Queer Queries | Reading Reddit Stories

- Hello and welcome to "Smosh Reads Reddit Stories.". I'm Shayne, and today's episode is our Pride episode. And I am joined by two guests (playful music). who are dying. - Tired. (Shayne laughing) (audience member laughing). - It's just been such a long Pride Month. - I haven't slept. - 'Cause so many parties, parades, I got waving to the people. - Sounds exhausting. - There's glitter in places. I didn't know it could be glitter in. (Shayne and audience members laughing).

- You gargled a little with the 'I.'. (all laughing). - Oh my god! We are filming this before Pride Month. But I hope you both had a wonderful Pride Month. - It was awesome this year. - Hell yeah. - It was so good this year. (audience member laughing). - [Shayne] Hell yeah. - Yeah. - It is May as we're recording this, do you already have plans of any sort? - No. - I booked. Oh, wait, what? (all laughing). - What? - Two types of gay. - I just let pride happen to me. - Okay. - I'm a passenger pride, you know?

- [Shayne] Very cool. - That's awesome. - Yeah, what do you have booked? - Just a bunch of parties. - That's awesome. - Yeah. - Hell yeah. - Yeah. - [Shayne] Very cool. - I'll take any invitations. that are available. - Okay. - Alright. - Okay. - Well, all of these stories are gonna be a little gay. - Ew. (Shayne laughing). - Alright, let's hop into our first story. This comes from AmItheAsshole. "Am I the asshole for sending pink envelopes?".

- Pink? (audience member laughing). - Yeah. - Oh. - It's got pink on the cover. No, she's the color pink, I think. - Pink is not gay, but she is. (Shayne laughing). - Pink is not gay. - "I sell Pokemon cards on eBay as a side job.". - Oh. - "I have been doing it. "way before the rush on Pokemon cards was a big thing. "When I mail out my cards, "I like to send them in different colored envelopes.

"to stand out. "The colors are red, blue, pink, green, and yellow. "They're randomly picked, "and using different colors. "helps me remember who has what order. "I have never gotten a complaint before. "and thought it was a great idea. "So when your letter arrives, it's a fun experience. "instead of just getting a plain white envelope. "I had an order for a card. "that was randomly put in a pink envelope. "and mailed off to the buyer. "About a week or so later, "I got a message on eBay from the buyer. "asking me not to send him pink envelopes. "because pink is for girls, "and he doesn't want his neighbors. "to see him carrying a pink letter.".

- Yeah. - Yeah, you tell him. (laughing). - "About a week goes by and I add more items to my eBay, "and this person bought more things from me, "about 10 different cards. "I don't remember him from all the other orders, "so one of his packages gets sent in a pink envelope. "I had a lot of orders that week. "and a lot of people got pink envelopes. "along with different colors. "I'm also sure another one of his orders. "was sent in a blue one. "He messages me again, "furious that I have sent him another pink envelope. "He informed me that he would not buy from me again. "if the next envelope was pink.

"His message also included, "'I don't want another pink letter, "'only send me colors associated with the American flag, "'so only reds and blues.'" - What? - "'If it's on the gay flag, I don't want it.'. "Weird because the pride flag is a rainbow, but I digress. "So about two weeks later he ordered about 20 cards, "which is over the weight limit. "for eBay standard card shipping. "So I broke his order down into separate orders. "Cards were bought in different orders of five. "so it was easy to do. "I had a buy-three-get-two-free deal.

"I decided I didn't want this person. "to go without his pink envelopes any longer, "so I sent him five separate pink letters for his cards.". - That's awesome. - "Now where I think I might be the a-hole. "was when talking to my girlfriend. "She defended him saying, 'He could have been in the closet. "'and you exposed him to his family.'. "I tried to show her the messages. "where I don't think that is the case.". - Wait, wait, wait, wait, wait, say that again. - She said, his girlfriend said, "He could have been in the closet, "and you exposed him to his family.". - For having a pink-.

- When you get a pink envelope they go, "Oh!". - Well, it's like at Hogwarts, you know, you get pink envelopes, it's like, "You're gay.". - "You're a wizard, you're gay, Harry.". - And the owl shows up and goes, "You!". Not a "hoo," "you.". The sorting head is like, "(beep), got me!". (all laughing). - "Got me, I guess so." - "Got me. "And I've been sorted.". - "Girl, we're getting you sorted.". (all laughing).

- "I tried to show her the messages. "where I don't think that is the case. "So then she said, "'Maybe he doesn't wanna be made fun of by his neighbors, "'and now he will.'. "But now I feel bad that he did ask. "to not get them sent anymore, but I decided to be petty. "So Reddit, am I the asshole?". - It's Pokemon cards. - Yeah. - Sorry, did we forget that it's Pokemon cards. - Period. - [Shayne] Yeah. - He's worried about his fragile American masculinity. and he's like, "I order Pokemon cards by the single.". - And it's like Butterflee or whatever, Butterfly, whatever. - Butterfree. - Yeah. - Yeah, also the colors.

can all be linked to different types of Pokemon. - I was like, "Is he's ordering Fairy-type Pokemon cards?". - Exactly. - [Shayne] Yeah. - I don't think he's ordering Fairy-type Pokemon. - He's like, "Those don't exist in my eyes.". - He has a dartboard with Sylveon on it. - Yeah. - Nice, nice. (Shayne laughing). - That's wild. - This is ridiculous. - "Only send me reds and blues. "None of that, none of the ones on the gay flag.". It's like, reds and blues are on-. - It's on the gay flag. - Yeah. - I think every color is on there. - That's what a rainbow is, yeah. - Yeah. - Yeah. - What were you gonna say him? (audience member laughing).

- I just can't even fathom it. Like, it doesn't even make sense to me. How antiquated is the idea that pink is a girl color, but also, it's an envelope. What does it have to do, you're throwing it away. You're opening it, and it's two seconds. - Yeah. - You're not even keeping the envelope. It's going straight into the trash. or recycling. - Yeah. - He probably doesn't recycle, honestly. - No, probably not. Yeah, it's not his choice. what the letters he gets in the mail are. But, I mean, this is how fragile.

masculinity is to some people, so. - It is bonkers. - Yeah. - I have such trouble understanding that, I don't know why, I can't understand it. - The amount of confinements guys put on themselves. of like, "Well, that's gay, and that's gay, "and I can't do that.". And it just keeps building every year, and they can't do anything at this stage. Like, it's nuts. - Yeah, straight men can't do anything. - They can't do anything. (audience member laughing).

- Damn! - I remember a few years ago, I think I've told this story before, but a few years ago I was on a set, and there was like, it was a set where a lot of the crew were like older guys, and it was me and a couple actors, we're all like the same age. But one of the actors had just moved into a new apartment. and he was talking about, he was like, "Yeah, I'm gonna keep it totally clean.". He's like, "That's my goal. "is to keep my place super clean.". And this old sound guy's like, "Well, you don't wanna keep it too clean, "'cause then people will think you're gay.". And we were just like, "What?" (laughing).

And then he luckily, my friend responded, he is like, "Well, I'm gonna keep it gay clean all the time.". - Yeah. - That's awesome. - Yeah, but truly a lot of guys think that way, like, keeping yourself put together is seen as gay. - That's so very 90s. - Like, being well dressed, all these things, like, good hygiene. They label everything, and so some of them do it on purpose. Like, they have their life a mess. out of fear of being seen as something else.

