A bit sad tonight

[unfreshdiva1]

I had my review with my boss today (I work as a corporate trainer and travel the country). He told me one company I worked at in Virginia told him they did not want be back because they thought I was gay (what a shock, I am!). Even though I am best in my company on what I do, I now have reputation of customers not liking me because of my sexuality. Now, most customers I work with are great and I have no problems. I don't flaunt my gayness, but sure I may let something "gay" slip in conversation. Just sad that we still have to live with this kind of attitude. Thank god I'm going to Disney World next week!

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

I'm sorry you have to deal with such blatant rudeness! I am sure you weren't there to hit on the clients, you were there to TEACH them. That means being gay has no relevance to the situation. I hate that the topic gets tangled up in your job when it obviously doesn't need to be!

I hope you have a magical trip!!

 

[MousekaMaddi]

Im sorry u had this lousy experience glad u posted we are here for u

 

[OrlandoMike]

It happens....

Maybe I'm old, but I dont let it get to me anymore. I fight back! LOL

But it's always nice to come over here for a

Now, are you gay enough for Disney?

 

[npmommie]

Hold your head high and do not let small minded people get you down. Have a wonderful Disney trip!

 

[team weasel]

How Rude!

I am very naive on this subject (straight), so forgive me for asking...but is that legal? Can they say they don't want you back just because you are gay? Isn't that discrimination?

 

[SteveInBrooklyn]

How Rude!

I am very naive on this subject (straight), so forgive me for asking...but is that legal? Can they say they don't want you back just because you are gay? Isn't that discrimination?

It should be illegal, but I'm pretty sure it's not unless there's a local law prohibiting anti-gay discrimination.

Unfreshdiva1, was your boss supportive?

 

[rosiep]

I'm so sorry too! The ignorance and fear of some people is a crying shame.
I hope that one idiotic company in Virginia does not a "reputation" make.
I'm curious too...was your boss supportive???

If not, we are. Wish we could all march together on the office in VA and hang rainbow flags everywhere........A Pirde Parade..just for them!!!

 

[team weasel]

It should be illegal, but I'm pretty sure it's not unless there's a local law prohibiting anti-gay discrimination.

That's just sad.

I hope karma comes back around and opens up a can of whoop on them.

 

[TuckandStuiesMom]

Ohhhhhhh, That's awful. Has the management of that company never heard of diversity?

There is SO much truth to that old saying about "the best revenge is living well". You go to Disney and have a GREAT time; you deserve it!

 

[padalyn]

How sad. What bothers me more is that your boss was willing to concede to them. He (She?) should just tell them to deal with it - they are not paying you to be flirtatious or to hit on the customer - but to do your job. How is being gay affecting your preformance. I would hope that your boss would just tell that company to find another training company. But I live in a pink world (ok maybe lavender!)

Years ago I had someone who refused to work with me (I work as half of a team - we are basically stuck in a truck for 12 hours at a time) He told her to just suck it up. That he could not gaurentee he would not schedule us together and my sexuality does not affect my job preformance. She ended up quiting. I was very happy to find my boss did the right thing.

I hope yours does also!

 

[DVC~OKW~96]

Intolerance is everywhere, but I must admit, VA seems to be pretty quick to display "theirs."

There loss. I'm sorry but it is. They'll have to do with second (or third, or fourth...) best for their training needs now. Serves them right.

I'm concerned that your boss wasn't quick to support you?

Take care and try really hard not to be sad over these sorts of people. They have no right to invade your private space and cause unpleasant emotions in you. {{{hug}}}

 

[ConcKahuna]

How Rude!

I am very naive on this subject (straight), so forgive me for asking...but is that legal? Can they say they don't want you back just because you are gay? Isn't that discrimination?

Unfortunatly unless you live in a city or state with a specific clause in their anti-discrimination laws, it is perfectly legal to discriminate based on sexual identity. Orlando as a city has anti-gay discrimination specified as illegal, but in Florida in general companies are able (and often willing ) to fire someone because they are gay/lesbian/transgender.

 

[MassJester]

It's a harsh reality, and grotesquely unfair. Reading your account brings back bad memories. I do so wish people would find the motivation to deal with their own insecurities without pushing someone else down.

I'm sorry you had that experience.

 

[pinkerbell]

and here I thought Virginia was for lovers.... seems like the opposite to me.
I'm with the pp's, some people feel better about themselves by putting others down.. pay them no mind... the world (not DISNEY ) is full of them
wishing you get granted many disney wishes/dreams during your trip!

 

[unfreshdiva1]

Thanks for the support everyone! Boss was supportive, but he did put another trainer in my place. Boss did say I was best trainer in company, so I will take that for what it is. Planning on moving to Orlando in a few months (with my job I can live anywhere as long as it's near airport). I'll be spending lots of quality time with my friend Mickey!

 

[LoveMyLAP-BAND]

Sorry about what happened.

I have to relate this story. I moved into this neighborhood 8 years ago. I was preggers at the time so I really didn't pay much attention to what was going on.

But a neighbor of mine came over one day and we were chatting and I said "Hey- did you see #24 is on the market- they just moved in!" Then she told me that a gay couple moved in and the neighbors were giving them problems (calling them names, eggs in their mailbox, harrasing notes) so they decided to move. I couldn't believe it. We live in a nice neighborhood. The people who live here are college graduates with great jobs. I thought they were supposed to be educated.

But I have an inkling that I know who started it. She is now on a "campaign" to have a tourette's syndrome child placed into a special ed class- she doesn't want him near the "normal" kids. Some people!

 

[Tony-NJ]

great attitude. I feel your boss did the right thing by letting you know - I would want my boss to know. I had a client once who wanted me off their account because I'm Gay. It really didn't upset me, and I expected my boss to move me off. I can also say that we used to have a client in GA who would have a fit if someone worked on their account if they were black Just the way it is sometimes. We have to deal with idiots!

Thank goodness I've only had that one issue with a client, and by the way - that client moved their business all together from my company - then they went out of business a year later

 

[Hodder]

That is illegal here in Canada, cannot believe it isn't everywhere. Nasty. Who cares what your race, colour, national or ethnic origin, religion or creed, age, sex, sexual orientation, family and/or marital status, and mental or physical disability (insert anything else) is, as long as you do a good job and are a good person.

 

[zeitzeuge]

I"m sorry you had to go through this. I had a few instances in my past of discrimination based on the fact that I was gay, but living in Texas, there was nothing that I could do about it. A lot of it boiled down to the fact that I didn't want to lose my job since I needed the money and stead insurance. Sad what we put up with. I'm just glad I found another job where they respected me for who I am. I wish you luck.