Anti-Gay Prejudice: Where Does It Come From?  Once in a while, I
succeed in talking someone out of their opposition to gay
rights, and in doing this, I try to figure out why the person
harbors prejudice in the first place. Because bigotry hurts so
many people so deeply, it’s tempting to say, “Because they’re
jerks, that’s why.” That’s not specific or accurate, though,
and if you’re trying to change someone’s mind, “you’re a jerk”
isn’t the most persuasive opening statement. Here are some
reasons why I think anti-gay prejudice has been so persistent.
I know when you read the title, you probably thought, “Religion.
Duh.” It’s a big one, although religion doesn’t always breed
bigotry. I was raised a Christian and was a terribly devout
child, but never once in my life believed being gay was a
sin. Still, lots of people grow up learning that it is, and
questioning beliefs can scare people: once you start, where will
you stop?  Conservative Christians say of gay-loving Christians
like me, “You can’t pick and ch