The ick factor

This blurb from John @ AmericaBlog reminded me of something that goes through my mind occasionally;

Wow, I got through the entire day Monday without Joe letting you know it was my birthday. Which one? I think I'm at the point of preferring folks guess, because it's usually the better answer. I did, however, get the best gift ever from my friends Marcus and Rom visiting from Paris. It's a calendar of the French rugby team. That description hardly does it justice. If you're interested in finding out more, and perhaps have a straight woman or gay man in your life who might appreciate a little French rugby come the holidays, Google "Dieux du Stade" from a non-work computer and check it out for yourself.

Growing up in a rather oppressive society (lets face it, America is oppressive) leads people to hide things. Everyone hides at least one thing, and some of those things are better left hidden. Being gay shouldn't be one of them.

My blog here is part politics and part emo-bullshit-myspace type diary. On straight guy's blogs, they'll post pictures of hot actresses and such without thinking twice. I don't do the equivalent because of the ick factor it may cause for other people reading here. In most all things, I constantly frame my decision process around how it impacts other people. For instance, if I'm stopped at a red light, I don't take the opportunity to look at my cell phone because I might miss the green light and cause people behind me consternation.

I don't get icked-out when looking at pictures of 20 something women that are in desperate need of food. It's not my bag, but the thought that there is something odd about it never crosses my mind.

I've noticed on the political blogs of some of the top gay writers, such as Andrew Sullivan and John Aravosis, they are less concerned about the ick factor. It's quite apparent that they view their sexuality as the same as straight guys, just different and act accordingly. It's an expression of normalcy. I'm not there. I only make veiled references that only those in-the-know would get. It's especially difficult for people who are not only gay, but are really not interested in the French rugby team. Not only do the straight people think you're weird, but the gay guys do as well.