Why are so many people close-minded when it comes to LGBTQ individuals?

I think what it boils down to is a lack of education about or exposure to the LGBTQ community. People are afraid of things they don't understand or that are unfamiliar to them. It doesn't make sense, but for some people it's easier to be ignorant to something than to try to educate yourself about it and understand it.

Many fear what they don't know or understand and because LGBTQ individuals aren't of a 'societal norm' those that aren't familiar often alienate. Because someone is born differently or has something different about them...doesn't mean there is anything wrong. we're all unique individuals. We should celebrate our differences and diversity instead of trying to divide ourselves up. As a pansexual person myself, most people don't understand that the way I think is that gender is irrelevant when I find someone appealing in a romantic manner. I don't know why I feel this way, but I do because I've had fulfilling relationships with many individuals of different gender identities and of different sexual orientations. And other factors that do contribute to the 'close mindedness' as you state...could be philosophical and/or religious reasons--there are belief systems out there that are against same-sex relationships, and there are others that celebrate it as a 'norm'. A lot of it is culture and a particular society orientation regarding attitudes towards something that isn't strictly heterosexual coupled relationships. Personally, I find the gender identity and sexuality to be a spectrum because it's not clear cut on/off or a/b, black/white etc. There's a lot of area where one person may be primarily leaning this way but with curiosities another. And there's nothing wrong with that. It's also up to those individuals to realize and learn that people are people, and it doesn't matter what our orientation is because we're all part of the human race. :)

Mostly, people tend to be really close minded when it comes to LGBTQ individuals because of their beliefs. They believe that love is only supposed to happen between a guy and a girl. What they forget to understand is that these are two individuals too. You do not choose your life and you cannot choose whom you love either. Sure there might a few things that you might consider attractive that the rest might not, but you still didn't CHOOSE them. Another reason why people are close minded is because they tend to think that being gay or straight or bisexual or whatever it may be is a CHOICE. A lot of people do not understand the struggle that LGBTQ people go through for mere self acceptance, much less acceptance from others. Religious books like the Bible, Quran or Gita haven't done anything to promote or demote this but people see these books and their sayings from different perspectives. :)

LGBTQ community is damaged by a lot of things, traditions, religions, ... It's already hard for someone to accept being part of this community, but we must not forget that it's also a path for someone to accept the difference of someone else. Things are moving slowly, if you look back, it was still considered an illness in the 80's, and now we're slowly gaining equality in several country. Minds are changing, allow them to take the time they need and they'll be slowly more open minded :)

Many people fear what they don't understand. When astronomers first proposed that the universe did NOT revolve around the earth, society at large rejected them. When older, mysterious women were able to affect change using herbal remedies, people cried "Witch!" and murdered thousands. Similarly, as the LGBTQ community continues to discover more nuances within ourselves, things like skoliosexual and demi-heteroromantic and genders outside the traditional binary, the public in general is confused. These are concepts that people don't understand fully, partly because they are new, different, and a little scary, and partly because our community doesn't want to let too many non-LGBTQ people in, for fear of harm or rejection. Without understanding, people close their minds to new ideas and opportunities to understand themselves and their world.

There are various reasons. Many feel that as it is a main basis of their faith, that it would be considered blasphemitic for them to believe otherwise. Furthermore, our society is still accepting this, and as a result, many individuals have been raised to believe that it is acceptable to be close-minded.

Hey there! People can be close-minded about LGBTQ+ individuals for a few different reasons. It could be because of their religion, personal opinion, or other things. Religion is a big one, as it is said that a man should marry a woman and men should not marry men and women should not marry women. Religion is only one reason for being close-minded, but is the biggest reason. However, some people are homophobic because that's how they were raised and it is their opinion. Most children are raised thinking that a man should marry a woman, and nothing else. Being raised this way can lead to homophobia in some cases. ~Brooklyn

Religion, culture, etc. One day, people will learn to accept LGBTQ+ for who they are. No one deserves to be mistreated because of something they can't change. One day, people will see that truth.

People fear what they don't understand❤Everyone is allowed to have their own views and opinions tho, so I wouldn't worry about it too much....don't worry about what other people think....we only have one life so don't waste it trying to please people ❤

They fear themselves. They are unwilling to deal with their own life baggage, and avoid their own pain. The only way to do that is to build up a view of the world and other people that is controlled and narrow minded. It gives them the illusion that they have life figured out and that they are safe from their past. So everyone that disputes those views by simpy being themselves (but supposedly so different) is viewed as a serious threat.

I find that many disabled people, like myself, experience ableism (the belief that a population can't do much). People have starred at me and steered clear of me like I have a deadly disease that might catch. People don't like what they don't understand..it may be the same for the LGBTQ population. You all aren't alone.

Education and learnt behaviour. People usually are scared when it comes to new things, or on this case, when names are given to things that have existed through out history. People are usually conditioned to think that there are two genders and that you can only have a male/female relationship. Education is the main way we can change the way people think and with that more people will change their minds if the people around them do. 30 years ago gay wasn't accepted or talked about now it is, not perfect but better. That'll be even better in the next 30 years.

