Taught Equal Treatment of All

 I am from a small town in Missouri that had little diversity. Thus, many people where not exposed to different cultures and types is people. So, racism and homophobia were common. However, my parents taught me to treat everyone (regardless of race, sex, or sexual orientation) equally. Being taught this from a young age made me passionate about human rights and equality. 

 Exposure to different people also contributed to my interest in this issue. My uncle, as well as a former classmate of mine, wittinessed  discrimination because they were gay. This made me want to help reduce and stand against homophobia.