The Schmuck in the Pub

As happens occasionally, I had the pleasure of getting harassed by some drunk asshole while in the pub the other night. While this isn't as unusual as I would like, the thing that made it different was the fact that it happened in my own local pub. This is one place where I tend to feel safe. As a result, this bozo's actions cut a little closer to home.

I've seen this guy in -my- pub a time or two before. As a result, I've written this letter to leave on the bulletin board by the bar. I hope he reads it. After that, I guess I'll wait for his reply. On the one hand, I guess I kinda hope that he'll realize that he was a rude, cruel drunk and apologize. On the other hand, a little twisted part of me hopes he comes after me.

As petty as it sounds, I'd love to kick his ass.


-/-


Hiya Tom,

Last Tuesday night you really had a laugh, eh? First, the jibe about my clothes, then the reference to Europride to make sure that I knew that you had clocked me, and finally your nice little comment as you left the pub. I'm sure you felt pretty smug as you walked home that evening.

Good job. You scored one for the big, tough, macho fucks. Don't you feel good about it?

Now, it's my turn to have a word with you.

To start off with, I was born this way. There is not a damn thing I can do about it. This is how I was when I took my first breath, and it's how I'll be when I take my last. I never got the chance to "choose" any of this. But I'll tell you what, if I had the choice I would have never picked such a shitty lot in life as being transgendered. I don't think that anyone would if they knew the facts of it.

Did you know that I'm 17 times more likely to get murdered than any other minority in the WHOLE FUCKING WORLD??? Or how about this one? I've got a 12% chance that someday I'll either attempt or succeed at suicide. Wow. Now that's a happy thought, isn't it? Oh, and just so you know, that last little fact isn't because I'm somehow inherently crazy. No, it's because eventually many of us just get tired of being treated like shit by stupid-assed schmucks in the pub. Or at work. Or on the tube. Or in our families…

Tell me, do you also crack jokes about people in wheelchairs?

So, as I can see it you have a couple of choices. First, you could realize that you were pretty cruel and nasty the other night and apologize to me the next time we're in the pub. Or, you can try and hunt me down because you are pissed at me for calling you on your shit actions.

Well, here's what I have to say to either choice. If you apologize, I'll accept it and forget about it. If you choose to come after me, well, at least don't be a pussy and bring your mates along to help you. Fight your own fight. Also, leave my friends and family out of it.

I don't have a choice about having been born this way. You have been blessed with a choice in your life. Do you want to be an asshole, or do you want to be one of the few people who try to make our world a better place?

I'll be here, waiting to hear your answer.

Jessica