What has changed in thirty years to be once again be called a "faggot" twice in one year? I'm a fifty-nine year old gay male. I realized in my early teens that I had a greater interest sexually in men than women. Back in the late 70's early 80's my small town posse would travel out of our small town enclave weekend nights to Baltimore or D.C. for large urban gay clubs of acceptance, dancing and fun. Retreating back to my small town daily life from the big city would occasionally solicit a whisper or shout out directed to me from a stranger to remind me that I was a "faggot." My entire life I never really dressed flamboyant or talked effeminate. I somewhat consider the word "faggot" derogatory and equivalent to the "N" word or well.....fill in the many other derogatory words to reduce others to their benefit. It wasn't comfortable to hear such derogatory language back in the day but I discounted it as sign of the times. The 70's and 80's. You know. Fast forward the last twenty years I resided in Manhattan. Considered an enclave of liberalism and acceptance of cultures and lifestyles. I have done quite well for myself financially working for a large global company. And I have not heard the work "faggot" directed to me in thirty years since my small town living. Twice though in the last year - once from a latina women and again just today shouted from a passing car driver as I was walking down the street - I was verbally assaulted with the word "faggot". I never looked at the driver. Didn't want to give him the benefit of my expression of irritation. But should I discount such infantile behavior to the era of Trump and his over confident base, or are there other forces going on in our underlying society to suggest truly lack of gay acceptance? I really so confused over this recent phenomena, and think perhaps the solution is retreating to back to my small town life as the potential solution.