A Stranger Called Me "Faggot"
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

A Stranger Called Me "Faggot"

This is my response.

135
A Stranger Called Me "Faggot"
Photo from fanpop.com

I'd just like to start out by recognizing that I came into this world with quite a bit of privilege as I am a white, cis-gendered male, which systematically makes my life easier and presents me with various benefits over those who have different racial and gender identities than myself. However, I was also born gay, which is an identity that has exposed me to various amounts of discrimination and prejudice throughout my life. I do know that this discrimination also could have been much worse had I been a different race or gender or from a different part of the country or world as well as being gay. I do, however, still face discrimination and hate speech occasionally throughout my life.

This past week I was on my way to see a friend and was driving through a town I don't usually go through. My windows were down since the weather was nice and I was playing music just like I would any other day. As I pulled up to a stoplight I noticed two guys about my age riding towards me on bikes. The boy in front slowly approached the side of my car as expected since he was riding in my direction. However, as he passed my car he looked through my window and yelled "faggot."

This caught me off guard because I've never had a stranger direct hate speech like that towards me. Of course I've heard people use it before just generally, which is still upsetting, but never has anyone ever just yelled "faggot" at me. I'm not really sure why he would have done it either. Maybe it was because my appearance doesn't suite his idea of masculinity enough to deserve respect. Maybe it was because my music choice for the day of Beyonce just wasn't what expected from another guy, and that led him to yell the words that society has taught him can be used to attack individuals who do not fit into the "normal" heteronormative box. Or maybe he has gained empowerment from the shooting at Pulse nightclub in Orlando where the LGBTQ+ community was hit incredibly hard by an act of violence fueled by hatred.

Clearly, being called "faggot" is not the worst thing that could have happened to me. I've been fortunate enough to have never faced violence as the result of my sexual orientation. However, if recent widely publicized acts of violence against the LGBTQ+ cause more homophobes to start to act on their feelings, then it is clear that we have a lot more progress to make. Hateful words and actions could lead to more and more LGBTQ+ individuals facing isolation in their communities and families.

I do not plan to allow this one verbal attack to change the ways that I express myself or act. I have learned a lot about how many outside of the LGBTQ+ community view myself and other members within it over the past few weeks. There is a lot more that can be done to confront the issue of homophobia throughout the world. As we address these problems though, I will continue to live life as my true self and show the world that I am proud and unafraid.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

9139
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

941605
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

118260
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lots of people sat on the cinema wearing 3D glasses
Pinterest

Ever wonder what your friend meant when they started babbling about you taking their stapler? Or how whenever you ask your friend for a favor they respond with "As You Wish?" Are you looking for new and creative ways to insult your friends?

Well, look no further. Here is a list of 70 of the most quotable movies of all time. Here you will find answers to your questions along with a multitude of other things such as; new insults for your friends, interesting characters, fantastic story lines, and of course quotes to log into your mind for future use.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments