How to Recognize and Respond to Common Unfair Criticisms Made Against LGBT People

Recognize your objectives in responding to these comments. To desire to rid the world of bigotry is a wonderful objective, but you can't alter anyone's thinking for them. If you set the bar too high, you'll likely be dissatisfied or burned out. Another aim choice is to let others know that not everyone agrees with messaging about LGBT persons and that they do have allies. Another option is to persuade a bigot to reconsider their beliefs at the very least.

Think about what you want to get out of your response to these comments. It's a good goal to want to rid the world of intolerance, but you can't change other people's minds for them. You'll probably be disappointed or burned out if you set the bar too high. Another goal option is to let others know that not everyone agrees with the way LGBT people are portrayed in the media and that they do have allies. Another possibility is to persuade a bigot to at the very least reevaluate their opinions.

Recognize the hate groups that are frequently responsible for spreading false information about LGBT persons. Unfortunately, there are still enough people who are fiercely opposed to LGBT people that major news organizations, such as CNN, continue to allow members of recognized hate groups to appear as expert guests on a regular basis without being appropriately challenged or identified as such. Any material provided by an anti-gay organization might be dismissed as unscientific and biased.

If your religious community, area, or school is anti-gay, look for organizations that can help LGBT people in those communities. Most religious denominations have LGBT organizations that can provide useful information to persons who are confronted with religious criticisms and other issues. Consider forming a gay-straight alliance at your school if it is public. If the school's authorities object, and it's a public school, the ACLU will assist you in challenging them and establishing your club.