She picked up the receiver and it was Bobby on the other end….. Hey, Bobby she said, what time will you be in….. I won’t be in he replied I’m calling in gay… Your calling in Gay? What does that mean? She asked…..It means my dear I am not coming in…. But Bobby your booked solid today….. Sorry Magda but as I said I am not coming in today, I’ll be in tomorrow. Have Shandra handle them…. What do I tell your customers? Magda asked him… Tell them I called in Gay….Bobby I can’t tell them that what will they think?.....Magda we talked about this you told me you understood…..I do Bobby you know I do, it’s just that…..Bobby stopped her right there. Magda, just tell them I called in Gay it’s been all over the news and Shandra is quite capable of handling my clients for the day….. Bobby these little blue haired ladies won’t get it….Well then maybe its time they did…..I know I know Bobby your right. Her words trailed off. She was in complete support of marriage equality. She new it was time to stand up once more for her friends and family and she would find away to deal with it. Bobby, she said I want you to know I am always in your corner and I know what you are doing is a good thing I’ll see you this evening at they rally and I’ll let your customers know you called in gay….Thank you Magda I appreciate it. It’s the only way people are going to see our value. I’ll see you tonight…..I’ll see you tonight Bobby. She replaced the receiver just as Shandra entered the salon…. Who was that Shandra asked…..? Oh, it was Bobby, she said with despair in her voice. He called in gay…. Honey you knew he was going to….I know, I know…..So what’s the big deal then? Shandra said. You should be happy he is standing up for his civil right….I am Shandra I just don’t know how it’s going to effect business…. Business! Honey your worried about how it’s going to effect your business? Magda I always thought you were better then that…..Don’t mind me Shandra I’m just frustrated Bobby is my top stylist and he’s booked solid today….. You seem to forget we planed it this way and you were the one who came up with the idea… I know I did Shandra we’ll just have to deal with it….Yes we will now won’t we, and besides it’s only one day. Honey your business is strong enough and you have a big enough clientele that it ain’t gonna be no big deal…..Your right. I know I’m right. Look Magda will get through this day and Bobby will be back tomorrow…. Shandra can you handle Bobby’s clients? I’ll handle them alright I’ll tell them Bobby called in gay and they will have to reschedule…..That’s not what I mean Magda said with more frustration in her voice….Magda if we want to make this statement this is the way to do it Shandra said with a firm tone. Look Bobby would do the same for you, you know that don’t you? Yes,.....Then what is there to talk about? We just tell his clients they will have to reschedule because Bobby called in Gay and if they don’t like it to bad and if they ask what that means we will tell them exactly what it means Shandra said definitely. Look Magda, these people need a wake up call and this is it.
Stern Foster and Stern how may I direct your call? Hey Betty, I won’t be in today I’m calling in Gay…. I’ll let Mr. Foster know Tom….Thanks Betty… Your welcome Tom, and hey Tom just know I support you….Thanks Betty that means a lot….Have a good day Tom…. You too Betty and I hope Mr. Foster isn’t to mad….Don’t worry about Foster I’ll handle him….Thanks Betty…. Your Welcome Tom. Betty hung up the phone as Todd Foster arrived into the office… Hey Betty tell Tom I need to see him in my office right away we have to get the finals done on the Winston file….. I’m sorry Todd Tom won’t be in today…what do you mean he won’t be in today is he sick?…..No, no Betty assured him. Then why won’t he be in?.... He called in Gay…He What? Todd said his voice raising. Betty remained calm and said again He called in gay….. Agitated Todd said, he called in Gay? Jesus Christ, what the hell!.. Look Betty said, it may not be my place but your just going to have to deal with it….Even more agitated Todd looked at Betty and said, your right it isn’t your place now get Tom on the phone and tell him to get his butt in here pronto there is to much going on and I need him in the office…. Betty looked at Todd a bit amused and said, No can do Mr. F! What do you mean No! Todd was getting heated and angry… Betty’s voice was very firm in it’s reply… I said No can do Mr. F…. Then I’ll call him and tell him myself….Go right ahead betty said to him but he won’t come in……Why Not! Todd said demanding an answer…..Todd you know perfectly well why not, today is a day without a Gay….Are you serious? Todd asked…. Yes I’m serious Betty replied. Oh and you should know about have the office is out and I’m leaving at noon? Christ almighty is everyone in this office gay?.... don’t be ridiculous Todd she said… Maybe we should just close for the day? He replied….Todd you were well aware of this and your right you should have just shut operations down for the day…. Well I didn’t really think they would go through with it….. What would have given you that impression Todd? Betty was already packing up her belongings….Inform everyone that is here that they need to get to the conference room ASAP Todd instructed Betty and then notify me when they are all there…. Will do Mr. Foster.
