she didn’t believe me she said it was a phase and that I could pray it away if I really wanted to. Let’s be honest that sent me into a emotional spiral, which sucked! Fast forward to senior year of high school I had my first break up during midterms nonetheless and in true dramatic fashion I was super moody and skipped class got caught got suspended and during my suspension hearing I decided it was the perfect time to yell out I’m gay and stormed out, my mom didn’t take it lightly. Rewind to 4 years ago I fell madly in love with this guy and decided that I’d had enough of playing it cool so everyone around me could be comfortable while I felt stifled. I decided this time I’d be honest about who I was dating not only to my parents and siblings but the rest of my family as well and for the first time in my life I felt empowered and free to make the choices that I wanted and be unapologetic about it. My sexuality by any means doesn’t define me but it just is. It doesn’t make me any more or any less of a man but it is a part of who I am and I’m proud of it. I’m proud to love and be loved ♥️

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Although I’ve been ‘out’ since my late teens, it took me until my thirties to become fully comfortable in my own skin, so to speak. Years spent concerning myself over the way others perceive me became a huge burden and I reached a very low point, feeling I had no where to turn. But from this, I had an awakening. I adopted a new mindset: I will take care of myself both mentally and physically, I will get out into the world, and I will live my best life. I am now fortunate enough to be travelling the world and working with many amazing fellow entertainers. The world really is out there for the taking. So, strip away your burdens (and your clothes), be free and LIVE.

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Hi!! My name is netto and I’m from the country that kills homosexuals the most: I’m from Brazil. I was born in the interior of state of São Paulo and having growing up as gay kid in a very religious family was tremendously difficult. Three times a week I was forced to go to the church to hear that homosexual life doesn’t matter and it has torn me for years. I was 5 when I heard my grandma saying that if she had some gay grandson in the family she would kill them with her own hands. I had tons of bad experiences like that along the years... you can’t just run away of it... the homophobia is in everywhere... homophobia literally sits with u to have dinner. But the situation wasn’t bad enough. Brazilian electors turned it worst: our new president is the evil personification. He was elected basically with a bunch of fake news against his rival and hate discourse to LGBTQ+, women, and minorities. For the next 4 years the minorities will have to fight for basic rights... again. Our community is in danger... but we won’t accept this in silence. I raise my voice against the wrongdoing. Send your love and support for Brazilian people. ❤

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I am very proud of who I am. I am a warrior, I have the power and I have everything that I need to succeed. My Family are the people who love me for what I am. My life has been challenging and yet rewarding. I live in parallel worlds. One of them use to be cruel and full of judgment. The other world is that one where love and forgiveness is allowed at any time. Which world do you choose to live in? Happy Halloween

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As many love stories start, we found each other on @Grindr over 2 years ago! After sending many messages and nudes we decided to meet at the beach. When I first saw him I knew he was going to be the man I married. It was an unexpected kind of love that came out of no where. Over the course of the past 2 years we have traveled, moved in together, and we just got married at the exact beach we met on. I hope one day you all find your partner in crime even if it comes from a place you wouldn’t expect.

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All thru grade school. I “liked” girls. I had girlfriends. I’ve slept with a total of 5 girls in my “straight” years. All the while I had about two boyfriends too.. or guys that I would mess with to get back to what I know.. I’m school I never wanted to be that “gay” kid. I was already the only boy on the dance team in high-school.. I DEFINITELY didn’t wana be know as the gay boy dancer. Even thou I may have already been seen as that, I wouldn’t admit to it and it made high school very hard for me. All while great music was emerging about struggles and being true to yourself from Christina Aguilera and Pink specifically. I felt like I was hiding myself from myself. I would hear and see how gays were treated at my school.. I vowed to NEVER be one of those kids.. and I kept that up all thru college. Pretending to like girls and be manly.. but once I went home, it was gay town, USA. Finally as my senior year of college was coming to an end.. I met someone who changed my whole care of being gay. He was a fellow dancer and we did EVERYTHING together. Dance, laugh, smoke, eat, teach class. We were inseparable. And then I met another guy. And he lit up my world. So I found myself at this crossroads of hiding my life and having TWO boys that were crazy about me. So one day, I think it was for some minor holiday(fourth of July, Memorial Day) I took them both to my family gathering and told my family, “these are my boyfriends.” And then we walked down to the lake like a cute scene from a LOGO movie.. It was slightly frustrating because no one was like  at all. No surprise or crazy backlash.. I guess I wasn’t fooling anyone all along and I was blessed enough to Come Out the way I wanted. I may have missed some prime OUT- younger gay experiences but I don’t seem to be missing a beat nowadays

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The winners of brunch @toroloconyc! Had a great time meeting you @rupesh_nayee, @david7925, @terronrm♥️ If you are in NYC this weekend feel free to join us this Sunday for a Halloween drag brunch. 1-3Pm bottomless drinks. For those who can’t make it enjoy your Halloween weekend and send me pictures of your costumes! I’ll post my favorites on my story throughout the weekend. ♥️ always @jeffperlaa

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We had gone on a 5 day cruise to the western Caribbean to celebrate our best friend's dirty 30. None of us met until we went on this trip, other than talking in our Facebook chat . We had some great adventures together and met new Friends along the way. In 2018 I want to encourage everyone to step out of your comfort zone and travel alone and meet someone new because we all hope to make this a yearly tradition as the bonds we formed in the short week trip and stronger than some with people we've known for years.