- But I see it as like an enhancement. It's like, "Yes, now I'm gay clean. "That's like bonus points.". - Yeah. - You know what I mean? Like, I have gay hygiene. Well, that's like a good thing for a straight guy. (conversation overlapping). - You're straight and you take care of yourself, I'm in. - Whoa, yeah. (audience member laughing). - It's so funny. Like, all the advice like straight men give to each other, all the women that I know are like, "Why are you doing that?". - Yes, exactly. - It's so funny. Verdict was, "Not the asshole.". Comments, "Not the asshole, this is hilarious.

"Your girlfriend is wrong. "Even if he is closeted, "nobody in their right mind is going to assume. "that because somebody mailed him a pink envelope, "that he's secretly gay. "You have not outed him by sending him pink envelopes.". Someone said, "Not the asshole. "The guy sounds like a mess. "of a bigoted fragile masculinity if the color pink. "or anything from the gay flag offends him, "even if," big IF, "He's in the closet, "how is a pink envelope to a stranger you outing him? "And why would his neighbors. "be paying attention to his mail like that? "Your girlfriend's scenario seems pretty farfetched. "Let's not forget.

"he could have stopped ordering and he didn't.". Lastly, someone said, "Not the asshole, "masculinity so fragile. "that he cannot carry a pink envelope. "from his mailbox to his door. "Yeah, you are a little petty, "but it's such a nothing burger. "that it's difficult to care about something like that. "Red and blue are on the pride flag, pink is not. "So you were literally doing what he asked. "Your girlfriend is also being silly. "When I was in the closet, I could carry a pink envelope.". - Yeah. - Update! - Oh. - Oh, he's gay. Sorry, he's blind. (all laughing). - There it is.

- I'm actually really wondering where this is gonna go. "Sorry, this update took this long, "but what better time than Pride Month? "To clarify some things, the cards are safe in the mail. "They're in a card saver penny sleeve. "and taped to cardboard so they do not move. "The shipping is way cheaper that way. "by like a $3 difference. "If the total card value is under 20, "they can be shipped that way. "This took its weirdest turn. "I honestly did not see it coming. "So he finally got all his pink envelopes in the mail. "and decided to complain to eBay. "about how I was being aggressive. "and forcing pink envelopes on him.

"The eBay team contacted me. "and wanted to either give him a refund. "or just return the item. "I told them if he wants to return the latest items, "I would be happy to take them back. "So they informed this person. "that I was willing to accept the return. "This man never returned the cards. "but claimed he did and wanted a refund. "Because there was no shipping information. "nor did I ever receive a package, "I did not have to return the money. "He then messages me. "about how I am not only ripping him off, "but also shoving the, "and I quote 'gay agenda' down his throat. "On eBay, when you send a message to a seller,

"you can also attach pictures if needed. "for the return process or whatever it may be. "He sent pictures of him. "burning the pink envelopes in his fire pit. "while sitting in a lawn chair. "with an American flag in his hand. (audience member laughing). "Now I read every single reply to my last post, "and while I agree I was being petty, "I cannot let this go without being petty right back. "So I found every order he placed. "and tallied it up to the exact amount. "I would say approximately $30. "Look online for the LGBTQ+ charities.

"and nonprofits near me or online to donate to. "I donated his entire amount to one of them. "under his first name. "and sent him a picture of the donation. "I hid it within the message letting him know. "I never received his return of these items. "I have not heard from him since. "And I have blocked him from purchasing from me again. "A lot of you have asked about my girlfriend. "and why she took his side, "and a lot of you said that was not very healthy. "We had a big argument. "about how she's taking not only a stranger's side, "but a homophobic one at that. "Come to find out she did not care about this person,

"but just wanted a justified reason. "to leave me for her coworker.". - Oh my God. (audience member laughing). - And now, part two, part two. - And a bus hits him. (audience member laughing). - "So that was a twist I was not prepared for.". - What? - "I will not get too much into that, "but she was looking for any reason she could beyond this. "to justify her actions.". - Whoa, what? - Jesus! - You're gonna leave us with that? - When the B plot is way crazier. (all laughing). - Yeah. - Yeah, what the hell? - Holy crap, all right. Well, man, sending a photo of you burning the letters.

Like, the amount of work. - It's so much energy. - The amount of work people put into stuff. I'm like, "Dude.". - I'm like, "Go take a shower.". - This man owns American flags that he just holds in photos. - Of course. - Like, dude? - When you lean into negative, hateful energy, you get a little burst of like, "Yeah.". But then you taint your brain with it. - Taint. - Taint. And then you're stuck with it.

And then if you keep doing it, it's like, you need to take a step away from hate. - Yeah. - Yeah. - People who get so angry, it's like, "Take a breath, take a step away. "Feel that lightness and then lean into that.". It just blows my (beep) mind. Also, we can cross that off the gay agenda. - Yeah. - Cross what off of it? - We got him, with the pink envelopes. - Oh, we got 'em. - We did it, we got 'em. - I just love that in the process of this guy. trying to prove to this guy that he's not gay, he staged an entire photo shoot.

- That's pretty (beep) gay. - That's gay. - I was like, "You did all of this, (laughing). "you got a flag, you're lighting a fire, "and you sit there and you take the photo,". and then what do you do after you take the photo? - Like, hell yeah, edit it. - He just, like-. (all laughing). - He takes it to Lightroom. - He's like putting filters on it. (laughing). - Yeah, yeah, he's, like, Facetuning. (all laughing). - He's like, "Shit, I'm fat.". (Shayne laughing). - Holy crap, oh man. - Wow. - Alright.

- I wanna know what cards he bought. - I know. - Yeah. - Yeah, what's his taste in Pokemon like, you know? - That's- - What's that, Mochump? - Machamp. - Machamp. - Machamp, oh yeah, buff guy Pokemon. - Yeah. - Yeah, in a Speedo. - [Audience Member] The Keys? - The Keys. - Keys, Klefki. - Klefki is actually pretty goated. - Yeah. - Pretty good Pokemon. - It's a key? - It's a key. - He's a ring that holds keys. - But it's kind of a bullshit Pokemon. 'cause it's Fairy-type and Steel. So it's resistances are pretty nuts.

- Oh. - I thought that you know that. - Can he, like, hit you? - It can hit you, but it, like, you have more Pokemon stuff then. - Oh. - Yeah. If you have dragons, you can't do shit against it, it sucks. - And you'd think as dragons you'd be able to do something. - Anyways. (audience member laughing). Our next story comes from AmItheAsshole. "Am I the asshole for telling my friend. "that I've accidentally been sleeping with her fiance?". - How does that happen? - I think I know how this happens.

- Well, I guess she has to not, he's never met the fiance. - Have never met the fiance. - He's never met the fiance. - Sure. - It has to be that. - Let's see. (vocalizing). - Or it's like a Clark Kent situation. - Yeah. - Some glasses. - If there was like, okay, hold on. If there was, like, a gay person that had a straight alter ego. or a straight person that had a gay alter ego. - I mean, I feel like people. - I think a lot of gay people did that for a while. at the beginning of their life. - But at the same time, at the same, oh.