Betty contacted those who were in and told them to meet in the conference room then went back to her desk and made sure that the phones went directly to the answering service informing them that the office would be closed today for a day without a gay. The woman on the other end of the line knew exactly what that meant and said you too huh? Half our staff is out as well and a few of our other customers have informed us of the same. Don’t worry she said will handle it….Thank you Sarah I appreciate it… Betty hung up the phone then made one last call to Mr. Foster and told him everyone was in the conference room after which she headed there herself….
As you may or may not know Todd said addressing the sparse remaining staff. Today is a day without a gay and as managing partner of the firm I have decided that we will be shutting down the office for the day in support. Most of you are salaried so it won’t affect you but those that are not will still be paid for 8 hours work. You can choose to stay and work or go home but I have had Betty forward all call to the answering service. Are there any questions? Dan Michaels spoke up and as he was about to speak Betty leaned over to sandy and said under her breath it figures I think he’s the only one in the office who voted yes on 8 idiot…..Todd, Dan said I for one think it’s a bad idea, your only encouraging their behavior….. Dan Todd said Sternly you can choose to stay and work if you wish but as Managing Partner of this firm I have decide that we are closing the office for the day and you are welcome to your opinion but it is not going to change things…. Fuck’n fags, Dan said under his breath an audible gasp came from those directly around him…..The comment Dan made under his breath infuriated Todd. Dan if you have something to say then say if otherwise keep quite Todd said firmly and as for the rest of you, though some of you may not agree with this need I remind you that Foster Sterns and Foster has always been a company that prides its self on diversity and respect of all our employees. That is all this meeting is adjourned. As everyone started to leave, the conference room Todd ask Dan if he could stay for a moment as he had matters he needed to discus with him…. Dan I know that you don’t agree with this he started out trying to keep calm, but! He said let me be very clear here if you ever make another comment like you did today you will be fired Do I make myself clear!!! I have and will never tolerate Bigotry in this office and comments like the one you made will not be tolerated EVER!! We have talked about this before Dan and I am through talking! You will be formally written up and I will be giving you a ninety day probationary period….Dan stutter for words this is bullshit…..Would you like to try for 120 days Dan Keep talking because in a minute your going to talk yourself right out of a job and need I remind you in this economic climate finding a job won’t be easy. Now get out and go home. Dan headed toward the conference room door and as he started to leave Todd said to him, maybe you should take today and think about what it is you want? And if working here isn’t cutting it for you then maybe it’s time to find something else. You’re a good Worker Dan but as I said, I will not tolerate this sort of behavior Period! Have I made myself clear! Yes, Todd Dan answered begrudgingly . Good now go home.
Betty was just about to leave when Dan was passing her desk to get back to his office. Betty had never liked Dan she had always felt him a bit of a prig and a chauvinist and delighted in any opportunity to she got to aggravate him. She was very good at not getting caught doing it. If there was one thing she couldn’t stand, it was a bigot and Dan was the biggest of them all and she took delight in pointing it out to him. As Dan passed her desk she looked up at him and said, how’s that new asshole you just got ripped to which he just replied Shut up and leave me alone. Have a good day she said as she collected her purse and walked from behind her desk. Dan just kept walking to his office. Betty stopped in front of Mr. Foster office and asked if there was anything, he need from her before she left hoping he would say no and he did. As she turned to leave he called out to her…Betty? Yes Mr. Foster? Remind me in the morning that we need to file a formal written notice of disciplinary action for Dan…. A smile came across Betty’s face as she said With Pleasure Mr. Foster. Oh and one last thing Betty, Yes Mr. Foster she said. Try not to take so much pleasure in this Dan’s a hard worker, I know he can be an asshole but….. His word trailed off. You have a good after noon sir Betty said as she turned to leave. You too Betty and give Sterns my best and tell him that we support him and the rest of our LGBT staff just as we would any other staff. Will do Mr. foster and with that, she was gone and Todd went back to what he working on.
