BlogBreak

By Honest

September 18, 2006 10:02 AM | Link to this

The option here is simple. Don’t be gay - be straight.

You think things are tough here? Wait until God get ahold of you after you die (God, who decreed that we should live as man and woman).

Then you’ll have all of eternity to regret that mistake.

By JohnF

September 18, 2006 10:15 AM | Link to this

As a gay man, this is something I constantly think about.

I read somewhere that people that are open about their sexual orientation are much more successful than those that are closeted. It makes sense to me, if you are not hiding your sexual orientation you are much more likely to interact more with co-workers and I generally have found that personal relationships are really what help propel a career path. But this is only true if the company is welcoming of gay employees.

I personally have told five people at my office so I assume more know that I am gay, but for the most part I don’t wear my sexuality on my sleeve.

My company is not especially affirming…no one has ever said anything but I also don’t seem to get invited to some of the social events that my co-workers have. The guy in the cube next to me had a super-bowl party last year and seem to invite everyone in the department but me and the contractor from India…

Is this because I’m gay or does my being gay keep me from being friendlier myself…I don’t really know.

By Seriously

September 18, 2006 10:32 AM | Link to this

Are we supposed to make concessions at work for rapists? murderers? abusers? druggies?

No? Then why should we be required to treat gays special?

By Anthony

September 18, 2006 10:39 AM | Link to this

As a straight guy, I don’t see the need to treat my gay or bisexual coworkers any differently than my straight ones. They are human just like us and we should all be acting professionally in the workplace.

So what if we don’t agree on this matter? Do we all have to share the same political or religious views to be respectful to each other?

By Suula

September 18, 2006 10:46 AM | Link to this

What a sad day that people don’t feel free and open to be themselves. Companies would really benefit from embracing all kinds of people — it only adds more perspective.

Having said that, I surely wouldn’t put any pictures of my family up in my work place. Who needs the added hassle?

By DRD

September 18, 2006 10:51 AM | Link to this

I am a career employee with a local City government. I am out to everyone at work and thankfully they all accept me as one of their own. We all do things as a group and they have never singled me out. For this I am thankful to have such a great group of friends and co-workers.

By Ken

September 18, 2006 10:54 AM | Link to this

I am pretty fortunate. I have always been out at work, but never officially “came out” as an event. I am usually mistaken for being straight and married since I wear my commitment ring on my left hand - but if someone asks about my wife, I just politely tell them about my partner. It’s a non-issue… unless I choose to make it one. I realize that I am fortuante and not everyone has such easy experiences. But I have found the most impactful way of “bridging the gap” is to not create one and differentiate myself from anyone else in the workplace. I had been working here a couple months before someone asked about my personal life and I just answered matter of factly and truthfully. At first they may have been surprised that I am gay, but because of my honesty without making a huge deal of coming out, they were more at ease. I had several people, who were admittedly previously homophobic, become good friends and admit to me that by me being so comfortable with myself, they were more at ease and have become more comfrtable being around other gay people. I’ve even had one person “thank me” because she has now developed friendships with other gay people she would have been intimidated or “fearful” of before.

By JohnM

September 18, 2006 10:54 AM | Link to this

Well, “Honest” gives us an idea of what we face in the workplace on a regular basis. His overwhelming ignorance about sexuality and his seeming belief that one can “choose” to be straight reflects the ignorance and bigotry of many people in this country today.

Straight people can comprehend the added pressure that a gay man or woman often deals with in the workplace.

By Doug Palmer

September 18, 2006 10:57 AM | Link to this

I have been very fortunate to have worked for companies that allow me to be out without fear of reprisal. However, while each of the companies I’ve worked for has a same-sex non-discrimination policy, that policy seems to stop short when it comes to domestic partner health benefits. Companies consider benefits, such as health care, to be a part of an employees total compensation package. By denying homosexual employees access to the “family” medical plan, they are also denying those employees the monetary value of that benefit, which in essence means that gay employees are not being compensated equally for the same work as heterosexuals.

By Doug Palmer

September 18, 2006 11:04 AM | Link to this

To “Seriously”…while most of your thoughts aren’t worth a response, I will say this. We do not want to be treated special, just equal.

By Ken

September 18, 2006 11:17 AM | Link to this

And having a sense of humor helps too — like when I am traveling with my straight co-workers and they joke about having to call in to their wives… I say “Yeah, me too…” or something to that effect.

