Ask QC: Should I Stay Closeted Around My Homophobic Co-Workers?

Hey Guys,

I’m a 25-year-old guy who works at an industrial print shop in Wyoming. I’ve been working in print for 4 years and for the whole part I’m good at it, I enjoy what I do, and I like my place of work. It’s just that lately I’ve been hearing a lot from opinionated co-workers who don’t like gays very much. They say things like “it’s unnatural,” “that’s so gay,” and “I think we should just put ’em on one big island.” I know not all of them feel like that, but it just seems like the ones who do are more vocal. And the ones who don’t would rather keep quiet than cause waves. Sadly, I’m one of those quiet people.

I’ve never made an issue of my sexuality at work (I prefer to keep my work life and personal life separate) so I definitely don’t want to start now. I’d hate for me to come out to these guys just to shut them up, but I’m getting tired of hearing them speak without saying anything. How can I speak up without outing myself? Should I be afraid of retaliation or name-calling if I do stand up to them? Should I tell my boss? Please help.

Some of his co-workers sound like real boneheads. We understand work can be a touchy place for sexual issues, but he shouldn’t have to listen to such degrading talk. After all, others might not tolerate it if they were talking that way about blacks, Jews, or women. So what do you think, QC readers? How can our young worker make his co-workers more aware of their ignorance without making himself a target? Is there a way he can get his say while covering his ass if they decide to give him trouble? Please share your experiences and advice in the QComments section.
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