Does it matter?

It's a Friday evening, and once again I find myself sat isolated from the real world by little more than my front door, which refuses to open for there is nothing on the other side except a whiteness. An emptiness, which is inhospitable and cold, and so I sit and I wait.

But what am I waiting for? The trouble I presume is that I was born with a bond so close that nothing since has filled the gap that is there when my twin isn't here, and so I don't bother.

On the way home from work, my mood wasn't helped by both feeling like shit, along with getting onto the train and having my gender questioned by someone who has no reason to know how I identify. 

The correct response to this question, no matter who you are is simply: "Does it matter?"

I'm saying this as an openly gay man who, whilst not offended by the suggestion that I may be female, is astounded that my peroxide hair and boyish stubble that refuses to grow into a proper beard was enough to confuse this poor soul.

The truth however, is that we live in a society where we are defined by not our own ideals, but the ideals others think we should live by.

Just a few days ago, Jacob Rees-Mogg said that abortion is not acceptable in any case, as well as his belief that equal marriage is wrong. And as common folk, we are supposed to accept this, to live under the doctrine and teachings which have existed time immemorial.

Quite frankly, in a liberal society, we need to strive to a mutual acceptance of difference. An acknowledgement that each of us is just as unique as we are common, and we all have something to give to society.

When confronted with abuse such as the kind I received tonight on my way home, and that of homophobia, racism, sexism, et cetera, we must not suffer in silence. Decent people must say something, not to provoke, but to shut down those who are bullies, cowards and often uneducated.

Not one person on the DLR looked up, as this guy raised his voice on the train. Maybe it's because I look as if I'm strong enough to tackle and not be affected by the comments. Maybe it's because they just don't want to get involved. But what if the person being abused couldn't stand up for themselves?