Branching out...
So, for the first time a couple of weeks ago, I went out to a bar by myself. I know, sounds mundane to many of you, but I have never done it in the past. Either I was with someone and we went out together, I was out with friends, or I stayed home. You see, it all stems from my experiences as a young gay male in the bar scene...
When I was younger, I would go out with friends to the bars. We're talking early twenties here. What would inevitably happen was that I would be approached and harassed by some man who would inevitably be sitting alone at the bar. Let me just describe said man: Usually he would be in an outfit that was so dated, and tight, that he must have purchased it new when he was 40. Not that 40 is old mind you, but when you have a lazy eye and a limp it certainly doesn't help. Did I mention I was in my early 20s (read totally shallow)? Anyway, this person would either be so drunk or incurably stupid that he would not take no for an answer. I used to think that it was the same man, cleverly disguised in a different 70s outfit and greasy afro wig that would just follow me from place to place.
Having said all that, I never went out to bars by myself for fear of turning into that weird old guy. Well, I went out by myself and, though I have always considered myself a bit strange, I did not spontaneously sprout an afro or have my eye go wonky on me,. I did get hit on by the biggest drunk in the bar. Alas I shall always be a freak-magnet. But, I survived and actually enjoyed myself people watching. I also met a very interesting man named Vince who I have seen a lot of lately and have been hanging out with regularly. This just goes to show you that when one is placed in a situation that is strange and/or uncomfortable the most amazing transformations take place. Initiation themes anyone? What a splendid creature is the human animal. So filthy and adaptable. :)
When I was younger, I would go out with friends to the bars. We're talking early twenties here. What would inevitably happen was that I would be approached and harassed by some man who would inevitably be sitting alone at the bar. Let me just describe said man: Usually he would be in an outfit that was so dated, and tight, that he must have purchased it new when he was 40. Not that 40 is old mind you, but when you have a lazy eye and a limp it certainly doesn't help. Did I mention I was in my early 20s (read totally shallow)? Anyway, this person would either be so drunk or incurably stupid that he would not take no for an answer. I used to think that it was the same man, cleverly disguised in a different 70s outfit and greasy afro wig that would just follow me from place to place.
Having said all that, I never went out to bars by myself for fear of turning into that weird old guy. Well, I went out by myself and, though I have always considered myself a bit strange, I did not spontaneously sprout an afro or have my eye go wonky on me,. I did get hit on by the biggest drunk in the bar. Alas I shall always be a freak-magnet. But, I survived and actually enjoyed myself people watching. I also met a very interesting man named Vince who I have seen a lot of lately and have been hanging out with regularly. This just goes to show you that when one is placed in a situation that is strange and/or uncomfortable the most amazing transformations take place. Initiation themes anyone? What a splendid creature is the human animal. So filthy and adaptable. :)