I dont mind gay people. Really whatever they want to do in their private lives is their business. They are entitled to their freedom just as much as I am.
But here is something that happened today that makes me mad...
There is a gay person I know at my work, that I used to know from high school. He was always kinda nerdy, and he is overweight. I always kinda had my suspicions about his orientation and eventually I decided he was gay and lo and behold he was. Anyway, today I am in my breakroom looking for something good to eat because I have a really physical job in a home improvement store. I was minding my own business when all of the sudden he comes in and interupts my mental wanderings (which often happens when stranded in a break room filled with company propagada). His question was simple enough...
G: "Hey, did I tell you I got a tattoo?"
Me: "No, man, I didnt know that. Thats cool though where did you get it?"
G: "On my back."
Me: "Nice. What is it a tattoo of?"
G: "A penis."
.... uhhhhh... what the hell? First of all I'd like to ask Who the hell does that? Who just walks up to a person randomly and tells them they have a dick tatooed on their back and not to mention the fact that they're gay. Secondly, Why do I want to know this? It one thing to have a visible tattoo and for it to be a work of art, and its quite another to have a penis on your back and go around telling unsuspecting heterosexual men. You can imagine the delicacy and quick thinking I had to do to elliminate the awkward situation. So I changed the subject to how random him coming up to me was.
Shortly thereafter, I walked away. Let me just say that this conversation was really awkward. I was caught completely off guard. I was really unprepared for anyone saying anything like that. And of course I didnt want to be disrespectful so I tried to keep my composure. Then I thought of why he probably had a penis tatooed on his back and really I just became disgusted. I know it really isnt a big deal but it bothers me that this is a somewhat dirty thing to be talking about in a very public place.
What are others thoughts? This is supposed to be funny, sorta but I think its a good place to discuss where the line is on what can be allowed in public? Is it example to say... talk about rape in public when anyone will hear the conversation in progress?
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This doesn't much seem like it has to do with your coworker/high school acquaintance's sexual orientation as it does the fact that it's just plain ridiculous to talk about private escapades with coworkers AT WORK.
Maybe I'm stuffy and prude to think it rude or unprofessional to discuss something as personal and permanent as a tatoo, which, in many workplaces it's difficult to get hired with (at least in visible places).
I guess it depends on how close you are to him, or how close he thinks he is to you. Is it like, Towelie asking if anyone has a lighter so he can light his joint, and everyone kind of thinking he's annoying for bothering them, but he doesn't get it?
He's just kind of an idiot. Everybody always thought he was annoying and I really am glad I dont have to see him for the most part.
That's too bad. I hate working with people I don't like. It's even worse when you rank higher than they do, and you can't be a dick to them or else it's like you're the mean boss... grr.
Haha. I agree! 8hrs/day 5 days a week. AHH!
TCHO
I LOVE my tattoos (and yes, I have quite a few), but I don't generally talk about them unless someone asks. Fortunately, that happens quite a bit since they're so visible, and I don't have anything sexually explicit, so that's not worry for me, either.
I would suggest being completely frank with your friend. If you're not interested in his tatoos, SAY so. If he really is a friend, say so nicely, but still...
percivale
Would you have felt the same uncomfort if you were talking to someone else--not knowing their sexual preference prior to the awkward conversation? Maybe the you felt uncomfortable because you had guesses that he might be gay and that already set certain paradigms in your head about the guy.
However, I must say that it was uncalled for--and probably even inappropriate for the workplace. Haha. Pretty funny though! =)
Scratch my back and I'll scratch yours! =P (My VERY FIRST BLOG!) Please leave a comment too, I sincerely want to hear about what people think about the topic I chose.
http://www.progressiveu.org/050908-essay-inspiration-for-living
TCHO