(all laughing). - "Hoo, boy, that's a hell of a title, I'm aware. "I don't really know how to start this, "so I'll just get into it. "I'll preface this by saying that I, a 22-year-old man, "am very, very gay. "I was in high school when I met this friend, "and she was the cool older kid the year above me. "For all intents and purposes, "we'll call her Sienna, 23-year-old woman. "Now, after high school, I went to an out-of-state college, "while Sienna went to the local uni. "We kind of lost touch.

"other than the obligatory 'Happy Birthday'. "and 'Merry Christmas' texts. "So you can imagine my surprise. "when I got a text from my mom a few months ago. "saying that a wedding invitation from Sienna. "had gotten delivered to my parents' house. "Sure enough, a quick text to the lucky lady. "confirmed that she was getting married. "Her longtime partner, Marcus, 25-year-old man, "had finally proposed. "A summer wedding right in my hometown, "right when I and some of our other friends. "would be back in town from uni. "I was invited to one of the pre-wedding girls' nights. "because my life is that of the two-dimensional.

"comic relief gay side character, I guess. "And we got wasted, like, the kind of drunk. "where logic isn't even in the same dimension. "So when the topic of other people. "in the girls squad's relationships came up, "like, the genius I was, I whipped out my phone. "to show them the hot guy I've been hooking up with. "as just a dumb summer fling, who turned out to be Marcus.". - Yes! (Shayne laughing). Yes, this is what I wanna see. - "Kill me now to save me from the mortification.

"Rightfully so, Sienna lost her shit, fair. "No criticism from me. "But then she turned on me and started blaming me. "for ruining her wedding. "For clarification, "because I'm sure this will come up in the comments, "no, the wedding invitation did not have any photos on it. "It was one of those minimalist designs. "with over-the-top calligraphy, that's it. "Her socials only feature her. "I had no way of knowing what he looked like. "I don't personally think I was at fault here, "but here is where I think I messed up. "I very loudly, and to the entire club, drunkenly said,

"'It's not my fault your cheating fiance. "'likes getting his back blown out, Sienna.'". - Okay. (Shayne laughing). We had a little fun with that line. (all laughing). - I like it, add a little spice. - Put a little sauce on it. - Put a little sauce on it. (laughing). (Shayne laughing). - "I feel absolutely awful. "I don't wanna be the other woman, "technically guy, but you get it. "And I certainly don't wanna hurt a friend like that.

"I've tried apologizing a thousand times, "but she's not interested in talking to me, "which I totally get. "When confronted, "he confessed to not only hooking up with me, "but also eight different guys. "over the course of their four-year relationship. "The wedding's been called off. "Am I the asshole?". - No. - No. - No, okay. - He is. - So he's not asking if he's the asshole. for sleeping with the fiance, he's asking for-. - Saying that line?

- Well, I guess- - It's not his fault. - He says, "I don't think I personally, "I don't think I'm at fault here, "but here is where I think I messed up. "I very loudly, at the club, said, "'It's not my fault you're cheating fiance. "'likes getting his back blown out, Sienna.'". It's for saying that that he is asking. - If she's coming after him-. - They're also drunk. - All he's saying is, "It's not my fault that your boyfriend likes this.". That is not asshole behavior. That is saying, "Stop coming after me.". - Yeah. - Yeah. - "Because you are mad at your boyfriend.".

- [Shayne] Yeah. - Right. - He's not said anything. - [Shayne] Right. - There's no insult, there's no-. - Absolutely. - He's just fact. - He's not the asshole, Marcus is, and it's wide open. (Shayne laughing). - Nice. - Thank you, thank you. - They're also so drunk. He's like, "We are both trashed, we're at a party. "We just revealed some shocking information.". - Yeah. - I mean, whoa. Verdict, "Not the asshole.". - Absolutely. - Comments. "Yikes, you helped her dodge a bullet, for sure. "She's just upset now.

"But I hope that someday. "she realizes it was all for the best. "Not the asshole.". Someone said, "Not the asshole, "because how are you to know? "I do feel sorry for Sienna though.". Someone said, "She needs a scapegoat. "for her pain and betrayal. "and you were sitting right there. "What you said might have been a bit over the top, "but truth nonetheless. "Let her be and step back, and don't feel bad. "You're the innocent party in this cluster (beep). - Whoo, wow. - Yeah. - Yeah. - Oh my God. - Also, I love that they were like, "I'm just gonna call this woman Sienna.".

- [Shayne] Yeah. - "For the sake of this video, "I'm gonna call this woman a beautiful name.". - I know, I was like, "A good choice.". - Yeah. - Yeah. - We usually get the same names over and over again, but that was a good one, good poll. - Wow. - Was not Finn and Jake. - No, we had Finn and Jake in the last one. - That's awesome. - Yeah. Alright, our next story, AmItheAsshole. "Am I the asshole for telling our family and friends. "that my best friend has herpes. "because she outed me as a lesbian.". - Whoa. - Okay, so this is like a revenge story.

- All right, "I, a 25-year-old woman, "and my best friend, Emma, 26-year-old woman, "have been friends since elementary school. "And I honestly thought of her as a sister. "We tell each other everything, went to the same college. "And even though we have two different jobs, "we work in the same area. "Emma was my rock for years. "as I battled self-hate and depression. "due to growing up in a small conservative town. "as not only a person of color, but as a closeted lesbian. "Emma did not know I was a lesbian, "just knew that I was unhappy, "never staying long in relationships, self-isolation.

"And later I developed anorexia. "Emma was the one. "who suggested we go to an out-of-state college. "and later suggested we move out of state too. "I've gotten much better since then. "And for that I genuinely thank her. "About two years ago, "Emma contracted herpes from some guy she slept with. "and it has been very hard for her. "to land a boyfriend since then. "And it's made her very lonely. "She hasn't told her family or friends about it. "because she doesn't wanna be seen as gross. "Due to this I haven't really put myself in the dating field. "and have put off coming out. "Although about six months ago. "I met this girl at a craft store, long curly hair.

"Long curly hair, dressed in all black, "with big eyeliner and ruby lipstick. "I couldn't stop staring at her. "And I admit, when she smiled at me, "I kind of followed her around the store. "I know, creepy. "I eventually worked up the courage. "to just ask for her number and she gave it to me.". - That's awesome. - "I was so excited. "I started texting her that night. "and since then we have been hanging out a ton. "and I think she likes me back.". - Yay, cutie. (Shayne laughing). - "And I think she likes me back. "I was going to ask her out, "but since I live with Emma, "I decided I should come out. "since I will be bringing her around if the girl says yes.

"So after work, I sat her down and told her I was a lesbian. "I told her all the anguish I went through growing up. "because of my self-hate, "how I wish I could have told her earlier, "but I'd never found the right time. "But now that I was in love with someone, "I felt like I should tell her, "that she was the one person I trusted. "with this information. "She just stared at me in shock for a few seconds. "and then her face turned from shock to disgust. "She jumped back and accused me of being a pervert. "and how I was gross for being around her so much. "knowing I was gay, "even mentioning how she's gotten changed around me.

"and I'm no better than some creepy man. "I tried explaining I had no romantic feelings for her. "and I honestly had a crush on someone else. "She wouldn't buy it and locked herself in a room. "Later my phone started ringing off the hook, "and to my surprise, "there were tons of messages. "from my family and our friend group, "either calling me homophobic slurs. "or asking if it was true that I liked Emma. "My mother even called to scream at me a few times, "and apparently I'm disowned. "I started banging on the door. "and told her why the hell she outed me to everyone, "and she just started calling me a pervert again.

