100 Gay Things To Do Before You Die

Ok, so not all of these are “gay,” per se. But if you’re gay, and you’re doing them, then they’re pretty gay, right? From the cliché and stereotypical to the unexpected and out-of-the-box, here’s our list of 100 “gay” things to do before you die.

It’s one of the biggest Pride Festivals in the world. Gotta check this one off your bucket list.

A bunch of horny dudes in swimsuits getting drunk? What could go wrong?

Yes, it’s based on the UK show of the same name, but the Showtime series broke ground and is worth a look. And those sex scenes, though!

Learning to live with someone is an important rite of passage, especially if it’s another gay person (that you’re not sleeping with).

Yes, the Academy may be behind the times, but that doesn’t mean your fancy soiree has to be!

Popular in the Southwest, the Gay Rodeo shows up in most areas of the country. Save a horse and ride a cowboy, right?

Yes, it’s scary, and yes, it will probably end badly. But. You never know!

Tinder, OkCupid, Grindr — pick one, pick a guy, and go on an actual date. It’s easier than it sounds.

Join the millions of admirers and kiss this gay icon’s lipstick-stained gravestone in the Père Lachaise Cemetery in Paris, France.

Volleyball, baseball, badminton — whatever it is, joing a gay sports team will introduce you to new friends and keep you active.

Yes, this is the movie your friends are quoting all the time. And so should you!

There’s nothing like showing off a bit of arm candy to your coworkers.

New Orleans is a mecca for Halloween festivities, which means the gay scene here is frighteningly fabulous.

Usually bottom? Switch it up and take control. The results may surprise you!

Usually top? Suck it up and enjoy a little role reversal. You may like it more than you think.

Yeah, this one’s important. Do it when it’s right for you, but don’t go your whole life living in the closet.

Some of the most famous gay bars (and some of the hottest guys) can be found in WeHo. Hit it and hit it hard.

Photo courtesy of Miguel Angel Reyes.

You may be surprised how little you know about the AIDS crisis of the 1980s. This movie is both enlightening and heart wrenching.

If the special man in your life is going to be around for a while, don’t let your family miss out on knowing him, too.

This is the most famous kink festival in the country. So grab some ass-less chaps and prepare for the unexpected.

Manhattan? Martini? Whatever it is, learn how to make it, and how to make it well. Your friends (and dates) will thank you!

There’s a long history of drag in the gay community. Don’t miss out on the fantastic performances and sickening costumes.

The fight against HIV/AIDS is far from over. Raise some money and show your support.

Lady Gaga. Britney. Cher. Whichever diva does it for you, buy a ticket and sing your little gay heart out.

James Baldwin’s unprecedented novel is a gay must-read. And yes, it was written in 1956.

If it’s good enough for Carrie Bradshaw, it’s good enough for you.

You don’t need to become a gym rat, but staying healthy makes you feel good and helps you live longer.

From the HRC to The Trevor Project, there’s no shortage of LGBTQ charities that need help. Lend a hand.

Leave the boyfriends/husbands behind and enjoy a weekend with just your guy friends. Wine and cheesy gay movies are a must.

Whether it’s with a stranger from Craigslist or your husband of 30 years, dirty talk over the phone can be loads of fun.

Graduate from phone sex and get on camera. Great for long distance relationships, the occasional business trip or a random Internet tryst.

Gay movies may get a bad rap, but there are wonderful films on the festival circuit that often get overlooked. Make sure to check it out.

A “forever” relationship may not be for everyone, but you learn a lot about yourself and what makes you happy when you pursue a LTR.

Halloween happens once a year, so you have no excuse. Shave those legs, buy a wig and let someone else do your makeup. Yas kween!

It may not be your thing, or it may be your weekend ritual, but at least you’ll never have to ask yourself “what if?”

They can be as creepy or as upscale as you like. And trust us, you can ask the employees anything. Anything.

If you’re in the store, you might as well make a purchase! Anal beads, dildos, nipple clamps, butt plugs — the possibilities are endless.

It helps expand your mind, provides you with more travel options and makes you sound sexy as hell in the bedroom.

Hey, Katy Perry liked it, so maybe you will, too!

Sure, you kind of have to be invited, but a gay wedding needs to be experienced firsthand. Don’t forget a gift!

Knowing your status gives you peace of mind. It also keeps you and your sexual partners safe.

Come on, brunch is pretty gay. Stock up on champagne and OJ and invite the gang. Everyone loves brunch.

You don’t have to do anything once you’re there if you don’t want to, but the rush you get walking in for the fist time is unforgettable.

Yes, there is better lube out there than the bargain bin crap you usually buy. And yes, you can totally tell the difference.

Watch it with a friend, a partner or all by your lonesome. Find out what all the fuss is about.

There’s still a long way to go on the equal rights front. Don’t get complacent. Your vote counts. So do it!

Even if it’s just for a month, see how you feel. No hangovers, more money in your wallet, and a liver that thanks you.

Yes, Great Clips can get the job done, but spoil your scalp at least once and splurge on a quality salon cut. You’ll look great!

Send it to a Grindr hookup, your new boyfriend or your husband of years and years. A well-timed D.P. can really brighten someone’s day.

