Thursday, January 29, 2009

Are you gay?.... (part 1)

A week before Valentine's Day ... I know it was in the 90's, not sure of the year... maybe '92 or '93... my younger brother called me from school in Hawaii.

This was not that unusual because I managed to speak directly to him at least twice a month. And indirectly knew all his business, because of my mom ( apparently this worked both ways)

It was not even unusual that he called in the middle of the night. My family as a whole has no concept of time zones- they just ask what time is it there.... and keep talking no matter what time you say.

What was unusual about this call was the question he opened with -

"Are you gay?"

This question was not asked in a judgemental way or with malice. In fact - it was like he had been pondering this question for some time and had finally gotten around to asking me.

"No - not that I know of..." - I am still searching for any thing that will tell me the time.

"Because it is okay if you are.. I spoke to mom about it..."

"This was a family discussion" - of course now I am up. This is being brought up at the dinner table.

"okay.. I am up ... now , Why do you think I am gay?"

According to my lovely brother the evidence was the following (and I promise you I am not exaggerating) :
  • I had cut my hair. I will not mention that Halle Berry was all the rage at the time. I never could pull off that style.
  • I had become a vegan. I went to school in Northern CA . It was easier to find vegan -restaurant then non -vegan. And meat was just too expensive.
  • And last - I had not mentioned a male name to anyone (i.e. - mom) in the past 6 months. Alright - I would give him that one, but had I mentioned a female name.
He actually seemed disappointment that I wasn't gay. I guess if I wasn't gay - I was just boring. I explained to him that I had not switch teams - I have just decided not to play for any team at the moment.
"I love you - now I am going back to sleep..."

That coincidentally was the year my father started sending me roses for Valentine Day - it must have been a hell of a family discussion.

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