Because of the HRC magnet on my car, I have been called a
faggot, a lesbian, a bitch, and queer… and I’ve been flicked off on more than
one occasion. I guess for some it’s beyond comprehension
that a straight woman – who is a wife, mother, stepmother, and grandmother – could
possibly care about equal rights for those who are not straight.
This past Sunday, I left a restaurant and found
a note tucked under the windshield wiper of my car. Before removing and reading the note, and
assuming the worst, I walked around my car looking for signs of vandalism. At the very least I expected to find that my
HRC magnet had been taken.
Nothing. No
dents. No evidence of “keying”. The magnet was in place. I walked back to the front of the car and took
a picture of the note with my cell phone. I was still sure it was a hate note and I
thought I should take a picture in case the police needed it for evidence. After removing the note I saw that it had been
written on the back of a RiteAid receipt.
It read:
Unknown car driver –
I’d just like to say,
I have no idea who you are, but I love your bumper stickers. The human rights campaign was the only reason
I got to take my date to prom. You’re
wonderful. (heart)
P.S. Pretty brave for
Carroll County ;-)
I couldn’t believe what I had just read, so I read it again…
and then I cried.
I was expecting words of prejudice and hate… but these were beautiful,
sincere words of thanks.
Nearby a car slowed to a stop. A young woman got out and walked toward me -
smiling. She asked, “Is that your
car?” I nodded and asked, “Is this your
note?” She nodded. I was too choked up to talk – we just
hugged. She thanked me for caring and I
thanked her for the affirmation that it’s right to care.
I’m still smiling.
