Well since I am about to turn the big 5-0 later this year, I might as well go all out for it. Dom sent me a text message this morning saying that he decided to sign up for AARP. It's a rite of passage to get those notifications once you hit 50 (or even a few years before like I have). He'll be 58 this year and had been talking about AARP for years. He was able to add a "spouse" (that's me) to the program as well. Even though we're not legally married, we have been together for over seven years and people do consider us "married" since we're living together.
But damn now I really feel old (as if I haven't already). The funny thing is the acronym AARP stands for American Association of Retired People and neither Dom or I are retired. Though Dom is looking to retire from his teaching job in another 4 years. We're thinking of legally tying the knot after he retires. He's not comfortable being out at his school. He refers to me as 'his wife'.
In contrast my current employer is a huge advocate of "bringing your true authentic self to work". Though I'm sure if you truly are a major asswipe they won't encourage bringing that...*LOL*. But I'm able to say I'm gay and I've mentioned Dom a few times already to my manager and team members. It's a different feeling from my first employer I started with in the late 90's where I didn't feel comfortable being out at work and my employer didn't advocate for equality for gays. So I completely get where Dom is coming from. Even in 2022 there's a lot of employers that some gay folks working there would rather keep their sexuality "in the closet". Obviously at the end of the day, who you prefer sleeping with has no bearing on if you can perform on the job (unless you're a porn star...*LOL*). But I do remember how uncomfortable I felt during company social outings when someone would inevitably mention something a wife, husband, boyfriend, girlfriend, or kids did. Then I would just laugh and nod and not have anything to add. Also at the time I was figuring my sexuality out and couldn't really say 'hey I'm gonna try and get laid with a hot guy tonight'. It definitely is better when you're in a relationship as opposed to being single. Though the key for single folks would be to find other single gays folks that may relate. Which is another plus at my current job. They basically encourage employees of any distinction to find like minded co-workers.
So now I can add AARP to my list. Bring on the 'life insurance' and 'burial insurance' offers....*LOL*.
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