I mentioned on this blog that a guy in a group who went with me on a group motorcycle ride on Sunday made a comment about my tall boots and leathers, asking if I were trying to be a fashion statement. I told him, “I am very comfortable.” He said, “okay” and didn’t say anything else… at that moment.

But later at another stop on the ride, he couldn’t let it go. He made several “homo-ignorant” statements…

What is “homo-ignorant?” That is a term that I made up to define what this guy, among others, say sometimes. Guys like this have two things in common:

1) they always have to run their mouths, even if they have nothing meaningful to say. This guy gibber-jabbers all the time. All.the.friggin.time. He never shuts up!

2) they do not realize that someone in their midst is gay, is in a relationship (such as me; I’m married to my man), or might in any way be offended by ignorant remarks.

I differentiate this from “homophobia” because he is not afraid of gay people; he just says silly, stupid comments about anyone or anything.

The homo-ignorant remarks he made at our next stop were: “are you going to try out for the return of the “Village People?” No sooner did that drivel fall from his mouth then he followed with, “or go marry a dude?”

I looked at him with both disdain and shock. I thought about it, and the rest of my friends on this ride were wondering what I would say. I don’t know how I came up with this remark, but my reply was, “[name], you’re blathering a lot. Have you forgotten to take your meds today?”

The rest of my friends broke out laughing. Then several of them took up a defense. Not specifically for me, but for honoring and respecting everyone. This blathering bozo’s comments were clearly disrespectful and just plain stupid.

Then another one of my friends said, “he’s not going to marry a dude — he already has!” followed by another who said, “[BHD] has the greatest motorcycle boots and gear. Maybe he can give you lessons.”

I didn’t say anything else, nor did the blathering buffoon. And that’s how this guy is observed — just a silly, blathering buffoon.

We went into the restaurant for lunch and the subject changed to the ride, things we observed, and (as usual), sports. I noticed that the BB arrived at the table a little later with another fellow rider who sat next to me. He said, “don’t worry, I’ve set him straight.”

Oh, there were so many things my evil little mind came up with to say, but I held my tongue. (giggle.)

As we were leaving the restaurant, Mr. Buffoon came up to me and said, “I’m sorry, I didn’t know [about your marriage to your partner or that you were gay.] I didn’t mean it.”

I’ll take that as an apology.

But it didn’t quite stop. At the next place we stopped, Mr. Buffoon said, “you ride great for a gay guy!”

Did he think he was paying me a compliment?

My buddy who thought he had sorted things out spoke up and said, “[BHD] rides great, period. Why? He is a trained Road Captain. You ride much less skillfully. Let me see you at our next riding practice!”

Mr. Buffoon said again, “I didn’t mean that… I meant that he is a good rider, that’s all.”

Homoignorance strikes again. Oh sheesh. No reason to be upset; that’s just how this guy is. I feel sorry for him and everyone who has to put up with him on a more regular basis.

The rest of the ride was uneventful. Next stop, BB continued his blathering, but about other things (that made no sense.)

Suffice it to say, one major reason why I like this club is that my fellow riders are respectful, and I don’t always have to fight my own battles with the homoignorant crowd.

Life is short: be who you are, wear what you like (as long as it includes appropriate motorcycle boots when operating a motorcycle!)