The Magician's Flourish

I read Perezhilton.com. I admit it. But the wonderful thing is, once I came out to my friends, that sort of behavior was acceptable. Critiquing my female friends' clothing? Not only acceptable, but desired. Watching romantic comedies? Dishing out gossip? Wearing tight pants? Putting gel in my hair? All acceptable for the gay man. Being gay gives you a great amount of freedom if you think about it. The full range of sexuality is available. For example, you can wear pink and talk with a lisp and know all the names of famous Russian ballerinas. Or, you can wear leather on a daily basis, ride motorcycles, and have enough chest hair to put a grizzly bear to shame. You can be whatever you want, because you're gay! Most of society rejects you, so why not do whatever the hell you want?

All it takes is the magic words: "I'm gay.". Then, with a swish of a cape and a puff of smoke: bam! Where once there stood a timid, awkward young man now stands an outlandish, in-your-face, we're-queer-and-we're-here gay man. The transition is something from a Las Vegas show. All you need to complete the picture is a chorus line and sequenced outfits. Which a lot of gay men have.

Would that everyone was so entertained by magic acts. But I've noticed that a lot of people don't like change. Is that why coming out is often met with such resistance? Do people resent the fact that where once stood a person they knew and loved, now there is someone different? And all within the space of two words. Most people like security and comfort; the fact that people can change so suddenly threatens their worldview. If a son or brother or friend can change so quickly, what else can go?

They want to know the secret behind the magic trick. But here's the thing: it's all smoke-and-mirrors. It's the same person on the stage, just with a little different lighting. Or maybe it's even deeper than that. Maybe what they resent is that the person before was the illusion, a trick, a deceit on their minds. This person now, he's the real deal. No more magic. Maybe it's not that people dislike the show. Maybe they just don't like it when the show ends.

Sincerely,

Your Spy