When you display your personal opinions, people are surely going to have something to say about it. When it comes to whether or not certain groups should have rights, these views and opinions become especially imperative. One Massachusetts hair salon and bookstore decided to be verbal about their support of the LGBTQ+ community by displaying a pride flag. However, that didn’t stop one man from barging into their business and trying to intimidate them for their beliefs.
From first look, hair salon and bookstore Moon Lily (@thebostonbakedbean) appears to be a place for everyone in the community. They are sensory-friendly and accepting of all people of all ages. Of course, even having a shop with the most welcoming environment doesn’t keep the most unwelcoming people away. The owner found this out through an interaction she had when a Massachusetts man barged into her shop. It was all caught on camera.
The video shows the owner having a conversation with a co-worker. Suddenly, a man wanders up to their business and pulls open the front door. Before they even have a chance to fully greet him, he asks, “Any reason you fly that flag still?” When the owner asks, “Sorry?” for him to repeat himself, he asks again, “Any reason you fly that flag still?” He’s referring to the pride flag they have outside their business, of course.
The owner immediately responds by saying, “Yeah” as firmly as possible while keeping direct eye contact. The man stands in their doorway and stares at them, but says nothing. Then, he turns around and walks back out of the store. It’s likely that he wasn’t going to come and buy something in the first place. He just wanted to say something.
The owner of the shop said, “Clearly the thing he can’t stand more than pride flags up year-round is when women make direct and uncomfortable eye contact. Back to your mom’s basement, huh?” I’m sure it felt satisfying to watch him retreat down the street with nothing to say. Also, it’s not unheard of or abnormal to see a pride flag displayed at a business in Massachusetts.
One commenter stated, “’Yeah.’ Complete sentence. No elaboration or explanation was PERFECT.” Another commenter said, “’Still’ is so sinister. Like ‘oh you’re still brave enough to have this up even after all this fear we’re trying to instill?’” Perhaps he thought the only time you can display the flag is during Pride Month. No matter his reasons, this shop owner stood her ground and you have to give her credit for that.
