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South Bay couple hurt by description on receipt

Posted at 5:51 PM, Apr 11, 2016
and last updated 2016-04-11 21:27:19-04

A South Bay couple is upset after finding these words on their receipt following a visit to a local fast food restaurant: "two lesbians with a child in back."

Dominique Perry and Karen Corona found the description on April 4 when they returned home from a National City Popeye's restaurant and searched through the bag for condiments they requested.

"So my immediate response was 'Oh, hell no,'" Corona said.

Customer descriptions can help co-workers make sure their guests receive the right order, but the couple said they should have used a description that did not involve their sexual orientation.

"She could have easily said 'red hair, the tattoo on the neck,' anything else other than 'two lesbians and a child in the back,'" Corona added.

Perry and Corona, who got married three years ago, said they aren't seeking a lawsuit or financial gain. They contacted 10News because they are hoping to raise awareness and get an apology.

"We've made very great strides as a country with race, with gender identity, with sexual orientation," Perry said. "When people make these remarks, it kind of sends people backwards."

They don't want their four-year-old daughter Jayleen to see her moms defined by their sexual orientation.

Perry contacted Popeye's right after seeing the words on the receipt. The couple said three different employees said they would call them back, but that call never came until Monday.

Corona received a call from the store manager during the couple's interview with 10News.

"He said that their company doesn't stand for that and that they suspended her on the spot and they have now terminated her because it's not something their company stands for." Corona explained. "They're calling it harassment."

Corona also got an apology, adding, "If it wasn't for you guys, there's no way that they would have called me."

Although the manager called Corona, the company still hasn't given 10News a comment on the matter.