Well, THAT was uncalled for

[Bananaslug14]

I have happily been devouring posts/threads here for a month or so now, and though I would contribute what little information/experience I have with sucky customers, and work in general.

So there I was, eagerly awaiting visitors to the lovely seaside city in Southern California in which I live/work to be as helpful as possible. This generally means either: telling them which bus to take to get to Hollywood; or letting them know that there is in fact NOTHING to do in Malibu. Aside from seeing the pretty beach. But I digress...

This is what happened: A nice fellow comes up, asks for information about the pier, the hours, all that jazz. I answer, politely, and we engage in small talk about how lovely the weather is. I think that's that, as he walks away.

Five minutes later...

Slightly paraphrased conversation:

(M: Me, J: Jerk)

M: Hi! Can I help with anything else?
J: Yeah...are you gay, by any chance?
M: ...yes...
J: I thought so. I know some gay people. They're horrible. All gay people should be wiped from the face of the earth.
M: O.o

Now, it is entirely possible that I heard him misspeak. But I don't think so. That is what I gathered from the conversation...I guess I have a question, since this sort of conversation (gay bashing? harrassment? Douchery?) has happened before, and most likely will happen again: what would be the best course of action to take in an instance such as this?

[Sheldonrs]

That's happened to me a few times before. Sometimes I'll just point out that 90% of ALL crimes committed are done by STRAIGHT people.

One time, when my bf at the time and i were in Santa Monica, a homeless guy came up to us and asked for money, we told him we didn't have any (we didn't have any on us - debit cards only) and he started yelling at us that we were a couple of fags and we were gonna burn in hell because God hates fags. I yelled back "if God hates US so much, how come WE are able to go HOME, eat anything we want and go to WORK everyday while you haven't even had a BATH in 5 years?" It might have been mean but that's me when you make me REALLY angry.

[persephone]

Honestly, the best reply is just to ignore it. You aren't going to change their minds and you don't want to get into that kind of fight when working. It's not worth it.

Just pretend that they didn't say anything. A lot of people that say things like that are just trying to get a rise out of you anyway -- don't give them the satisfaction

[Eireann]

Just don't share that information with him. What business is it of his if you're gay, straight, or bi?

[calulu]

The best way to deal with creeps like that is to tell them "And how is that any of your business?" if they ask your sexual orientation. I hate idiots like that giy! How rude!

[tropicsgoddess]

What the fuck?!! That really was uncalled for and it's none of his business whether you go for the same sex or not! Asshole.

[Red_Dazes]

I think one of my Lesbian friends had the best come back I have ever heard...
Some guy asked her if she was gay and she said "Yes I am" He went on a tirade about how being gay is evil and she was going to burn in hell. "You are going to hell unless you change your ways! "
Her response?
"But you won't be there right?"
"what?"
"In hell. I won't have to put up with assholes like you." She shrugged "So I see no down side to it" and then she walked away.

...His face was PRICELESS. I laughed so hard.... which made him mad... but I laughed anyway....


Thought I'd share...

[Howler]

I think one of my Lesbian friends had the best come back I have ever heard...
Some guy asked her if she was gay and she said "Yes I am" He went on a tirade about how being gay is evil and she was going to burn in hell. "You are going to hell unless you change your ways! "
Her response?
"But you won't be there right?"
"what?"
"In hell. I won't have to put up with assholes like you." She shrugged "So I see no down side to it" and then she walked away.

...His face was PRICELESS. I laughed so hard.... which made him mad... but I laughed anyway....


Thought I'd share...

My new hero! If I were female (and gay, i suppose) I want to date her just for that!

----------------
Listening to: Hans Zimmer - Multiple Jacks
via FoxyTunes

[LillFilly]

That's...That's just wrong. Wrong, wrong, wrong.

What business is it of his? Is it hurting or affecting him personally that someone may or may not be gay; especially if he doesn't know that person.

That guy will be going to Shepherd Books' "Special Place" for child molesters and people that talk at the movies!

[Merriweather]

The best way to deal with creeps like that is to tell them "And how is that any of your business?" if they ask your sexual orientation. I hate idiots like that giy! How rude!

I always liked this standard answer for any personal question (or any question I just prefer not to answer)

"Now, why on earth would you want to know that?" said with a bewildered look bordering on hurt, with a tiny bit of self-righteousness thrown in. (works especially great if you have a soutnern accent, lol).

Never yet had anyone ask again or press the issue.

[dalesys]

From Here To There Eventually - Steppenwolf

While others die up against the wall
You take the time to tell us all
'Bout how we're not supposed to ball
You really are a riot


It's got nothin' to do with heaven or hell
What I do in bed, I'm not gonna tell
What I'm talking about you know damn well
You really ought to try it

[infinitemonkies]

I love arguing with religious fanatics, and here's some of my favorite ammo to use against the "God hates fags" types:

The bible says 'Homosexuals are an abomination' and should be put to death.
(Leviticus, I forget chapter and verse off the top of my head)

The same book also says that wearing a poly/cotten blend t-shirt is an 'an abomination' and that people who do so should be put to death (wearing a garment woven of 2 different threads)

Eating shellfish is also a death penalty sin, as are having a vegetable/flower garden, and working on a Sunday.

In the eyes of God, according to the bible anyway, each of these crimes are equally horrible, and each brings the same punishment: Getting buried up to your neck, and having your friends and relatives throw rocks at your head until you die and go to hell.

[NateTheChops]

That guy will be going to Shepherd Books' "Special Place" for child molesters and people that talk at the movies!

I'm so glad I recently watched Firefly and know what it is in fact that you just quoted.

[XCashier]

I always liked this standard answer for any personal question (or any question I just prefer not to answer)

"Now, why on earth would you want to know that?" said with a bewildered look bordering on hurt, with a tiny bit of self-righteousness thrown in.

I like this, or an ingenuous "Why do you ask?". There's no rule that says you have to answer personal questions, even if it is asked by an Almighty Customer. A polite deflection goes a long way.

[Bananaslug14]

Thank you for the responses! Very helpful. The reason I answered is because I was kind of caught off guard, and I don't have anything to hide. Also, some people that ask that (especially with regard to my job) want to know about gay clubs/bars in the area, and are only comfortable with asking another gay person for some reason or another. I try to give people the benefit of the doubt, but it sometimes backfires.

Actually, I work/live in Santa Monica. Funny that. Moving to San Francisco soon enough, woot woot!