purple

Live and let live, fool.

Above, Mr. Shirvell (whose surname could be accurately transposed to Shrivel) complains that the Univ. of Michigan's gay class president is using his position as a bully pulpit to promote a "radical homosexual agenda." Meanwhile, the only person maniacally promoting a radical agenda is Mr. Shirvell himself.

The most frustrating part of bigotry is that it introduces insecurity into the victim's life. Blacks have to parse words for hidden meanings and gays have to lose their sense of humor. Women have to harden themselves and Muslims have to hide their faith.

Every day, I hasten through the City with a disregard that borders on freedom. I'm mostly unconcerned with everyone else and I'm fairly assured that everyone else has a similarly laissez-faire view towards me. It's something I appreciate when I'm wearing wellies (they're not cute, damnit) or singing on my bike. And I miss all the unaffected New Yorkers when I step outside our area codes only to realize that I'm not wearing the uniform or speaking the language.