Doug, you’re right — it’s not about being treated special. It’s about being treated equally. Sometimes we have to remind ourselves that equality starts with us — acting like an equal to our straight counterparts levels the field. And as far as benefits go, my company is willing to provide doemstic partner benefits — but our health care provider won’t. We are looking at another provider, since the management of the company now believes that we are discriminating against same sex partners, and is working toward a solution.

And we’re not a big company — 50 people… pretty nice.

By keith smith

September 18, 2006 11:26 AM | Link to this

I am a hard working man who is assumed to be straight. Tghe company I worked for gave me an award and bonus for a job weel dona and taking on extra responsibilities. I was outed shortly after by a coworker…recieved and bonus and was laid off the next week so you teel me are we treated as equals?

By enough

September 18, 2006 11:29 AM | Link to this

I think we all heard enough on this issue during session. Ok, some of us accept homosexuality and some of us don’t. It’s called freedom of speach/sex/whatever…leave it alone.

By Unknown

September 18, 2006 11:30 AM | Link to this

To the person who made the comment of making concessions at work for rapists? murderers? abusers? druggies? Way to show your ignorance. Ever think maybe because gays are not rapists, murderers, abuser or druggies? Guess not. The problem here is you say “why should we be required to treat gays special?” Gays not want special treatment, they just want to be treated the way you would want to be treated. But then again that probably is something you obviously can not do.

By careful what you wish for

September 18, 2006 11:34 AM | Link to this

careful what you wish for regarding domestic partner benefits… your company might not discriminate (mine doesn’t) but the IRS still does. It costs me a fortune to insure my partner and our child. We won’t really be equal until the government stops sanctioning financial discrimination against us.

By Renee

September 18, 2006 11:45 AM | Link to this

Well Honest is a jerk, but he has the mindset of many people today. I think Anthony’s comment put it best actually.

I don’t display my sexuality at work, however, if asked, I have NO problem stating I have a partner, and not a husband. I don’t make it a issue, but I don’t hide it either.

Work is about professionalism. And no matter what sex, race, religious affiliation or sexuality preference, everyone should be treated with respect and in a professional type manner.

It’s not about special treatment, it’s about equal treatment.

By Jmarsh

September 18, 2006 11:46 AM | Link to this

Nobody asks, nobody cares. Excluding the bi-weekly GLBT event/group emails we get, nobody spends any time discussing, talking or thinking about it.

Do I know if any coworkers play for the other team? Nope. Do I care? Nope. Do I think anyone else in the workplace cares? Nope. Do I care if you think it’s a choice or inborn? Nope. We have business to attend to. The same goes for religion, race, nationality. Most of us come from SEC state colleges, which should theoretically brand us as ignorant, but that doesn’t fly. We’re all about production at my place.

By Chris

September 18, 2006 11:55 AM | Link to this

Comments like those from Honest and Seriously just reaffirm how backwards the South can be at times. It is amazing how we are constantly compared to murderers, pedophiles, drug dealers, and rapists. Having lived in Washington, DC and Chicago, it still amazes me how ignorant some people in metro Atlanta are regarding homosexuals - especially considering how many there are in the metro area. I think a lot of it is in the approach in how you disclose the information, because everyone at your job doesnt have to know you’re gay. It is amazing how many homophobes change their approach once they actually know someone who is gay. And it isnt about special rights, its about equal treatment. For all of you Bible beaters on here, let he without sin cast the first stone.

By anita

September 18, 2006 11:58 AM | Link to this

I was a lot more “tolerant” of the deviant behavior when it was not constantly in my face. Why arent MY rights to not be forced into something I dont believe in, be honored? At work there is NO room for talk of straight or gay/lesbian…it is not relavant —I dont want to hear it. Having to put up with someone who INSISTS on wearing their gayness and speaking gayness constantly is NOT tolerable…esp at work!

By JohnM

September 18, 2006 11:59 AM | Link to this

I think we all heard enough on this issue during session. Ok, some of us accept homosexuality and some of us don’t. It’s called freedom of speach/sex/whatever/leave it alone.

Personally, I could care less whether or not you “accept” homosexuality or not. You personal feelings about my life and its various trappings and complications are meaningless to me.

What is not meaningless, and what has nothing to do with “freedom of belief” is your apparent assumption that your personal prejudices justify your abuse of others in the workplace, and your treating those people like second class employees or co-workers.

