Denny's - Austin

Recently, I went there after a long night out with my best friend, who had just returned from serving in Afghanistan. We were discussing Don't Ask, Don't Tell and gay rights when we finished our meal and prepared to leave. I noticed I was the last customer in the restaurant when a young man, around 22 years old, started berating me about making him sick during his meal. I stood up for myself and reminded him that our Constitution protects freedom of speech. He responded by saying he was friends with the manager and sided with him. I calmly informed the young man that I had the right to discuss whatever I deemed necessary. Then, the manager threatened to have me escorted out by the police if I didn't leave. He indicated that he would call law enforcement. Just then, my friend, who had served in Afghanistan, walked in and pulled me out of the restaurant. This caused a loud argument between my friend and the manager. Ultimately, I felt pressured to leave without standing up for my rights. This entire experience felt like my first encounter with a hate crime. I have no plans to return, and I intend to reach out to the owner.

Recently, I visited the restaurant after a long night out with my best friend, who had just returned from serving in Afghanistan. We started discussing various topics, including LGBTQ rights and our fathers. After we finished our meal and were getting ready to leave, I was the only one remaining in the restaurant. A young man, around 22 years old, began to loudly complain about his meal, which turned into a drunken rant. I tried to remind him that our Constitution allows for freedom of speech. He claimed to be friends with the manager and insisted he would back him up. I told him I was merely having a private conversation about what I believed was important. At that point, the manager warned me that if I didn't leave, he would call the police. He threatened to involve the authorities, and shortly after, my friend from Afghanistan came in and pulled me outside. The manager and my friend began arguing loudly. Ultimately, I was persuaded to leave to avoid further confrontation. This experience felt like my first encounter with hate speech, and I don't intend to return. I plan to reach out to the owner about the incident.