"So I was like, 'Oh, okay, fine, you wanna play, fine.'. "I had a pick of her diagnosis. "and sent it to her parents and our friend group. "According to the only friend who didn't crap on me, "people are talking more about Emma than me. "because she still shares stuff. "even though she has herpes. "Now they're grossed out and are accusing her. "of trying to infect them with her diseases, "along with some slut-shaming. "Now I'm looking for a new apartment. "and I'm still planning to ask the girl out this week, "but I was told by Emma's parents. "that I ruined her reputation. "and labeled their daughter as a dirty hoe.

"I feel bad, but I felt like she deserved it. "Though I know that a disease and sexuality. "are two different things, "so I'm wondering if I was really wrong to do that.". - Damn. - That's messy. - Ya, that's messy all around. - Who I think are the assholes. are just kind of all of her family and friends. who immediately, like, oh my God, you had a-. - Yeah, they're giving. - Were surrounded by awful people. - Yeah, what's it called when, mob mentality. - Yeah. - Yeah. - I feel bad.

The sad thing is it sounds like. this was what was going to happen no matter what. Like, she was stuck. - Yeah. - And I think that's probably why she was so miserable. She probably knew that nobody in her life. was gonna, like, be on her side. - Yeah, it also sucks. when, like, someone has a friend that they like, 'cause I know people who have come out to their, you know, same, you know, same-sex friend, and they're like, "Oh, so you've wanted to (beep) me all along?".

- Yeah. - And it's like, "No, what?". - Yeah. - I've seen multiple of those friends. It's like, "Why do you think it's all about you?". - Yeah. - It sucks when that happens, it's heartbreaking. - Yeah, it's a very odd, sudden change. 'Cause I've heard straight guys say that, right, where it's like, "Well, I just don't want them hitting on me.". It's like, "Why are you suddenly so hot?". - They didn't do that before. Yeah, why are you the hottest person ever now? - You complain about no women being with you, but now suddenly every guy though. - Right. - Like, "I know I'm every guy's type, so that's clearly,".

it's funny that it's suddenly becomes that. - It's so bizarre. - Yeah, this is deeply sad. - And the revenge of it all. It just never is that satisfying. - I think, like, in reading it, my initial reaction is like, 'cause feeling the emotion. and, like, she has bottled this up her whole life, she has this extremely vulnerable moment, and the absolute worst thing happens back to her. - The absolute worst thing. - So she lashes out and gets revenge.

I mean, in my eyes I'm just like-. - I don't blame her for that. - That is the response, that is the response. that's gonna happen. - It's not great, but I understand the reaction. - Yeah, 'cause, like, both of those things in a vacuum, horrible thing to do, right? To out someone for a disease that they have. or outing someone for their sexuality. The verdict is, "Everyone sucks here.". And I'm curious, I wanna read the comments 'cause I'm sure.

there's like nuance to that. - Yeah. - Like we're saying. - Someone says, "Everyone sucks here, "but you suck less than the others. "Emma is the for outing you. "And Emma's family are assholes. "for saying contracting herpes makes her a dirty hoe. "You retaliated against Emma. "in a way that you knew would hurt her, "which is perfectly understandable, "but still an asshole move. "She blew up your life though, and that's not fair at all. "I know you'll be okay. "Hearing slurs from your family and friends is terrible. "And I'm sorry that happened, "but they've revealed themselves as assholes.". - Yeah. - They were, I think, the worst out of everyone.

- A hundred percent. - 'Cause it's like, they find out the information about her, they immediately throw slurs at her, then they find out the information about her friend, and they immediately start throwing out the meanest things. I'm like, "God, what the hell is wrong with all of you?". - Where is the love? - Holy shit. - Bored people. - Someone else said, "I can see why you did what you did. "I'm sorry how much Emma has hurt you, "but it will get better once you move out. "and cut her from your life. "Good luck on your date with the girl.". Lastly, someone said, "Not the asshole, "I find it very interesting. "that her first reaction was disgust.

"about you possibly being attracted to her, "which is so typically ignorant. "She even told your friends that you're into her. "Like, how narcissistic is that?". - Yeah. - "Newsflash, lesbians aren't attracted. "to every woman they see. "and bisexuals aren't attracted to everything.". - Yeah. - Yep. - It also reminds me. of that episode of "Survivor" years ago. There's this gay guy and they were at tribal council. and they were gonna vote him out, and he was like, "You can vote me out, but,". I can't remember who his name was, but he was like, "Jesse is lying, Jesse is trans.".

And everyone's just like, "Oh, oh.". - I've seen this clip. - And he outed him as trans right there. And they were like, "Okay, you can't do that.". And they didn't even vote. They were just like, "You've gotta go.". You just outed someone on TV. - I've seen that clip, that clip is wild. - It's shocking. - Wild, it's gooped, it's gagged. - Oh my God. - Yeah. I feel like there was a huge follow up on that, like, Jeff Probst and everything, like, had a big thing. - Yeah. - [Shayne] Yeah. - They're like, "This is a safe space.". - A small little thing I wanted to add,

I feel like I've heard about this. of just like she meets this girl, they're texting. It's very clear she likes her, but it's like, "Oh, we're gonna go on dates. "I wonder if she likes me.". - It's like, "Clearly she does.". - It's so cute. - It's so cute. - It's very sweet. - "She texts me back every time, I hope she likes me.". - "She says she thinks I'm really cute. "and wants to be in a relationship with me. "So what are we?" - Right. - Update. - Whoa! - We'll see what this is. "This morning Emma's parents were at my door. "They flew out.

"because Emma is refusing to step back into our apartment. "So I let them come inside. "because I wasn't about to hold Emma's stuff hostage, "but I did something stupid. "See, they didn't really wanna speak to me, which was fine, "but I decided to just wait in my room until they left. "Emma and I have an emergency fund. "that had about $5,000 in it. "I put roughly 2.7k, they took it, the entire thing. "Once I noticed, I called them to give me back my money. "because not all of it is hers. "And they told me that because I earn more than Emma, "this was compensation for ruining her reputation. "I was like,

"'So is it okay that she tried to screw me over first?'. "Their response, "'Emma did not choose this disease, you choose yours.'. "These are the worst people on the planet. "I didn't even respond to that, I just hung up. "Honestly, I don't even care. "They didn't take anything else other than the money. "I genuinely don't wanna see them anymore. "Emma also has been cut off from her siblings. "because they have kids and she was kissing the babies. "without letting the parents know her diagnosis.". - What the (beep), Emma? - Oh my god. - "She also usually was not taking proper precautions. "during active outbreaks, so yeah.

"Now, none of her siblings want her around them. "because they feel betrayed. "Though, on a lighter note, "Ruby and I are officially dating.". - Yay, something positive. (palms clapping). - Thank God! (audience member laughing). "We went out to a fancy tie spot, watched a movie, "and then I took her to the water at the edge of the city. "I had some stupid playlists set up. "I was trying to tone it down, but I couldn't. "I was too excited. "I told her how beautiful I thought she was, "how I enjoyed spending time with her, "and if she was okay with it. "if I could take her out on a date sometime,

"I had a whole speech prepared. "But one of the comments told me I should be simple. "to not scare her.". - Oh, hush. - "She laughed at me, she said this was the first date. "So that was a yes. "I dropped her off at her house. "and she gave me a kiss before she left, "and I'm so happy, I've never kissed a girl before.". She writes a bunch of stuff. So yeah, "I actually give zero craps about the money. "I just want them out so I can start my new life. "Anyway, that was all, "thanks a lot for the advice and support.". That was a whole lot of awful and she got through it.

