Yesterday, I was buying dinner when a stranger came up to me. Youre Otto Fong, he said, And though you dont know me, and I never commented on your Facebook post, I just want to you know that I enjoyed your posts. Its genuine, and stuff like how you came out ... theres no bias ... I thanked him, grateful for the unexpected gift of acknowledgment. Today, I searched for him on Facebook, and browsed his profile and pictures. Much to my surprise, he is happily married with a beautiful wife and a cheerful son. I was surprised. And I was surprised that I was surprised, because I realised that I had assumed he is gay. Nothing in his demeanor suggested he was gay, and Id long knew that no one can actually tell if a person is gay or straight by his/her demeanor alone. And I have met many straight people who are supportive of the LGBT community, but old habits simply dictated that I assume he is gay. I know I should not discriminate between an acknowledgment from a fellow gay person and a straight one, but I am extremely moved that those different in orientation can get and understand our world. It is great when someone gay shares something we have in common, and there is camaraderie there. But it takes a leap and conscious effort to open the mind, and be willing to listen to those different from us. And it takes a special effort to reach out to let some one know he or she is not alone. Again, I am reminded that it takes something special to listen to those different from us. Again, I am reminded that every time we reach out to others who are different, or show some kindness to strangers, we light up their hearts too. That evening, I thanked an old man who is a table cleaner at McDonalds. He smiled so widely at the acknowledgment that he couldnt stop wishing me well as I left.
Posted on: Wed, 22 Oct 2014 03:43:17 +0000
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