How is forcing firemen to participate in a Gay Parade & subjecting them to sexual taunts not sexual harrasment

Question

Captain Gioto in San Diego is filing suit on behalf of his fellow firemen because their lesbian supervisor ordered them to march in the Gay Parade. They got subjected to statements like, "Show me your hose"... and worse. CNN News and others are trying to portray him as an overly sensitive jerk. But if this was a woman forced to march in front of guys yelling out, "Show me your ****"... or worse, the entire world would be up in arms. Tell me where I'm wrong.

Gioto said in today's interview on CNN Headline News that he felt directly threatened about his potential for promotion if he didn't participate in the parade.

Teresa...look at what you wrote...So that fact that firefighters might get other types of obscenities directed at them, they should not be offended by the sexual ones directed at them during the parade...I mean...come on!

Tony...If you are ordered to march in a parade...or whatever...that is a job-related situation.

BTW...I don't for a moment think that all gays would sanction such harassment. Otherwise, I would not have posted it in this section. I would hope that those who are AGAINST sexual harassment of ANY kind would protest this situation. And obviously, it would be much more meaningful for organizers of such events to hear it from Gay advocates...not homophobes and other types of bigots.

Right is right...and wrong is wrong. This situation appears to be WRONG by any definition of the phrase.

Answer 1

I believe it would be considered sexual harassment since they were appearing in the parade under the orders of their supervisor. According to the link below and others I have read, there were objections to participation in the parade and yet they were still told that their participation was mandatory, therefore job related. I don't think they should have to participate in any parade that conflicts with their political or religious stances or personal values. That goes outside the realm of their duties.

By definition, sexual harassment is unwelcome sexual gestures, inuendo or language present in the workplace making the environment hostile to the receiver. The language and gestures were sexual, unwelcome and occurred while performing their official duties ordered by a supervisor. Sounds cut and dry to me.

Answer 2

I'm sure firefighters get obscene suggestions yelled at them no matter what kind of parade they march in... the fact that this this fireman minds the comments coming from men instead of women is just a sign of his own homophobism and hypocrisy.
Firefighters are traditionally a very macho group, and it's possible his lawsuit stems from this man's dislike of having a female (much less a lesbian) supervisor.
And I'm sure he had an option about marching in the parade, otherwise he would have refused to march and filed suit against her anyway. The supervisor isn't responsible for what other people yell, only for her own actions.

Answer 3

Whether the parade was a Christmas Parade that a Jew or Muslim didn't want to participate in, or a Gay parade is irrelivant.

These men should not have forced to participate in an optional parade.

You may be right about how this is spun based on the bias of the "spinner."

Answer 4

First, the San Deigo Fire Department has been participating in teh Pride events for 15 years. Second, the femal boss's sexual orientation has nothing to do with the charges. Third, they were not forced. Fourth, they are not filing a civil lawsuit, they are filing a complaint with the Department of Fair Employment and Housing which they are required to do. That department will determine if there is sufficient evidence to move forward. So while sexual harrassment has been alleged, it has not been proven. There are alot of emotions running high over this and it is best to let the authorities take their time. Neither you nor the media should prosecute this case.

Answer 5

I agree, that is wrong. I would not want to be paraded in front of straight women. I agree with the law suit. I have no idea what the woman was thinking -- but I doubt it had anything to do with being a lesbian, and more to do with "giving them theirs" for the way women sometimes get treated.

But seriously, as a gay man, I sympathize with the firemen.

Reyn
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Answer 6

I don't know how you should tell him, but you must talk to him ,let him know you have a boyfriend and you do not cheat. I am near the age of him.....I would NEVER ask a 20 yr out on a date. If I took a 20 yr old to lunch it would be like a father -daughter thing only, and I can see I could care for her in a "fatherly way" BUT that's just all wrong if he means it in a romantic way! And touching your chest...you know you would not clean him up like that if he spilled water on him would you,( unless you were really flirting).I say talk to him! Be sure he does not have the wrong idea.If that doesn't work hang a mirror up in his office! LOL

Answer 7

Assuming that your report is accurate, you're not in the wrong! Their supervisor is a small minded idiot, lesbian or not! You only march in a Gay Pride Parade if you feel you have a reason to stand up for diversity and it is your choice to do so! The supervisor should be sued--and should lose her job!!!

Answer 8

I do see ur point becuz it is wrong 2 force someone into participating things that they don't feel comfortable in and i think they should do something about it.But as that guy sayed before it doesn't portray all of us just a small portion.

Answer 9

I am no legal expert, but I believe the term "sexual harrassment" is reserved solely and exclusively for the work-place environment. In other words, because they were not technically at their place of employment when these offensive phrases were uttered, it may not qualify under the law at least, as "sexual harrassment".

Answer 10

You're right. It is wrong for that person to make them march in that parade. However, this person does not represent GLBT on a whole.