The Bo Show

Self-fulfilling Stereotype

Oh the stereotypes us gay guys are supposed to prove accurate! Do I talk with a lisp? No. Do I always wear D&G, Gucci, Prada and other big name brands? No. Do I listen to Barbara Streisand? No, but I do enjoy Madonna and Britney. But, the one stereotype I’m going to focus on is enjoying Broadway musicals and the theater.

Let me begin by saying Broadway musicals and plays have never really been my thing. I remember chatting with an old friend of mine last Thanksgiving. I hadn’t seen her in over 10 years. That means I wasn’t “out” to her. So, once I updated her on my “big” news, she mentioned how she always wanted to come to NYC and see a Broadway show. She was so happy to finally know a gay man so she had someone to see the musicals with. She was completely shocked when I said, “Musicals just aren’t my thing.” Poor straight girl… needing a stereotypical gay man.

So, over the past year I have made a decision to open up my mind and become more “cultured.” Since becoming more cultured, I’ve enjoyed some new experiences I’ve always shunned, while really earning the right to carry my “gay card.”

This year I’ve attended several musicals and one play. Believe it or not, all of them had gay characters or homoerotic themes… who knew? Of course I’ve rocked out to Rent before it closed this past September (“Out Tonight” is my favorite song). I followed it up with Equus, staring Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter). Yes, you get to see his “magic wand.” I was a bit surprised by the amount of gasps I heard once he revealed himself. I recently saw Avenue Q (“Purpose” is my favorite song). Next on my list, I attended Spring Awakening. I can’t lie, I almost fell asleep. People around me were crying during certain scenes. That made me realize I obviously wasn’t emotionally connected to the characters and “not getting” the whole show. Perhaps I’m not as cultured as I’d like to be, but I am seriously trying. Although I did like the song “Touch Me.”

But perhaps the one musical that honestly changed my life was Wicked. Come on! When Elphaba sings “Defying Gravity,” which gay men in his right mind isn’t relating the song to his own “coming out” process? I seriously wrapped my arm around my date and fell madly in love with the show. I really do recall becoming rather emotional… perhaps it was the glasses of red wine? But, all the same… Wicked is a show proving becoming cultured is a fun process.

A few months ago, during Avenue Q my friend asked me if I collect Playbills. I rapidly replied, “No, I throw them away,” as I stuffed the playbill into my messenger bag. But once I got home, I thought… new year… new BO. I quickly collected my playbills from different corners of my closet and neatly placed them on my living room shelf. Last night’s playbill for Spring Awakening is proudly displayed with my other “cultural” moments.

My straight friends have recently said, “you’re really working at the whole ‘gay thing.’” I don’t know if they meant that as a compliment. But I do think it shows I’m becoming this thing called “cultured.” So what if I’m trying to fulfill a gay stereotype. I’m seeing many sides of Manhattan that I’ve ignored for too long. What’s next for my cultured ass… Hairspray… how gay is that?