News reports were flooding the airwaves of business’s that were shutting down for the day due to lack of staffing. Despite the fact that some news stations were trying not to cover it, it was becoming big news. Momentum had had been gained and a day with out a gay was starting to effect the national economy, other countries were now participating. It was becoming one of the biggest grass roots movements to be seen in quite some time Bigger then anyone thought possible and even those new stations that refused to report it initially were now reporting it. All be it with a slant but they where reporting it. From Rural America to Suburban America they were feeling the effect. Those who had never stood up before were no standing up to be counted. This was becoming a very effective campaign. Programs were being interrupted for news updates. They were touting it to be bigger then a day without a Mexican. People’s eyes were finally starting to open up. Sure there were plenty of conservatives who would have like nothing better then to put an end to this but it was all to big to stop now and to try and do so would only set off a fire storm. People who thought it would not amount to much were either conversely elated or disturbed that it had become such a big deal.
Dr Williams office, No the Dr is not in today he has called in sick he should be back tomorrow, I’m sorry mam but he can’t be reached today. If it is a medical emergency then you should go to the emergency room as I said the Dr won’t be in until tomorrow. Mam, mam, I understand mam but you have to also understand that we are just the answering service. Yes, mam I’ll be happy to get the doctor your message, I can’t guarantee that he will get back to you today just so long as you know that, yes I understand your predicament but again I would suggest to you if it is an emergency that you go to the nearest emergency room.
Is this day going to be over soon?..... Not soon, enough Jan……This is just crazy Cindy. I hope this works I don’t want to have to face another day like this again….I just don’t know what they hope to achieve by this Jan, don’t you think that they are just making people angrier? What if we decide to have a day with out White people? I hear what you are saying Cindy but you know that really isn’t the point? Then what is the point Jan? The point is we have a group of people who are discriminated against just because of who they are! How!...... Yes but aren’t there other ways of handling it?…. I guess so Cindy but I have to say this seems to be working….But at what cost Jan? I just think it’s kind of ridiculous… Well I have to say Cindy I’d do the same thing if I found my self in their place, You use what ever means you have to short of Violence of course to et the results you need to get…..Well I don’t necessarily agree with that theory. I’ll just be glad when this day is over. Amen to that. And thankfully, our shift is almost over……Dr Williams Office how can I help you. No, no the doctor is out sick today, Yes, I understand I can get him a message for you if you’d like……..
I can’t believe we got though this day Shandra tells Magda as they sink back into a couple of the salon chairs glasses of wine in hand…….. Well Magda says we did I just hope Bobby appreciates it? Oh, you know he does Magda, and you know he would do the same for us…. I know he would Shandra. The two ladies clink there glasses together simultaneously saying Cheers. They continue to talk as they enjoy there glasses of wine. So tell me Magda how does a good Canadian girl get a name like Magda?…I mean I’m just saying I know how I got the name Shandra it’s African but Magda is Russian and you’re Canadian. Why didn’tcha mamma name you k.d. or Sarah….. Please not the name Sarah that name has now been sullied forever……You got that right. The ladies enjoy a laugh and take another sip of wine…….