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We hosted a house party the other day, one of my flatmate’s straight friends thought I was coming on to him when I was only trying my best to be a friendly host (he isn’t my type at all, by the way). A few weeks further back, on Christmas Day, a London ‘it boy’ (who ironically runs an online LGBTQ+ platform) attacked and shamed me over Twitter for being ‘thirsty’. It was later revealed he didn’t mean to tweet his thoughts publicly but instead in a private message to his friend, some apology. I live in London and for the most part feel very safe as a gay man, but even in 2018 we’re faced with homophobia not only in the typical form of fragile hetero-masculinity, but also from within our own community. I’m very fortunate, however, my friends and family are beautiful and were so more accepting of who I was than I had ever been. They’re my safety blanket, my counsel. I felt emboldened by their acceptance. I came out relatively late in life (aged 25) and I often re-read the beautifully crafted and touching messages I had been sent. My mother’s friends sent me letters of encouragement. My brother’s told me nothing would change and I was still their little bro and that they’d fight anyone who disrespected me. My mother told me she felt as if she had failed me because if she had been a better mother then maybe I would have come out sooner. My father sent me one of his favourite Kate Bush songs and signed his email off with - ‘but as far as I am concerned it makes NO difference as you are my Son and I WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU dearly’. I often forget how lucky I am and how much I am loved… so I dedicate this post to the straight men and the gay men who seek belittle us, your comments may seem throwaway or meant in ‘jest’, but think - what if the person at the receiving end of your spite doesn’t have the same support network as I do. What then? Who will they turn to?

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Pretty sure I thought I was slick doing the no pants subway ride but I ended up getting the flu like an idiot. Sorry for the lack of posts and everyone in DM purgatory. @zakartwins and @ryanjordansantana will be taking over until Tuesday so I’m sure they will entertain you while I get better.

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Hey guys I’m Troy! Being raised in small mountain by my father, a mountaineer/survivalist, I spent most of my childhood outdoors - we often went fishing and backpacking. My father raised me, his only son, to be tough and "manly," which is why coming terms with my sexuality took years of confusion and denial. It wasn't until I moved to the Bay to continue my studies that I experienced gay culture for the time. For the first time in my life I felt truly free. I fell in love, had sex, and met the most amazing people - I was in ecstacy. Four years later and four years of being out, I've had many loves, lots of sex, and I continue to meet the most amazing people. Coming out and taking control of my life has been the best decision I've ever made. While everyone's situation is different it's important for all of us, especially in the gay world, to continue to instill love, support and empathy into our communities! Thanks, everyone! Also, if you like to backpack let me know - we need more gay backpackers in SF!

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The first person I told I was gay was my best friend 5 years ago. It took 2 hours to say the one sentence "i am gay". I don't know why but one or two tears were rolling down my face. He reacted better than I could have ever imagined. His answer of my coming out was "more girls for me". Since than he has stayed my best friend and I always can talk to him about every problem. - Thx bro After 5 years of silence I decide to tell my parents this summer. I was soo fucking excited. All my bad thoughts disappeared when they told me they still love me like before. This year was a big year, I came out to my parents and I broke up with my boyfriend. I hope 2018 will be an even better. Happy holidays

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I met @lifeasnicholas through Instagram. I feel like I got a DM from him every week and was always like who the fuck is this kid. We coincidentally were in Barcelona at the same time and found each other on the nudist beach. When I met Nick I felt like I knew him my whole life. Through out the week I think we have more blackmail on each other than people I have been friends with for 5 years. From thotting around every night, to not sleeping for 36hours, massages by Asian women to some really weird shit which we won’t get into haha. I hope our travels lead us back together one day, I’m sure they will. Happy birthday bitch you are one of a kind ♥️

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Learning to become comfortable in my own skin and to love myself has been a long and arduous road, but ultimately the most rewarding journey of my life. This was taken with my two friends as we explored the unparalleled beauty of Rainier National Park. I moved to Seattle three years ago and have fallen in love with the beautiful terrain and the even more beautiful people who have supported me in expressing myself exactly as I am.

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Some people travel for fun, some people travel for their whole lives. Some people travel in search of themselves, new souls, or to see new things. I met @smiike 3 years ago while I was “finding myself” in key west. I saw him laying on the beach which led us to being high in a hot tub. We stayed in touch and I promised him I would make a trip to visit Zurich. I’m grateful that I have the opportunity to travel and see old friends and make new ones along the way. My trip to Zurich taught me that traveling isn’t about trying to escape your current life it’s about making sure life doesn’t escape you.

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I grew up in a very religious household (mormon) and didn’t ever think I would have a shot at a “real” relationship or even a chance to introduce someone I loved to my family for fear they wouldn’t accept it. This weekend I brought Jeff to my brother’s wedding here in Colorado and introduced him to the whole Metts clan. They welcomed him with open arms and my heart is so full of happiness and love. I couldn’t have asked for a better person to call my boyfriend.

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My name is Vladimir. I’m from Russia Federation. Since i was a child me and my brother and sister were educated to love and be free by our mom. She always told us that it wasn’t important with Who we will be, important was feeling and falling in love. So when I realized that I was gay it wasn’t a problem with my family they supported me and loved as they have always done! It wasn’t anything strange for them, they accepted it without any problem! I’m really gratefull to my mom for all that she‘s done and how she raised us especially with the fact that we live in a very closed country like Russia.

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One of my favorite people I met on this trip... Story: @jhorwanpinto Born and raised in the Dominican, life has taught me many things, we learn to walk, run, laugh, cry; but the most important thing is to know each other and know who we are. I have learned that in order for the world to change you must change first. In that learning you accept yourself as you are. The day I accepted who I was, I was able to understand others as they are. I saw life from another point of view, I am free I am happy, I dance to live and I live to dance and everything I do I do it with love because I love what I do.

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