Every instance of verbal/physical abuse or harassment increases the victim’s chance of self-harm by 2. 5 times. Never make yourself the reason that someone wants to hurt themselves. Excuse yourself and say “I don’t like gay people” if needed. This is much less harmful than a rant against them.
Ask them about their hobbies and interests. Let them tell you stories about their lives. Knowing them as a person can make them feel less scary or strange to you. [1] X Research source
Not all media is realistic. If the character is flat and stereotyped, and/or there are no LGBTQ people involved in the media creation, then there’s a good chance it isn’t accurate.
Gay individuals can have long-lasting and happy relationships. [2] X Research source
Gay individuals can control themselves, just like straight individuals. [4] X Research source
In Sodom and Gomorrah, they were practicing not loving relationships with other men, but gang rape of them (among other sins such as failing to help the poor). [9] X Research source The Bible also tells stories of same-gender lovers: Ruth and Naomi, and David and Jonathan. These passages include romantic promises to each other, such as David saying that Jonathan’s love for him was more wonderful than the love of women. [10] X Research source
Jesus suggests that some men are “born eunuchs,” an ancient term for being gay, that these people are part of God’s natural order, and heterosexual marriage is not the right path for everyone. [11] X Research source [12] X Research source In one passage, Jesus heals a gay man’s lover, and shows them acceptance, without criticizing their love. [13] X Research source Christianity encourages people to love and accept one another. [14] X Research source It teaches you to treat others with respect and dignity. [15] X Research source There are churches that welcome gay parishoners and have gay pastors.
