Homophobia in Columbus

Every week, I meet with a young grad student at Ohio State, who ably assists with with composing my essays. He recently told me a story- my fellow Columbusites can probably guess the punchline.

He told me of a new professor who came to teach at Ohio State, and, one afternoon in the latter part of November, took a stroll around the OSU Campus- which is the biggest single campus in North America. This particular fellow (my colleague relates) happens to be a member of the gay community, and *perhaps* he felt his dress and manner makes it *obvious* that he is a member of the gay community. Anyhow, as he walked along, he was dismayed to find that he was getting all kinds of very dirty looks, and some *very* unfriendly comments (ie, YOU SUCK! GO BACK WHERE YOU CAME FROM!, et. al.) He later commented to a friend, who was a longtime Columbus resident that he had *never* encountered such hostile, homophobic people.

His friend asked, "Is this your first day in Columbus?"

"Yes."
"Were you wearing what you're wearing now?"
"Yes."
"Look...this is Ohio State, and this is the week we play *Michigan* and you're walking across campus wearing *maize* and *blue*. So *change* *clothes* before somebody kicks your ass." (slight hyperbole)

So maybe he got himself a new wardrobe in scarlet and grey. No problems since.