I get so tired of the presumption that we queer people are so inherently offensive that we should be discreet about who we are.

You know, I was just released from the hospital after about a week's stay for what turned out to be quite a serious illness. Before my neighbor drove me home, I had to go pick up prescriptions at the supermarket that houses the pharmacy I use.

Let's just say I was a hot mess, and looked it. Disheveled, wearing mismatched surgical scrubs, a hospital ID bracelet, and in a mobility scooter because I was in too much pain to walk.

Nearing the end of my shopping, a young man approached me and asked if I was okay. "No, not really," I said. "Not right now, anyway, but I will be okay, and I thank you very much for asking. That's so kind."

Long story short: He dropped to his knees and prayed to Jesus for my healing. There's more to it than that, but I won't bore you with all the details. I got a bit snippy with him, really, though I was civil.

But there's this: He's the kind of Christian who doesn't hesitate to wear his religious identity on his sleeve. He's proud of it. He's open. He probably feels morally superior. (I could be wrong about that.) But you know what? Religious people just like him are usually the exact same people who complain that our genuine queer identities and realities offend THEM.

Sigh.