Hate

Tonight, Erica came over for dinner and a movie. We needed to get some rolls so we ran across the way to a shopping center. I had not changed after work so I was wearing my PrideFest polo which is professional with a small embroidered logo on the left hand side.

I was in the self checkout when the Latino man behind me in line, standing with his wife and 2 small children, asked me what my shirt meant. Feeling a little uncomfortable I decided to simple say “Oh, it’s just a festival.”

He shook his head and paused.

Then he said “is it a good festival?”

I replied with “I like to think so.”

I was very uncomfortable and at this point the check out machine could not have taken any longer to accept my payment.

He shook his head some more and in an uneasy tone said “good, cause the rainbow in the back of it scared me a little bit.”

I simply looked at him for a moment and he stared right back. I looked at Erica and she was very uneasy, so I smiled and turned towards the machine to finish the transaction as quickly as possible. We quickly proceeded to the door but then stopped once we were out of site to rent a movie from Red Box.

We chatted about the guy and how we felt. We then went into the parking lot, got in the car and waited at the light. When the green arrow came on and I was turning I noticed the car behind me. I then also noticed at a few more points that the car was making every turn I was. This proceeded into my apartment complex. I was very scared that it was that same individual who decided to follow me home.

I buzzed through the parking lot looking in my mirrors the whole time. I released a sigh of relief when I saw that it was simply another person who lived there.

I CAN NOT believe that in 2008, after women’s liberation and the civil rights movement that people are still so ignorant and full of hate. If the man disagreed with the lifestyle that is one thing, to confront me about it in a grocery store is another. The only reason to bring it up is to create a problem. I could have easily made something of it with him in the store and continued with a debate but was worried for the outcome.

It is 10 years after Matthew Shepard was killed for being gay but only a month after Angie

Zapata was killed for being transgendered. The world we live in is a scary place. People still think

hate and discrimination is ok.

I also cannot believe people still think gay is a choice. Why would anyone choose to go through the rejection, bullying, and fear that it sadly comes with. Getting through a day is hard enough without needed to add discrimination and hate on top of it.

This has bothered me all night. The man was all I thought about during dinner and through a movie. I was not doing anything to him or directed at him. I was purchasing groceries and he confronted me. I hate that I even worry. I should not need to but fact is, I still have to.
It is sad that I cannot wear a professional looking shirt with a logo from work in public without needing to worry about what others will think. I am proud of who I am and my accomplishments. I should be able to wear my true colors without fear.

To anyone who reads this I ask one thing….

Do your part to stop the hate. When someone makes a joke, even if it is “harmless,” it can still be a dagger to the heart. When someone says “that’s so gay,” remind them that it is offensive. Most people who say it do not mean for it to be offensive or they would not be saying it but fact is…. It hurts. While this may be small, the hate will not end when society accepts this as a norm.

Hate is not an American value. Love and opportunity are. America is a melting pot; founded on the ideals that we are all different, unique in our own way but still have civil liberties. We need to embrace differences as that are what makes our nation great.

Sorry for the long post- just needed to get this out because it is bothering me a great deal. One day discrimination will end. This simply reminds me why we must all work hard and do our part.

Peace, Love & Apple Pie-
Ryan

Ryan's Update!

I realize these blogs have been a little far apart. For that, I apologize.

Part of the reason for that is because I just moved. I moved form the Stapleton area of Denver to Westminster (north-west of Denver). I am there right now with out internet access until the 16th. After that point I hope to update more often!

I moved that direction because I would be student teaching at Northglenn High School. However, there may be a change of plans but that is a whole separate blog entry!

Because of school and student teaching I am leaving my position at The Center. I honestly do not think I have ever been this sad to leave a job. While it is very stressful, I love my job and the people I work with. Most of the people I did not enjoy working with no longer work there, which is nice. HAHA

I was told that no matter what there will always be a job waiting for me here. And on a weekly basis they ask when I can cam back. It is a nice feeling to know I am appreciated.

I will miss the “Off Site Meetings” at Broadways or Sutra Room (bars), the free stuff, the cool events and the good friends!

I have a lot of great things ahead of me but this is one chapter I am sad to close.