Are Gay Men Over 40 Invisible?

That’s the feature of Instinct Magazine this month.  If 30s are the new 20s, then October cover guy Will Bercik is most definitely the new 40! In breaking from a major media habit of putting young, fresh and photo-shopped faces on the cover of their magazine, this month Instinct poses the question, “Are gay men over 40 invisible?, by introducing readers to handsome Will Bercik—their 46-year-old cover guy.

In their continuing pledge to feature openly gay men on their covers, Will talks candidly about the pressures of aging in the gay community, the stereotypes that seem to follow men in their 40s and 50s and what exactly he is (and isn’t) willing to do to keep up his appearance. This month’s cover story also looks at why, as a community, we seem to be obsessed with youth, but also why some older men are ready to wave their age card high in the sky.

Personally, I have a lot of fun “lying” about my age when everyone knows that I am creeping up (ok…galloping) toward the big 5-0.  But I know that I have gained the maturity to respect life while maintaining the immaturity to enjoy it.  And if you know me– you know I do enjoy it.  The truth is– at least for me– that a lot of guys seem to really like a mature man “that knows exactly what he wants, when he wants it and how he wants it and isn’t wishy-washy and afraid to say it or take it.”  That’s the quote of a much younger friend of mine.

I’ve learned it’s what you take away from individual experiences that makes us different. Love life. Play hard.