So this happened today. Wendy’s has free frosties today, and we all love frosties, so we scrounged together some change and went to Wendy’s for lunch. Bit and Caedy were in line, goofing around like they often do, and Bit was hugging her. Now for those who don’t know, Bit is my 13 year old daughter, and Caedy is our 34 year old room mate/Bit’s adopted Aunt. They were joking around and Caedy kissed her on top of her head, like she always does. Just a fun afternoon out, enjoying our rare trip out to eat.
Sophie, working and alert.Behind them in line was some older couple, he with a name tag type bag naming him the pastor of some Baptist church. They had their grandaughter (who looked around 12) with them. They were grumbling and whispering to each other, and glaring at all of us. I didn’t catch what they were saying, and I thought it was because of my assistance dog. I’m used to it, mostly I ignore it. The people at Wendy’s know us, and stop and talk to us all the time, and they love that Sophie always gets some Frosty when we go.
They sat as far away from us as it was possible to get in the store, and the older lady made sure she walked WAY around the perimeter of the store to stay away from us when she got her drink. The Pastor walked close behind me like six times on various errands, the granddaughter they didn’t let anywhere NEAR us. I didn’t hear what they said, but apparently my daughter did.
According to said Pastor my daughter and her Aunt were behaving “Inappropriately to be in public” because they were hugging each other and such. Bit couldn’t figure out what she did wrong… but once she told me that, I just started laughing…. they thought Bit and Caedy were gay. They’re homophobes. Bit said “even if we were girlfriend’s there’s nothing wrong with that, other than Caedy is way too old for me.” But still, we got a good laugh about it on the way home.
The religious right: so paranoid about ‘the gays’ that they misinterpret familial affection as ‘bad’. Ok, maybe I could give them the benefit of the doubt and think they just don’t approve of ‘goofing around’ in a public place, but it was Wendy’s for pete’s sake, not some five star restaurant. Plus, their reaction was a bit over the top for just that.
My daughter’s response.. “Oh my god! People go to a fast food place… to EAT! And they’re hugging each other, how dare they???” (in her best sarcastic voice)