A Scary Thing Happened On My Way To...
I rarely take the bus to work but this morning, I decided to do it. As I walk to the bus station, there was this black guy standing at the foot of the steps to the freeway where the station is. He had an over-sized jacket, and he had his hands in his pockets. He then uttered something to me. I disengaged one of my ear phones. He repeated himself.
"I am not trying to disrespect..." he stammered "but are you gay?"
Afraid that he might be holding a gun in his jacket, I quickly said "no" with a tinge of annoyance and walked away.
I was genuinely afraid for my life, but I couldn't help but wonder if I should have worn my pride on my sleeve and said "yes." Did I really dodge a bullet this morning or was the vagrant reaching out because he was gay too? I am out and proud but felt deeply guilty to have said no to his query, but what business was his to have asked anyway? Do we lie to live or do we die with pride?
I think I will avoid taking public transportation for a while, at least not through winter.
"I am not trying to disrespect..." he stammered "but are you gay?"
Afraid that he might be holding a gun in his jacket, I quickly said "no" with a tinge of annoyance and walked away.
I was genuinely afraid for my life, but I couldn't help but wonder if I should have worn my pride on my sleeve and said "yes." Did I really dodge a bullet this morning or was the vagrant reaching out because he was gay too? I am out and proud but felt deeply guilty to have said no to his query, but what business was his to have asked anyway? Do we lie to live or do we die with pride?
I think I will avoid taking public transportation for a while, at least not through winter.