Betty has come over to Tom’s house, with Tom and his husband Tyler They are eating take out in front of the T.V. watching the 6 O’clock news. I just can’t believe it Betty, It’s amazing….. I know I know Tyler says…… Well, all I can say is if this Prop 8 gets repealed I better be going to a wedding soon! You two have been together 19 years now I’m surprised you didn’t do it already? .. Well Tyler said, we wanted to make sure it would stick…..Ya that way we wouldn’t have to do it again if they made our marriage null and void Tom added… I guess so Betty said but, what if it had been defeated? Then Tom said we would still be planning our wedding for our Twentieth anniversary…. Are you guys serious… As a heart attack, Tyler says…. We didn’t want to tell you until we knew the out come of this election Tom added….But now we’re just hoping we the courts will over turn this stupid proposition 8……They will, they will Betty chimed in. Ya I actually think they will Tom says. Today was the start of great things to come Tyler says, I think a real Impact has been made. The phone rings it’s Tyler’s mom. He takes it in another room as Tom and Betty continue to watch the T.V. news reports. The two of them lift there Glasses of soda saying Cheers..... Now tell me about this wedding you two are planning we need to get started….. Hold up there Betty Tom Says…. Well we haven’t got all year here my friend what’s your theme?.... Tyler returns…..What did I miss?..... I was just telling your Fiancée that you two need to get cracking on those wedding plans so you have it all in place…….I tried talking to him Betty I told him the same thing but he wants to wait and see what happens in the courts….. Oh no now I have two conspirators ……That’s right Tommy between Tyler and I your going to end up Married…..I’m going into the kitchen for some more soda you to can plan the wedding just tell me when and where I need to show up so I can marry this wonderful man… Don’t forget what to wear because you my friend have no style I love you to death you know I do but we all know who got the style in this House Betty says…..They all laugh and continue to watch the News and Chit Chat…….
This story may not be reprinted or used in part or in whole without the express written permission of the Author Russell E. Bertlow
Stern Foster and Stern how may I direct your call? Hey Betty, I won’t be in today I’m calling in Gay…. I’ll let Mr. Foster know Tom….Thanks Betty… Your welcome Tom, and hey Tom just know I support you….Thanks Betty that means a lot….Have a good day Tom…. You too Betty and I hope Mr. Foster isn’t to mad….Don’t worry about Foster I’ll handle him….Thanks Betty…. Your Welcome Tom. Betty hung up the phone as Todd Foster arrived into the office… Hey Betty tell Tom I need to see him in my office right away we have to get the finals done on the Winston file….. I’m sorry Todd Tom won’t be in today…what do you mean he won’t be in today is he sick?…..No, no Betty assured him. Then why won’t he be in?.... He called in Gay…He What? Todd said his voice raising. Betty remained calm and said again He called in gay….. Agitated Todd said, he called in Gay? Jesus Christ, what the hell!.. Look Betty said, it may not be my place but your just going to have to deal with it….Even more agitated Todd looked at Betty and said, your right it isn’t your place now get Tom on the phone and tell him to get his butt in here pronto there is to much going on and I need him in the office…. Betty looked at Todd a bit amused and said, No can do Mr. F! What do you mean No! Todd was getting heated and angry… Betty’s voice was very firm in it’s reply… I said No can do Mr. F…. Then I’ll call him and tell him myself….Go right ahead betty said to him but he won’t come in……Why Not! Todd said demanding an answer…..Todd you know perfectly well why not, today is a day without a Gay….Are you serious? Todd asked…. Yes I’m serious Betty replied. Oh and you should know about have the office is out and I’m leaving at noon? Christ almighty is everyone in this office gay?.... don’t be ridiculous Todd she said… Maybe we should just close for the day? He replied….Todd you were well aware of this and your right you should have just shut operations down for the day…. Well I didn’t really think they would go through with it….. What would have given you that impression Todd? Betty was already packing up her belongings….Inform everyone that is here that they need to get to the conference room ASAP Todd instructed Betty and then notify me when they are all there…. Will do Mr. Foster.
Betty contacted those who were in and told them to meet in the conference room then went back to her desk and made sure that the phones went directly to the answering service informing them that the office would be closed today for a day without a gay. The woman on the other end of the line knew exactly what that meant and said you too huh? Half our staff is out as well and a few of our other customers have informed us of the same. Don’t worry she said will handle it….Thank you Sarah I appreciate it… Betty hung up the phone then made one last call to Mr. Foster and told him everyone was in the conference room after which she headed there herself….
