Being queer in America has become increasingly challenging. While it’s not illegal to be gay, there are still many people who seem more than willing to pick fights with LGBTQ+ individuals. Some see the mere existence of queer people as threatening and believe that verbally harassing, or even physically confronting, them is acceptable. For one gay man from Missouri, known online as ZacharyWillmore, this reality hit close to home during a routine trip to a public restroom. While he was simply going about his business, another man took issue with him being there because he was wearing makeup. Sensing trouble, the gay man began recording the interaction. The other man, rather than backing down, waved at the camera and started verbally berating him.
He mocked ZacharyWillmore, calling him a girl for wearing makeup. He criticized the gay man for putting “pearls” on his face, showing his chest, and dressing in a feminine way. The Missouri man also commented on ZacharyWillmore’s belly button ring, seemingly unable to tolerate the gay man simply expressing himself. ZacharyWillmore calmly defended himself, explaining that he had chosen that restroom to avoid any confrontation. He pointed out how absurd the situation was, noting that some bigots do not want transgender women to use women’s bathrooms, yet they also seem opposed to gay men using men’s bathrooms. At one point, he even asked whether they expected him to relieve himself on the floor.
ZacharyWillmore wasn’t the only target. Another Missouri man in the restroom joined in by making faces and mocking him, further escalating the verbal harassment. When the video of the incident was shared online, people were outraged on behalf of the gay man. Many viewers found the reactions of the men ridiculous, noting that ZacharyWillmore was simply using the restroom while minding his own business. Others highlighted how strange it was that the men were so fixated on his appearance rather than focusing on themselves.
“That other guy is in the closet,” one user commented. Another wrote, “The bigoted dude sounds angry for being attracted to him. Not every homophobe is a closeted gay, but this one definitely is.”
Some viewers reflected on the broader issue of respecting others’ boundaries. “I see gay and transgender people the same as I see people who put mustard on hamburgers. I don’t do it, I don’t get it, but I don’t mind if you do it. It’s none of my business. Why can’t people just mind their own business? It’s literally the easiest thing in the world to do,” one person wrote.
