You're all probably right HJ - that's usually how it goes. BUT - absolutely stay true to you and yours!!
Sending you LOTS of gobsmack!! Maybe you're also a peacekeeper.
The origin of sign language is Native American - for trade & relations between peoples. Many more people are twin spirited (or triple) even. What you're talking about seems like what's happened here with Metis etc.
Can't exactly drain off the blood and measure.
Stand your ground. Be kind. See how or if the a**holes respond. If they don't be nice back, then, just kill them (<< words, buddy, words).
Write a poem.