That's life. Simple as that.

No matter what anyone says, no matter what anyone does, no matter what happens in the world, prejudices will always exist. It's simply a fundamental part of the human psyche to form images of people based on information provided by third parties. If nothing else, -that- is something that transcends cultures, ethnicities, sex, whatever. We're all united in our fundamental capacity (and subconcious need!) for bigotry.

That might sound harsh, but alas, it's true. Before anyone says 'but I'm not a bigot', you're wrong. Everyone is, in some minor way. Even (especially, in my experience) the people that do their damned hardest to not be bigots.

I do want to make it clear that I'm simply using the word as a descriptor. It's not meant with the same insulting and degrading loading as people tend to use it. Everyone makes minute to major judgements on others before they meet. The trick is to be able to surpass them. To allow someone to prove to you that they are who they say they are, not who you think they are.

The best way to engender tolerance (not acceptance, they are two different words for a reason) is to be tolerant yourself. Of course, not of the most extreme forms of bigotry, but to stand up and start screaming about [insert form of bigotry here] when it's but a minor case doesn't help. It just drives people further apart.

Time is the only thing that helps in cases like that. Time for someone to realize that 'hey, person X isn't so bad'. This applies to every case and every person. Shoving your personality and identity (I hate that word nowadays, the SJWs have ruined it with their identity politics nonsense) down people's throats does nothing but make them want to vomit it back up.

Patience is a virtue. Prove to be the better person, morally, than the other. They'll come around eventually.

I've always felt that who you are, what you do, is of no consequence or influence to those who voice their displeasure with you or what you do. Being on the internet or in any kind of public eye provides some focus for every response to you, and at times it can feel overwhelming. Even if you don't hear the prejudice, it's still there. A tree that falls with no one around still makes a sound, but that sound has no effect. I don't like to say "ignore them and they'll go away", but it's sometimes true

Here here! Well said Mougy! I know I might not post much on here, but I love how this group makes me feel! 2 years ago, I was terrified of anyone finding out I was into scat because I had lost friends over it. I had been following this account for many years prior, but was glad to be given a place in it! I'm a Minnesota local and if anyone needs someone to talk to or visit with, you know where to find me!