Is this sexual harrasment?

Question

I went to the dentist today and I have really bad gag reflexes you see. The female dentist was joking with me about it saying well it is obvious you do not like things in your mouth so that is a good thing..... What she did not know is I am gay? What should I do?

Answer 1

Only if she keeps making remarks like that.

Answer 2

Are you kidding with this....how about getting over yourself. If she doesn't know your gay then how could it be sexual harrasment. Second, how do you really know what it was she really meant when she made that comment or just your dirty little mind thinking that way instead.......Is there a problem in telling her your gay? Don't be so sensitive.....and let me ask you this if it had been a male dentist (gay or straight) making that comment would you had been so offended and would you be asking this same question, kinda doubt it myself. MLJ

Answer 3

Stop! Get Over Yourself. You're Probably Get More Harassments From Here Than With Your Dentist.

Answer 4

I dont' think this could be classified as sexual harrassment if she didn't know you are gay and if there was no malice intended in her statement. Sounds like she made a poor choice in her words; however being in the medical profession, it's my guess she made the comment because of the damage that foreign object (such as tongue studs, etc.) can do to the enamel of the teeth, the potential for infection, and the potential for choking.

Hope that helps.

Peace,

Beki

Answer 5

Go to a different dentist. Get a sense of humor.Tell her it's not appropriate to make "dirty jokes".
You have no grounds to sue..
Chances are she had nothing wrong in mind,and it's you with a vivid imagination.

Answer 6

Dentists see tooth damage where people chew on things such as pens or hard candy. She was probably commenting on the fact that you could not tolerate such things, therefore would not be at risk for breaking your teeth.

Answer 7

Maybe you are the one taking it sexually. Maybe she is talking about food. Are you being a little paranoid here? I would let it go for now. If she becomes more explicit in the future then I would say you need to tell her she is behaving unprofessionally and you feel uncomfortable.

Answer 8

Nothing. Unless you have $5,000.00 to $10,000.00 to shell out to an attorney to file a suit - and most wouldn't do it because they know they won't win.

Recognize that she thought she was being funny, and let it go. I'm sure she would never have done anything intentionally to upset you. If it's that important to you, have a polite, adult conversation with her about it and clear the air.

Answer 9

If she knew you were a practicing homosexual then she should have been wearing a face shield over a haz-mat suit. You should warn people that you're a practicing homosexual and a member of a high risk aids group. You're lucky she doesn't sue you!

Answer 10

If she did not know you were gay, or even if she did, that does not necessarily mean she was referring to that. You are likely reading too much into it. There is NOT necessarily anything sexual about that comment at all, especially if she did not know your sexual orientation. So I wouldn't do anything. I think you are overreacting.

Answer 11

Nothing, it's not sexual harassment, however it is unprofessional. perhaps you would consider changing dentist. If not totally ignore it. Just because your Gay don't take it as an insult. She may just be ignorant.