I really don't know what kind of answer I am expected to give, following yours.
Perhaps, I don't care how americans think and how they treat individuals with different views in life is reasonable?
The fiation with fitting (forcing) individuals into labels, then attached to groups, to isolate people is hideous.
I do not care about the sexual orientation (or lack thereof) of an individual in order to engage with that person on a personal, social or professional setting.
I am dealing with a human being with the exact same aspirations I have and, as such, that person is worthy of respect by default.
If a single word is viewed as a taunt or whatever it may be by default, even if the person using it explains the reason for it, that alone states that any atempt of dialogue in stunted at the bud.
I'll pass.