How do you deal with homophobic, transphobic, hateful, and violent news stories against our community?

Facing intolerance isn't easy, but the best answer to hate is usually mutual support. The LGBT community and all supportive people should stay close to one another and build a support net through LGBT groups and other forms of support, at schools, online, anywhere. And it's also important to spread awareness about LGBTQ+ realities, in order to contribute to building a more accepting and inclusive society. Doing our part to make the world a better place for LGBT people can also make us feel stronger when it comes to facing intolerance. And of course, we should all remember that we're all equals and deserve respect and support, no matter what others say. Their hate defines who they are, not who we are.

When I see something that is homophobic, transphobic, hateful, or violent that I know would offend anyone greatly, I write a letter or email to that news station or newspaper about why it was what it was. I have gotten responses from smaller news stations either thanking me for pointing this out or criticizing me for sending things like that. Some of the ones who thank me even go back and apologize for what they said or printed and it makes me feel great that I can effect change like this :)

Honestly? They make my blood boil for the first hour, and for the rest of the day it makes me think of what issues we have to address to stop stories like these become a daily occurrence. What's important is not to let these stories destroy our resolution to keep fighting for what's right. We shouldn't lose sight of the bigger picture and what we're doing this for.

I respond with 'The world needs to change and I will be the one to spark some'. You may not be able to change the whole world, but you are able to change some.

Hearing hateful, prejudice filled stories in the news is completely disturbing, and being a part of one of those communities can make it all that much worse. Even though there is bad out there, remind yourself the GOOD that is being done that iSN'T being shown on the news. The news is meant to rile people up, and good news won't promote that idea so it often isn't shown. Do some research and find some of the good acts that are going on in your area. And if there are none, start your own! Be motivated to go out there and make a difference! We've come a long way in many aspects but have so much further to go. Be a part of that change.

You start by changing the minds of the people who are more flexible and open-minded. It's best to ignore and not deal with the real homophobes.

Stay positive. Don't let them get to you. In case of violent action or dangerous situations, you need to get outside help or call the police or something like that. If it's verbal abuse, then just don't let it touch you. Keep such a big bubble of positivity that these hateful things can't even move the air around you.

Ignoring them is the best thing we can do. Getting bothered by them makes them more strong and sick.

We talk about it, we spread the word, we make sure that were never silenced again, because we need to be heard. We continue to be a string community and support each other through difficult times, to be a unified voice and fight these things, and our own struggles, together. That's all we can do

This is a tough one! Every time I see a news story about this it really breaks my heart. I can not fathom hating anyone because of who they open their heart to. I follow many LGBT positive blogs and communities, so when things like this come up those communities really help me to see positive and uplifting things. I also do lots of journaling and use that sadness to try and see some things about myself that I judge to quickly or unfairly on. I don't think I will ever see the day where I understand how one human can hate another or do harm intentionally. But maybe one day we can live in a world where it doesn't happen as much.

Personally, when I see hateful content against the LGBT community, I try to ignore it. Rather I try and look for affirming, validating articles and posts about the community. It is important to remember that yes, there will always be haters in the world, not just against the LGBT+ community, but against different races, religions, etc, but there is also a plethora of love and support. It's also important to acknowledge how far the community has come in the last 50, 10, or even 5 years. In many countries worldwide, it is accepted and things such as same sex marriage and transgender transitions are legal. There's always going to be negative stigma about the community, but it's not hard to find positive support.

I have to try my best to separate myself from the immediate issue emotionally, then asses what's bothering me the most in what I'm seeing. Anything outrageously hateful is just toxic. If there is any progress to be made by reaching out to someone, I'd like to be able to do that, but sometimes there simply won't be anything you can do when someone is set in their thinking. Being an advocate for positive thinking is the best coping mechanism I've come up with and it does help me. I can't necessarily measure how much it affects those around me, but I think that's less important than doing *something.* And having it be something positive.