- Yeah. - Yeah. - [Shayne] Damn! - You don't wanna have to go through. a heavy change like that all at once. But on the other side it's brighter regardless. So I hope she and this other person. do more crafts and cute shit together. - And I feel like there's some magic with the money leaving. It's just like, "Just take it.". - It's like, yeah, it's gone. - "I'm paying it off." - It's released. - It's gone, it's gone. - Yes. - "I'm released from this, I paid for that.". - I do kind of respect her for that. because it's one of those things. where, like, something's so unfair, and it's like you're letting these shitty people. steal from you. But it's like she's kind of choosing herself.

in this situation and going, "You know what, I deserve to put this all away.". - And you're releasing yourself from negative interaction. and that more negative impact. You're just like, "It's gone now.". - Yeah, and you know, the hope is, like, in her new life, she's now going to find, she's going to now be able to create. a much better world around her. - Absolutely. - Whew. - Wow. - Those are demon people. - Absolute monsters. - That's wild.

- Oh my god, every step of the way. - Yeah, that was rough. - Wow, damn. But I think it goes without saying, obviously, as people should be not ashamed of their sexuality. At the same time, I think it should also be said. as far as like STDs and stuff, it's like, especially in Emma's case, although I don't wanna defend Emma as a human, it's not her fault for what she had, and it's not anyone's fault, and they shouldn't be ashamed of it. So I feel like that goes.

- But they should be taking precautions. - Exactly. - They should be taking precautions, absolutely. - Of course. - As with any disease, but, man. - Damn. - Wow. - Damn. - Damn. - Alright, next story. - Here we go. - (beep), some Pad Kee Mao, some Tom Kha. - I know, actually OP's the asshole. for mentioning Thai food. - Yeah, yeah. - [Shayne] When I'm really hungry. - Yeah. - Okay, next one comes from relationship_advice. "My son and his friend are a couple.

"How do I let them know it's okay? "Hello, Reddit, please bear with me. "regarding my formatting and things, "I have read the rules and things, "but I'm an old fart who is rather on the wrong side of 40, "so I'm not overly well versed. "in the art of efficient internetting. "My boy is 20 years old. "He's absolutely my pride and joy, "and there's nothing he could do. "that would ever make me love him less. "For the first half of his life, "I regrettably wasn't involved very much. "His mother and I parted ways. "when he was just a few months old, "and at the time, I was struggling with heroin addiction. "and was absolutely not as present in his life. "as I should have been.

"Nor was I suited to fatherhood at all. "I saw him at most two or three times a year. "for the first 12 years of his life. "I won't discuss details. "because that's his private story to tell, "but when he was 12 he revealed to me. "that he was being badly mistreated. "at the hands of his mother and her boyfriend. "Despite not being the best father at the time, "I didn't want my boy suffering anymore. "So I got myself cleaned up and sorted out. "in order to get full custody of him. "I've effectively been a single and sober father ever since. "And he has little to no contact with his mother. "He's everything a man could want his son to be. "He's uniquely kind and fiercely loyal.

"He's unflinchingly brave. "He's incredibly generous, "and despite the horrors he suffered as a child, "he's unfailingly positive and sunny to the last. "Somehow I, of all people, was bestowed with the honor. "of watching him grow from a sweet young boy. "to the greatest man I have ever known. "I cannot stress enough my pride in him. "When he was 18. "he got accepted into a top-ranking university. "on the other side of the country. "I was sad to see him go. "but simultaneously overjoyed. "that he got into his first choice. "and was starting a new chapter in his life. "He comes home once every other month. "and on the months he doesn't come home, "I go to visit him.

"He's doing well in uni, has made lots of friends, "and seems incredibly happy there, "which I'm obviously chuffed about. "Since his second year, "he's lived with his friend in a flat off campus. "I've strongly suspected since his early teens. "that my son is gay, "and I now more or less have confirmation that this is true. "and that his friend is actually his boyfriend. "So for this COVID-19 faf, "my son decided he'd rather come home and quarantine at mine. "than stay at his uni flat. "His friend, however, "would be left alone if my son came back,

"as he's a Canadian and his family are back over there. "And I gather. "he doesn't have the best relationship with them anyway. "He asked if it would be okay. "if his friend tagged along to my house, "and I said, 'Of course, no problem.'. "They've been back at mine for about six weeks now. "They think they're being subtle, I know, "but I've caught them doing coupley things. "on several occasions now. "The friend has slipped up a couple of times. "and called my son 'babe' and 'sweetie' in front of me, "which I pretended not to notice. "for the sake of saving embarrassment. "There have been nights. "where we'll be watching a film with the lights off, "and thinking I can't see,

"my son will have his arm around the friend. "One day I walked into the lounge. "and I'm positive they'd just been kissing. "and were trying to cover it, "though I admit I have no confirmation on that one. "The most solid evidence, however, came a few mornings ago. "I get up very early to go for runs in the morning, "hence why I'm making a Reddit post. "at five in the morning, ha ha. "As far as I was told, "my son was sleeping in his childhood room. "and his friend was in the guest room. "I don't know what possessed me to do so, "but on Tuesday morning. "I cracked my son's door open to check on him. "like I used to when he was a kid. "Lo and behold, they're both asleep,

"snuggled up together in my son's bed. "That's more or less solidified for me. "that they're together. "I didn't say anything, "just shut the door and went for my run. "And I haven't mentioned it to them yet. "What I want advice on is this, "how do I let my son and his boyfriend know. "that I'm okay with them being a couple. "and they don't have to feel. "like they have to sneak around in my house? "I want them to be comfortable here. "and I want them to know I support them both no matter what. "Or is that not a good idea? "Am I better off leaving it alone. "and waiting until they tell me themselves, if they ever do. "I obviously don't wanna force. "either of them outta the closet, but at the same time,

"I hate feeling as if they feel like they're being forced. "into the closet in my house. "What's my best course of action here?". - That's really sweet. - [Shayne] That's a sweet-. - It's really sweet. - [Shayne] Sweet, sweet situation. - I have what I would do. - Okay. - I don't feel like this is normal, but I would love if it were done to me, it's like a this, if he knows, like, he knows, right? They probably don't want. to sneak around. - Sure. - Right, they wanna be liberated from this.

- They want to be liberated in the right way. So it's like a casual, like, "Wait, you guys would make a really cute couple.". - Funny. (laughing). - That's actually so smart. "You guys really get along.". - "Have you thought about dating?". Like, why haven't you thought about that?". Turn it right about it on and make it that the normal is, "You guys are so close, why aren't you dating?". - Yeah, "It's so obvious and natural to me as your dad.". - Yeah. - Yeah. - 'Cause you would do that.

because my parents would always do that. with me and girlfriends that I had around. "Why don't you guys date?". Well, then why can't you do the same thing. with the two boys? - That's interesting. - Yeah. - I like that. - I think that, just to tag on that, have that conversation with just your son. - Yes. - You know? Let the son go to the boyfriend and be like, "Hey, my dad said that we should be dating. "Isn't that hilarious? "So I guess we're chill," you know? As opposed to including the third party who's, he doesn't really know the family as much. - Sure. - And yeah, I was thinking, that's way better than my idea.

