8 Things Straight People Could Learn From Gays & Lesbians

Oct. 11 is National Coming Out Day! Gay people have a ton to teach us about love and relationships.

By YourTango — Written on Oct 11, 2011

Happy National Coming Out Day, a day when gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered people are encouraged to stand up and speak up about who they are. It's an emotionally charged day for many, but it's also a reason to celebrate. This day has also made us realize that there's a lot straight people could learn from gay people, about relationships, sex and otherwise. You better believe it, baby:

1. Anderson Cooper. Come on. We could just stop here and this list would be exhaustive. The hunky anchor-turned-talk-show-host tackles bullying on "Anderson Cooper 360°" tonight, having commissioned a study of "social combat" and aggression in school yards. Hunky and compassionate. Can you find an equally empathetic straight equivalent?

2. Gay marriage celebrations. After gay marriage recently became legal in the state of New York, celebrations were appropriately exuberant — giving many straight weddings a run for their money. Want some tips on what to wear to a gay wedding? We've got 'em.

3. An interesting take on monogamy. 75% of gay men have successful open relationships. How do they do it? By practicing "responsible non-monogamy." One author says five years is the ideal time to open up your relationship, presumably because you've built up enough trust to let your partner explore. This may sound crazy to some of us, but there are more and more studies and books coming out challenging traditional notions of monogamy, and one author even says cheating could be the key to a happy marriage. Read more: Monogamy Advice From Gay Men?

4. The coolest gay celebrity dads: 6 Coolest Gay Celebrity Dads. And yay, Ricky Martin now counts himself as one of them, since coming out last year!

5. More gay guys we think are cool: 7 Gay Men Straight Women Love. Funny how Neil Patrick Harris is on both lists! We love us some NPH.

6. Celebs who are out and proud: 9 Celebrities Who Have Come Out To The World, like Ellen DeGeneres.

7. A healthier argument style. Gay couples don't argue any less than their straight counterparts, a study says. But they deliver fewer "low blows" and have a healthier arguing style.