It Takes Courage To Engage Bigots

(I am working at a fast food restaurant. I am a gay male and am wearing my engagement ring to my boyfriend.)

Me: *ringing up customer’s order* “Will that be all today, sir?”

Customer: “Yes, also I’d like to congratulate you on your engagement.” *looks at my ring* “Who is the lucky girl?”

Me: “Uh, well, it’s not exactly a girl.”

Customer: “Pardon?”

Me: “My boyfriend gave me this engagement ring.”

Customer: “Your boyfriend?”

Me: “Yes.”

Customer: “I want your manager right now.”

(At this point, I’m a bit worried, since my manager is a known homophobe around the restaurant. I get him to the customer.)

Manager: “What seems to be the problem?”

Customer: “I want you to fire this f***** right now!”

Manager: “Why?”

Customer: “He’s a sinful f**! This restaurant hates them doesn’t it? So I want him fired right now!”

Manager: “No.”

Customer: “What!?”

Manager: “I’m not going to fire him just because of that. I may not like what he is either, but he’s a valued employee. So, kindly get out of my restaurant right now!”

Customer: “You can’t do this! I’m the customer and I’m right! Fire him right now!”

Manager: “No. Now leave before I call the police!”

(The customer leaves the store, furious. I thanked my manager for his support. Unfortunately the customer reported him and he was fired a month later. I quit in protest immediately afterwards, as did most of the staff!)