This past Saturday I experienced my very first “Coming Out” party! My friend Steven (who recently came out to his family and friends) decided to have a formal party to embrace coming out as gay man living in New York City. He invited me at least 6 months ago, stating that he wanted to have this party during Gay Pride Weekend. Of course I’d be there, I told him.
Around 9pm on Saturday, I hopped in a cab to Boxers, a gay sports bar in NYC. I got there earlier than most of the others attending the event, but quickly bonded with two of Steven’s friends, Michael and Mike, who he met during a gay volleyball league.
Michael and Mike were fabulous and gentlemen, possessing true social grace, getting me a chair, accompanying me on line to get drinks, and making me feel very welcome in a room full of strangers. They were terrific and are already Facebook friends! What I learned from them is that gay or straight, people are people, especially when you’re single. Michael and I had some extensive and great conversations about what we are looking for in a relationship, and I have to tell you – they were really the exact same things – love, companionship, romance, etc. We both agreed that no matter what your sexual preference was, it all came down to finding a decent person who treated you with respect. We said that it is easy to find a sexual partner, but we want more than that.
I had a great time at Steven’s party at Boxers! It was a blast – people were friendly, down to earth, and fun. I’m proud of Steven and wish him a lifetime of happiness. I can already see him transforming into the happy person I knew he could be. Mazel Tov, Steven!
