One Day This Will Not Need A Day, But Not Today

May 17th has just rolled around, which is the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia. As a straight ally, to show support for this, I am wearing some LGBTQIA+ pins on my uniform (management approved).

I am stocking shelves at a grocery store when a customer storms up to me. I am sure you know where this is going.

Customer #1: “People like you should not be handling food!”

Me: “People like me? You mean employees?”

Customer #1: “No! Gays! You think you can just wear your pins and think you can spread your ways!”

Me: “Well, not that it makes a bit of difference, but I’m straight. I’m wearing this because today is the International Day Against Homophobia.”

Another customer perusing the shelves nearby joins in the conversation.

Customer #2: “I agree with this guy; you shouldn’t be wearing those today.”

Customer #1: “*D*** straight!”

If that was a pun, it was unintentional. Puns require a semblance of a brain to intentionally put together.

Customer #2: “Yeah, I agree. We should be against homophobia every day, not just today!”

I smile while the homophobic customer glares.

Customer: “You’re all a bunch of [gay slurs]!”

As happens during a NAR story, the customer stormed off. [Customer #2] was actually shopping for drinks for a birthday party for his brother, who falls under the “T” part of “LGBTQIA+”, and I ended up getting invited!

This awesome customer was able to step in when the employee probably couldn’t defend themselves. It’s allyship like this that should be celebrated among many other things during Pride Month! Here are 17 Stories That Will Have You Bursting With Love And Pride – For International Pride Month!