My favorite part of blogging is being able to address reader questions, concerns and observations. So, one reader shared something that is right up my alley.
Reader:
Professor Locs,
I met an older gentleman at a business meeting recently. His every mannerism suggested to me that he was gay. He struck me as one of those older men who, in another era, may have married and fathered children, never admitting his true orientation.
Now, here's where it get's tricky. As the meeting wore on, I could swear this man was giving me the eye. Nothing overt. Nothing I could prove in court. It was just a feeling I got. I'm straight, so I've learned to pick up on these things when women are sending me vibes. This was the first time I've sensed it from a man.
Was this my imagination?
How does one know if a gay man is coming on to him?
Sign me, Just Curious
Professor Locs:
It has been my experience that flirting is flirting, and the rules are pretty much the same. I think that regardless of the initiator we should be flattered when anyone finds us attractive. The rules for same-sex attraction are not very different.
I get hit on by more women now than I did when I was younger and cuter. The reason being is that I am more comfortable in my own skin, and ultimately what is attractive to people is that someone is self-confident.
The reader is right-on in that the older guard of gay folks had to master the art of being discreet. Many times meetings had to happen in very “normal” settings. It is pretty easy to assume everyone is gay if you are in a gay bar, but what do you do at the grocery store, office or barbershop?
This art form has been past down and adapted by the DL men of today... men who, despite having access to gay establishments, for various reasons choose to keep their sexuality a secret.
I lived in Atlanta for years, the haven for DL men, and was always amazed at who and where these exchanges occurred. I have seen guys give you the eye at the grocery store, the mall, on the street and even a brazen minister or two.
But back to the readers point: I think we all know when someone is hitting on us or flirting. You should always go with your intuition. It is easy to pick out someone like Richard Simmons, but what happens when the dude can “pass” for straight? That's when the signals are a bit more complex.
So to give you some examples of possible gay courtship, I have come up with Professor Locs’ Five Scenarios that indicate you are being hit on by a gay man:
5. Your tailor insist on measuring your inseam by candlelight while you both are wearing boxers.
4. You show up for a football party but instead of wearing the team jersey and serving beer and nachos, your friend greets you wearing a silk robe, a glass of champagne and chocolate strawberries.
3. You notice your workout buddy, who usually spots you on the bench press, is now smiling down at you and going commando in his gym shorts.
2. Your barber is giving you an edge-up, but every time he leans in it feels like he has clippers in his pocket (or maybe he is really, really glad to see you).
1. You notice that the guy in charge of your carpool switches from Jay Z to Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You” every time he picks you up.
If any of these or similar scenarios present themselves, do not panic. A simple “I am flattered but that’s not my scene” will suffice. Avoid any sudden moves, as that may trigger your gay pursuer to charge. If this happens, play any song from "Dream Girls" to distract them until you get to higher ground….smile.