Anti-Gay Viewer Tells Reporter ‘I Can’t Stand Your Gayness’ – Here’s His Inspiring Response
Local Arkansas Reporter Mitchell McCoy Shares an Email From an Angry Viewer
Little Rock, Arkansas reporter for KARK 4 News Mitchell McCoy (photo) shared an email he received from an angry viewer, and his response was perfect. The viewer didn’t share his or her name, but they did share their homophobia.
Saying the before McCoy joined KARK the station was “reputable,” the anti-gay viewer wrote, “I have been holding back for months, but I can’t stand your gayness.”
“You are on television every night and our children should not be watching people like you. You are a disgrace to Arkansas and I will be asking your boss to take you off.”
“Do not be offended, but society is not ready for gay men reading news,” the bigot concluded.
McCoy chose to post the email to Twitter, and respond.
“I get many emails but this tops it,” McCoy tweeted. “I’ve dreamt of being a reporter since I was 9 and I won’t stop on your behalf.”
I get many emails but this tops it. I’ve dreamt of being a reporter since I was 9 and I won’t stop on your behalf. pic.twitter.com/gyFCRHfPHi
— Mitchell McCoy (@MitchellMcCoy) May 23, 2016
He also offered these inspiring words:
…is the minute you stop being who you are. It’s not worth it. #DreamOn #StepUpStopBullying
— Mitchell McCoy (@MitchellMcCoy) May 23, 2016
As for his boss taking him off the air, that anti-gay viewer is out of luck.
“Mitch is a great journalist,” KARK news director Austin Kellerman tells Arkansas Online, “and we’re happy to have him on our team.”
McCoy also received a lot of support on Twitter – over 100 messages of support – including from CNN’s Don Lemon:
@MitchellMcCoy keep on keeping on. Don’t let anyone get you down. There will always be haters. Make them your motivators. 👊ðŸ¾
— Don Lemon (@donlemon) May 23, 2016
And others:
@MitchellMcCoy “Society is not ready for a gay man reading the news”
Anderson Cooper, Don Lemon, Thomas Roberts
— Michael Watts (@mjwatts1983) May 23, 2016
@MitchellMcCoy Robin Roberts hosts GMA
Rachel Maddow has been a news host for nearly 8 years
— Michael Watts (@mjwatts1983) May 23, 2016
@MitchellMcCoy Keep going! Some 9yo in your town right now has the same goal and is inspired by you.
— JenHen (@jenhen) May 23, 2016
@MitchellMcCoy you’re an inspiration to LGBT youth. Good to see good role models in the public eye.
— Tyler Harrison (@jtylerharrison) May 24, 2016
@MitchellMcCoy @JamesAllenGrady I’m so sorry people suck. Your public face helps LGBT ppl throughout your state. Thank you!! #equality
— William Southerland (@wmsoutherland) May 23, 2016
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Image via Facebook
Hat tip:Â Travis Gettys/Raw Story
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