A couple of months ago I was in San Antonio, walking into a restaurant. Exiting the door about twenty-five feet in front of my party were two guys, they hugged and kissed as they went their separate ways. My reaction was just a bit more than if it had been a male/female couple mainly due to the rarity of male/male couple public display of affection. A guy in the party who seems as hetro as possible made the only comment " you don't see that everyday" with a hint of sarcasm in his voice. Thirty years ago, the reaction would have been for Jimmy to be told to go back to the truck and get the bats, as they were going to detain the two guys and teach them a lesson. Now, its just a comment with a hint of sarcasm, though I will agree that some places are still living thirty years in the past.
It would seem that if gay couples want to become more mainstream in peoples reactions to public display of affection, that there should be more departing kisses, and less speedo gyrations on a parade float with a large group of other guys doing the same thing. The closest hetro thing I can think of that would compare to a gay parade would be MTV spring break, and while that is interesting to watch for a short period of time, its not the norm, and generally not socially acceptable conduct.
No matter what social pressures are on me, I would never get mostly naked, walk down a public street and simulate sex with total strangers, not something that I have in me to do.
I partially agree with your comments.
ReplyDeleteI too would like to see more same sex PDA's but think that the Pride parades and other public statements are equally necessary.
One reason that Pride is necessary is to flaunt some aspects so that when you see two guys kiss each other it doesn't seem all that outrageous - particularly in comparison to the Pride antics. Now I have particiapated in both and find both are still very political acts. You have to pick and choose when to kiss and when to parade half naked. Pride is best undertaken in a major city with tens of thousands of other people doing the same thing - it is still "risky" but that is balanced by being protected by a large crowd.
Kissing good bye outside a restaurant is more political and still best done in larger cities, more tolerant cities and during daylight hours.
In my opinion, both are necessary to advance equality and both are necessary to have a fully inclusive society.
You mention MTV spring break as an expample. Is that how everyone behaves during spring break - I don't think so - but it provides a reference for local kids to have a fairly wild party and not get shut down.
Variety is the spice of life - and it can be a very spicy mix if done right.