If your own ignorance drives you to treat gay co-workers badly, then that’s your problem. You’re the one with the shriveled soul, not me. However, when you start using “belief” as an excuse to cut benefits, pay innadequate salariers or fire perfectly good employees, you’ve crossed the line from personal “beliefs” to deliberate workplace discrimination. You should no more be able to do any of the above based on someone’s orientation that you should be able to based on race or religion.

Be a bigot on your own time. Be professional and objective in the office. Assuming you are capable of it.

By JohnM

September 18, 2006 12:11 PM | Link to this

Why arent MY rights to not be forced into something I dont believe in, be honored?

Are you being forced to enter into an emotional and physical relationship with someone of the same gender? No? Then you really are being irrational, aren’t you.

I mean, let’s take this a step farther. If you belong to some White Supremacist group, why should you “have” to work around Blacks and Jews?

Oh…wait…you don’t. YOU have the option to leave your job and remove yourself from the presence of people who offend you. You do NOT have the right to dictate who can and can not work around you based on your own petty hatreds and prejudices.

By Swangirl

September 18, 2006 12:16 PM | Link to this

I’ve never been in a workplace that was hostile to gays or lesbians, at least not that I am aware of. Then again, I’m straight so my awareness may have been poor.

I did work for a company early in my career that was really heavy into diversity training, to the point we were going to so many meetings about it that it was interfering with actual work. Even the gay and lesbian employees were protesting after a while that it was getting to be too much.

By Sara

September 18, 2006 12:24 PM | Link to this

Most of the bigots who spout anti-gay rhetoric would never think of saying or acting so hostile against another person based on color or race yet you feel like you have a right to gay bash. The first thing that coms to mind when I hear a man being so anti-gay is that he is a big closeted queen too afraid to come out and he lives out his gay sex fantasies on his lunch hour in a porn booth shoving in one dollar bills watching gay porn. Hey Honest and Seriously, have you gotten change for you ten dollar bills yet, all ones…its almost lunch time guys. Oh yes, clean the knees of your trousers off before slithering back to your work cubes after ‘lunch’.

By Reality

September 18, 2006 12:25 PM | Link to this

Honest Why do we Christian hypocrits run gay people down with the Bible etc. and give adulterers and fornicators a free pass? Could it be that many of us are guilty of those two “sins?”

By JohnF

September 18, 2006 12:30 PM | Link to this

Gee Anita,

Does that mean that I should not have to be asked to buy girl scout cookies, or contribute to someones wedding gift…or baby shower? I’d love to not have to hear the guy around the corner complain about how bad a job his wife does keeping the house clean. But that’s part of office life…people aren’t robots…they talk about their lives. If I have to put up with all that then you can put up with my mentioning that my partner and I bought a sofa over the weekend. If you consider that shoving my deviant lifestyle in your face then you are too thin skinned..

By SusieHomeMaker

September 18, 2006 12:47 PM | Link to this

I’m straight and I don’t have pictues on my desk of my family……takes up too much space!!

I really don’t care about the person’s sexual orientation, I’m more interested in the type of person they are. I like or dislike someone based on their inside, (character), not their superficial outside. I think that people should worry about their own yards, before they start complaining about the neighbors.

By Deidre

September 18, 2006 12:49 PM | Link to this

To Honest and Seriously. What kind christian people you are. I’ve been a relationship with my partner for over 13 years. We work hard, pay our taxes, have never been arrested and are kind,compasionate and loving people. I’ll gladly take my chances with God on my so called mistake.

On the work issue, most co-workers ask each other what their plans are for the weekend or what you did over the weekend. I have been in the closet at work and out. When you are put the postition of watching what you say in any environment you are not at peace with yourself. When you are not a peace with yourself, you are living your life to its highest potential. I know I’m a better employee out of the closet. You don’t have to accept or condon my life style, we are simply co-workers act, professionally!

By SJ

September 18, 2006 01:00 PM | Link to this

Anita, just keep the tables bused clean at the Waffle House and don’t pay attetion to the talk, thats what you’re paid for.

By Far

September 18, 2006 01:03 PM | Link to this

To by Honest and by Seriously: Your logic amazes me By Far. By Honest, I know a lot of people who have made the mistake of becoming gay. Please write your book on how we can right this wrong, I’ll be sure to pick it up off of the Best Seller rack. By Seriously, you can’t be serious … can you really compare a gay person to an abuser, drug users, rapists and people that kill. Maybe we need to make a concessions for you, your thought logic seems to be a little on the special side. Just a thought.

