Relationships With Boys

Barbershops and beauty parlors have long been known as hotspots for street gossip and exaggerated stories. Whether it's rumors about community members or chatter about the latest neighborhood drama, these establishments serve as informal social hubs where people exchange more than just haircuts and manicures.

I have worked in many different places, and in both the town and the city where I was assigned, I found myself frequently visiting beauty parlors for nail care. Interestingly, all the salons I visited were owned and managed by gay men. However, there was a stark contrast in how they ran their businesses.

In the city, the salon owner preferred an all-female staff. When I asked why, she simply said, "Women give me fewer problems and headaches." It was a practical choice, she explained, as she found women easier to manage in a work environment.

Meanwhile, in the town’s beauty parlor, the staff consisted mostly of gay men, except for one woman who specialized in nail care. The owner had a different philosophy: “It’s better to work with people who share the same outlook on life.” This statement reflected a sense of camaraderie within their team, built on common experiences and perspectives.

Despite their differing approaches, there was one thing both groups had in common—an interest in young boys. Not men, but actual high school boys. When I first heard them openly discussing their preferences, I was taken aback.

I asked them, "Why not wait until these boys turn 18?"

Their response was unsettling. They described boys as "fresh, cheap, and easy to manipulate." They saw nothing wrong with what they were doing, justifying their actions by claiming that the boys were willing participants.

Concerned, I pressed further. "Have you ever thought about the laws against child abuse? Do you realize there are legal protections for minors?"

Their responses were disturbing. They told me that no one had ever complained—not the boys, not their families. In fact, some parents were allegedly aware of these relationships and chose to stay silent.

This revelation troubled me deeply. If these boys were girls instead, would their parents still turn a blind eye? Would society react differently?

I believe that boys deserve the same protection as girls. Exploitation is wrong, regardless of gender. The silence surrounding these situations only enables further harm.

As I left those conversations behind, I couldn’t shake the thought: how many other communities allow such things to continue unnoticed? How many young boys are being taken advantage of simply because society assumes they don’t need protection?

The truth is, they do. And it's time we start talking about it.