How do you ask a casual on line friend if they are

Hi All

Another question came to mind. A lot of questions do these days come to mind.

I have an on line chat texting friend I met on a dating website 5 months ago that has been communicating with me via text messaging, and email. We haven't met for whatever reason he is avoiding me and I think I know what it is.

He marched in a parade St. Patrick's Day but not sure if it was the gay parade I have learned is the same day or if it was acutally the St. Patricks Day Parade. He wouldn't tell me what group or cause he was walking for so I get the feeling it might have been the gay parade.

I text message him with a comment that I missed seeing the gay parade on TV to elicit some response from him but haven't heard from him since.

How can I ask him if he is gay or bi s*xual without hurting his feelings or scarring him away which he might be already. The one time I had a long conversation with him on the phone I did get the feeling he is gay or bisexual. There are other things that make me suspect he is gay or bisexual but I won't get into those things.

Just curious what others would do in this situation. I doubt if we will ever meet so not sure this is worth the time I am spending thinking about it.

Thought I should know in case we do eventually meet up to pursue a friendship which I have no objections with gay or straight friends.

In case I get any wise remarks I am straight.

Welcome both men and woman's responses.