By anna armani

September 18, 2006 01:22 PM | Link to this

Well if we’re talking about sin no one’s exempt; it’s a human condition courtesy of Adam and Eve. And whatever my personal beliefs about any subject whatsoever, we’re all working here because we need an income. Period. We all get along great. I don’t really talk about my spouse a lot because we’re not joined at the hip and I do a lot of my own things because he’s ill and can’t get out much on the weekends. Besides, I spend most weekends catching up on my sleep. Very boring. It’s reality that gays are an integral part of our culture and acceptance is the only workable attitude.

By fullofsecrets

September 18, 2006 01:22 PM | Link to this

I wish everyone would just observe equal and polite decorum. If workers are permitted to put family pictures on their desks, then a photo of a smiling homosexual couple should attract no more comment than that of a smiling heterosexual couple. I’m all for equal treatment. Unfortunately, my opinion is that of less than 1/4 of Georgia’s population, given the gay marriage vote.

I’m surprised that we have any gay people left here, given the treatment they’ve received, and it makes me sad. Two of my best friends have moved to more tolerant parts of the country — places where the governor doesn’t make comments like this one from Sonny Perdue:

The governor also said that he hoped gay Georgians would not feel marginalized by the decision.

“I don’t think it demeans gay Georgians in any other way,” Perdue said. “They’re free to work and live their lives; they’re just not free to marry in Georgia.”

That’s about the equivalent of saying the following to an African-American man:

“Boy, you’re free to work and live your life here in Jawja, you just cain’t use that there water fountain that’s marked ‘Whites Only.’”

Such an embarrassment. Only when our laws are based on logic and reason, not religious bias, will we achieve equality. I hope I see that day within my lifetime.

By Yankee

September 18, 2006 01:27 PM | Link to this

To Honest, yes you do have that backwards southern mentality. Go ahead and judge us. If you think we are going to hell, well then Honey I am already here in this retarded city Altanta.

For you innocent housewives, why don’t you see if your husbands have a profile on guys4men.com MANY married men in Atlanta are on that site looking for early morning hookups after they drop the kids off at day care or a nooner at lunch time. Oh how ignorant the south is!

I am not out at work because it is nobody’s business who I sleep with and it will not be your husband.

By Renee

September 18, 2006 01:31 PM | Link to this

Good comment JohnF. ROFLMAO @ SJ.

People kill me (including my mother in law) talking about deviant behavior being in their face. Stop pushing your straightness on me and stop talking about your “straight” lifestyle, and I’ll stop talking about mine.

Some people just parrot what everyone else says. They don’t even know why they have the opinions they have.

Personally, I don’t care if you agree with my lifestyle or not. You are perfectly within your right to disagree. But how are people so ignorant that they cannot disagree and be respectful. I don’t particularly agree with smoking. But I don’t try to bash a smoker every time I get a chance, beat them down with smoking cessation booklets and march against them having rights.

By AAT

September 18, 2006 01:36 PM | Link to this

The whole “putting up pictures of one’s family/spouse” thing is what we humans do as a culturally accepted social norm. Putting up a picture of your better half at work doesn’t imply you love them more, just that it is “what’s done”! If we lived in Amsterdam, where society is much more open, you’d probably see a lot more same-sex couple pictures in offices. Being gay or straight in the workplace has nothing to do with anything. Business is run according to maximizing the bottom line. Whether gay, straight, white, black, brown or yellow - if you perform, you’ll move ahead; if you don’t perform, you’re out of there. That’s my $0.02. I’m gay and as far as I’m concerned, being out in the workplace would be a non-issue for me, unless it was brought up specifically by someone.

By adrien

September 18, 2006 01:41 PM | Link to this

Well, “Honest” has about as much class as a rattle snake who just got stepped on, but I will say that I have never, as a gay woman, had the need to share my whole world with co-workers. Keyword is Worker. At work, we are supposed to come do a job, then leave at the end of the day. Sometimes you run across someone who you can be friends with, and in that case I am open to talk about my lifestyle, but I don’t feel any concessions need to be made towards me. There will always be people who don’t agree with the lifestyle and I couldn’t care less about someone’s religious beliefs on this issue. I know the bible through and through. Let’s not get on SIN please cause I have yet to meet anyone who is SINLESS!!

