#hate gays

I was in English the other day, in a group talking about things we hate, trying to come up with ideas for our discursive essays. In the group there was only one other person that knew I was gay, because she was the only one I had really talked to. So we were all talking about stupid things we hate like bad drivers and stuff like that when this one guys says:

   "I don't know about yous but I hate gays."

   Now ok I don't love this view and yes I was a little shocked to hear someone my age saying something like that but he wasn't hurting anyone so I didn't care. However the girl who knew I was gay and the rest of the group for that matter all looked shocked and horrified. She pointed out I was gay (she was bloody lucky I am out) and then everyone's attention was turned to me like I had to give some big speech to change this guys opinion. What I said to this was:

   "Well that's your opinion."

   Even though this was said with a slightly awkward thumbs up, what I said was true. It is simply his opinion. I don't agree with it but he doesn't agree with mine ether. He wasn't hurting anyone by sharing his opinion.He wasn't shouting abuse at anyone. So I saw no reason for there to be a problem. However everyone seemed to think that because I'm gay I should be outraged and it should be my job to change his mind about that. Yes I am an opinionated lesbian and yes I fight for LGBT rights but I would be rather hypocritical if I didn't let this guy have his opinion.

   One thing that the LGBT community and it's supporters have always had to fight for is our ideas and the fact that everyone is entitled to their views. So just because someone has homophobic views dose not mean I should try to change it in an aggressive manner (I may try and educate the misinformed). I will however try and stop people from acting negative towards someone just because of their gender identity or who they love.