A Family Didn't Tip This Server Because of Her LGBTQ+ Equality Tattoo
Photo: Courtesy.
There's been an above-average amount of news this week in relation to tipping your servers. The consensus is: whether it's with cash or on your card, just do it. There's really no excuse not to—especially when it comes to something as ridiculous as this reason a family refused to tip their waitress last week.
Samantha Heaton, a 20-year-old Buffalo Wild Wings waitress from Illinois, was serving a family of five during her shift earlier this week. According to the Rock River Times, server-customer interactions were normal: they had a pleasant conversation, Heaton refilled their drinks, and she checked in on them. And then it came time for them to pay the check and leave. But when Heaton saw the receipt, she noticed they hadn't tipped her. Instead, they left a note saying, "Can't tip someone who doesn't love Jesus! Bad tatoo [sic]."
Apart from the fact that they misspelled "tattoo," Heaton told the Rock River Times that she and the family hadn't discussed Jesus or religion at all during their meal. But apparently the family had seen her rainbow equality sign tattoo, a common LGBTQ+-friendly symbol, and decided that they didn't approve.
Heaton's co-worker [posted a photo]( [#facebook: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1490870011001438&set=a.249968995091552.62209.100002353611136&type=3&theater) of the receipt along with her tattoo on Facebook to show just how ignorant and disappointing the reaction to her tattoo was. Heaton does identify as gay, but her sexual orientation doesn't affect her service as a waitress—and she depends on those tips to make up a vast portion of her income. But she's especially concerned about what the parents who paid the bill are teaching their children. “The kids are going to be under the impression that it will be OK to discriminate against anybody,” Heaton said.
"It sucks not getting a tip, but not to get a tip because I’m gay in 2017 hurt just a little more," Heaton told HuffPost. "What was written on my receipt wasn’t right, and I hope nobody else has to read that."
She also pointed out that her sexual orientation also doesn't mean she can't believe in Jesus; in fact, she's a Christian. “And, as a Christian, thou shall not judge," she told the Rock River Times. "No matter how someone looks, you should love them for what’s in their heart and how they treat you—not for what is on the outside."
As for the tattoo, Heaton is glad she can show off such an important symbol of equality. "Someone asked me the other day if I would go back in time and get the same tattoo and I said, 'No, I would get it bigger,'" she told the Rock River Times.
This story originally appeared on Glamour.
More from Glamour:
13 Celebrities Who Have Hot Siblings
34 Times Kate Middleton and Prince William Gave Us Major Relationship Goals
17 Magnificent Engagement Rings Fit for Rock Stars, Royalty, or Real Housewives
Ryan Reynolds Reveals He Fell in Love With Blake Lively While on a Double Date With Someone Else