By enough

September 18, 2006 01:52 PM | Link to this

@JohnM, just what the hell did i say to inform you of which way my beliefs fell. I don’t care if you sleep with your brother, I simply stated this issue has been old news for too long and all of us have a right to our own opinion (whether we are gay or straigh). You took it upon your ignorant self to portray me as a gay basher. Learn to read moron!

By Cletus Snow

September 18, 2006 02:01 PM | Link to this

I could care less if a person is gay or lesbian or straight.We don’t go to work for sex we go to work, Don’t ask don’t tell don’t dress in a manner to make it obvious.There should never be a reason for conversation on that subject.

By Eric

September 18, 2006 02:03 PM | Link to this

By Chris

September 18, 2006 11:55 AM | Link to this

Comments like those from Honest and Seriously just reaffirm how backwards the South can be at times.

Now there YOU go being JUST as ignorant as “Honest and Seriously”

There is PLENTY of ignorance above the Mason/Dixon line, in Middle American, on the West Coast and anywhere else you look.

If you are going to call people ignorant you’d better take a LONG hard look at how you go about doing it.

By John D

September 18, 2006 02:10 PM | Link to this

It’s about far more than water cooler talk. It’s about professional advancement. Two employees are equally qualified; one has a wife/husband who attends all the company social events; the other is gay; guess who gets the promotion? It’s about hiring. A single gay man or woman applies for a job. Equally qualified is the married man or woman. Who gets the job? Again its the married person. It’s about preferences. Who is sent to wine and dine the plum account, the married person or the gay person? Ad infinitum.

Although all the media attention is on gay marriage, the US Congress has still not passed the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA).

By Dash

September 18, 2006 02:18 PM | Link to this

You would think that someone who takes time to read an article and express their opinion wouldn’t be sooo IGNORANT…but after reading a few of these comments there are still ignorant people out there who compare homosexuals to druggies and murderers and think that gay people are going to hell. Dudes, JESUS WAS GAY TOO and god still loved him. Get over yourself…the wheels are turning and your gay children will be able to get married and there is nothing you can do about it. Bless you! ;)

By msteven

September 18, 2006 02:20 PM | Link to this

Diedre,

I find your post on this issue interesting, and well stated. I think you and others Know full well by now I could Care less what folks think. Because when you get right down to it. Not one of you so-called strait folks are providing for, supporting, and there are no Gay folks asking you for a dime. As for some of you who dislikes gays, who gives a rats azz. Get over it. But I will point this out. Most of the serious crimes ie murder, kidnap, car-jack, rape, home invasions are committed by ..you guessed it. so called heterosexual, strait if you will folks. You are more likely to be robbed, murdered, mugged, raped by a strait person then a gay person. Yall dont even want me to get started. I have been called everything but the child of God. I am sure whomever reads this post will assume I am gay and thats OK too as I dont recall asking anyone for anything so if they wanna think I am gay I could care less. One thing is Certain. More horrible crimes are committed by Strait Heterosexual folks then Gay People and It dosent matter whether folks agree with me or not. I call it like I see it.

By Dennis Welch

September 18, 2006 02:21 PM | Link to this

I’m in the construction business and for the most part I keep it to myself. I try to keep it under wraps and only a few people in my office know. But since I’m the boss who cares anyway.

By Dont Judge

September 18, 2006 02:32 PM | Link to this

Just remember, we all bleed red. Don’t judge, and don’t tell someone that they will get the wrath of God becuse He states it should be Man and Woman. It also states in the bible we will ALL have our judgement day, and one sin is no greater then the other. So, if you are as big a bible thumper as your statement claims you are, better watch out because God doesn’t like ugly!

By GenXDen

September 18, 2006 02:40 PM | Link to this

I’ve seen some of the more obviously mesozoic minds mentioning concepts like “choice”, “deviance”, “concessions”, mistake, etc. The only way that these words should be used in this blog are as follows: “It would be a “mistake” to allow any “concessions” to those “choosing” to spout narrow-minded, bigoted prattle about “deviance” since they are obviously ignorant and short-sighted. Let’s face it…you don’t know me or my brothers/sisters. You don’t know what is in our souls. You don’t know what is in our thoughts. You don’t know how it feels to be treated so poorly and compared to trash by someone you have NEVER done anything to. This much is obvious since I believe you would have a different attitude should you have to face those problems on a daily basis. Most importantly, you are completely oblivious to the fact that when we are treated as peers, we can be the most loyal friend you could ever hope for. You see? WE appreciate the goodness in people and are not as callous and jaded that we would simply disregard someone for being WHO THEY ARE. WHO THEY WERE BORN TO BE. You need to think about how you treat people the next time someone treats YOU badly. If you think it’s unfair, just remember your hateful commentary and believe that God has a way of taking care of EVERYONE on the planet. There is NO discrimination there.