My idea was just gonna be like, "Hey, you know I got a gift card to Outback Steakhouse, "and I figured you two could, you know, "have go on a date night or whatever, "'cause I'm not gonna go, I'm allergic to onions,". make some shit up, I don't know. But just be like, you know, send them on a date to be like, "Wait, what?". You know, you know? - [Shayne] yeah. - Just to be like, "Yeah, I don't care.". I don't know, just give any sign to be like, "I don't (beep) care.". - Yeah. - Yeah. - Some tactfulness. - Yeah. - Yeah. - Or, like, order some Pokemon cards. and get 'em in pink envelopes and be like, "Aren't these envelopes awesome?

"Aren't they the best?". (all laughing). - The best? - Aren't they the best and really cool? Comments, "You're an awesome dad. "I'm so glad you were able to clean up your life. "and become such an amazing father to your son. "I hope he knows and sees that too. "I'm a lesbian and I can totally relate. "You could also write a letter addressed to him if you wish. "I think that would be really sweet. "and I would keep it forever if I were him. "Thanks for being one of the good ones.". Someone said, "First, congrats on cleaning yourself up. "and being there for your son, keep being strong.

"Most of the comments here are great. "and I think any of them would be fine. "Just reassure your son it's okay. "and that you'll love him no matter his sexuality. "My friend's dad left his son a sticky note for him to find. "that just said he loves him and approves of his boyfriend. "because he's such a gentleman, LOL. "I think reassurance is best, "but I love everyone else's comments.". Lastly, someone said, "If you like his boyfriend, "it sounds like you do, then I'd say something like, "'I hope you know that, boyfriend's name, "'is always welcome in our family. "'It's clear he really cares about you. "'And having people like that in our lives is so important.'. "If you're feeling up to it, just add,

"'I just want you to know that you two are more than welcome. "'to share a bedroom here if you prefer.". Update. - Oh yeah. - Oh I'm gonna cry, probably. (audience member laughing). - That is also another subtle way of just being like, "Oh, do you guys wanna just like share a bedroom?". Like, just throwing it out there where you-. - Put a bowl of condoms in there for you. (all laughing). - Update. "I wanna top this off with a big thank you to everyone. "who left such lovely, thoughtful comments.

"I honestly didn't expect so many people to see this post. "I was thinking an absolute maximum of a hundred people, "and even that seemed like loads. "It was lovely to hear back from so many of you.". - I'm sorry, the top and then the loads, I can't. (audience members laughing). - He's over 40, he doesn't get the link. - Yeah. - Yeah, "I don't know.". - "I'm over 40, I don't know what the internet is.". - Yeah. - "It was lovely to hear back from so many of you, "and I'm forever grateful. "for the fantastic advice most of you gave.

"Also overjoyed by my new adopted Reddit children. "Haha, you're all doing amazing. "and I'm very proud of all of you.". - Oh! - "Also, big thanks to all of the lovely people. "who sent me such sweet messages of support. "and to those of you who reached out to me. "because you felt you needed someone to talk to. "If anyone else feels that way. "and is in need of deadly advice, "do feel free to give me a message, "and I will do my best to help out. "Okay, you all want me to shut up. "and tell you what happened? "My son was busy with some assignments. "both for his freelancing job and his uni work. "most of the day, and I didn't want to disturb him. "So I waited until after dinner to chat.

"Friend went to a bath while my son and I watched telly. "I told him face to face, 'Son, I love you very much. "'You don't have to tell me anything you don't want to, "'but I want you and friend. "'to feel comfortable being yourselves in my house, "'and you don't ever need. "'to hide anything from me, all right?'. "Well, it turns out a hell of a lot of you were right. "Son burst out laughing and said, "'Oh, thank God, I reckoned you'd clicked on. "'but didn't say anything. "'because I didn't want to make you feel weird.'. "Basically we've each been pussyfooting around the topic. "because neither of us. "wanted to make the other uncomfortable talking about it.

"We had a bit of a chat, "and he confirmed that I'm right. "in thinking they've been together. "since their first year of uni, "and that's why they moved in together in second year. "However, apparently, "I'm not as brilliant and intuitive as I thought, "because apparently, one of his friends in secondary school. "was his boyfriend for a year, "and I had absolutely no idea. "He went and talked to the boyfriend after his bath, "and then we all had a bit of a further chat. "Sadly, a lot of you're right that the reason. "boyfriend doesn't have a good relationship with his parents. "is because he came out to them a few years ago, "and they effectively disowned him. "So I made sure he knows that he's part of our family now.

"Sorry if that isn't all as exciting. "and groundbreaking as some of you had hoped. "I'm glad this is something my boy no longer feels. "he has to keep from me, "and I'm very glad he's happy with his partner. "Thank you all again for the help.". - Ah. - That's beautiful. - That was great. - Yeah. Oh man, that makes me think of that story that destroyed me. - I know, Jesus, yeah. - Dad's being proud of their sons. - I know. - Brutal. - Oh man. - What a perfect ending to that. - It's great, it's great.

- It's really great. - However, I've had multiple relationships, and one of the hardest parts sometimes. is when they're accepted into my family, and then things go sour and it's like, "They're always welcome, are they coming home?". I'm like, "No bitch, that hoe is not coming home.". (Shayne laughing). - I think that's understood. on the behalf of the relationship. It's like, "As long as this relationship," 'cause it's like-. - It's under the same rules as any relationship then, you know, it's like, "Oh, they're welcome into our family.". - That's true. - "Until you decide it's not.".

- "They're not.". - "They're not." (laughing). - That's so awesome. - Oh man, but great story. - Great story. - That was great. - Very great. Alright, our next story, AmIOverreacting. This comes from AmIOverreacting. "Am I overreacting? "I, a 25-year-old woman, "think my boyfriend, a 33-year-old man, "is lying to me and is gay with his best friend. "We are set to get married soon. "We have been together for three years, we have great sex. "He tells me he loves me, he wants kids,

"and he tells me it's just a joke. "And they do this because it's funny. "His best friend, "we'll call him Tyler for the sake of this post, and him. "talk sexual to each other all the time. "I've seen over his shoulder texts saying things like, "'I'ma pound your ass so hard. "'it's gonna hurt to walk days after.'". - Oh that, what? (all laughing). - "And I have seen photos of both of them. "sending pictures of their (beep). "I was snooping last night. "I know, I know I shouldn't do that. "But Tyler sent my fiance a photo of his boner.

"a couple days ago, and my fiance said, 'Nice (beep), bro,'. "and things like, "'Too bad I'm not gay or I'd suck that hog.'. "Like, it almost seems like they are joking, "but sending actual pictures of their (beep). "like multiple times and both of them hard, "talking like this pretty regularly, "am I overreacting, please help." (laughing). - This is hilarious. (laughing). - "Please help, we are set to get married soon. "I'm worried he is cheating on me with Tyler.". Edit, "I don't have a problem with him being gay,

"I have a problem with him cheating on me.". - That is so crazy. - That's wild, (laughing). "Too bad I'm not gay or I would suck that hog, dude.". - I mean, it is a funny bit if they actually are straight. - It is a funny- - It's funny. - It's really funny. - It's a funny bit. And like, I have a college friend who sent like a full, like, a full frontal nude, but it was like medical, and it was very like-. (Shayne and audience member laughing).

