Skype-an-Arab.
I have begun to Skype guys in the Middle East. Here is the ad thus far I've put in Craig's List for various cities in the Middle East:
"I would like to be talking to Middle Eastern guys via SKYPE. I live in Brooklyn, NY. This is just because I am interested in Arabs and would like to hear from you. This is no joke, just a social contact. If interested, please drop me a note. Yes, I am gay, but this is not for sex, just friendship. I am interested in talking about all aspects of life -- anything you like. You must be interested in an ongoing conversation."
Let me say that by putting in "gay" poses a problem and a solution. The solution has to do with I plan to discuss EVERYTHING and they might as well know that homosexuality in the Middle East will be a topic. That being said, many will see that word - and ONLY that word - and proceed to assume that this is a sex ad. While I'm not against the human tendency for playfulness, this only goes so far and they mostly go away. Some never even reach out to me past the first email.
By opening up the conversational door to EVERYTHING, I find that those who will talk are disarmingly open and speak freely. This I find refreshing. This may in fact be a self selecting group who are interested or brave enough to contact an American gay man.
As I begin this blog, I am in the middle of one very intense ongoing discussion with a Pakistani who works in Dubai. Because very personal things are stated, I will not use the actual names. Tahir is a devote Muslim and has seen our connection as an opportunity for him to convert me to Islam. While I am not against Islam, it must be stated that I am an atheist, and at best a Zen Buddhist (though not practicing at this point in time.) He knows I am gay. I will later elaborate our interactions. Tahir has me reading the Koran which I find as interesting as I do problematic.
My approach here is not scholarly, the conversations are open. I can easily take the lead because I do have many questions.
I need some tips on how to get into Iran. Iran is not on Craig's List.
I have begun to Skype guys in the Middle East. Here is the ad thus far I've put in Craig's List for various cities in the Middle East:
"I would like to be talking to Middle Eastern guys via SKYPE. I live in Brooklyn, NY. This is just because I am interested in Arabs and would like to hear from you. This is no joke, just a social contact. If interested, please drop me a note. Yes, I am gay, but this is not for sex, just friendship. I am interested in talking about all aspects of life -- anything you like. You must be interested in an ongoing conversation."
Let me say that by putting in "gay" poses a problem and a solution. The solution has to do with I plan to discuss EVERYTHING and they might as well know that homosexuality in the Middle East will be a topic. That being said, many will see that word - and ONLY that word - and proceed to assume that this is a sex ad. While I'm not against the human tendency for playfulness, this only goes so far and they mostly go away. Some never even reach out to me past the first email.
By opening up the conversational door to EVERYTHING, I find that those who will talk are disarmingly open and speak freely. This I find refreshing. This may in fact be a self selecting group who are interested or brave enough to contact an American gay man.
As I begin this blog, I am in the middle of one very intense ongoing discussion with a Pakistani who works in Dubai. Because very personal things are stated, I will not use the actual names. Tahir is a devote Muslim and has seen our connection as an opportunity for him to convert me to Islam. While I am not against Islam, it must be stated that I am an atheist, and at best a Zen Buddhist (though not practicing at this point in time.) He knows I am gay. I will later elaborate our interactions. Tahir has me reading the Koran which I find as interesting as I do problematic.
My approach here is not scholarly, the conversations are open. I can easily take the lead because I do have many questions.
I need some tips on how to get into Iran. Iran is not on Craig's List.
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