Originally Posted by
rrz518
I'll try not to take offense at the "simple minded Westerner" comment. This Westerner in particular saw something unusual (i.e. what seemed to be a gay PDA in Istanbul, not exactly known for pro gay anything...), and had the sense to ask what else it might represent.
I have some experience with middle eastern culture (not as tourist)
I answered the question and you choose to be in disbelief?
That's just straight male to male PDA, very common in middle eastern/Muslim countries.
Again, it is only in your mind that this is gay by any means. They see it differently.
Nobody will take you to jail even in Saudi for holding hands to a man.
You will get in trouble for gay things like : showing your penis to another man in the bathroom, making out with another man, oral sex, intercourse. That is a no no in those countries.
Did you see they guys making out? or just friendly hugging.
Here is some further reading (there is plenty online)
Feel free to search for more.
https://arabianmusings.wordpress.com...r-socializing/
Even morepeculiar and unfamiliar, was the sight of Saudi men enthusiasticallygreeting each other with a kiss to each cheek. Some even lightly touched the tips of their noses together. Trying not to stare rudely, I watched two other gentlemen welcome one another; locked in a convivial embrace, they strolled side by side through the terminal. Many pairs walked away, hand in hand, gleefully swinging their arms in the air like schoolyard chums. I found myself stifling my astonishment at such outward and physical signs of affection between men.
Relationships between males in the U.S. are generally not as public in expression or exhibition. In Western culture, men are typically characterized as less openly emotional, preferring to bond over topics and interests such as sports, work, popular news, or finances. Our American male friends were usually caught off guard when my husband, born and raised in Jordan, reverted to his natural customs, greeting his friends with a hearty hug and familial kiss on the cheek. Invariably, our friends might laugh anxiously, slightly confused, politely saying, “Please don’t do that, it’s not really the way we do things.”