Of Closets:: Whom I'd Get Out For?

I'm not truly a closeted guy. One, I tell my dearest friends a lot about me simply because they're entitled to it, or I feel like sharing, or even as a form of equivalent exchange for all their dirty secrets. Two, I don't mind answering people's queries regarding my sexuality and preference; as long as they directly and personally ask me, I'm willing to give them a straight answer. Three, when and if I have a boyfie I'd like to introduce him to my dearest friends, and eventually to my family as well since I have no intention of hiding behind a shadow, nor keeping things out of the light, especially with my  family. Basically, these three are my setting for "coming out".



I've introduced M before to my college friends, some of whom have known my dating history ever since I started dating guys, while the rest had completely no idea - until one September evening back in 2009. My college friends had set up a special dinner for those who passed the licensure exam and everyone were given a plus one pass (you get to bring a date). All of the girls in the group were single that time, and were not dating a single soul. Among the guys only 2 brought a date. Then I arrived at the dimly lit, open door restaurant, with M as my date. Coming in first, I was greeted with the usual bright smiles and gladness, it was a reunion afterall. Then I pulled M to my side, as he was walking right behind me, for the introduction. Subtle quizzical stares slowly masked the initial gladness that welcomed me.

VS: Guys si M. Friend ko from [a different school]. Classmate and friend din siya ni [friend] sa [school na yun].

Then I introduced everyone, one at a time to M, making sure I'm doing it the polite and courteous way I knew how. As the evening progressed, I was slightly surprised at how my friends were accommodating to the stranger I brought as my plus one. I need not worry if M was feeling out of place, and that I need not check on him every single minute since one of the guys in the group was intently having a conversation with him. He'd just look at me with that lovely smile of his and nod to reassure me he's all right. That time I knew he was definitely all right, my friends were all right with him, with us.

I really felt the respect they have for me. Something I'd like to see from my family when and if ever I introduce a boyfie at home. (M didn't count since I only introduced him as a friend and not the boyfie back then. :P ).