The GLBT community is in the process of great change. In the 35 years since Stonewall, our community has made huge strides toward establishing itself in society. Ironically, as we have carved out a clear public profile we have simultaneously lost track of one another. The GLBT community is broad and diverse, but in many respects we have splintered into factions whose paths rarely cross.

“Portrait of a Community” aims to correct this imbalance by talking to the men and women who make up our community.

Each portrait will be a snapshot of an individual in his or her unique environment and will include a conversation about the substance of that person’s life and the cornerstones of his or her GLBT experience.

In this way, in time, this column will create a complete portrait of our community – one member at a time.

Name: Christopher L. Galea

Age: 39 years young

Self-definition: Gay man, bear, sister, “Chris,” above all else

Where were you at 9 a.m. last Sunday morning? I was at Pecs cleaning the bar – not too exciting.

Who has influenced you more than any other person, and how? After my parents, I would have to say “life” itself. It influences me every day with new experiences and beautiful people who add to my character. Life helps me slow down and pick up speed when needed. It also challenges me, along with letting me be who I am.

When don’t you feel equal? During our tax time, for one, being a single male. However, when I find the one man I want to be with and love for the rest of my life, we will still be taxed as single men and not as a married couple. Something is very wrong with that.

Where were you last Wednesday at noon? Eating lunch with co-workers at Burnham Real Estate

When was the last time you felt proud?

Each day I feel proud when I know I have touched someone and helped make a small or even large change in his or her life that day.

If there was a defining moment in your life, what was it? Wow! I would have to say going into boot camp on July 16, 1986. The U.S. Navy really makes you grow up. Also, Jan. 1, 1987, defined me when I flew into San Francisco for my first duty station. Coming from the East Coast, where I grew up, this was when I became a West Coast boy.

Where were you at 10 p.m. last Friday night? Just getting home from a great date!

What is your most immediate goal?

Changing my life in small doses to get where I need to be [and] studying up on some real estate investing for starters.

When do you feel total joy? I feel total joy being around my friends, family and sisters, enjoying good conversation, food and drink. Hopefully one of these days having the man I love there too!