I agree with the bloggers that say “If this is the way you feel, then don’t try to throw your heterosexuality in OUR faces by FORCING us to look at your kid’s catalogue of festive gift wrap that they happened to bring home from school. YOU CHOSE TO BREED! Don’t you DARE try to coerce others into buying this over-priced garbage if you don’t hold the same value of every human being in your office.

By SA

September 18, 2006 02:58 PM | Link to this

I don’t understand how displaying a photo of my family or talking about what I did over the weekend puts “pressure” on any one. Go ahead and display your beloved’s photo and tell me about what you did over the weekend—you surely won’t offend me. But don’t try to say my innocuous actions (family photo, etc.) are discrimminatory and/or insensitive.

By Cc

September 18, 2006 02:58 PM | Link to this

The comments from “Honest” and “seriously” underscore the fact that in Georgia you can be fired from your job for being gay and have no recourse. Also, I want to point out to “Honest” that most gay-bashing men and women are simply acting out against their own sexual desire for the same sex. Call it “self-hate.” It’s a fact.

By msteven

September 18, 2006 03:30 PM | Link to this

It certainly appears that many folks on here are living in glass houses. And REALLY should NOT be throwing stones. Granted, your NOT GAY. But your still a Sinner in other ways and you have other issues..duhhh. If you think your self rightous behinds is going to get into the pearly gates because your strait and attend church every sunday, your saddly mistaken. Sorry to burst your little bubbles but YOU with be in the same place you damn the gays to be. Why? because you Are Judging. And you are NO more cleaner in the eyes of Our Lord then the Gays. So get over yourselves. Sure your not gay. but your son is a rapist, a murderer, a mugger, a car jacker, home invasion idiot, mass murderer. wife beater, Office Thief, serial killer. oh but atleast they are Strait. sad.

By hah

September 18, 2006 03:56 PM | Link to this

Funny that neither side has brought up bi-sexuality. Are they born that way? No, they choose just like you have. It lies somewhere between a brain malfunction and a disease. Glorify it all you want…it’s sick and I don’t even want to go there when trying to explain it to my children, so don’t do it in front of them or I will call you on it!

By Alex

September 18, 2006 03:57 PM | Link to this

The following is my summary of a New York Times article by Kenji Yoshino, 1/15/2006. It applies to this topic nicely and is quite thought provoking.

In the workplace, it seems that you are more likely be accepted if you are a “homosexual professional” than a “professional homosexual.” It’s okay to be gay, or even be openly gay, but it’s not okay to be flambouyant; people can know you’re gay as long as you don’t act gay.

Many “accepting,” “tolerant” people would agree with and see nothing wrong with this. They aren’t going to discriminate as long as you “cover up” your gayness a little bit.

But it’s still discrimination.

It’s discrimination in the same way that it’s okay to be black at work, just as long as you aren’t overtly black. African-Americans are expected to conform to white culture in the same way gays are expected to conform to straight culture. Black people can’t dress or speak in stereotypically “black” manners because these characteristics, in addition to being associated with “blackness,” are also associated with ignorance, low intelligence, ineptitude, and general “un-professionalism.”

By Ron

September 18, 2006 04:23 PM | Link to this

To Ken and GenXDen, way to go! I can hardly believe the ability for so many people to unilaterally decide what is right or wrong in this lovely State of ours. (Including Sonny) My thoughts: I worked for a small company and left it for corporate life in 2005. I was quiet, always answering in the “we” rather than the “he” with regards to my partner for over 8 years at my previous place of employment. I must acknowledge my own increased level of productivity by the simple hanging of a picture in my cube. Simple, but it is a giant leap of faith in other people and a company. I don’t go around talking about what we did this weekend or last night, because it has no place in the workplace. BUT I can and will bring him to the company events where possible. Why should our “straight” conterparts enjoy a free evening out as a couple at a company function? Many times they aren’t even couples, but dates. All these things that are taken for granted often abused by our heterosexual office mates.

