All characters presented in this work of fiction are 18+
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Jeff, a tall and lean 23-year-old man with short brown hair and piercing blue eyes, was known throughout the university for his unwavering advocacy for gay rights. His passion was not just a hobby; it was a part of who he was. Today, he stood on stage in the school auditorium, facing Matthew, a broad-shouldered, 25-year-old man with a crew cut and steely gray eyes. Matthew, the star quarterback of the school's team, was known for his homophobic views. To no surprise, his contempt for Alex was more than obvious.
The pair had a few college entry classes together, but this was the first time they were to come face to face in debate class. Despite marriage equality becoming the law of the land only a few years prior. Mr. Hawkin's had assigned them, 'Should same-sex marriage be treated equally to heterosexual marriage, as their topic.'. Not only was Jeff's grade rising on getting a great score during this debate, but his dignity as a gay man felt on the line.
The debate hall was packed. Jeff could feel the tension in the air as he took his place on the stage, facing Matthew. The moderator introduced them both, and the debate began. It was only three minutes in, and Jeff had laid the foundation of two weeks' worth of research on the line.
"Gay rights are a threat to traditional values." Matthew declared, his voice cold and dismissive. The jock had opted to wear a team t-shirt he had been given for some anniversary game a few months prior. Jeff was annoyed how unserious his opposition was taking this. Of course, what did Jeff take seriously other than sports?
Jeff took a deep breath. "Traditional values evolve. And truly, what is traditional? My opponent here, has picked a specific moment in time and says that's what we should pay homage to but if you jump back to any point in history or even any location in the world and marriage take son a different image.
Matthew scoffed. "Love is between a man and a woman. Even if you look at any place and time it has always been that. You need to see a therapist, Jeff." There was a snicker that fall over some of the audience.
"Matthew." Mr. Hawkins point his pen to the man from the front role where he acted as the moderator. Jeff rolled his eyes. That was the punishment? His name? What did he expect for one of the leads of the school's winning team.
"Sorry, Sir."
Jeff felt a surge of anger but kept his composure. If Matthew continued this way, there was no doubt that not only would he secure the 'A' he needed to pass the class but also humiliate this neanderthal of a man whole he was at it. "I don't need a therapist. I need people like you to understand that love is valid across the board."
The brunette grabbed his flash cards and moved past the small wooden podiums Mr. Hawkins had pulled out for the class. Jeff didn't need to watch his steps as he cleared the distance between the podiums and the edge of stand. He came to the school to study theater and this auditorium had become his second home, "If you look back to turn of the century cultures in east Asia, we can..."
"Gay rights are a farce." Matthew interjects. Following Jeff's idea he moved passed his podium. Just like Jeff had suspected he didn't have a single note with him. He was winging this, "Men were made to be with women, not other men. He have the literal anatomy for it!"
Jeff, though shaken by the statement, maintained his composure. "Love is love, Matthew. It's not about the gender, but the person you love." He had to admit he was a little annoyed, the man was disrupting his key talking points. As the jock took center stage alongside him the gay man couldn't help but notice how nicely a simple t shirt could fit him. The man was fit and you could almost count every ab under the shirt. Jeff shook his head. He had actually taken the time to iron a pinstriped blue and white button down with a pain of simple beige slacks.
Matthew scoffed, "Love? You can't even have real sex. It's unnatural." Before Jeff could continue some of the students cheered in favor of Matthew's ignorant views. Jeff sometimes hated this school. He had chosen to come to this college because of its entrance program, affordability, and scholarships but the place was in the center of a red state and reflected it.
Jeff felt a surge of emotion, his voice wavering slightly. "This isn't about sex, Matthew. We are talking about unity between two people. Many couples can not copulate or reproduce due to health issues, does that make them any less valid in marriage?" His eyes landed on Matthew's crotch. Fuck. The jock's bulge stood out from his body, a good two to three inches. If there was anyone who could fill his role of procreation, it was him.
"But they are fags!" Matthew almost shouted. A few of the students laughed. Jeff immediately looked to their teacher.
"Language... but continue." Mr. Hawkins jotted some notes onto his clipboard.
"Mr. Hawkins, how can I debate someone who refuses to even use some sort of ethical logic to debate and instead tries to undermine with slurs and personal insults?"
"Sometimes you will face opposition that doesn't play fair, you must keep going. If your point is sound, you will succeed regardless."
"Thank you, Mr. Hawkins," Matthew continued. "You see, this world truly is a patriarchy, whether you like it or not. Men have carried this world on their backs and through penile vaginal sex have created it brick by brick. If we had queers running..."
"Matthew you can not say queer!" Jeff shouted.
"I hear queers call themselves queer all the time!" Matthew yelled back, "If queers running things we would have died off ages ago! Men, real men keep this shit running!" The jock laughed and flexed his biceps. A few of the girls cheered the man on. Jeff gulped. His shoulders and arms could only be found on Greek statues.
"Again," Jeff said, trying to take control, "We are not talking about procreation. I would like to get back to my talking points." He glanced over his cards that quickly slipped out of his hands and scattered over the edge of the stage. The room laughed at the poor man. "Sorry..."
"Looks like you lost the argument just like your cards," Matthew smirked. Jeff felt his skin flushing. He looked to Mr. Hawkin's, who was continuing to take notes.
"I have not lost."
"You began losing this argument the moment you saw my dick in the locker room." The jock announced. A laugh filled the auditorium.
"Mr. Hawkins!" Jeff shouted. The teacher heard that, didn't he? He had to reel this man in.
"Jeff," the teacher snared, "This is a serious debate. You can not keep calling on me to intervene. Matthew stated that you have been checking him out in the locker room; is this accurate?"
"I...Mr. Hawkins, that's... it inappropriate. What does that have to do with the debate surrounding gay marriage? That is why we are here."
