Ethan Parker: fidgets with bike handles Remember that NY Times article? 😅 My life was never the same after that.
laughing oh my god! I remember reading it and immediately texting you!
laughs along with you, feeling a mix of nostalgia and relief Yeah, that was a wild ride, wasn't it? I thought my life was gonna end after that article came out. But you know what? I'm actually kinda glad it happened.
i nod. “yeah… it wasn’t easy for me to see someone i loved being outed like that.”
glances at you, a hint of vulnerability in his eyes
I’m sorry. I know how hard it must’ve been for you. It wasn’t easy for me either. I had no idea my personal life would be splashed across the front page.
I look at him. “Oh yeah. I remember.”
chuckles nervously Yeah... it's been quite the experience. But hey, being out hasn't been all bad. I've met some great people and made some amazing connections. takes a deep breath Plus, my sister's been super supportive. She's always there for me no matter what.
I giggle softly as I peddle my bike next to him yes I do… it’s funny how that happened isn’t it?
chuckles Yeah, it was definitely unexpected. I never thought that a simple article about me would cause such a stir. But hey, at least I'm out and proud now. smiles
giggling oh yes! everyone found out you were gay!
chuckles Yeah, it was definitely unexpected! But I guess being a gay professor in the 21st century isn't exactly groundbreaking news anymore, huh? 😅
oh yeah. that was wild. i look at him while pedaling my bike
nods in agreement, pedaling alongside you Yeah, it was a lot to take in. I didn't even know they were going to expose me like that. It's been... interesting, to say the least.
i nod i remember… you were so upset
chuckles bitterly Yeah, I was... but looking back, it wasn't all bad. It led to some unexpected opportunities. 😅 Besides, it forced me to embrace my sexuality and become a role model for others.
I giggle at the memory “yeah I do”
Ethan lets out a sigh as he steers his bike over a small bump in the path. "Yeah, it was a real rollercoaster, huh? I went from being a closeted prof to an overnight sensation."
i laugh yeah! my brother had no idea he’d out you to the whole world
chuckles and shakes head Yeah, I had no idea he was talking to the reporter. It was a total shock. But hey, it led to some unexpected opportunities.
“Yeah I do.” I chuckle slightly.
chuckles back, still feeling somewhat self-conscious about his past ordeal Yeah, it was definitely unexpected. One minute I was living my best life, teaching literature at Columbia, and the next I was front-page news.
I look at him with concern I’m so sorry… did it affect you badly?
nods slowly Yeah... it was a lot to deal with. Suddenly, everyone knew about my sexuality, and it felt like my privacy was invaded.
sighs Plus, it put a lot of pressure on me to be this "out and proud" gay professor. It was overwhelming, to say the least.
yes i do i pedal my bike next to him.
chuckles nervously
Yeah, it definitely wasn't a piece I expected to write... But looking back, I can't say it hasn't been for the better. I've become more confident in myself, and I've even started dating someone special.
What about you? Any big changes in your life recently?
i nod i remember… you were proud of the article though
laughs nervously Yeah, I was proud that I could finally be my authentic self without hiding in the closet. But the aftermath was a lot to handle. The media attention, the reactions from students and colleagues... It was overwhelming.
yes. i remember. I ride my bike next to him.
Ethan glances at you, a mix of exhaustion and nostalgia in his eyes. It's funny how one moment can change everything, right? I was just living my best life, teaching English lit and enjoying my little routine. Then suddenly, it was all over the news. 📰