All Comments on 'The Pretender Ch. 09'

When I saw the description as "complications" I was worried that Michael and Daniel were going to get into a fight, but I'm actually happy that Daniel came out to his parents and hopefully he can work at a place where he is accepted for being him.

I loved it, can't wait to see what happens next. I've heard the words Pray the gay away" when my son grandmother decided to announce in front of the whole church that he was gay. I was pissed. He's never been back to church since. So I can understand Daniel's situation.

There's something I really find touching about your writing. An honesty and tenderness to it. Do continue, because I am intrigued and want to read more. Thank you for sharing your stories.

*raising my hand

Can't the clinic or I wonder WILL the clinic get in trouble for this?

Definite thumbs up for Daniel for following his heart. But man that sucks- losing his job and coming out to his phobic parents on the same day. Go get your man!

I enjoyed this chapter almost as much as the others but you're left open issues and questions. The clinic's handbook is obriously illegal and could be challenged but will Daniel do so? The bigger question...even though Daniel woke Michael up in the middle of the night, Michael seems very reserved and not all that thrilled the Daniel is in his bed. Where is Wesley? I am very concerned when your story outline is headed. I hope I am wrong.

The clinic violated all sorts of federal laws by firing Daniel, and it can't be explained away because they aren't a religious organization. As for Michael's reaction, I'm going to assume he's in shock due to being awakened and Daniel's news.

I don't think Daniel wants to work in a place that's so homophobic, but I think he should consult an attorney and at least sue them. There wasn't even an incident report, just a warning. Totally illegal.

Actually, and outrageously, cliffgirl08, since the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) has never passed Congress, the clinic's motivation in firing Daniel would not have broken federal law. Existing federal non-discrimination policies only apply to federal employees. In fact, in 19 states, it is still entirely legal to fire someone for being gay! In an additional ten states, non-discrimination policies only apply to the public sector; private employers are exempt. However, employment discrimination on the basis of orientation has been illegal in Wisconsin since 1982, so Daniel would probably have a legal case against the clinic if he chose to pursue it. The question is, would it be worth it, since they'd probably just counter with a public indecency charge for making out with Michael in the park, making the issue out to be his "inappropriate" behavior rather than his orientation.

(Source: Wikipedia, "LGBT employment discrimination in the United States")

Case or no case, would you want to work at a place where everyone hated you?

Thanks for explaining this to me, ikhneumon. It is so wrong.

Add my thanks, as well. I will never understand why people are so concerned with who someone else sleeps (or doesn't sleep!) with.