Like, to the group chat, we were like, "Why'd you just send us your (beep),". and he was like, "Ha ha ha.". (Shayne and audience member laughing). - It's like, "What?" - Yeah. Yeah, I've had those straight friends before, too. - There are people out there who are like, amongst friends, are so comfortable with each other. - Yeah. - Yeah. - And it's wild for people who aren't, but it's like, "Hey, that might be where they're at.". - That's just how they're at. "All right, let's see, is he gay? "We'll find out." (Shayne laughing). - We have a comment, "From how their texts are worded, "it kind of sounds. "as though nothing has happened between them, "but both secretly wanted to,

"and they're just testing waters, I don't know, either way. - That's fair too. - "I would definitely attempt. "a completely honest discussion with him about this.". It could all be like funny and jokes, it's also a boundary for her that could maybe be like, "Hey, you are sending nudes to each other.". - Right. - Like, that is pretty extreme. Maybe that makes you feel uncomfortable. - Yeah. - Babe, it's a joke. - [Shayne] It's a joke. - A conversation does need to be had, obviously. - Yes, definitely. - That's, yeah. - Someone else said,

"Guys don't send each other (beep) pics for fun. "Doesn't happen. "And I would stand by ground hard on that. "and I would let him know. "that in no way will you ever support cheating of any kind. "with guys or girls. "So if he has feelings, either gay or bi, "he better speak now, "because if you find proof, it won't go well. "I would also ask for a prenup with a cheating clause. "that covers messages, pics, "emotional and physical cheating, "with huge penalties if it happens. "The pics with his buddy and the gay talk would stop, "or the wedding wouldn't happen.". - Okay, that's a little extreme.

- I don't like just to be like, "Guys don't do this,". 'cause it's kind of falling in line. with what we were saying earlier of like, "Well, that's gay, and straight guys don't do that.". It's like, I don't know, man. - You don't know this guy. - People out there. do all sorts of different things, you know? Do I also think it's fair if she goes, "Hey, this makes me uncomfortable.". - Sure, and that's fine too. - [Shayne] Totally fair. - I love the, like, that's, anyway. - A last comment. "The saying about sucking (beep) bit is the type of jokes. "me and the people I work with make all the time,

"only a few that have a stupid sense of humor though. "But the actually seeing each other's (beep). "is a bit strange and would make me question stuff.". - Yeah. - She's not the wrong to question. - She's not overreacting. - No. - I don't think she's overreacting. - And the same bit can be done without it being your (beep). Like, you just send a random (beep). (audience members laughing). - That's true. - And it's like, "That's a nice (beep).". (Shayne laughing). If it's your (beep), it's like, "Well, you've just sent me your actual (beep).".

- The boner aspect is definitely-. - The boner aspect. - It sounds like a book. - "The Boner Aspect.". - "The Boner Aspect" by Shayne Topp. (palms clapping) (audience members laughing). I'm there on the back of a turtleneck just like. - That's awesome. - A turtleneck for your neck. and a turtleneck for your penis. - From the author of "The Boner Method". comes "The Boner Aspect.". Alright, update number one. - Okay. - "The Boner Dimension.". - "The Boner Dimension," whoa.

(Shayne and audience member laughing). - Whoa. - Whoa. (laughing). - Whoa. (all babbling). - All right, update number one, "I'm going to play it cool for a couple days. "and just keep an eye on their behavior. "Tyler is coming over to hang out. "this coming Tuesday afternoon, "and I might say something to gauge their reactions. "Not sure what yet, "but something to see if they look at each other. "weird or something, I don't know. "I'll update later when I know my plan. "I hope this turns out. "all to be just some big joke between them.".

A big joke, a big boner. - Yeah. - Dude. - Update number two. - Yes. - "Wow, I'll start with that. "I didn't say anything when they were together. "I was full of anxiety and all in my head, "and I just couldn't do it. "I brought it up this morning before he left for work. "I said something to the nature of, "'I looked at your phone and I would love to know. "'why you two are sexting with each other.

"'I'm not comfortable with it. "'and we need to talk about this.'". - Period. - "'Are you gay or,'. "he literally burst out laughing. "as I'm tearing up asking this. "He says, 'This is all a big joke.'. "He says that this whole thing started. "because they were making fun of homophobes. "and people who are insecure with their sexuality, "and it went from jokes to full on (beep) pics. "He said they talk about how it's so funny. "that seeing a (beep) makes you gay. "or people find it gross, when in fact, "it's no different than a picture of an ear or a hand. "It's a big inside joke. "because straight men are not supposed to act like this.

"and people who think that makes you gay or weird. "are just insecure and childish. "He says that it started. "with just sending pictures of (beep) from the internet. "and eventually led to them sending their own. "because of the shock value. "I literally do not know what to think about this. "I told him to stop it now. "And he said he would respect that. "and do not do it anymore, but also said-". (audience members laughing). - Fair, fair. - "Also said I need to chill. "and doesn't like that I looked at his phone, ugh. "I did see him start talking on his phone. "as he was leaving the driveway, "probably bitching about me.".

Sometimes we read Reddit stories and I'm like, "I have never heard a story like this before. "I don't know if I ever will again.". - Yeah. - If someone told me this, I'm like, "I don't know what advice to give you," man. - I'm glad it's exactly what we expected. - Yeah. - Oh my God. - But also fair. They should stop sending (beep) pics to each other, I guess. - A fair boundary. - I guess. - But also very funny. - Again, this literally reminds me of my friend. (laughing).

- I love that he's just like, "Yeah, okay, I'll stop.". - "Yeah, all right, stop. "Yeah, I can't send him anymore.". Gosh, oh my God. - Damn. We need more guys just like that, I guess, in the world. (Shayne and audience member laughing). - I don't want that. - That is the most chaotic good or chaotic-. - Chaotic good, for sure. - Chaotic neutral. - Chaotic, yeah. - I don't know what, that's just chaotic. - Yeah. - I do like the whole thing of like, "It's like an ear.". - "It's like an ear, man.". - It's not, though. - Yeah. (laughing).

The hard aspect is still what a, caught up but I'm like, "Okay.". So you work it up and then send it to your bro. - Right. - Yeah. (Shayne and audience member laughing). - Work it up. - Work it up. - You work it up, and then send it, wow. All right, our final story. (OP babbling). This comes from the Boston Celtic subreddit. and BestofRedditorUpdates. - Okay, a unique Venn diagram? - Yes, yeah, the first of its kind, so buckle up,

there's gonna be multiple parts to this story. The title, "Do trans people belong at Celtics games?". - No, like, what? - What? (Shayne laughing). - Okay, "I'm sorry if this post. "comes off as negative or selfish, "but it truly comes from a genuine place in my heart. "I love the Celtics. "My obsession with the NBA is pretty new, "but I'm seriously honored. "to live in one of the most legendary basketball dynasties. "of all time. "I want so desperately to go to see them live.

