Several days after Christmas, we ran into the duo at a coffee shop. The gift just screamed gay stereotypes and was based off inaccurate assumptions. And yes, the old axiom, “It’s not about the gift – it’s the thought that counts” has merit. And we appreciate that they took the time to buy us something. We’re not prudes and love practical jokes. We’re embarrassed to say it was an adult toy – with lubricant to boot. They’re neighbors of ours that we’ve known for about a year.Īs presents, we bought them an Amazon Gift Card, plus some toys for their pet dog. Last Christmas, we exchanged gifts with a straight couple named Stephen and Janet. With same sex marriage now a reality and LGBT folks more open about their relationships than ever before, hiding is less common.īut what hasn’t caught up with the times is the issue of recognizing gay couples during special occasions. All we can say is that back then, being “out” carried certain risks, particularly for couples. As time went on and perceptions of gay folks changed, we slowly began to let people know we were more than just “roommates”.įor younger gay men reading this, like millennials, the very notion of hiding may seem crazy. During some of those early years, we kept our relationship private – even from family members.
