[Chocolateriver]

Since I found out my mom was bi I have tried to stop people from criticizing gays or making fun of them. The problem is. When I protect the gays people get the idea that I am secretly bi. Only a couple of people know about my mom and I'm scared to tell people openly. It seems like he only way I can get people to stop others from being cruel to gays is to tell them. Should I just tell everyone?

[talaniman]

You don't have to tell anyone your personal business, nor should you care what they think of you. Defending someone from ignorant people may be great, but I suggest leaving ignorant folks alone.

[Wondergirl]

No, your and your mom's business is to be kept private. You don't owe anyone an explanation or apology or excuse.

[Fr_Chuck]

Then you are either trying to correct complete strangers ( which I would not advise) or you don't have good friends who know you.

Many people because of their social or religious beliefs have firm beliefs about sexual preference. You are not going to change any minds either. Also you need to decide are they "talking bad" or merely giving their opinions.

I may say, from a religious view point that this is a sin and out of Gods will. I am stating a fact from my religious teaching, not talking bad about the person.

You will need to keep apart, talking bad about a person, and talking about sexual actions that people may disagree with.

[Cat1864]

I think you need to step back and look at the big picture. You are not responsible for 'protecting' a group of people any more than you are your mother. Does she know how you feel and what you have been trying to do?

When we find out things about people that change our own perceptions it can cause us to become overly sensitive to the issues surrounding those perceptions. Over time you will learn how to share your opinions and beliefs with others. Remember that in a discussion, it is important to have respect for the other person's right to their own opinions just like it is your right to have yours. By sharing and listening to each other, we gain insight on how to live peacefully with each other.

As for treating people (not just homosexuals) cruelly, if you are talking about 'bullying', report it to the proper authorities. Encourage your friends to make reports too if they see improper behavior. NO ONE should be afraid to be who he/she is. Be polite to everyone. Show others how to be tolerant by how you behave.

It doesn't matter what anyone else thinks of your sexuality as long as you know who you are. Think of it this way, it is a bit hypocritical to say that you want to 'protect' others by correcting the actions of those who are being cruel and then turn around and want to 'out' your mother because people think you are bi-sexual. If you truly believe there is nothing wrong with being bi-sexual, then what does it matter if someone who doesn't matter thinks you are?