Ryan, a devout Christian and homophobe from Michigan, is sent to live in San Francisco’s Castro district amongst hundreds and hundreds of homosexuals. Ryan, like the others in his community, believes that homosexuality is a choice. His family explains that they’re slightly worried about his new adventure. His father says that he doesn’t want him to come home wearing pink shirts. “Dad… you used to wear pink shirts,” one of the daughters points out. The dad opens his mouth to say something but can’t think of anything.
Ed, his gay roommate and guide for the next thirty days, greets Ryan when he arrives in San Francisco and explains that the Castro is a predominately gay community — in fact, the population is almost exclusively gay. Ed’s apartment is comfortable but Ryan is a little taken aback by the large mural on the bathroom walls of a naked man. They soon go out exploring and Ryan is amazed by the number of gay people. “So… right now, I’m standing on the gayest place on earth?”
Ryan isn’t sure he likes this because it’s strange being the oddball, the outcast. Back home, he doesn’t have any gay friends. He’s against gay marriage and pro-Bush, believing that marriage is only between a man and a woman. During dinner with several of Ed’s gay friends, this obviously becomes a topic for discussion. Also, is homosexuality a choice or not? Ryan believes it is but the gay men at the table say no. Why would anyone choose a life of discrimination and hurt? The men ask Ryan if he’s ever had a beer can thrown at him. He says no. Well, that’s the way that some people show their dislike for homosexuals, according to some of the gay men. Having things thrown at them and being chased without looking for trouble.
