Man Sues After Boss Tells Him He’s Gay for Being a Vegetarian
“Ryan Pacifico is suing Calyon in the Americas, charging that his one-time boss at the French financial firm presided over a testosterone-fueled trading desk, where he was mocked for avoiding meat and wearing snug-fitting shorts during triathlons. “A trading floor is certainly a manly man’s world,” Pacifico said. “I just never expected someone to think it’s gay to be a vegetarian or to constantly poke fun at me.” [NY Daily News]
How is this relevant news? You’re slipping, Japhy. Sure, it’s an insight, but something we’ve always known. Bigots will continue to stereotype gay men as health nuts, wearing skimpy clothing to a workout, and shying away from meat.
So what if this man’s straight, and suing over being called gay? Makes it seem more like being gay is a deathly, horrid insult.
@Rigato:
First and foremost – cut Japhy some slack. This is a blog dedicated to gay men and gay-related issues, and this topic I think intricately concerns both.
1). Japhy did cite the case, and managed to include the alleged defendant. As gay men, and consumers – we have proven our political might in the past (against anti-gay marriage activists, by boycotting their institutions). In this case, if it is proven that there is blatant homophobia at this institution – then should we not too boycott them as well? I think that in this case, we were given a heads-up.
2). Quit recently, Japhy and the Queerty team did a few discussions on gay-for-pay performers and highlighted a similar case in which a male performer was fired due to his actions as they involved him in homosexual scenes. He too sued.
I think that this case highlights a trend, that heterosexual men in general are becoming comfortable enough with our community that they may even be getting to the point of either understanding where we are coming from – and/or some are even using the form of discrimination (that we all deal with in one form or another) and running with that to the courts as well. In this case, do you think that this man is generally concerned for the rights of others (notably Gay Men) or, is he cowering behind the form of discrimination that we all face, and/or can the two ideals be separated?
3). Either way – I am sure that Japhy fulfilled his purpose as a great journalist quite well – in that, for the mean while – he was able to inform at least two individuals, and incite in them enough passion for them to log-on, and voice their concerns. All things considered, he has mastered what many other media outlets are all too slowly learning to do.
Its as dumb as that other notion that real men don’t eat quiche. This is nothing more than rampant over the top homophobia. Lets face it, what other group can the breeders hate and get away with it? We’re the last bastion of discrimination and the butt of jokes. Time to fight back….where’s GLAAD when you need them?
The comments made by the boss are offensive whether they were made to a straight or gay vegetarian health nut that wears tight work out clothes.
If you read the story, you’ll notice this boss is an equal opportunity ass.
(Word to Rigato…you don’t have to black to find racist remarks offensive.)
The law most definitely protects individuals from harassment based on perceived characteristics. I hope he wins. The boss was using “gay” as an insult. He should be punished for it.
The boss is a total asshole and way out of line. It’s like a 6th grade bully calling everyone a fag or gay. I hope this sensitive heterosexual nails his ass to the wall – figuratively, speaking.
People get insulted all the time. If being called gay is what incited the litigation, I say get over it. (Pussy.)
@Phil: he wasn’t just insulted, he lost his job. follow the link.