Did you hate, fear or dislike gay people at one time?

[LynneSin]

180. Of course I did. I grew up in rural PA and I was a dumbass who believed what others told me

The LGBT community was probably one of the last groups that I finally realized I need to figure out what it was about them that I didn't like because it made no sense. Other minorities that I did not grow up around in Rural PA I was perfectly fine and accepting, but just not the LGBT community.

But I really think Harvey Milk said it best that when us straights actually new people who were a part of the LGBT community it would be harder for us to hate on them. When I start to work in a neighboring county that was a bit more sophisticated than my backwards place was the first time I worked with 2 men who were gay. Didn't realize it at first (it was the 80s so obviously they didn't tell people up front - especially new hires). But they did befriend me, treat me like like an equal, invited me to Happy Hours with the rest of the group and showed me how things worked on the job. It was only a few weeks in that I found out they were gay, a female co-worker told me. Of course I was like 'ewww no way, they're too cute, it's disgusting, I don't want to be around them anymore blah blah blah'. That woman schooled me in a way I will never forget. Because she asked me what changed in the last 5 minutes after I knew that made these men any less friendly, nice, helpful co-workers that they were other than I now knew they were gay. She also said I was entitled to my opinion but it wouldn't be very popular around the workplace if that got around quickly and said she'd give me a chance if I would just keep an open mind and realize those 2 gay guys - still the same 2 great guys who I thought were awesome co-workers. To this day I am glad she did.