Listen up ladies,
I am your staple gay. I love Beyoncé (“Dance for You” is my actual religion), I am quick to praise an outfit that slays and just as quick to turn around and call out a fashion blunder, and most importantly, I love men. That being said, I did not come out of the closet with an inherent desire for a hetero chick to appoint me as her gay best friend. Having my gay card does not give you license to reduce me to a stereotypical sidekick, regardless of whether or not I reinforce them.
I have to admit your friendship is flattering, and it does raise my self-esteem just a little to know that a bunch of basic bitches are fawning over me. Regardless, my sexuality is not a showpiece. I can assure you that I serve a purpose beyond helping you choose which shoes to wear and listening to you complain about how your girlfriends are being fake.
The greater issue with the wrongfully glorified gay best friend trope is that it perpetuates ideas about what it means to be a gay man. It is a subtle form of stereotyping. By attaching our sexuality to our friendship, there is an expectation for how we are supposed to look and act, and frankly we are not here for it. Ultimately, the gay element of the best friend title is completely unnecessary. Believe me, I am more than willing to toss back tequila shots and belt out Yoncé, but by no means does that mean every gay man wants to do that with you. Share a meaningful relationship with us because of who we are, rather than who we have sex with.
With love,
The Gays