It also tires me that the all of the opposite side is being labelled as "homophobic bigots," just look at the extremism in this very thread with comparisons of

It also tires me that the all of the opposite side is being labelled as "homophobic bigots," just look at the extremism in this very thread with comparisons of Eich to the KKK. Growing up, my deeply religious immediate and extended family was surprised by my turning out to be the black swan secularist. As you alluded to I find that, as usual, ignorance breeds these misunderstandings. Having many personal discussions with many the deeply religious, I can honestly say that the majority do have empathy for those who are being discriminated against, abused, disowned, lynched and executed because of their expression of gender identity. This isn't a hate issue. This is an ignorance issue. Instead of shaming those like Eich, who (assumedly) take issue with their idea of the institution of marriage being trampled (which is reinforced by herd mentality), we should all try and engage personally to make them understand. Does that mean we should respect their beliefs? No, but we should strive for dialogue.