@avistew: Sounds like you've got the right idea. I think the one thing we all need to get better at is overcoming the idea that acknowledging someone as different is the same as acknowledging them as bad. People all have their own ideas of what they want, whether it's to fit in or to show how much they don't fit in. But I think if you ask a guy about his girlfriend or a woman about her boyfriend and they correct you, you don't necessarily have to feel bad for making them feel vulnerable. Instead, just say "great!" I'm guessing they probably don't want to hide it or avoid talking about it, and would be a lot happier to hear that you're fine with it.

It's perfectly natural to make assumptions about people -- all of us are always searching for the things we have in common. I think the truer test of whether we're all getting it or not is how we react to the differences.

@Rain: I'm not a big fan of Dan Savage, either, but I honestly can't remember why. And if I'm being honest, I'd gotten to the point where I'd see those "It's Get Better" videos and just say, "Great. Whatever. Next." I know it's a big deal to most of the people who made them, and I don't want to trivialize it, but it got to the point where I just thought, "Okay, yet another coming out story. What else have you got?"

It wasn't until I saw the Joel Burns video and then that Pixar video that I got some sense knocked back into me and remembered what a big deal it is to realize you're not alone. And you (general you) don't have to like all of them; it just takes one to make the connection that makes all the difference.

@Kimari: I think you're exaggerating, but thanks!

@Matt: It'd be incredible if anything on here actually helps someone, but in any case it's the strength in numbers that makes a difference. You hear the same stories enough times, and maybe people will start to realize that too many people are going through unnecessary difficulty, and it's got to stop.

I just can't thank the people at Pixar enough for making that video. They said exactly what needed to be said, and I think if I'd seen that when I was younger, it could've made all the difference in my life. I'm even more convinced now that I need to sneak into the building and just give everybody there a big hug.