As you may or may not know Todd said addressing the sparse remaining staff. Today is a day without a gay and as managing partner of the firm I have decided that we will be shutting down the office for the day in support. Most of you are salaried so it won’t affect you but those that are not will still be paid for 8 hours work. You can choose to stay and work or go home but I have had Betty forward all call to the answering service. Are there any questions? Dan Michaels spoke up and as he was about to speak Betty leaned over to sandy and said under her breath it figures I think he’s the only one in the office who voted yes on 8 idiot…..Todd, Dan said I for one think it’s a bad idea, your only encouraging their behavior….. Dan Todd said Sternly you can choose to stay and work if you wish but as Managing Partner of this firm I have decide that we are closing the office for the day and you are welcome to your opinion but it is not going to change things…. Fuck’n fags, Dan said under his breath an audible gasp came from those directly around him…..The comment Dan made under his breath infuriated Todd. Dan if you have something to say then say if otherwise keep quite Todd said firmly and as for the rest of you, though some of you may not agree with this need I remind you that Foster Sterns and Foster has always been a company that prides its self on diversity and respect of all our employees. That is all this meeting is adjourned. As everyone started to leave, the conference room Todd ask Dan if he could stay for a moment as he had matters he needed to discus with him…. Dan I know that you don’t agree with this he started out trying to keep calm, but! He said let me be very clear here if you ever make another comment like you did today you will be fired Do I make myself clear!!! I have and will never tolerate Bigotry in this office and comments like the one you made will not be tolerated EVER!! We have talked about this before Dan and I am through talking! You will be formally written up and I will be giving you a ninety day probationary period….Dan stutter for words this is bullshit…..Would you like to try for 120 days Dan Keep talking because in a minute your going to talk yourself right out of a job and need I remind you in this economic climate finding a job won’t be easy. Now get out and go home. Dan headed toward the conference room door and as he started to leave Todd said to him, maybe you should take today and think about what it is you want? And if working here isn’t cutting it for you then maybe it’s time to find something else. You’re a good Worker Dan but as I said, I will not tolerate this sort of behavior Period! Have I made myself clear! Yes, Todd Dan answered begrudgingly . Good now go home.
Betty was just about to leave when Dan was passing her desk to get back to his office. Betty had never liked Dan she had always felt him a bit of a prig and a chauvinist and delighted in any opportunity to she got to aggravate him. She was very good at not getting caught doing it. If there was one thing she couldn’t stand, it was a bigot and Dan was the biggest of them all and she took delight in pointing it out to him. As Dan passed her desk she looked up at him and said, how’s that new asshole you just got ripped to which he just replied Shut up and leave me alone. Have a good day she said as she collected her purse and walked from behind her desk. Dan just kept walking to his office. Betty stopped in front of Mr. Foster office and asked if there was anything, he need from her before she left hoping he would say no and he did. As she turned to leave he called out to her…Betty? Yes Mr. Foster? Remind me in the morning that we need to file a formal written notice of disciplinary action for Dan…. A smile came across Betty’s face as she said With Pleasure Mr. Foster. Oh and one last thing Betty, Yes Mr. Foster she said. Try not to take so much pleasure in this Dan’s a hard worker, I know he can be an asshole but….. His word trailed off. You have a good after noon sir Betty said as she turned to leave. You too Betty and give Sterns my best and tell him that we support him and the rest of our LGBT staff just as we would any other staff. Will do Mr. foster and with that, she was gone and Todd went back to what he working on.
News reports were flooding the airwaves of business’s that were shutting down for the day due to lack of staffing. Despite the fact that some news stations were trying not to cover it, it was becoming big news. Momentum had had been gained and a day with out a gay was starting to effect the national economy, other countries were now participating. It was becoming one of the biggest grass roots movements to be seen in quite some time Bigger then anyone thought possible and even those new stations that refused to report it initially were now reporting it. All be it with a slant but they where reporting it. From Rural America to Suburban America they were feeling the effect. Those who had never stood up before were no standing up to be counted. This was becoming a very effective campaign. Programs were being interrupted for news updates. They were touting it to be bigger then a day without a Mexican. People’s eyes were finally starting to open up. Sure there were plenty of conservatives who would have like nothing better then to put an end to this but it was all to big to stop now and to try and do so would only set off a fire storm. People who thought it would not amount to much were either conversely elated or disturbed that it had become such a big deal.
