are you defensive to people because you are paranid that they may not like you because of your sexual identity
357669
Unfortunately, yes I am. Even if I know they will be OK with it, I don't want my sexuality becoming a big deal or a topic of water cooler talk.
919627
its more complicated than these people no offense are making it out to be because when you start realizing it you have conflicting emotions for years at least in most peoples lives you have seen tons of images of only heterosexual couples so you are confused as to what to do and how to take it unfortunately some people as a mixture of being confused and their parents not knowing or understanding their positions comit suicide which is just a tragedy In my case it took some time for me to realize that i was gay and luckily didn't take too long for me to accept it and its just who i am I don't feel as comfortable being in a relationship witha  woman as i do with a man and am not sexually attracted to women like i am to men
191569
Sometimes it's best to have people thinking who are you. The best to leave it alone\nGood Luck
109183
probably not.  Most gay men dont want to state their orientation because of fear.  Fear of hatred disrimmination and even being kicked out.
1052695
i don't think that if someone defends the right of gay people he/she is gay, I'm not gay and live in a country where their rights are not respected and i don't like it but can't say that I've done a lot to change it but it's also very, very hard!
771690
I have grown a thick skin and could care less about what names or insults are thrown my way, but I remember when I didn't have such a thick skin and felt the hurt and hate from those comments. Anyone who does anything to hurt or harm anyone else I will fight against not for myself, but to help others to overcome the hatred and bigotry and help them grow a thick skin as well.
273452
Fear of rejection because everybody has their own dream of how a person should act and how they should behave.I shouldn't worry about the disapproval of others and just be free to say what want without any fear of someone disapproving of me.I get very shy around certain people because I fear that they wouldn't like my sense of humor or interest.I would be more free if I could just stop basing my sense of self on the opinions of others.
309178
It doesn't make you "bad." It separates you from the pack and it's a reflection of your personality. People who respect and value you will accept you for who you are.
678953
Yeah, I know what you mean;)\n\nIf they can't accept you for who you are, too bad. I think if they're your friends (depends on length of friendship) they should know your personality.\nFor me, I giggle out of nervousness - people misconstrue that as being simple minded or just immature. Though I don't really care what others think.\nIt never works out when you change other than just being you. There's always someone who makes you feel less, so don't feel bad.\nSolution? Get better friends.
1183689
Homophobia is a fear/belief really, much easier changed than sexuality.  I've known people in my life that were very homophobic but changed their views after getting to know a few gay people.   I guess that's the secret, the closest there is to a cure, letting people with those attitudes get to know as people instead of remaining a faceless avatar to them.   As a gay male as much as I would love for everyone to universally accept us, we don't have the right to tell someone what they can or can't believe.  When dealing with a people like this it's ok to be assertive, but I refuse to gve them even an iota of power over me by letting their words hurt me.
1045654
Are you sure you are not misdiagnosed?  Look up the criteria for PTSD, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.  Many gay people that have expeienced hatred have symptoms
958931
Its happened to before, and ive done it before. When I did it it was a time in my life when I hadnt accepted my homosexuality, and considered my self Bi but to my freinds i was straigh, Did it to protect my identity. After i came out, and guys try that shiznit, it was easy to see through. Or they are cheating and if you saw them out elswhere and called them by the wrong name they gave you they can play that off as youve got the wrong person kind of thing.
70529
Wrong?.. probably.. I try not to judge anyone for any reason, or omit them from being around me for any reason.\n\n (But think about gym showers, or getting ready for a party while borrowing a friends clothes)\n\n I have to admit if I was given the choice to change clothes in front of a gay friend or a straight friend, I'm going to pick the straight one, and I wouldn't do it in front of the gay one, even if they were changing too.  The same way I wouldn't change clothes in front of the opposite sex.  Is that prejudice??
970024
I know a lot of people who are Gay and in the closet.  It truly is sad to think that society will not accept someone becuase of their sexual preference, or gender expression.\n\nBe supportive and understanding.
554940
Who's been discriminating against you for being hetero?  How many of your relatives disowned you?  Have you been fired  when your coworkers found out?  You poor thing...go get therapy and support immediately.
63403
YES!  I've let others hurt my feelings and make me doubt myself.  I've learned though that, it's up to me to allow that to hurt me or not.  I am responsible for my own feelings about myself and shouldn't let others make me feel bad or doubt myself.  I must love myself and not let anyone else shake that!\nI don't want anyone else to feel that way about themselves because of something I have said so, I try my best to be supportive instead of belittling or insensitive.
288906
I think by not worrying about what other people will think of you. Be secure in who you are, and don't try to become what others want you to become.