LGBT support in the workplace
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(I’m working at a well-known family diner. I am one of the gayest men you might ever meet and am serving two elderly ladies.)
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Me:
“Hello, ladies! It is very nice to meet you. My name is [name]. You ladies look sharp today! What can I get you to drink?”
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(I take their drink order, return just moments later, and take their food order. They are acting completely fine, until…)
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Customer #1:
“Here, honey, this is for you. You look like you need it.”
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(She hands me a book on how homosexuality is inappropriate and an abomination. I have faced this before, so to avoid conflict I give them the following response.)
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Me:
“Oh, great! My girlfriend will love this!”
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Customer #2:
“Oh, nevermind, honey. You won’t need that, then! You never know where these homos are hiding now a days!”
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(I start to tear a little bit. My manager happens to be gay as well and overhears this.)
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Manager:
“HEY! I do not ever want you to lie to a customer just to avoid a conflict! You are one of my best employees, and I will not have some bigoted customers putting you down. Ma’ams, I would greatly appreciate it if you left my establishment and do not return. If you cannot handle him as a gay man, then you do not deserve him as a straight man!”
