The topic of metrosexuals (and my opinions of them) was requested by a lovely diaryland member who stated that she lives in a "small hick town" (see guestbook for details).

My thoughts on metrosexuals:

First and foremost, I am all for the average "straight" man making better use of oral hygiene and fashion, learning the difference between eating and dining, in essence actually acknowledging that they are living post-enlightenment.

This would have been a great entry to have written about two months ago - pre queer eye.

The problem with writing this entry now is that much of what I could write would mirror the projects and accomplishments of the Fab Five.

Because of the "heightened awareness" that straight men attain in their efforts to become metrosexuals, they are often confused with being homosexuals.

In fact, there is a conspiracy theory out there that states, "metrosexuals are in reality latent/closeted homosexuals" (michael musto - village voice)

It is easy to label a man that gets facials, manicures and dye jobs - GAY.

But the reality is, some straight men (at least within urban settings) have woken up to the calls of their girlfriends. Let us generalize. The ladies love and adore their gay friends�why, I am not sure. I have some guesses, but to get a real opinion on that topic we might have to let some of the hags chime in.

The reality is, that sometimes these gay-guy-friends become a point of contention between the straight couple. Since the "out-of-the-closet gay" is a relatively new phenomenon�this particular contention is also new (in the grand scheme of history). It may have taken about 20 years or so, but straight men are taking notice of what actually makes a gay man "better".

I am the first to admit that the "better" is not based expressly on sexual preference.

But, by dropping the stereotypes of masculinity, gays are able to more easily assert some of the typically "feminine" attributes of hygiene techniques�moisturizing, etc.

While the term "gay" may not always have the best connotations, the stereotypes of the gay male often have some great attributes; stylish, cultured, fashion savy, witty, entertaining�to name a few.

If the metrosexual can adapt some of these attributes while maintaining their "idea" of masculinity�in essence they become the super-male.

There is a price though�vanity. While women are allowed and almost expected to be a little vain, it is not a good trait in a "guy".

This type of vanity and awareness that is associated with gays would not come off so well on a straight man.

I'm afraid there are too many gender based preconceptions to really incorporate (quickly) a world where the majority of straight men would allow themselves (or be seen) to be metrosexuals.

Even most gays do not carry on to the degree that the metrosexuals do�the extreme that has been touted in the media lately. Perhaps the closest gay counterpart of the metrosexual would be the Chelsea Gay. The vanity of Chelsea Gays makes me vomit.

There are stereotypes on both sides of the fence that need to be broken down. I have gone on too long already to start on my problems of the perception of the gay community. Just as the role of masculinity is slowly evolving to include "metrosexuals", homosexuality has become something different as well. There is a sort of melding that is taking place within gender/sexual roles.