Lesbians Asked to Stop Kissing at Safeco Field

Safeco Field may not share the same sentiments as “gay friendly” Seattle. 

On May 26, two lesbians were approached by an usher in the third inning of the Seattle Mariners and Boston Red Sox game. The usher told them their kissing was inappropriate. The usher went on to say that he received a complaint from a female in the stands saying there were kids in the stands, and this would force parents to explain why two women were kissing.

Sibrinia Guerrero, one of the lesbians involved said, “I was shocked. Seattle is so gay-friendly. There was a couple like seven rows ahead making out. We were just showing affection."

On Monday, Mariners spokeswoman Rebecca Hale said that the club is investigating but that the usher was responding to a complaint of two women "making out" and "groping" in the stands.

Guerrero denied she and her date were groping each other, saying that along with eating garlic fries, they were giving each other brief kisses.

Guerrero said that a director of guest services at Safeco Field had apologized to her on Tuesday, but a team spokeswoman could not confirm that.

The story has exploded in the Seattle media, with people voicing opinions in favor and opposed of Sibrina Guerrero’s behavior.

When questioned by the AP, people had this to say:

"I would be uncomfortable" seeing public displays of affection between lesbians or gay men, said Jim Ridneour, a 54-year-old taxi driver. "I don't think it's right seeing women kissing in public. If I had my family there, I'd have to explain what's going on."

"It all depends on the degree," Mark Ackerman said as he waited for a hot dog outside Safeco Field before Wednesday's game. "Even for heterosexual couples."

It is actually sickening to know that today we still live in a society that is so closed-minded and ignorant.

I agree with Mark Ackerman, the degree of which the kissing is happening plays a huge role in how I will feel about it. However, my standards are the same for heterosexual couples as well as gay couples. There is a time and place for affection, and I don’t feel a sporting event, the mall, or the movies is that place.

However, the ignorance of Jim Ridneour shows exactly why he is a taxi driver. The shear ignorance of holding a heterosexual couple and a homosexual couple to different standards speaks for itself.

If these sporting events want to crack down on the public displays of affection, do away with the “kiss cams,” and there should be no more “will you marry me” business. If you want to have a rule, enforce it across the board, don’t pick and chose when to uphold the rules and when to look the other way.

Unfortunately we still live in a society that is so ignorant we have to distinguish  between the two.

Then again, the way the Mariners are playing, lesbians kissing may be the only highlight of the game.

*CNN.com provided the facts for this story*