I think they're HOT too! But like you said they're very much in the closet. I went with one on a date just one time and all he wanted to talk about was not being labeled gay, and was living in fear his family would find out. (he was 41 years old at the time!)

I'm travelling to Egypt in March and tried looking online for gay men there... you're right: cannot be found!

I work with an Egyptian guy--he's not gay, but he's comfortable enough in his own skin to discuss this taboo topic (for the ME, that is). He says homosexuality does exist in his country--it's just very underground. It takes a while for Americans to get used to ME culture. Much is said to maintain a respectable public face but something else is done behind doors. This goes so completely against American manners--we tend to value being upfront and direct and look at evasion or putting on a face as dishonest or even kind of devious. For example, in America we tend to think no means no, but in the ME no could mean maybe or yes, but or okay! I guess it's all in the subtle clues of body language and tone of voice to decipher all this. I find it fascinating but infuriating at the same time--one must go through quite elaborate rituals in order to really connect with anyone.

Hot, hot, hot and a recipe for disaster. There is so much cultural pressure as you noted, that having a positive gay relationship becomes very difficult. My belief is that the less one is comfortable with their sexual orientation will play a role in how committed or how promiscuous they are.

I have a dating "check list" that I unofficially use. Its based on experiences that I've had over the years, as well as what I've seen happen in friend's relationships. While the hot look of a ME man is up there -- its only part of the package. I can usually tell in a few interactions (in person or online) whether its going to be a friendship or potentially something more.

I saw one briefly who was very into me

I was in my mid 30s he mid 20s

It was me who stopped it; he ended upg etting married due to family pressure but then divorced; not sure whats happening with him now; he is back in Oman

But very nice chap he was! too nice; a bit too nice perhaps

I agreed with all that's been said. They are typically very closeted. They do exist, but typically they have a very hard time coming out. If you ended up dating a Middle Eastern man, just know that it may not be possible for him to be completely honest about his sexuality because of social pressure from his family and culture.

Just my luck I'm so damn attracted to them! There's this Persian guy in particular I'm very attracted to, and I think he likes me too, but I get the feeling that acting on his gay impulses is so completely out of the question with him. The oppressiveness of all his cultural baggage seems to weigh very heavily on him. Poor guy. He'll probably end up married and miserable.

ajdmouse--what did you mean by "too nice"? Is it possible for someone to be too nice? How?

Also, osteoron, I'm interested in hearing more about your checklist.

I was just having this discussion with my Mother yesterday. I told her how thankful I am to be born in a somewhat "socially accepted culture" referring to my family in general. I could not fathom growing up in the middle east gay. It was only up until a few years ago that I did not realize that gay people are executed in the middle east. Being from Vancouver, there is a lot of multiculturalism. I have met a few middle eastern men as well as east indian and chinese who are all closeted. I do find that these men are more on a pursuit of "sleeping around" not all but most (from this area). They came across as very pushy and desperate. However, I feel that this may be apart of them wanting to feel wanted and at that moment the only time to be themselves. I feel for them. I also feel very thankful that I have what I have and that I can learn from others lives and experiences.

I have to agree that ME guys are attractive. (I do find them to be so) It is something about their culture that prevents them from coming out. They fear that if they ever did come out, they might be condemned by the society as if they were hardcore criminals.

I am from a society which I thought is already open about homosexuality... but there are some sectors of our society that are still so intolerant of it. It is really so hard to come out. (I can't fully come out because my father is definitely going to be so enraged. It's tough.)