There are people who make it a very important part of their life to target homosexuals; they try to hide their own sexuality by condemning it on others. It is possible that the reason why they torment others is because they are not loved or believe they won’t be accepted for who they really are, lesbian, gay, bisexual, etc. “Coming out” is a big deal for the LGBT community because they don’t know what to expect and just the fact of knowing that it’s possible that many people who they care about may not support and accept them is simply heartbreaking.
“Heterosexism is the value system that asserts being heterosexual is more normal, and more preferred than being homosexual. It’s like racism and sexism and all of the other ‘isms.’ Believing that what you are is less valued by the universe or nature creates manifestations of resentment,” said Brian McNaught in his article “Heterosexism: Menacing Closeted Gay People.” This results in queer heterosexism targeting their own queer people rather than those heterosexuals who are seen as more “normal”.
The key is to learn to accept yourself before asking others the same request. If we can’t love ourselves, then how can we learn to love others? “Knowing the meaning of love begins with feeling love of self, and then believing that who you are is just as beautiful and natural as anyone else,” said McNaught. It is definitely true; you are just as beautiful and natural as anyone else! Don’t condemn people who went through or are going through the same thing as you because things can take a turn for the worst. For example, McNaught mentions that Dharun Ravi, a Rutgers student, was accused of driving his gay roommate to suicide. Leading someone to their death simply because you’re not accepting of yourself and believe they are doing wrong is not a good way to deal with your sexuality.