How To Be LGBTa Friendly

Want to learn how to be LGBT friendly? You would think it would be very easy to be LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) friendly in today's world. After all, tolerance and acceptance of people of different cultures and ideologies is considered a virtue in the world. Sadly, this isn't always the case. There has been a lot of progress in the area of LGBT rights over the years, but in many ways society is still very homophobic. If you're a straight person who is serious about being LGBT friendly, here are a few things you should keep in mind.

1. Sexual orientation is only a small part of who a person is. Many people are unable to see beyond a gay person's sexuality, but just like straight people they have thoughts, feelings, jobs, hobbies and families. That gay guy that you know at work is a multifaceted individual, not someone who exists only to shake up the status quo and embody a bunch of gay stereotypes. Spend some time talking to him and you might find that he's an interesting person with whom you have a lot in common.
2. Homophobic remarks and jokes are not okay, even if they seem like harmless fun. Many people claim to be LGBT friendly and turn around and casually remark that something that they don't like is “so gay,” or they might use words like “queer” as an all-purpose insult. That's pretty insensitive and offensive for people who claim to not be homophobic. If you're a straight guy who's serious about being an ally to the LGBT community, you shouldn't be making these kinds of remarks. While you're at it, you should be discouraging others from talking like this as well.
3. Try to keep up to date on news about the LGBT community. You don't need to hit the streets with a picket sign and protest everything that the LGBT community is fighting against, but you should at least stay informed. A little understanding goes a long way.

Above all else, anyone who wants to be LGBT friendly should not only be tolerant and accepting of LGBT people and what they are fighting for, but they should treat them just like normal people. That's all anybody really wants.