Why do people think this is all right?

My mother physically gags every time anyone even says the word gay. My closest male friend (a family member) constantly makes jokes about gay people and objectifies lesbians. One group of my friends is so frustrating. They love gay couples because they think they're adorable, but they think lesbians are "creepy" and constantly make derogatory jokes about them.

I have only ever heard one person say anything that wasn't negative or objectifying about lesbians, and that's my best friend, who will literally freak out on anyone who says anything even remotely homophobic. She's the most amazing person I've ever met, but it's horrible that she's the only person I've ever met who does that.

Why are people like this? I'm tired of hiding who I am! How do you deal with stupid people, AL?

Gosh, I'm sorry for always being so negative. Have a picture I found of a [rainbow cat] ( http://topmy.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/rainbow-cat-returns.jpg).

EDIT: A little more background.