Sam Adams (beer) is gay?

Last night, while enjoying pizza, and, ironically a Sam Adams Lager, with my partner, I overheard the following comment.

"Oh, nothing says gay like Sam Adams"

I asked A if he heard this comment, and he did. So, it wasn't my imagination.

So, in spite of living in a state with a mandated anti-bullying law that includes sexual orientation (since September 2007), this kind of language is something this man finds to be acceptable to shout out.

Across the patio, I sent dirty looks, but the guy didn't notice, and even if he did, it means nothing because he doesn't even realize what he's done. Similar to reprimanding a dog for eating a shoe an hour later. They just don't get it.

I told A that if we were sitting there with a gay child, I would have no problem with walking over and explaining that his comment is not only rude but hurtful and unacceptable. My statement makes me sad and disappointed in myself.

If we want to make change, we can't tell our selves, well, if a person from "that" group is around, then I will take action. That's not enough. Heterosexism needs to be addressed whether or not I perceive gay individuals to be part of the group or not. This is similar to the argument that a classroom teacher need not address race if there are not children of color in her class. We all have sexual orientations (and they are not as polarized as our society portrays) and we all have race.

Upon further research, I found that, indeed, Sam Adams IS gay. He's the new mayor of Portland Oregon, and he's openly gay. Maybe this guy was trying to discuss current politics, but I really don't think so.

Oh, congrats Sam Adams (the mayor).