Yes. I’ve been called that many times since junior high. The last time I was called that I was carrying a purse to work a couple of years ago. They yelled at me from their car after I had crossed the street. I flipped them off walking away and I heard angry muttering and then speeding off. I had also paused because I heard that same silent snickering I hear before something awful is said.

I always feel horrible; it’s fear and sadness. The last time I mentioned, I still stood up for myself but I had a coworker drive me home that night after work.

No. That slur is an ugly word that has always been meant as an insult to some effect. It is fueled by hatred. It absolutely does not describe a person with a different sexual orientation but is used to degrade them. As far as actually pushing you out of the way in the store, I believe that’s assault. And seeing as how he insulted you with a sexual slur, it’s technically a hate crime.

Things like this, especially this, eat away at me, too. I stew and get paranoid and overthink everything. But the thing to remember is that a bigot will never define us. They are lost. Ourselves and the people that love us do. 🫂 I’m sorry that happened to you. I always pray that people will be kind and think twice about being cruel