Homophobia v1.1
It’s always disappointing when you start working at a new job and you finally encounter your first instance of homophobia. Today was that day with me.
I am not out at work. My personal life is mine. I would not hide the fact in instances that would be appropriate similar to:
Q. Is your wife coming to the company picnic?
A. No. I’m bringing my boyfriend and we’re going to wear matching Vivienne Westwood leather harnesses. I hope the weather is nice.
None of those instances have arisen for me to be 'out' with dignity.
Nonetheless, this conversation happened this afternoon:
Fat Donut Face Stuffin’ White Trash Homo Hater: Be careful up in that guy’s office.
Orbicon: Excuse me?
F.D.F.S.W.T.H.H: Well, don’t bend over.
Orbicon: I don’t understand what you mean.
(at this point he becomes uncomfortable because I’m not sensing his joke)
F.D.F.S.W.T.H.H: Let’s just say he really likes pretty colors.
Orbicon: Oh. Ok….
Orbicon: Like my shirt? It’s kinda pretty don’t you think?
F.D.F.S.W.T.H.H: Uh, yeah. I guess.
F.D.F.S.W.T.H.H: Never mind, he’s a good guy. Take care of him.
It’s always disappointing when you start working at a new job and you finally encounter your first instance of homophobia. Today was that day with me.
I am not out at work. My personal life is mine. I would not hide the fact in instances that would be appropriate similar to:
Q. Is your wife coming to the company picnic?
A. No. I’m bringing my boyfriend and we’re going to wear matching Vivienne Westwood leather harnesses. I hope the weather is nice.
None of those instances have arisen for me to be 'out' with dignity.
Nonetheless, this conversation happened this afternoon:
Fat Donut Face Stuffin’ White Trash Homo Hater: Be careful up in that guy’s office.
Orbicon: Excuse me?
F.D.F.S.W.T.H.H: Well, don’t bend over.
Orbicon: I don’t understand what you mean.
(at this point he becomes uncomfortable because I’m not sensing his joke)
F.D.F.S.W.T.H.H: Let’s just say he really likes pretty colors.
Orbicon: Oh. Ok….
Orbicon: Like my shirt? It’s kinda pretty don’t you think?
F.D.F.S.W.T.H.H: Uh, yeah. I guess.
F.D.F.S.W.T.H.H: Never mind, he’s a good guy. Take care of him.
5 Comments:
At 7:53 PM,
Patrick said…
Yucky, been there. BTW, I think the green was a prettier color.
At 12:08 AM,
David said…
I think you handled that really well. You didn't get all in his face, but you didn't play along either, you made him feel uncomfortable with his own prejudices and that often is a good lesson in and of itself.
At 5:16 AM,
THATGUY_HEATH said…
Totally understand where you're coming from with this incident. I hate when situations arise and we have to make that split-hair decision on whether to out ourselves just to let others know that homosexuals are here and it's getting harder and harder for them to identify and recognize us. You handled it with dignity, but even still I would put a Ballys Total Fitness pamphlet on Donut Guy's desk with a note that reads:
"Put this to good use, hon!"
At 12:53 PM,
:: jozjozjoz :: said…
You handled it well.
But you should've mentioned your Vivienne Westwood harness.
At 10:28 PM,
Jay said…
What about the shirt?
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