But even more important, I believe, is to show yourself this truth, for no amount of acceptance or tolerance from others can substitute for self-acceptance. Yes, there is some of that. There probably always will be for a gay man. As children we have a queer Oedipal complex, wanting to take Mom's place in bed with Dad rather than vice-versa. Most are not.
Most gay men worship the youthful muscularity of younger men.
My desire is something different. I've always wanted to be older myself. As a kid I always played with the older kids. In college I hung out with upper classmen or professors. And I've always looked forward to my fifties and sixties and even seventies all my life.