This guy is very bright and I want to make sure not to "mis-step" with the new boss. I'm looking forward to our company getting a little diversity. Just want to make sure I'm not asking or saying anything dorky or unenlightened. Any advice is appreciated. Oh, and I'm a straight married guy if that makes any difference. thanks for your input!
2007-12-09 02:33:43 · 26 answers · asked by Jeff M 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Cultures & Groups ➔ Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender
If you want to be friendly use his name, just as you would if he were married to a woman.
If it is very formal you should stick with partner until you hear what he uses. Many working gay men refer to their at home partner as their wife.
2007-12-09 02:38:58 · answer #1 · answered by Landlord 7 · 3⤊ 3⤋
Refer to him by name.
2007-12-09 02:36:09 · answer #2 · answered by purpleflyer2008 5 · 6⤊ 4⤋
How funny, I'ma single straight female and during a job interview the 63 year old boss interviewing me brought up that he's gay and asked if that would make a difference with me accepting the job...lol, I said of course not and mentioned about past co-workers and friends whom I had who were also gay.
Now my boss was a doctor and I was his sole employee in an optometry practice. He would often alert me that a "friend" of his would be stopping in and if he was out that I should have him sit down and wait. He always referred to his love interests as "friends" because I don't think he was in an exclusive relationship.
But personally, I don't see how being "gay" would change the rules when referring to a person's intimate mate...I mean, shouldn't the same rules apply for a straight boss and his/her mate? Why does being gay mean there should be a different way of referring to who they date?
If you don't know then be on the safe side and use the word "friend"... or significant other...
2007-12-09 02:49:09 · answer #3 · answered by sunoverla 2 · 1⤊ 4⤋
The correct terms vary by situation and person
Partner is the politically correct term.
But if they have had a commitment ceremony it is ok to call him husband. If not, it is also ok to go with boyfriend.
It all depends on what you are comfortable with.
To remain professional I would try and stick with his first name, but if you have to introduce him or bring it up yourself just go look at his hand, and if there is a ring go with husband, if their isnt, partner is more professional.
2007-12-09 14:18:08 · answer #4 · answered by Jordan Valjean 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Well refer to him by name unless he prefers something else. If they are married say husband or partner. But if they are in a serious relationship dont say boyfriend
2007-12-09 03:19:32 · answer #5 · answered by queenbee0687 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
I think they're referring to themselves as domestic partners but I'm not really sure that you should even go there if he's your boss. I would just learn his partners name and not get into anything that might create tension.
2007-12-09 03:06:15 · answer #6 · answered by clint 5 · 1⤊ 3⤋
Gay men can be really sensative about that term.
Some hate "Partner" because it's to business oriented and asexual. And since you are already in a working environment...
Boyfriend, fiancee, or husband, all work the same as they do for straight people, right?
2007-12-09 02:38:01 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 4⤋
"significant other" or if your boss has a sense of humor "his better half".
But, how committed is he to this guy? Think of it as if it's a hetero relationship--would you call his girlfriend his "partner" or "mate" if they had only been dating a while? No--you'd say "your girlfriend"....So it's entirely OK to call the other dude "the boyfriend", or HERE'S A THOUGHT...HOW ABOUT BY HIS FIRST NAME!
"Sean and Carl will be at the holiday party" sounds way better than "Sean and his partner".
2007-12-09 02:37:00 · answer #8 · answered by Munya Says: DUH! 7 · 2⤊ 5⤋
If he is married, call him either his husband or partner. If they are not married (in a relationship), call him his partner. Or, if your boss would prefer, call him whatever he desires.
2007-12-09 03:00:57 · answer #9 · answered by That Gay Guy for Da Ben Dan 5 · 2⤊ 3⤋
That, I don't know. What I can tell you is: be careful. Those people are neurotic.
If they like you they will stick to you like with glue, but if they dislike you, they will be your worst enemy
For my bad luck, most of my bosses for the past 15 years have been gay, and I always fall on their bad side, even if I try to do my best and not interfere with them at all
2007-12-09 02:40:38 · answer #10 · answered by Der Schreckliche 4 · 1⤊ 6⤋