Gay/Straight Friendships Have a New Name: Bromosexuals

Bromosexual is a new term for "a brotherly friendship between a gay man and a straight man". The New York Times has pointed out that, on television and in movies, this type of friendship is appearing more and more often.

In the real world, this type of friendship is something that I've been seeing for years because my (straight) boyfriend and his (gay) roommate have this type of friendship. It's commonplace for me to learn that his roommate knows far too much about me. His roommate rooted for me before my boyfriend officially asked me out, so I actually owe this type of friendship a lot because of how those two act. The roommate's boyfriend actually came into the picture a few months ago a lot more concerned because of all the inside jokes that those two share.

The Times admits that there is a definite generational divide for acceptance of this kind of friendship, unfortunately. "Our traditional way of thinking of relationships with gay and straight men is that they are hostile, even bullying. For that reason, gay men have traditionally not felt comfortable in these relationships," says Michael LaSala, author of "Coming Out, Coming Home: Helping Families Adjust to a Gay or Lesbian Child".

It is sad that this is true, but I'm glad that times are changing, and people can really embrace themselves and everyone else around them. The bromosexual is alive and well!

(via The New York Times)