There’s something both terrifying and liberating letting it all hang out. Get comfortable in your own skin and enjoy the view!

Don’t be afraid to get all 50 Shades of Grey up in the bedroom. Be honest with your fantasies and find someone willing to play!

Don’t max out your credit cards, but there are certain wardrobe staples you need: quality shoes, quality jeans and nice luggage. Trust us.

Yep, this city knows how to celebrate. It’s one of the best Pride Festivals in one of the gay-friendliest cities in the country.

The music, the lights, the dancing, and yes, the drugs. It may not be your cup of tea, but you’ll have fun, guaranteed.

A Louis Vuitton wallet, a Prada bag — whatever it is, find something special with a label that makes you feel like a rockstar.

There’s at least one gay bar in every city that hosts a karaoke night. Find it, practice your favorite song and channel your inner Beyoncé.

Your skin will look better, your lungs will last longer and you won’t smell like an ashtray.

The male G-spot is a beautiful thing. Find yours. Then find his.

Even if it’s just one dish, cooking will keep you from starving on those lonely single nights and may even impress a date.

Practice safe sex, always. Condoms are a must, and now so is PrEP.

Check out this pivotal New York landmark. We wouldn’t be where we are today without the brave people who rioted there.

Religion hasn’t always been welcoming. But there’s still value in the spiritual. Yoga, meditation, church — whatever floats your boat.

Ok, so it’s not super gay, but pets bring so much joy to our lives. Plus, a cute dog or a cuddly cat can be a guy magnet.

Your hands and feet will thank you. And so will everyone who has to shake your hand or see your feet in sandals.

There’s something magical about the theatre. Dress up, take a date and let yourself get swept away by song and dance.

Florida has some of the most famous White Parties in the world, but you can find them just about anywhere.

Home to the gay golden age of the 1920s, Berlin has a long and rich history with queer folk. You won’t want to miss it.

Harvey Milk. Gertrude Stein. Alan Turing. Audre Lorde. These are names you should know. There’s power in knowing how far we’ve come.

Yes, everything streams for free. But a well-produced adult film may make you think differently about those grainy amateur vids.

There’s a reason it’s popular with the gays. The restaurants, the clubs, the shopping, the spas — it’s all here.

Paris’ gayborhood is full of history, clubs, bars and restaurants. It makes for beautiful walking during the day and plenty of partying at night.

Located in New York City, this is the first dedicated LGBTQ art museum in the world.

This music festival/art event brings queer performance artists from all over, and is hosted during SXSW in Austin, Texas every year.

This is a skill that will never go out of style. Breathe through your nose.

Are you the naughty schoolboy in detention with the hot teacher? Or the dominating cop? Grab a costume and play it out with someone special.

It’s easier when someone else says it, but there’s something empowering about being the first one to say those three magic words.

There’s more to our community than just gay men. Get out there and meet the rest of our amazing and diverse crowd. We’re in it together!

Banana hammocks for days! Bring your dollar bills and get ready for some steamy lap dances.

It may not be as titillating, but you can’t deny, some of these girls know how to work a pole! Get it!

It’s “The Happiest Place on Earth,” and once a year it becomes “The Gayest Place on Earth!”

Ok, so there are two kinds, but we’re referring to the spa kind (although, you do you). Pamper yourself!

Whether it’s in Napa or a local winery near you, learning about wine and what you like is a must.

We could all use a little quality couch time. Family, friends, jobs — it’s nice to have an objective perspective once in a while.

It’s good to have balance. Break up the gay and get some straight perspective every now and then.

There are several locations throughout the U.S. There fare is fine, but it’s the clientele and people watching that keep people coming back.

Iceland is home to one of Europe’s longest running Pride Festivals. The country is pretty popular with the bears, too, as you can imagine.

Gay geeks are all the rage. Use Meetup.com to find a group of like-minded gays to geek out with!

E. M. Forster’s “unpublished” novel has all the Victorian England angst you could ask for. Definitely a gay literary standard.

This HBO adaptation of the Tony Kushner play is near perfect. Keep the tissue box nearby, this one’s a tearjerker.

Andrew Christian, 2(x)ist, Ginch Gonch — pick your poison! You’ll feel sexy and your ass will look amazing.

While not strictly a gay event, Burning Man is full of open-minded folks, and certainly leans on the queer side.

Sitges, Spain. Mykonos, Greece. Ibiza, Spain. Gran Canaria, Spain. You can’t go wrong with this itinerary.

A convention full of your favorite drag queens? Done and done.

Older men have a lot to teach us. And buy us.

If you have the money and the wisdom, why not share it with a hot young thing?

While it may not be true for everyone, most gay men have a special connection with their mothers. Don’t let her forget it.

A whole weekend full of hard bodies, pool parties and late nights in the City of Sin. Not even a question.

The Mexican Riviera doesn’t get much gayer than this. Lay on the beach, parasail, swim — the world is your oyster.

Photo courtesy of Gay PV magazine.

Hate crimes, sadly, are still a thing. From kickboxing to karate, practice some moves that could save you one day.

Don’t let your life slip by without making a difference. As the kids say: You only live once!