Dr Williams office, No the Dr is not in today he has called in sick he should be back tomorrow, I’m sorry mam but he can’t be reached today. If it is a medical emergency then you should go to the emergency room as I said the Dr won’t be in until tomorrow. Mam, mam, I understand mam but you have to also understand that we are just the answering service. Yes, mam I’ll be happy to get the doctor your message, I can’t guarantee that he will get back to you today just so long as you know that, yes I understand your predicament but again I would suggest to you if it is an emergency that you go to the nearest emergency room.
Is this day going to be over soon?..... Not soon, enough Jan……This is just crazy Cindy. I hope this works I don’t want to have to face another day like this again….I just don’t know what they hope to achieve by this Jan, don’t you think that they are just making people angrier? What if we decide to have a day with out White people? I hear what you are saying Cindy but you know that really isn’t the point? Then what is the point Jan? The point is we have a group of people who are discriminated against just because of who they are! How!...... Yes but aren’t there other ways of handling it?…. I guess so Cindy but I have to say this seems to be working….But at what cost Jan? I just think it’s kind of ridiculous… Well I have to say Cindy I’d do the same thing if I found my self in their place, You use what ever means you have to short of Violence of course to et the results you need to get…..Well I don’t necessarily agree with that theory. I’ll just be glad when this day is over. Amen to that. And thankfully, our shift is almost over……Dr Williams Office how can I help you. No, no the doctor is out sick today, Yes, I understand I can get him a message for you if you’d like……..
I can’t believe we got though this day Shandra tells Magda as they sink back into a couple of the salon chairs glasses of wine in hand…….. Well Magda says we did I just hope Bobby appreciates it? Oh, you know he does Magda, and you know he would do the same for us…. I know he would Shandra. The two ladies clink there glasses together simultaneously saying Cheers. They continue to talk as they enjoy there glasses of wine. So tell me Magda how does a good Canadian girl get a name like Magda?…I mean I’m just saying I know how I got the name Shandra it’s African but Magda is Russian and you’re Canadian. Why didn’tcha mamma name you k.d. or Sarah….. Please not the name Sarah that name has now been sullied forever……You got that right. The ladies enjoy a laugh and take another sip of wine…….
Betty has come over to Tom’s house, with Tom and his husband Tyler They are eating take out in front of the T.V. watching the 6 O’clock news. I just can’t believe it Betty, It’s amazing….. I know I know Tyler says…… Well, all I can say is if this Prop 8 gets repealed I better be going to a wedding soon! You two have been together 19 years now I’m surprised you didn’t do it already? .. Well Tyler said, we wanted to make sure it would stick…..Ya that way we wouldn’t have to do it again if they made our marriage null and void Tom added… I guess so Betty said but, what if it had been defeated? Then Tom said we would still be planning our wedding for our Twentieth anniversary…. Are you guys serious… As a heart attack, Tyler says…. We didn’t want to tell you until we knew the out come of this election Tom added….But now we’re just hoping we the courts will over turn this stupid proposition 8……They will, they will Betty chimed in. Ya I actually think they will Tom says. Today was the start of great things to come Tyler says, I think a real Impact has been made. The phone rings it’s Tyler’s mom. He takes it in another room as Tom and Betty continue to watch the T.V. news reports. The two of them lift there Glasses of soda saying Cheers..... Now tell me about this wedding you two are planning we need to get started….. Hold up there Betty Tom Says…. Well we haven’t got all year here my friend what’s your theme?.... Tyler returns…..What did I miss?..... I was just telling your Fiancée that you two need to get cracking on those wedding plans so you have it all in place…….I tried talking to him Betty I told him the same thing but he wants to wait and see what happens in the courts….. Oh no now I have two conspirators ……That’s right Tommy between Tyler and I your going to end up Married…..I’m going into the kitchen for some more soda you to can plan the wedding just tell me when and where I need to show up so I can marry this wonderful man… Don’t forget what to wear because you my friend have no style I love you to death you know I do but we all know who got the style in this House Betty says…..They all laugh and continue to watch the News and Chit Chat…….
This story may not be reprinted or used in part or in whole without the express written permission of the Author Russell E. Bertlow
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