Definition: Acceptance vs. Tolerance
Do you accept the gay people you know or do you simply tolerate them? The two words are related, but there's a big difference when it comes to how you interact with the gay people that you see, meet, or socialize with.

Tolerating someone is choosing to be around them, but not fully embracing who they are. Acceptance, however, is showing a deeper level of understanding by treating a gay person as an equal.


But, I Have Gay Friends
Usually when someone throws around the phrase "I have gay friends," after joking about or ridiculing gays behind their backs, they simply tolerate gay people. Accepting a gay person is done with respect for the individual and their community.

Also Known As: Allies