"Take it, queer-boy!" A story of the Heretic being physically assaulted.

[Creed of Heresy]

So yesterday I was out near West Towne Mall, having gone to wander around the mall for a bit, browsing a few stores, posting up a couple flyers about my newly-started computer repair-upgrade-construction business on the community boards there, and sporting my new red Equality shirt. As I was leaving to get on the bus to go back home I was approached by a trio of guys who looked to be about in their mid-30s or so. They indicated my shirt, proceeded to openly, and loudly, mock me and accuse me of being gay, myself. I didn't respond, since they were clearly looking to start some shit. This is when one grabbed me by ponytail [long hair, only way to keep it out of my eyes when I go out] as I continued walking towards the bus stop. He yanked, I retaliated and took a swing, clipped his jaw. The others grabbed me. One drove his knee into my solar plexus. When I reflexively bent over, the other brought his fist down into my right eye rather hard. There's a bit of fog here, as apparently my head hit the pavement kind of hard, but I do remember a lot of impacts being directed my way, apparently from them kicking me. One delivered a toe-first kick to my face, which cut my lip and gums pretty bad. I vaguely recall a bunch of diatribe being thrown my way, calling me a faggot and a cock-sucker and many other ridiculously uncreative insults while I was being beaten into a state of senselessness. Someone came what felt like minutes later but was probably only seconds and stopped them, the guys ran off, and the cops and paramedics came. I spent two hours in a hospital being checked for any permanent or lasting damage, thankfully of which there was none save for a minor concussion and several bruised ribs, one of which has a minor fracture, thus preventing me from any strenuous activity for a couple weeks. I am to report any sudden sharp pains in my chest, and wear a stabilizing bandage across my chest for another week to make sure the rib does not move and further the damage. My right eye is blackened, my lips have a noticeable gash in them that will heal but may leave a faint scar.

Also my shirt got torn up at some point in this scuffle.

And no. This is not a lingering April Fool's joke. I will post pictures if I can get a hold of a webcam before the more noticeable injuries heal. I look like hell. My glasses, most fortunately, came off when my head was yanked and I spun and clipped the guy, otherwise they could've been damaged. As it was, they were found a few feet away. Which is good because I really can't afford another pair of glasses right now. At all.

I distinctly recall the one who drove his knee up under my chest wearing a crucifix, too, so I can hazard a guess at their religious beliefs. I gave as good a description of the assailants as I could, and a few witnesses gave much better ones, and bet your ass I will be pressing charges.

Meanwhile, I am in serious pain. And if I get an interview any time this week I'll be going in looking like this. Reeeeeal good.