If a man’s interest in women is suppressed for thousands of years, will he pursue men? In cultures where extra-marital male-female interaction is condemned or impossible, does homosexuality become increasingly acceptable? Here in Oman, the answer is yes.

Calling someone a “lady boy” is a favorite insult. But rubbing noses while shaking hands, making kissing noises in the same instance, holding hands while walking or pressing pelvises together upon greeting — what we, the shocked Canadians have come to call “The Dink Press” — are acceptable interactions for adult men. We are told that shaving your upper lip is a sure sign that you’re a flamer, but even the bearded have “special friends.”

Looking at a woman in public too intensely can result in jail time — cases are rare, but the law is still on the books — and wives typically cost about 5,000 Rials ($16,000 Canadian). So, what’s a poor boy to do? Meeting eligible women, even with honorable intentions, is obviously a daunting task, so men buy their cousins from their uncles. Presumable they can get a discount. Those that can’t or don’t save up enough money can while away the years by buying wives for just a half hour or maybe an afternoon.

But if even temprary wives are too expensive, there’s always a buddy that’s bumping the same boat. The Koran specifically condemns anal sex, but, I suspect, it must be a little vague on handjobs.

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