A COUPLE ON THE PLANE DEMANDS I COVER MY FACE—FLIGHT ATTENDANT & CAPTAIN PUT THEM IN THEIR PLACE.
I recently suffered facial injuries, leaving me with visible scars. On a flight home for a family event, I wasn’t eager to deal with stares or pity, so I put on my headphones and slept.
I woke up to an argument next to me. A man was complaining loudly about me sitting beside him, claiming I scared his girlfriend. He demanded I be moved. The flight attendant intervened, and the pilot made an announcement about discrimination not being tolerated.
The man continued to argue, but other passengers voiced their support for me. The flight attendant reassured me, and I felt a little better. An elderly woman across the aisle touched my arm and reminded me of my strength.
As we landed, I realized that, despite the negativity, kindness and courage always prevail. I left the plane knowing that I belonged anywhere I chose to be.