By Bunny

September 18, 2006 04:26 PM | Link to this

HOG WASH!

I work with a ton of Gay people and they all have companion rings, pictures of their significant others on their desks and when you ask BOB what he did this weekend you just say what did you and SAM do this weekend. They have partners too.

Just another big deal to make out of having to be too PC.

NO one can even breathe anymore without getting sued for it being racial or discriminatory.

Stay at home and in your bubble if you are that sensitive to the world.

By Shannon

September 18, 2006 04:32 PM | Link to this

I think the ONLY time you should worry about what goes on in someones bedroom is if you plan on sleeping with them.

By GenXDen

September 18, 2006 04:34 PM | Link to this

@hah….the only thing that lies somewhere between a brain malfunction and a disease is your own insane concept of homosexuality. Part of me hopes that one of your children will teach you that it has nothing to do with either malfunction or disease OR choice, but the better part of me wouldn’t wish your moronic point of view on anyone! Have a glorious day, sycophant.

By Doug Palmer

September 18, 2006 04:37 PM | Link to this

Walk a mile in our shoes. I challenge every straight person to spend one day in their workplace trying not to make a single statement that reveals their heterosexual orientation. If it helps, try to imagine that if you slip-up and give away your straightness, you could be fired, lose a promotion, be verbally or emotionally abused, get bashed in the parking lot, have your car or personal belongings vandalized, etc. Now try to live that way every day.

By whatever

September 19, 2006 08:23 AM | Link to this

When the diversity commitee had a special lunch for gay awareness, they FURNISHED lunch, along with a fruit tray and brownies!!!!! Everyone was too embarrassed to go!!!! All the other sessions, was Bring-Your-Own sandwich and they called them “lunch and learn”. I am straight but have a hearing problem, they never had a diversity lunch for that??? Oh well, it’s back to just treat people right!!!! God knows what is in your heart and if gay people have love in their hearts, they will get in heaven way before the ones with all the nastiness in theirs.

By Jeff

September 19, 2006 08:51 AM | Link to this

You can sugarcoat the gay lifestyle all you like. It’s wrong, it has always been wrong and it will always be wrong. I work with people who are gay and they are good coworkers. They are helpful and respectful and I return that favor. However as far as your lifestyle goes I would not hang out with you and don’t want to hang out with you outside the workplace. I’m not going to be seen as someone that condones a vial, despicable and disgusting lifestyle as sleeping with someone of the same sex. As for me and my house we will worship the Lord. I will pray that you will leave that lifestyle of sin and debauchory (sp?).

By Renee

September 19, 2006 09:01 AM | Link to this

Hah - So if I kiss my partner in public, and your children happen to see me, you will then “call me on it??”. Please define “call me on it”. I can guarantee doing that to me or anyone else, would be the biggest mistake you would make in front of your kids. Do you think you can just go up to someone and tell them to stop because you think it’s sick, and that me or anyone else wouldn’t say anything back to you at the very least.

It seems you have thought very hard and deeply about something that you find so repulsive.

By Tony

September 19, 2006 09:10 AM | Link to this

For all of those condemning gays, isn’t it important as Christians to love your neighbor (even if he/she is gay, straight, black, white, rich, poor). Jesus didn’t put conditions on love. Remember in Jesus’ day society despised the tax collectors, lepers, prostitues - who did Jesus choose to spend his time with?

I have a brother-in-law who is gay. He respects my faith by not pushing the fact that he is gay. He doesn’t necessarily agree with my faith, but he respects me enough to not call me things like ‘ignorant’ and ‘backwards’. In turn, I respect him enough to not call him ‘despicable’ and ‘vile’.

It is that simple - I am not going to change him, and he is not going to change my faith. However, we do love each other and care for how the other is doing. I don’t agree with his lifestyle, but I’m certainly not sinless and remember what Jesus said: let those without sin be the first to cast a stone.

By Renee

September 19, 2006 09:15 AM | Link to this

Actually, Jeff, nobody is trying to sugarcoat the “gay lifestyle” as you call it. The subject is about sexual orientation in the workplace. Gay, straight, black and white deserve respect in the workplace and deserve the same opportunities as everyone else. Your personal opinions don’t really matter. I don’t “like” my boss and wouldn’t hang out with her on a personal level, but I respect her.

