Views of Shame

Public outing turned to public pointing

Being the social person that I am, going in public has never been an issue for me. The looks and stares I get from the people around me have never really bothered me, nor have I paid much attention to them either.

After meeting my wife and really going public with her the stares became more apparent to me. It was like a switch went off and all eyes were turned towards us. A spotlight was beamed right at us, and at times it seemed to blind us.

We could just be walking next to each other in the store and other shoppers would give us a look of disgust or disapproval. First of all, your approval isn’t needed. Secondly, you should be disgusted with yourself for being disgusted. We went to the store together as two women shoppers who happen to be a couple.

We happen to be in a relationship as well. It is none of your business what we do. It isn’t like the LBGT community goes to the store’s and is just beyond disgusted by straight couples shopping. Nobody goes to the store to be hated on. So why do these individuals feel it is necessary to judge the wife and I?

I’ve seen people point at us, snicker under their breath to their friend and even avoid coming too close to us. I mean really? What does this do for you? Do you feel better about yourself? Do you feel all high and mighty?

Of course these individuals are afraid of the unknown. Now this may just be a theory of mine, but maybe they’re afraid of our sexuality because they’re afraid of their own. Perhaps they’re aren’t really straight themselves and have being living a lie all these years. Just to keep the facade up they put up this rough exterior and disrespect others.

One day the looks will fade away and the wife and I will be able to walk in public without someone trying to shame us for being ourselves.

Blog by Melissa Chandler