I never thought I would ever publish a Dear Abby column, but this one is more than interesting.
In this advice column, Dear Abby tells “Can’t Come Out in Texas” how to deal with “sexual harassment in a hostile work environment” in which a female co-worker has everyone pressuring him to “just go out with her and give her a chance.”
Dear Abby has some good advice for this gay man who seems to be as trapped in the closet as R. Kelly.
Dear Abby • I am a 29-year-old gay man. In my community, coming out at work isn’t an option. I really like my job and want to keep it. However, a female colleague is not only trying to convince me that the two of us would make a good pair, but she has gotten all of our co-workers involved. I’m constantly pressured by my supervisor to “just go out with her and give her a chance.”
I have already told everyone, including her, that I’m not interested in mixing my personal life with my professional one, and I want to come to work only to work. — Can’t Come Out in Texas
Dear Can’t Come Out • You have described a classic example of sexual harassment and a hostile work environment. Your co-workers and supervisor may consider themselves to be “Cupid’s helpers,” but their actions could be the basis for a lawsuit. That you are gay has nothing to do with it.
Document everything. Go to your supervisor’s boss if necessary and state plainly that you need help to put a stop to this. You do not have to explain why you’re not attracted to this desperate woman. If it isn’t stopped, talk with an attorney.
I do NOT recommend hiring anyone to pose as a girlfriend, or you may have to put her under long-term contract, which could be expensive in more ways than one.
You go Abby!
