With same-sex marriage legal in nine states and homosexuality slowly but surely becoming the new normal in America, it can be easy to forget being gay is still illegal in certain parts of the world.
Before participating in The Amazing Race this season, the Fabulous Beekman Boys Josh Kilmer-Purcell and Brent Ridge were briefed on the societal norms of the countries in which they traveled, and the couple decided to withhold public displays of affection. Kilmer-Purcell explains why in a blog post on their Beekman 1802 website:
"Since we are guests in these countries (and accidentally whacking folks with bamboo sticks to boot!) we chose to not embrace or kiss for practical and respectful reasons. We were literally relying on the kindness of strangers and cab drivers, and challenging their beliefs would not have been strategically smart nor neighborly."
But that doesn't mean any less adoration shared between the two as they're abroad. In this video, the boys have their own secret "Muslim Country Kiss" in a car after Ridge explains what transpired during a challenge in Bangladesh in his adorable North Carolina twang. To see more of the Beekman Boys, catch The Amazing Race on Sundays at 8/7c--they're still looking like contenders--or you can watch full episodes online.
