Last night, I went on a really nice date. With a really sad, disgusting, hateful moment in the middle. We went to El Compadre in Echo Park. The food and our server were both great. We paid and had a bit of time before catching a show downtown. Finishing up our second drinks, we had our arms around each other and kissed a few times. A manager approached our table and said something to the affect of, “you guys can’t do that here.” We were confused at first, but then he very firmly stated, “this is a family restaurant.” I asked if anyone had complained to him, as we looked around and only saw happy straight couples eating, laughing, doing the same thing we were doing. He threw his hands in front of us and said, “I don’t care if you’re the President of the United States, we don’t allow your behavior here.” We promptly got up and left. We were genuinely shocked. In 2022. In Echo Park, CA. At 6:30pm on a Monday. The chilling and pointed tone of “we’re a family restaurant”. “We don’t allow your behavior here.” Ever wonder why gay people often seem nervous? Why do we walk faster? Why do we work so hard to please others and be good little citizens in this world? I will never be back. I encourage you all to find another place too. Also after this happened to us, we went outside and made out in their parking lot.