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GAY REALITY: THE TEAM GUIDO STORY

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In light of the recent Supreme Court reversal of anti sodomy laws across this country, and the reaction of conservative America comes a story of love, a story of what it means to be a gay couple, a story that America is ready to embrace. It is far beyond the story of simply the Amazing Race's "Team Guido"... it is the story of Bill Bartek and Joe Baldassare, two anything but ordinary men who are in love. The book is called "Gay Reality" and it is a milepost of achievement in gay publications that should have far reaching effects beyond fans of the show and the gay community.

The book only uses the backdrop of being the first gay couple in prime time television as a launch pad to tell the full story of what it means to be gay, in love and committed. From background stories by those who know them best, to their own words, Bill and Joe come to life beyond the nasty evil characters they portrayed in reality television land. Their story is set to a backdrop of the struggle for gay rights from the gates of Stonewall, to the current controversies arising from the recent Supreme Court decision in a way that vindicates 35 years of a struggle for all gay men to find acceptance.

Joe and Bill are from a generation where gay was not a fashion statement, but a struggle both externally and internally. Both men talk candidly about their own coming to terms with who they are now with stories ranging from Bill never being comfortable with the ladies, to Joe's very frank talk about being a gay man in a straight world. Complemented by stories from Joe's ex fiancée and best friend Chet, the book answers many questions that today's gay youth society may not understand.

We also come to know that Bill and Joe were raised by Edina and Patsy from "Ab Fab". Not really, but their mothers are the real stars of this book, two wonderful ladies, who are very entertaining in offering advice and details of the live of their children. Mrs. Baldassare telling Joe that if he is going to sleep around, and gets a girl pregnant he better do right by her, to Mrs. Bartek's comments found on page 41 about the winners of the race. Biting their tongues, like the sons they reared is obviously not the strong point of these women.

The two most candid moments in the book come when Bill talks about religion, (he is still a practicing Catholic), and the story that affects every gay person in America, the rise of the AIDS crisis, and how it affected them personally. You might be surprised by the openness of the discussion.

The book concludes with thoughts on gay rights, and the gay struggle, which might be surprising to those who don't know Joe and Bill. It's about acceptance and, at the heart of it, love; plain and simple. Plus, you know you want to see Joe alone with Senator Rick Santorum for just 5 minutes!

Oh and Guido also get his moments in the sun as well. What would Team Guido be without the observations of the real star of the family?

I went back to watch the first season of The Amazing Race and how dare anyone praise this couple as being heroes of the gay community. Before I continue I would like to say I myself am gay and was very disguised with the actions of these men. Did no one notice that their actions were down right nasty towards the other team. Which I feel just gave the gay community more of a bad name. In the most simple of terms. F@%k them.