You’ve seen shows like Will and Grace, Queer Eye for the Straight Guy, or The L Word.  But what happens when it becomes real life and not just a TV show, when someone you know tells you they’re gay?  Truth is nothing changes.  They’re still the same person they were before they told you they liked people of the same sex.

Homophobia, the fear of gay people, is a major problem in today’s society.  People are people, no matter what color their skin is or what gender they are attracted to.  Yet sometimes when something isn’t the same for others as it is for us, we get frightened.  This is the main cause of homophobia—fear.  Yet through learning about what alternative sexual preferences really entail (and not the rumors that you may have heard), we can dispel this fear and make way for acceptance.  After all, every person deserves the same respect that you do.

Lindsey seemed really uptight....“I have something to tell you. I haven’t told anyone else and if you say a word anyone, I'm never speaking to you again.”

“What is it? I am your best friend. There is nothing that you could say to change that. Well, except that you killed someone or that you are in love with me,” Heather cracked herself up, but realized that Lindsey was not laughing and now looked even more frightened.

“I’m gay. But don’t worry, I don’t like you in that way,” she kind of half-smiled.

“Ok. Well, how long have you known, because I had no idea?" Heather answered. "Not that it matters, or whatever. So, umm…well you should tell your parents and your brother. Our friends definitely will be fine with it. Umm…except maybe Lisa. She comes from such a close-minded family. Sorry, I’m rambling…it just is surprising, that’s all.”

“I’m so not telling my family, and I don’t want to tell our friends right now. I sort of just realized this about myself and want some time to deal with it. It’s not like I am ashamed or anything. I’ve been hanging out with a lot of other people in the same situation. Some that came out a long time ago. They have totally helped me get to this point.”

“I mean, it’s not like you’ve changed." Heather interrupted, "You are still my best friend. I'm just getting to know a new part of you, right.”

“You’re the best Heather, but not everyone is gonna have the same reaction. People have such little tolerance for anything different or taboo. I’m afraid of what other kids in the school will say. Like, the ones who aren’t my friends,” Lindsey looked worried again.

“I’m just glad that you told me…and don’t worry, I’ll totally be there for you. People will be judgmental, but they just need to be reminded that there is so much more to a person than their sexual orientation. You are not alone.” Lindsey gave Heather a big hug and they were off to biology class.