When Ste Lacey asked a question in a Facebook group “Why do Indian men walk hand in hand and put their arms around each other? Am I right in thinking they are gay?” he framed it as a genuine cultural inquiry, asking for understanding before assumptions took hold.
What followed was not outrage or ridicule, but something increasingly rare online: a calm, generous, and deeply wholesome conversation. Commenters responded with patience, lived experience, and a shared desire to explain rather than condemn. The tone of the thread itself became as meaningful as the answers.
Key Takeaways
- Commenters responded with empathy and cultural context rather than judgment, turning curiosity into learning.
- Many explained that in India and other regions, physical affection between male friends is normal, platonic, and culturally accepted.
- The overall tone of the discussion stood out as kind, respectful, and educational — a reminder of how online spaces can foster understanding.
From the very beginning, the comments leaned toward explanation rather than correction, setting a tone that many described as refreshing.
Aaditya Shah
He calmly explained that walking hand in hand is usually a sign of friendship and comfort. He added that it can also help people feel grounded in unfamiliar environments, offering reassurance rather than confrontation.
Melinda Chan-Wong
Drawing from personal experience, she shared that she had seen the same behavior in Myanmar and Bangladesh. Her comment normalized the practice without dismissing the question, helping broaden the cultural frame.
Chris Shurland
He encouraged readers not to impose Western assumptions on other cultures, gently reminding everyone that personal biases shape perception. His closing thought — questioning why anyone should care about someone else’s sexuality — was framed with empathy, not attack.
Karishma Assam
She highlighted how healthy platonic touch can be, regardless of gender. Her response stood out for its warmth, reframing affection as something human rather than something that needs labeling.
Julie Dolphin
She echoed that sentiment, reflecting that not all love or closeness is sexual. Her response leaned into compassion, suggesting that touch can simply mean care.
Linda Dancaster
Sharing observations from Türkiye, she described public displays of friendship as endearing and freeing. Her comment contrasted openness with Western restraint, without criticism.
Sai Tej
He offered cultural clarity, explaining that such closeness is reserved for close friends and signifies trust. His response was informative and grounded, adding nuance rather than defensiveness.
Danny Paradorn
He shared similar observations from Myanmar, noting that young men and women alike express friendship through touch. His comment reinforced how common and unremarkable the behavior is in many societies.
Kerry Little
After looking into it, she shared researched insight about Indian culture, emphasizing that hand-holding between men is widely understood as non-sexual. Her contribution added reassurance through factual clarity.
Ucman Scher
He provided a broader cultural reflection, explaining that tactile friendships are common in South Asia and the Middle East. His comment carried a gentle sadness, noting that such openness is fading due to misinterpretation and labeling.
Laura Kelley
She spoke directly to the spirit of the thread, defending curiosity itself. Her comment emphasized that respectful questions are how ignorance turns into understanding, and that kindness in response matters.
By the end of the discussion, what stood out most was not the original question, but the collective tone of the answers. The comments were patient, informative, and deeply humane. It proves that curiosity, when met with generosity, can become a connection.
If you believe in the power of thoughtful dialogue, cultural understanding, and everyday kindness, you’ll find more stories like this at Simply Wholesome, where wholesome moments remind us what respectful conversation can look like.
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