My observation of gay American life would be based on my hookups: virile and attractive men. If I had gone out more with effeminate boys, it would be a different story. The group had its special characteris-tics. Contrary to my story, most of my conquests were not identified as gay in their childhood, and there was no femininity that would make anyone suspect. On the other hand, they were beautiful children, and this led them to experiment with both sexes.
I believe that the more discreet homosexuals belonged to a separate race. They had to hide their attraction, but they did not suffer because others recognized them before they recognized themselves. Their relationships with their parents were normal: there was no disappointment because the child seemed effeminate.
The most important thing is that there was no bullying. This made their lives easier, less traumatic, and less threatened. Obviously, they had less motivation to join organizations and fight for their liberation.
Thanks to not being part of the group of the una-ttractive ones, it wouldn’t take long for me to have my first lover, David Deschaine, a French Canadian who worked at Mr. Henry’s bar on Capitol Hill. This bohemian place, specializing in beer and hamburgers, with piano music, was the social hub of the United States Congress. During the day, it was predominantly 109
heterosexual, and at night, gay; in the entertainment area was none other than Roberta Flack, who would become famous with her song “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face.”
We met at a dance at Georgetown University: straight brown hair, light brown eyes, a pointed nose, straight lines for a mouth, and a captivating personality. I was attracted to the fact that he was a waiter and exposed to the political elite of the capital. After all, I wanted to integrate into American society, and the Capitol community was in the eye of the storm. David had a townhouse on 4th and G Street near the Capitol, which he shared with Sandy, a leader of the World Peace Group through International Law. Senators, businessmen, government members, Pentagon officials, FBI agents, and diplomats would all come to this house.
The first few weeks, I felt at home. David was passionate and affectionate, but also promiscuous, and soon we had our first crises because he wanted to continue his life as before. I helped him at Mr. Henry’s serving hamburgers, which still have the reputation of being the best in the city and delivering them to congressmen who didn’t have time to come to the restaurant, in the days before Uber.
One afternoon, I went to Congress to deliver them because David was busy. I had to go to several offices, and I saw on the list that the senator from a Southern state was there. It amused me that once again, after 110
running away from Louisiana, I would have contact with the South. I knocked on the door, and they told me to come in. There was Ted, one of the new and young congressmen. I knew he was conservative, and that people identified him with JFK. Both of us belonged to opposing parties, but we had a friendly relationship.
The senator was a tall and athletic built man, standing at 6 feet 2 inches (188 cm). He had a strong, broad-shouldered frame, reflecting his background as a quarterback in professional football. He was well-groomed and polish demeanor, fitting the profile of a public figure. His nose was big, and it was softe-ned by his Roma lips. On his desk was a photo of his wife and children, equally as beautiful as him. I placed the hamburger on the entry table. David had told me never to put it on the desk. The senator glanced at me; he had a call and smiled at me.
“Leave it there, and thank you very much, young man!”
The following week, there would be another hamburger order for the same office. I told David that I would take it, as he still seemed weak from his cold.
I knocked again, and once more, the male voice told me to come in. This time, I approached and placed the order on his desk. It was a bold move on my part; one does not approach in this manner.
“Hello, Senator! Here is your order. I hope you enjoy it.”