This week is shaping up to be a bummer at work. I feel completely unsure how to proceed. It seems as though Bobby (a co-worker in the same building, but different department) is dismantling any friendships I am making at work. I have no real proof. The only proof I have is when Marlin (another co-working in Booby's department and also a friend) told me how Bobby was trying to convince him to abandon his friendship with me because I am gay. Marlin did not comply, which still amazes me since Marlin is so easily swayed and influenced. And given the fact that Marlin is the gang's "court jester" I thought he would side with them because he would be afraid to left out. Anyway, recently, Izai (another co-worker) has stopped acknowledging me. Just last week we were trading CDs, music, etc, and he would talk to me and now he doesn't even acknowledge me unless I am directly in his path. I know Bobby must have told him the same things he told Marlin. Another co-worker, Hector, hardly speaks to me, much less look at me unless again, he's directly in my path. The only respectable person is Robert, my boss. I work under Robert and he is my age and he knows I am gay. However, Robert doesn't really fall in with Bobby's way of thinking. I sense no resentment from Robert whatsoever. As for Bobby and the gang, well I don't know. Like a straight man with a big ego, I am able to conceal how I feel. I walk on as if I don't care. There's been a "Bobby" at every job I've had, but there was usually just one "Bobby" in those jobs. But at this job he's assimilating them to his thinking and I know the jokes said about me and the constant ridicule about me. I know it because I ask Marlin and he tells me. Marlin doesn't make any effort to run to me the moment he hears these things, I usually have to drag it out of Marlin. However, I think Bobby's caught on and has kept his mouth shut about me around Marlin.
It's hard to explain. Imagine if someone were constantly tapping your arm repeatedly. It doesn't hurt, instead after a while it's annoying and you just want to turn around and grab that persons hand and say enough. In much the same way I want to grab Bobby's mouth and say enough.
I find him repulsive, rude, arrogant and HORRID! His language is vulgar and always, always manages to squeeze some gay sexual innuendo comment into every conversation. And it's not because I am present, I think that's how he talks all the time.
No one really talks to me during lunch, no one wants to talk to me unless they absolutely have too (besides Robert, but he doesn't count). And the only person willing to be my friend is off at another working at another plant for the week.
I can't complain, I can't say anything, I can't do anything. I love my job, I just hate feeling like the black plague everyday. I've not been in this situation before and I am unsure how to proceed. For now I will maintain the appearance that I don't really care and take it upon myself not to talk to anyone at all.
I am asking for your prayers so that God may give me strength to stand against rumors, gossip, ridicule, lies, and homophobia. It hurts a little and I am trying not to let it overtake me.
This wasn't a problem before and I don't know why this suddenly started.
Please pray for me.
Steve
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Lamentation 3:24 The Lord is all I have, and so in him I put my hope.
Don't take to heart the nasty things that this office boob, Bobby, is saying about you and about gays in general. I was watching a show tonight about neo-Nazi skinheads and these people are so pathetic that they're not worth wasting spit on! Bigots are like that because they are so self-centered and self- hating that the only way that they can feel better about themselves is to find someone like you and me and push us down.
I would try to contact the ACLU and see if they can help you in any way. Harassment and discrimination at the office is not allowed ANYWHERE, so they should help you in some small way. Normally, I can't STAND the ACLU (especially when it does hypocritical things like protect the right for the KKK to burn the cross, but then turns around and says that a war memorial can't display one!), but in situations like these...Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer. If you stand up to this guy and don't knuckle under, then chances are that his "club" will back away from him: they know trouble when they see it. You still won't be popular, at least not for a while, but you will have a better working environment.
But if things at work began to get even MORE hostile, then don't spend another minute there! Walk out of there and call for legal help to SUE the whole dang STATE for not doing something to stop these idiots, if necessary!
You matter to US, Steve! And don't let some Phelps-wanna-be take away your self-respect and dignity as a human being.
I pray that the Lord will bring JUSTICE to this part of your world! Hang in there!
Sorry, bro. I'm praying for you and your situation.
*hugs* Darrel
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That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
Mama Lisa wrote: Praying for you, Steve. What's the latest?
I might as well go to work carrying a board that reads: I AM GAY, PLEASE STAY AWAY, YOU MIGHT BECOME GAY BY TALKING TO ME.
Seriously.....this is bringing back memories of the time I was in 6th grade at a new school and no one wanted to sit with me during lunch or play with me during recess and was always the last person picked for a team!
I've been through worse.....
Steve
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Lamentation 3:24 The Lord is all I have, and so in him I put my hope.
Steve, I think the best way to handle this is just keep being friendly and showing integrity to all the people you work with. Eventually, others will see that you are just a great guy and they'll quit listening to Bobby. Whatever you do, don't start playing Bobby's game! You just keep being who you are and hold your head up high!
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Grace is the acceptance of that which is rejected. ~Paul Tillich
Don't know what else to say, other than hang in there and be yourself.
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Be yourself!!! Don't try to fit into someone else's mold, you won't fit!!! And that just leads to utter misery!!! Live life to it's fullest in Christ's love every day!!!
Bigots are like that because they are so self-centered and self- hating that the only way that they can feel better about themselves is to find someone like you and me and push us down.
If you stand up to this guy and don't knuckle under, then chances are that his "club" will back away from him: they know trouble when they see it. You still won't be popular, at least not for a while, but you will have a better working environment.
And don't let some Phelps-wanna-be take away your self-respect and dignity as a human being. 
