On a walk in Golden Gate Park with these two fine gentlemen, I said " I can't go skydiving, I have two costumes to make and pay for." This caught the attention of New Friend right away. He kept softly saying 'costumes?' His interest was peaked. Now, I don't usually bring up the fact that I'm a burlesque dancer, so I just giggled and smiled at him.
A day later they both came over to my apartment and this is where New Friend saw a newly acquired prop, a whip!
The poor man couldn't help himself. He came running out into the room saying 'You have a whip!" This in turn got Old Friends attention and he said 'That has to be for burlesque right?" I had quite a bit of fun with this. This then got us on the topic of me being a burlesque performer and what that is.What has caught my attention from this silly little interaction is that this was the first positive interaction I've had with a man (who doesn't know what burlesque is) in a long time. That is sad. Very Very Very SAD. I am purposely using the word man and not people because I have a very different response from most women. With men, they might think its cool and want to go watch, but wouldn't want THEIR lady doing it. The other response I get it is that they believe I am a stripper like the one in a gentleman's club. I AM a stripper, just different. This is what they don't understand, the difference. In both cases I'm looked down upon.
This New Friend was very open, curious and excited. Talking with him made me excited too. It felt good not to be judged. I never care about being judged since I have a strong sense of self and I know what I'm doing is the right thing for me. But, it was nice. He listened while I talked about what burlesque is, asked some questions, was accepting and wanted to see a show.
It's too bad that more men can't be as accepting because the amazing women of burlesque have so much to offer. But it takes a confident, trusting man.....is that hard to find?
More to come on this topic.
xoxo
Dangerous Delilah
oh Delilah. can I relate! I think it's great to just be open from the get go, but yes it can be daunting to share your interests. for me it has been sharing all these contradicting roles I am with people and not having them understand. but it's great to be in that place where you are comfortable in who you are and frankly dont give a damn.
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