Many people you meet are different than you in many different ways. They could be different in physical appearance, cultural behavior, attitudes, beliefs, sexual preference, and social presentation. Do you look for these differences or do you look for what you have in common?
The best way to make a friend is to find something in common and compliment them in some way. The nuances and personalities of individuals are what make life interesting. Without these things life would get pretty boring. So how does one handle being in a social situation with someone who is different? This will be as unique as the individual’s, however here are some pointers that may help.
Show respect and treat them how you would want to be treated. If you are curious as to why an individual would pierce certain body parts and wear leather or tattoos then it is certainly ok to ask, however do so in a way that shows respect. Make no statements of judgment or offers of opinion unless it is a compliment. Your attitude will show in your mannerisms and if you are authentic and honest then you will most likely be well received.
The same goes for those who are the target of questions. The way in which you respond will stay with the person and likely form their opinion of like individuals they may meet down the road. In a way you are a spokes person for humanity and this is something to keep in mind.
Physical appearance, cultural behavior, attitudes, beliefs, sexual preference, and social presentation are things that are not contagious so do not treat them as such. You will make choices as to how you live your life and present yourself in public so give others the freedom to do the same. Working in a cubicle next to a person who identifies as gay has no bearing on your sexual preference, unless you say it does. Maybe you find him attractive. Maybe you have conservative religious beliefs and find him objectionable. Either way he deserves your respect and common courtesies at all times whether in public or if you are with him alone in the elevator.
We each are who we are and that does not change because of proximity. It has been discovered recently that gender identity and sexual orientation are determined before birth and are hard wired into the brain. So please understand that you are the way you are and simply embrace it. While you are embracing who you are allow others to be who they are too.
We can all live together with our divine differences easily or not. Believing what a book tells you, some authority figure in a black robe tells you or even what a parent tells you is a formula for pain and suffering. Make up your own mind, based on your own experiences and get many viewpoints on a subject that seems important to you. Blind faith leads to destruction.
Love is the answer to any challenge you are ever faced with.
🙂 Sequoia Elisabeth
Oneness Ministry 
Love is our inner wealth , seeds of which we bring in our closed
hands to plant in this world to make it a tree of happiness.
to explain love by example of coin, like coin has head ,tail,and
thin edge.
positive judgement is like coin head , negative judgement is like
coin tail, thin edge is love ,that is the neutral judgement and the
vertical dimension of happiness beyond horizontal dimension
of joy and sorrow .
Love is an expression without expressed and silent answer to
every questions of life.
Thank you for the loving comment my dear. HUGS, Sequoia