Tullio Orlando
What should’ve been a joyful end to a day on the water instead turned into a troubling reminder prejudice and disrespect persist.
A few weeks ago, a group of people from Montage enjoying time on a community boat trip experienced something no one should have to face – targeted harassment. While waiting for transportation home, staff and people they supported, were approached by a man who began recording them without consent. He made derogatory and discriminatory remarks them. After being asked to stop recording, he threatened to upload his vile video on social media.
Thankfully, no physical harm occurred, but the experience was violating and disturbing. Moments like this cut deeper than a single unpleasant interaction, it leaves lasting hurt when the clear intent is to mock, demean, or spread prejudice. This is the wider problem: the assumption by some that people with disabilities and those who support them are somehow “less than” and their privacy and dignity don’t matter.
Bystanders in public places have a role in calling out discrimination. This shameful incident reflects how much better we need to be. Staff who dedicate their careers to supporting vulnerable persons shouldn’t face harassment for doing their jobs. Everyone has the right to participate in public life without fear of humiliation or discrimination.
We may not be able to prevent or eliminate every act of ignorance overnight, but we can choose how we respond. In this unfortunate scenario, Montage staff calmly asserted boundaries and averted further escalation making sure everyone remained safe. The incident was reported and documented by organizational management so there’s a record should further action be required. Social media has become ubiquitous. I urge Montage staff to keep a lookout for this despicable footage in the unlikely event it comes across their social media feeds. Please report it to management. Hopefully, this bigot has no or few followers.
Dignity is a right not a privilege. Diversity strengthens not weakens. Staff who support vulnerable people come from many backgrounds and their dedication is celebrated by Montage. This person spoke as if our group were up for public judgment. It’s easy to think words and actions from a stranger don’t matter – until they do. Hurtful words make people feel unsafe and unwanted in places where they should be welcome.
For the people in the affected group that day, it was more than an unpleasant encounter. It was a reminder not everyone sees them as equals and there are some who will go to any length to exploit diversity for mockery and attention. When we allow harassment to go unchallenged, we send a silent message it’s acceptable. It isn’t. Not here. Not anywhere. is not a luxury- “It’s a lifeline”.