That's due to cultural prejudice, internalized from society, family or any ideological environment that might influence people. That's very frustrating, but luckily, open-minded people are there, and they're willing to support anyone who feels neglected by close-minded mentalities. The world is changing towards inclusive - slowly, but it's changing. We can all make our part to ensure that, with time, the world will be a more inclusive place!

Its the way we are raised, and over time most dont see that they are not seeing the Gray in a Black and white world as said in CBT Training, So its best to be willing to teach all that you meet some about it and to be open minded to.

Even though the LGTBQ+ community is much more well known today, many are still now aware, or not able to fully understand the concept yet. It sounds absurd, I know, but it takes time. Some people are close-minded because it goes against their religion or values. From the moment we were born, we are taught to behave, think and see certain things in a certain way. Our family, culture and friends ultimately shape who we become as a person. If someone's not fully open to the concept, it's okay. We need to understand where they're coming from and how it's not their fault for not being able to understand complex things. Give them time. Eventually, more and more people will be more open-minded and understanding. It's always a work in progress. Let's take it one step at a time to raise awareness about the LGTBQ+ community and make it a better world :D

This is because the history of many people and cultures are conservative. A lot of times the closed-mindedness can be based in traditional religion, not that all who are religious are closed-minded. I live in the Bible Belt where many people are conservative Christians, meaning they think that people in the LGBTQ community are an "abomination". My own parents are closed minded as well when it comes to the LGBTQ community. A lot of times why this happens is people develop their own opinions, and they only interact with those within their closed-minded circle having their closed minded opinions justified and verified. If you look at those who are more traditional who interact with a large range of people, they are usually less closed minded even if they hold traditional opinions. XOXO William

I have met a lot of people who tell me my sexuality doesn't exist. It is hard to understand why they feel this way since a lot of my friends are bi too. I don't understand it but I think it is with religion. They feel afraid of what they don't understand so it is easier to put others down than to just be nice. Shutting those people out really does help. You are amazing and don't let others get you down!

From a real and psychological approach to this question? There have been MANY articles and studies performed on this question that you could explore through the internet. But in my honest opinion, what's more important is what are we - the members of the LGBTQI+ and their allies - going to do about them? How are we going to react? How are WE going to feel? Are we going to let their closed minded attitudes destroy us? Or are we going to remember to have pride in ourselves, and remember that it's THEM who has the issue -- not us, and that WE will not let THEM bring us down for an issue that THEY have.

Because they grow up in an environment where it wasn't accepted in the past. Also, because they grow up in this kind of environment, it is really hard for them to change their mind. It will take a lot of effort for them to change it.

The big question. It is really really confusing how even the cleverest person in the room makes a stupid comment on LGBTQ+. Maybe it is because they cannot simply accept someone being different and expressing it openly. Maybe that is just jealousy.

Humans typically fear what they don't understand and hate what they cannot conquer. I find humans also to be afraid of something alien or different from themselves. So they try to deny anyone could be any different from themselves, as they feel they are the best way to be, so they could be very egocentric. So a combination of intellectual laziness, egocentric mentality, and of course fear makes anyone very silly.

Because they might be conservative, maybe they lack understanding and information about LGBTQ. It is easier to judge than to understand.

Sadly, it's hard for some people to wrap their head around the thought of people being different. This results in them being close-minded about the topic.

Sometimes people can be so close-minded about the LGBTQ+ community because it is something that they do not understand. Some people feel they have to be that way because of their family, the way they were brought up, or because of religion. Sometimes people are even afraid for various reasons. There are a lot of possible reasons for why people are close-minded.

It's because they don't understand what being LGBTQ+ is like. They think that it's wrong, that it's a sin, and that's just their opinion. There's people like that in the world, and we can't change that. Don't listen to them though, LGBTQ+ individuals are wonderful! :)

People are closed minded because they often fear things they do not understand. The world is changing and people who are uneducated about the topic tend to be judgmental or close-minded because they do not have a grasp on what being part of the LGTBQ community entails.

We are not seen as normal. However, in my opinion, there is really no normal or perfect in society because no one is perfect, just the influence of other people making seeming "norms." Also, it is the lack of education and exposure. We are all wonderful people, and no one should ever feel ashamed of who they are because that's what someone told us. Be yourself because that's the best thing you can give to the world.

I believe that people aren't willing to be open to new ideas that they don't understand. They are afraid to embrace people who aren't like them. I definitely believe that people should become more educated on the LGBTQ+ community so that they understand these people better. Basically, society has made people believe that different isn't good. Whether it's because of a religious belief or just not having an understanding of the LGBTQ+ community, people are unwilling to accept a change in the way they regard people who aren't like them.

People don't like what they don't understand, and LGBTQ can be hard to understand even when you're going through it.

I think the main reason why so many are so close-minded about the LGBTQ community is because they just don't understand. Many think you can pray it away, or that it's simply a choice. Some think LGBTQ members are trying to destroy religion. Some think LGBTQ members can't be good parents or guardians. They just haven't been educated in a way to see from an LGBTQ members perspective