In Gaydar Range?

[rickps]

I had one of those experiences which left me wondering if there is such a thing as gaydar and, if so, why mine doesn't work.

Now and again I buy lunch for my staff.  Last Tuesday that meant picking up barbecue at a popular place in San Diego.  I've been to this restaurant several times in the past, have always thought of it as the bastion of thick necked, pickup driving straight folk.  You know the type of place, every third person is named Bubba or Cletus (some of whom are women).  Other than my gay companions, I've never identified a 'family' member at the place.

So, this time, I arrive just before the lunch rush and am greeted by a slim, tall, otterish young guy with a closely cropped beard.  Smiling face, warm greeting, I recalled him slightly from a past visit.  He took charge of gathering the bits and pieces of my order, made lots of small talk, asked about the company name on my credit card, wanted to know where my office was located, what I did for work there, yadda, yadda.  I'm dressed in my usual business casual, no obvious gay vibes unless one considers the show tune running through my head.  Was his gaydar working?  Was mine on the fritz?  I dunno.

When it came time to haul the load out to my truck, a second shorter, slim goateed young guy helped make sure everything was securely placed, volunteered some hints to ensure that everything was hot and tasty when served.  Again, lots of eye contact, very friendly without being obnoxious.  Houston, is my gaydar working?  Is his?  Again, I dunno.

I drove off wondering 'did I just miss something?' thoughts rattling in my noggin.  Is there a buzz phrase which say 'hey sister!' while at the same time being innocuous to the straight crowd?  I really need an instruction manual.

Comments

[billeyler.livejournal.com]

If these were younger guys, it's getting more and more common for non-gay men to be making eye contact and giving off those friendly vibes that we used to think of as signals from family. So ya never know.

My gaydar is getting rustier and rustier.

[double-ohsteven.livejournal.com]

You could drop a reference to a gay bar, "Did I see you at the eagle?"
If they're not gay, they probably don't know what the eagle is. If they are gay they will let you know at that point. A gay bar is a safe place, since presumable everyone there is at least bi.

You can pick a bar that is known to gays but with a name that doesn't stand out like "Charlies". I forgot the names of the bars down there.

[bearfuz.livejournal.com]

"Is he gay? Or just being professional?"