Conversion Aversion

Not to end the week on a downer but...

Last night I had a long in-depth phone call with a fellow gay. I've known him since October, but have only really gotten to know him well in the last few months. So we were talking, and I found out his parents aren't thrilled with his lifestyle. That's understandable. However, he's been forced to go to 'gay counseling' and pay for it himself. I was shocked and floored. I had no clue. He seems pretty happy with life and mostly happy being gay. He goes out a lot to gay bars, goes to gay church, worships at the other gay church...the gym several times a week. We've had talks before about he's more conservative than most people in our circle of friends and feels 'different'. I reassured him before that it's ok to have different political and social view and values. Straight people do. So do gays and lesbians.

Back to last night. I just couldn't believe a man in his late 20's could let his parents have so much control over him and 'make' him go to gay conversion sessions. He just seemed so sad and confused. Now I see why. Being pushed and pulled in different directions.

I tried to encourage him to do what he wanted in life. To be strong and figure out for himself what truly makes him happy.

There's a classic Will and Grace episode about Jack and Karen crashing a 'conversion' meeting because Jack wanted to get it on with Neil Patrick Harris (can you blame him?) Of course they busted it up when Karen encouraged the women to fantasize about Angelina Jolie on the back of a Harley, and Jack wanted the guys to shower together after watching a foot-sket-ball game.

Anyhoo...simple weekend at home planned. Hope yours is enjoyable!

"W"