| So you've decided to go out, enjoy and | | | | metaphor. |
| indulge in some active gay dating. It is a known fact | | | | Gay people also have their own vocabulary, in fact |
| that one of the most awkward situations in gay | | | | they are famous for it! It's a distinct feature of being |
| dating is when you can't tell whether your friend is | | | | gay. In The Queen's Vernacular, homosexuals have |
| dating material or just that... a friend. | | | | been shown to use a wide array of specialized words |
| The best thing to do is to heighten your gaydar | | | | used to refer to sexual relationships (such as partner) |
| (read: gay radar). So does this "sixth sense" come in | | | | and non-sexual ones (for example, sister), behavior |
| handy when dating? Of course. You would not want | | | | (e.g., bull dyke), age (e.g., chicken), places (e.g., |
| to be in those extremely embarrassing revelations | | | | tearoom), sexual identity (for example, gay, lesbian, |
| that happen to countless gay men and unsuspecting | | | | queer), and so forth. |
| women right? Ever uttered the lines Oh, sorry I | | | | The Gay Gym Culture. For numerous gay men who |
| thought you were...or I did not have a clue that you | | | | are not infected by the AIDS virus, being actively |
| are... or Wow, I really thought you were into me...? If | | | | involved in physical activity is their way of announcing |
| you have, then it's time to sharpen your gaydar. To | | | | to the world that they are as healthy as ever. Of |
| do this, you must be keenly familiar with gay life, | | | | course going to the gym does not mean he's gay |
| whether this be the gay look, gay speak, gay sport, | | | | but does he have multiple gym memberships? This |
| and others. Do note that the following tips are not | | | | may be a telltale sign as gays delight not only on a |
| 100% foolproof. There are always exceptions to the | | | | great workout but on seeing all those 'hunks' around |
| rule and there IS still a chance that that sweaty (and | | | | them. |
| somewhat smelly) hunk across the street is indeed | | | | Other Telltale Signs. What other telltale signs could |
| dating material. | | | | you look out for that may suggest he is gay? The |
| Gay Look. Clothing-wise, gays do not really differ | | | | following are some helpful tips: . |
| much from straight men. Both value their physical | | | | * His CD collection includes Pet Shop Boys, Village |
| appearance and demeanor so seeing a well-groomed | | | | People, and Patsy Cline. Count in ABBA, Cher, and |
| and freshly bathed guy does not mean he's gay. Now | | | | Cyndi Lauper. |
| you might say that fingernail paint is surely a telltale | | | | * His wallet contains membership cards to 3 different |
| sign that he's gay right? Well, not quite, unless of | | | | gyms/health clubs. |
| course you think soccer superstar (ok, God to some) | | | | * When he mows his lawn, he wears a mesh |
| David Beckham is gay! Men like Beckham are what | | | | tank-top, tattered denim shorts, and Doc Martins. |
| people call metrosexuals, that is, men that are | | | | * His magazine subscriptions include Men's Health, |
| straight yet embody the heightened aesthetic sense | | | | Men's Fitness, and Martha Stewart Living. |
| often associated with certain types of gay men. | | | | * In the locker room, you notice his perfect tan, |
| They are simply very urban straight men who are in | | | | multiple body piercing, highlighted hair, and his |
| touch with their feminine side. | | | | handiwork with a razor down there. |
| So, what IS the gay look? Don't just go by the | | | | * He never excelled in sports except certain water |
| clothes. See how he 'reacts' to his clothes or | | | | sports. |
| environment. A guy with fingernail paint may be 'cool' | | | | * He prefers tiki torches and the gold candelabra on |
| but having his painted twinkie up in the air when he | | | | the picnic table at your camping date. |
| holds his glass to sip a drink is a flag shouting 'gay'! | | | | * He wears super-tight, white-ribbed T-shirts or |
| Also, check out the overall look. Clean clothes are ok | | | | anything that shows his nipples. |
| but, super groomed hair, white socks gleaming shoes | | | | * You've seen him sit next to another guy in close |
| and a ready handkerchief too? Perfume also tells a | | | | settings, such as a movie house or an airplane, that |
| lot. Many straight men go for the clean and neat look | | | | is, even if there are spare seats around. |
| but they wouldn't be caught dead using COCO | | | | * You've seen him open the car door for another |
| Channel no. 5. | | | | man before he gets in himself. |
| Gayspeak. Examine your conversation with your date. | | | | * He uses conditioner and buys designer brand |
| Does he use subtle communication? For example, | | | | shampoo. |
| does he use genderless pronouns to describe a | | | | * You find out that he uses dry skin lotion, expensive |
| partner? Other features of speech distinguish gay | | | | slippers and makes his bed. |
| men, these include stressed pronunciation, a wide | | | | * He has an artdeco Kleenex dispenser, more |
| pitch range, breathy tones, the use (or misuse) of | | | | pictures of Marilyn Monroe than you can count, more |
| long s and z's when talking, and the pronunciation of t | | | | than two cappuccino machines in the kitchen, and |
| and d as ts and dz. Moreover, they frequently | | | | weird pets. |
| engage in ritual insults, irony, sarcasm, sexual and | | | | * His shoes are always polished. |
| erotic reference, women-related imagery and | | | | * His favorite super hero is Wonder Woman. |