I respectfully disagree that it's normal. I don't believe the OP's reaction is common, at least not to the degree that he feels it. Maybe I'm naive, but I don't believe that the normal or common reaction to typical social and professional interactions with gay people is "OMG, get him away from meeeee!"
Most people, even if they do feel some unease because they're in a new or uncomfortable situation, don't feel such antipathy that they can't even stand to speak casually to a co-worker or be within a few feet of him in the workplace.
I think you're right that being around people who are different from an individual can be unnerving at first. It's also true that by being around others, you learn that they aren't really so "other" after all; they aren't a "they," we're all just one big "us."
I disagree that hostility and fleeing any interaction is normal, though. Even if someone feels acutely uncomfortable, it's usually possible to make small talk and work together without total avoidance.
Is it normal to hate working with a gay guy?
↑ View this comment's parent
← View full post
I respectfully disagree that it's normal. I don't believe the OP's reaction is common, at least not to the degree that he feels it. Maybe I'm naive, but I don't believe that the normal or common reaction to typical social and professional interactions with gay people is "OMG, get him away from meeeee!"
Most people, even if they do feel some unease because they're in a new or uncomfortable situation, don't feel such antipathy that they can't even stand to speak casually to a co-worker or be within a few feet of him in the workplace.
I think you're right that being around people who are different from an individual can be unnerving at first. It's also true that by being around others, you learn that they aren't really so "other" after all; they aren't a "they," we're all just one big "us."
I disagree that hostility and fleeing any interaction is normal, though. Even if someone feels acutely uncomfortable, it's usually possible to make small talk and work together without total avoidance.
The OP is both wrong and abnormal in this case.