SAN FRANCISCO — A San Francisco man who says he was devastated after he was identified as gay on a national Spanish-language radio show will be paid $270,000 by Univision Radio, an arbitrator has ruled.
Roberto Hernandez, 45, was driving to work in 2002 when he received a phone call from a man who said that he met Hernandez at a San Francisco gay bar. The caller then announced that the conversation was being broadcast live on the “Raul Brindis and Pepito Show,” based in Houston.
Hernandez worked for the local station that broadcast the show, and sold advertising for the program. He said he was so depressed by the incident that he could no longer work.
I’m not one to advocate living in the closet, but I don’t advocate outing other people either. I think one’s coming out should be up to them and when they’re ready. It’s a shame that other people are too stupid to understand that it’s a personal issue. Since I was the victim of a forced outing myself (my sister told my parents when I told her in confidence!) I know the humiliation and embarrassment this guy must feel. Hmm….maybe I should sue my sister for $270,000?? 