"But as a trans woman, I have felt, "to say the least, unwelcomed by Boston. "After some traumatizing events and horror stories. "towards both me and several friends. "at sporting events in the area, "I have reservations about going to such a high-density game. "like at TD Garden. "I understand that a lot of native fans. "have very strong feelings about transgender people, "and I don't wanna end up. "on the wrong side of a group of fans. "who feel extremely justified on their home court. "So I just wanna know, am I welcome, do you care? "Honestly, would you prefer not to see me? "I want honest answers, even as simple yes or no is fine.".

- It's just heartbreaking to have to have that. - It's so heartbreaking. I've never been to Boston, right, I don't know. I also do know, like, sporting events, there's a lot of different types of crowds there. - They're justified in their-. - Very toxic crowds. - Yeah. - Are at games. - Yes. - So this person's asking, "Am I safe there?". - Ah. - Right. - I feel is what they're asking. - That's more I think what's going on. - I think they know that at a giant arena. with tens of thousands of people, there are gonna be allies there. But what's the ratio gonna be, is it a safe?

- Yeah, yeah. - It's so sad, "Am I allowed to exist here?". - I know. - That's what you're asking? - Yes. - And they're already saying like in Boston, in this city, they've already felt unwell. - It's already rough. - So the comments were overwhelmingly positive. - Oh. - Even the moderators were very positive in response. Someone said, "Yes, if you are in danger, "look for a Theus jersey and that'll protect you.". Someone said, "I'd prefer to see you there. "Live your life and (beep) the haters.".

Someone said, "As an employee of the team, "I can say we 100% would love for you to be there. "I don't expect you'll have any issues, "but if you do, please report to guest services. "They take issues like this very seriously. "in my experience.". Lastly, someone said, "I honestly don't give a (beep) what people identify as. "We all bleed green, baby.". - Hell yeah. (audience members laughing). - Alright, first update, this was 14 days later. Title, "Going to my first game tomorrow.".

- Ah. - "I'm just laying here awake, "practically shaking with excitement. "Anything I should know? "I've heard the energy in the Garden is just electric. "I wish I had a jersey to wear. "Gonna hit some thrift stores during the day. "to try and find one for a good price. "Who knows, maybe I'll see a Thomas number 4!". - I have a Celtics jersey. - Really? - Really? - And the matching bottoms. - Whoa. - Oh. - There you go, update number two, same day. This time from Justin, the Celtics team sales rep. "Help us make user CaptainAdvil's.

"first Celtics game a memorable one.". "Hi, everyone, some of you may recognize me. "as the other Jay Brown employed by the Celtics. "from when I organized a few group ticket outings years ago. "I'm sure many of you saw this post from a few weeks ago. "where a transgender Celtics fan, user CaptainAdvil, "asked if they belonged at a Celtics game. "I was very encouraged. "to see the overwhelmingly positive response to the thread. "and made a comment that the organization supports her 100%. "She mentioned being so encouraged. "that she purchased tickets to the November 1st game, "which is tomorrow. "The post caught the attention. "of some of the higher ups at the Celtics,

"who want to get in touch. "and make sure her experience is a special one. "So I'm following up on behalf of them. "I've tried directly messaging her a few times to no avail, "so I just wanted to make one last effort. "to get in touch before she attends the game tomorrow. "Would appreciate any help making that happen.". Update number three. - Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes. - Okay, will the tier four arise? - "She's been drafted to the Celtics.". (all laughing). - She's like, "Oh shit, oh shit, oh shit.". - "I didn't sign up for this.". - "Meet our new power forward, CaptainAdvil.".

(Shayne vocalizing) (all laughing). - She's in heels, (beep). "Ma'am, you need some ankle support?". - The title of this is, three days later after that post, "Trans people are welcome at Celtics games.". "It took me a minute to get my bearings back, "but I think I need to jump on here. "and say something to all the people. "who absolutely made my year. "I don't even know what to say, 155 to 104? "Are you kidding me?

"That felt like the most normal thing. "that happened that night, "given the almost unbelievable context. "that brought me to the game in the first place. "The encouragement I felt from this sub. "made my night at the Garden absolutely magical. "I can't remember a time I could feel so included. "and so absolved of the weight of my identity. "at the same time. "I didn't just feel safe and cared for, "but absolutely full with nothing holding me down. "I finally feel like I can claim my love for basketball. "and be queers (beep) simultaneously. "So for that, I owe you guys. "I also need to give a huge thank you. "to the Celtics Organization for taking the time. "to make one fan's first game truly special.

"I'll admit, I was expecting to feel a little used, "just in the way that some companies do. "when trying to prove their allyship. "That was not the case, they didn't point at me and go, "'Look, we got one,' or anything like that. "They sent Autumn, a rep, to my seat. "to quietly hand me a bag of Celtics gear, "and wished me the best time of my life. "They just wanted me to fit in. "and give me a chance to see what it's like. "to be part of the Celtics. "Well, I certainly feel like I'm part of something. "I'm so grateful for this community, this organization, "this team, and above all, "Derrick White," that is a Celtics player.

"Thanks, guys, I hope I get to see you again soon.". - Oh my God, it's so sweet. - Yay! - That's awesome, hey, gives you hope. - That's amazing. - Yeah, it's so nice. - Oh good. - It's so cool, you know? I mean, like, we hear so much about all the hate. It's nice to be like, "Oh, there's also a lot of good people.". - A lot of good. - Some comments, "We scored 155 and won by 51 points in your first game. "Please go to at least every home game. "We absolutely need you there in person.". - That's so sweet. (laughing) (audience member laughing).

- Yeah, we need our lucky doll at every game. - Someone said, "This straight white dude absolutely loves this story. "I am overjoyed that this was your experience. "If we can't welcome everyone into our team, "what the (beep) is the point?". Lastly, someone said, "Dope, love to hear experiences like this. "Our fan base always gets a bad rep. "Nice to hear that the vibe check passed with flying colors. "I'm glad it was a night to remember for you.". - That's so great. - Oh. - Yay, I love a happy moment. (palms clapping). - Yeah! - I'll say this now and only in this moment, but "Go, Celtics," that was cool. I'm not even a Lakers fan, I just, I don't know.

I'm not like a Celtics hater, I don't know. - Do you like any basketball team? - I like players, like basic players? - Okay, like what? - I like Jokic. - You know that one, right, yeah. - Who else? - I like Jokic because he hates basketball. - Oh, that's dope. - He's just cursed at being really good at it. - Oh. - I'd love to-. - He's player who's so good, but he kind of just hates everything about it. - What? - [Shayne] Yeah. - Wait, that's awesome. - Like, when he won the championship and they're like, "Yeah, you have to go do a big celebration now.". He is like, "What?".

He's like, "I just wanna go home, I won't celebrate.". - You know what movie I wanna watch? - He was, like, pissed. - "Like Mike.". - Okay. - Does it hold up? Has anyone watched it? (Shayne laughing). - Wow. - I'm gonna watch it. - All right, let's go play some basketball. - Let's get outta here. (Shayne and audience member laughing). Let's dribble. - Alright, well, this has been (playful music). quite the Reddit stories episode. - Yes, it sure has. - Damn. Thank you, both, for being here. - Thank you. - Thank you. - Yeah. (laughing). And hey, happy Pride Month. - Hey. - Happy Pride.

- [Shayne] Happy Pride. - Happy Pride Month. - And thank you all for watching. Let us know what other themes and subreddits. you'd like to see on this show, and we will see you next Saturday, goodbye! (saxophone music). Goodbye! (audience member laughing).