There is still a lot of debate about the rights and duties of gay and lesbian people. I have started a short list with points why we should be tolerant of gay/lesbian people. The list is not complete, I would like you to contribute to make the list as long as possible. Of course my statements cannot apply to all gay people, just as statements about hetero people can never apply to all “straight people”. I do not mean to offend anybody; I am trying to create a tolerant community where everything can be discussed. As long as the comments are written with respect for other people, feel free to join the discussion.
1. They are valuable members of our society.
Everyone can think of someone that they believe is providing value for their community and that happen to be gay. The music industry has plenty of famous, talented gay people. Also in politics one sees high positioned gay people. The German minister of Foreign Affairs (Guido Westerwelle) for example, or the Dutch minister of Finance (Jan Kees de Jager). And there are millions of gay people working hard in all industries, just like you and me trying to make a decent living and to live a happy fulfilling life.
2. They are fighting to be accepted and tolerated without forcing their own beliefs on other people.
Gay people are not trying to convince you to be gay. They do not feel offended that you do not feel the same way as they do. They are open and tolerant towards others beliefs. They are fighting to get equal rights as gay couples, being able to marry and adopt children. Why should anybody have a problem with that? Give them the same rights; they already have the same duties as everyone else!
3. They got style and guts.
Gay people are very influential in the fashion world. One could say they just have a keener eye for fashion but I think it is also because they have guts. They are not afraid to come up with new trends and think outside the box. Fashion would be quite boring if everyone would only design conformist outfits.
4. I have started with the first three reasons, it is up to you to make number four!
Tim Vann
Be-Tolerant 
4. They are human beings and all human beings are equal in every single way. Characteristics, as long as they do not legitimately hurt anyone, ought to be valued and respected as well all have humanity in common. 🙂
A bit of a non issue actually if you ask me. Tolerance should not be depending on any background. I suggest removing the Gay word out of the title… 🙂
Thanks guys! Sorry for the late response, I was on holiday.
4. That does deserve sympathy, I think social acceptance is the battle. In some areas it goes rather well with gay acceptance, but there is still a long way to go.
5. All humans should be treated equally, unfortunately that is not often the case
I hope that over the course of the year we can make the list even longer, I’m sure that the tolerance of gays will come up again on this blog.
Thanks again for your input.
Peace
5. We are human, just like the rest of you.
It doesn’t matter if you’re religious or you’re straight, all you need to be is human-kind.
4. They are lonely
Most gay people have gone through hell when trying to understand their own sexuality and having to tell their parents and friends about their uncommon feelings. In most cases this results in depression and loneliness. Doesn’t this deserve sympathy?