Local Gay Man Relieved About Lack of Bro Handshakes

With the recent implementation of social distancing policies, physical touch has taken a back seat to virtual communication. For some, this has spurred feelings of isolation and a yearning for a hug from their friends. For others, most notably the LGBT community at Texas A&M University, the decline of physical gestures in greeting has come as a relief.

“Anytime I see one of my straight friends at Northgate or just on campus, they always go for the hug,” said McKinley Hayes, an out Texas A&M junior. “This would be fine, but I try to bro-out with them and go for the handshake-hug combo. It just ends awkwardly for everyone. I’m glad this pandemic has given me a reprieve from these uncomfortable encounters with my straight friends.”

It has been revealed that the ambiguity of sexual orientation plays a major role in male-male interactions. Straight members of Fish Camp, men’s organizations, the Corps of Cadets, and BYX tend to throw their heteronormative rules out the window with their gay friends, opting for a hug instead of the classic “bro” handshake.

“I have a lot of gay friends,” said Andrew Webber, a member of an undisclosed men’s organization. “I don’t know why I don’t bro-out with them. If they aren’t involved in an all-male organization on campus, I guess I basically just see them as women.”

Student members of the LGBTQ+ Pride Center could not be reached for comment; however, it appears this relief runs deep throughout the Texas A&M gay community. It remains to be seen how this extended social distancing period will impact the dynamics of gay/straight male friendships.

 

— Crygon