10 Ways My Sexual Orientation Dominated My Life This Week (Page 2 of 2)

7. Family Business

As I mentioned earlier, I visited my family recently. My cousin owns an auction barn in my hometown, and I had to drop by there to pick some things up for my grandmother. I worried all the way over there that someone might try to harm me when I arrived. My cousin is a pretty OK guy, but some of the people who attend his auctions (my extended family especially) are very homophobic and have made various comments to both me and my partner. I am happy to report that my visit was uneventful, but it is still sad that I had such worries regarding my family.

8. Public Transportation

When I dropped my car off at the garage, I had to walk home. I chose to take the trolley part of the way from UT to the downtown bus stop. The man in the seat across from me was reading a Knoxville Voice. I kept wondering if he would read my article. As he continued reading, I practiced my “recognition” speech. He turned page after page and finally, I watched as he read and commented on Don Williams’ article. Then with no more than a quick glance at my article, he turned the page and continued his reading. In my fantasies, the man had noticed my photo in the paper and realized the resemblance to his fellow passenger. Then he nudged his friend and pointed, whispered. Then he asked if it were really me. Of course, I answered yes, always happy to be recognized. Then I watched as he read the article and was profoundly moved. In reality, he was less than interested and skipped the article after scanning the headline.

9. Politics

Last weekend, while engaged in a political discussion with a friend’s father, I actually used the phrase “slightly left of mainstream” as a euphemism for “homosexual.” I was describing my social situation and the reasons I feel a need to vote Democrat: I am a social worker, I am the product of a welfare home and I am (hesitate and ponder the best way to describe this) slightly left of mainstream. I am fairly certain that both this man and his wife know I am gay. They are in essence my adopted parents. My partner and I often spend the weekend at their house when visiting family. But for some reason, the pink elephant in the room remains nameless.

10. Writing this Article

Finally, writing this article reminds me I am gay. It reminds me that sometimes being gay is not that bad, and at the very least, my sexuality still offers party conversation. Because I am gay, I get to share my story with the world (Well, with you all anyway), both in writing this column and in speaking on various panels. A student from my alma mater called me this week to interview me for a paper. My friends and I are minor legends for starting the college’s first viable Gay-Straight alliance. Yet again, my sexuality pushes me into the spotlight…

I welcome your thoughts and opinions. Write me at tmurchis1@msn.com.

* The views expressed in Commentary do not necessarily reflect those of Knoxville Voice.