[Bells]

I'm sorry you're made to feel that way. Life can be really cruel sometimes. You seem to be coping very well so far, though. Regarding your questions, I think homophobes are generally either very religious, or ignorant because they have led sheltered lives. People should be left free to make their own choices and decisions, and yet we seem to be restrained by certain 'ideal' ways of living our lives. And most of the time, they're not any better.

Also, in the case of religious people - despite the fact that they may not agree with the concept, or that they wouldn't become gay/bisexual themselves, surely they should be tolerant of other people and let other people choose their own paths. It makes no sense for people to shut out others because of their sexuality. Like any form of discrimination, it's wrong - but unfortunately it exists in the world and you have to cope with it as best as you can, whether it be through confronting others or just ignoring them. As for the word 'gay' as an insult, I have used it in the past but realise that it can be considered offensive. Words generally tend to be thrown about really loosely amongst young people today.