Additionally, Jeff, rather than trying to change other people lives, why don’t you stop being so hateful. Who says being gay is wrong? You? Oh, I forgot, the Bible right? Where does it say that? Even if it does say that, you believing in the Bible does not make the Bible a reality. Maybe your reality. And if you really were about Christianity like you claim to be, you would love everyone, and would conduct yourself in a loving, kind manner.

Funny how people claim to be Christians, but don’t act like Christians at all.

By GenXDen

September 19, 2006 09:17 AM | Link to this

@Jeff…You’re a fine one to talk about something that’s vile, despicable and disgusting. YOU are using the Lord to spread a message of hate. That, buddy-boy, is vile, despicable and disgusting!! Obviously you’re one of THOSE people who USE the word of God to your own end. Hmmmm. Doesn’t that constitute sinning?

By Lloyd

September 19, 2006 09:20 AM | Link to this

Who cares where you put your johnson or what you shove up your various holes.

Just don’t offer to describe it or do it to me and we’ll be fine.

By david

September 19, 2006 09:23 AM | Link to this

This topic is a bunch of hooey …….. I wouldn’t give a hoot in hell about one’s sexual orientation. All I want them to do is do the damn job they are being paid to do. If that makes them unhappy, then let them leave and not have the door hit them in the a* on their way out. Plain and simple.

By Lee

September 19, 2006 09:35 AM | Link to this

I am who I am. I don’t hide or deny who I am. If someone asks about my life I tell them what is appropriate for them to know. I like being honest with people and I always strive to do so, regardless of the consequences. No hateful acts or words can hurt me because I have the peace of mind that comes from accepting myself.

By GreatDaneBoy

September 19, 2006 09:57 AM | Link to this

Hah,

What exactly are you going to “call me out on”? You say that if I “do it” in front of your children, you will call me out on it. Exactly what is it that you don’t want gay people to “do”? Have sex? I would “call out” anybody that had sex in front of a kid, regardless of sexual orientation! That has nothing to do with being gay!

And, I will add, that as you can see from the comments, gays are still widely hated here in the south. Many of us have had our lives threatened or been beaten just for being gay. Consequently, many of us carry knives for protection. Be careful who you “call out”—unless you don’t mind getting stabbed in front of your kids! I’m sure that wouldn’t be at all traumatic for them!

By eddie

September 19, 2006 09:57 AM | Link to this

I think being straight or Gay whatever at work if you out fine if you’re hiding the fact that you are gay what are you ashamed of here at my job we have several individual that are openly gay and we have the ones that are closet gay those are the ones that create the tension in the air at work They laugh in your face then go complain to the openly gay about some off the wall remark other peolpe make if you’re gay be happy come out of the closet be happy with yourself

By hah

September 19, 2006 11:09 AM | Link to this

@david, they would probably enjoy it if the knob was positioned right :)

By hah

September 19, 2006 11:23 AM | Link to this

@greatdane, aka, bad boy, I guess it’s okay for 2 men to kiss in front of a 5 year old and let their mom explain why 2 men are kissing right? No, it’s not right. We are trying to raise our children to be honest, caring & loving individuals. Children have enough confusion growing up in this crazy world without the likes of you adding to it! And if your going to throw threats at me, you better be ready to back them up. Hell, im backwoods from Tennessee and have 3 brothers over 6 foot. Do you have 3 knives & 3 hands? If not, shut up and keep your filth in your bedroom.

By GenXDen

September 19, 2006 11:36 AM | Link to this

@hah…How dare you claim to be raising your kids to be kind, caring individuals. Listen to the drivel that you spout. You are NOTHING but a hateful, self-righteous bigot! That’s ALL you are…nothing more. Bring it on, missy!! This is from someone WELL over 6 feet who CAN back it up!

By hah

September 19, 2006 11:46 AM | Link to this

Your right, I am and i’m proud of it. Will you be wearing your ballet outfit or do you stick out like a 6 ft+ transvestite so we can recognize you?

By GenXDen

September 19, 2006 12:01 PM | Link to this

@hah…No honey, I won’t be dressing like your father, brothers or husband that evening. You have just proven, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that you are a slack-jawed, in-bred yokel with an intellectual capacity equivalent to that of a one-celled organism. The funny thing is, I totally got what I wanted from you. You’ve been had. You’ve been used. Now, you’re being put away. I’m laughing AT you, not with you. Nice attempt at violence. Go back to the hills…YOUR ilk is not exactly welcome in metropolitan areas.