I have been denied a raise because I "wasn't married with kids and didn't need the money." But at least I have never been denied a job because of the color of my skin.
I have had rocks thrown at my car. But at least I have never been shot for having a broken taillight.
I have had bottle rockets shot at my bedroom window. But at least I have never been shot while at home minding my own business.
I have had beer bottles thrown at me to the shouts of “f--got!” But no one has called the police on me for bird watching.
I have been called a “syphilitic h-mo b-stard” by a guy in my front yard for all the neighbors to hear. The same guy taunted my grandma that she would get AIDS if she went into my house. That same guy (I believe) poisoned my dog. The police said if they did anything it would just make matters worse. But at least I haven't been murdered for wearing a hoodie and eating Skittles.
My history of harassment and threats pales in comparison to those of our nation’s black people and I must admit that I feel a bit guilty that this unrest and insanity is happening during LGBT Pride Month. While we get floats and corporate sponsorships, they get tear gas and rubber bullets.
There but for the grace of God...
Scott Perry, Salt Lake City