Those of you that know me personally know that I'm a goverment employee and held to a pretty high standard as far as work ethics go. I'm sworn to do my duty and failing to do so can get me into trouble. That said, its a pretty easy going job, outside of firefighting and uasually pretty fun.

Today, I went to visit a rural landowner who owned a farm, and wanted a forest management plan on his timber. We do several of these plans each week, and they're uasually pretty mundane. Look at the trees, determine their health, age, stocking, density, etc, and write a report that reflects what should be done to improve the health of the forest.

Shortly after meeting the farmer, he mentions a gay pride parade that he saw on the news, and makes the comment "I saw them faggots all marching on TV. I dont call 'em gays. I call 'em faggots and queers. I dont know what yall think about them, or even care what anyone thinks about it, but I do know what the Bible says about it..." He rambled on for a few moments before my coworker changed the subject to other things.

At first, I was a bit suprised, and then hurt. I was here to serve this man, and he insults me, even if indirectly. In this situation, what should I have done? Should I asked him questions, to determine why he felt that way, and then point out other "things the bible says?" or should I simply have refused to conduct his exam and left? Prior to this, me and this landowner have got along very well, as he's on one of the fire departments I work with on a regular basis. Would I have been better served to simply tell him that I'm gay and I find his comments offensive?

Not really sure what I should have done, or really what I should feel about this. Any advice, insight, or even any comment is welcomed.