“When you’re surrounded by angry people who don’t like you, you tend to hide that part of yourself.”

(Before you yell at me, yes, I know that not all people who identify as conservative hate queer people.)

"Would that make you pro-choice? That sounds like bait, but it seems like a lot of small government people I talk to want the government to control what women do with their bodies."—u/National_Cod9546

"I am definitely pro-choice—quite frankly, I think there are very, very few cases where government should be dictating what doctors can and cannot do in the doctor-patient relationship. Government bureaucrats, private businesses, and billionaires have no business in that space!"—u/Western_Bake_1109

"Me too. I met people from all over the country of different races, religions, and cultures. Traveled the world. Gave me a much broader perspective."—u/chickenfightyourmom

"The hardest part is figuring out what to do with my social life now. Most of my friends are right-moderate and still very engrossed in the church. I feel like I can be a different voice within the echo chamber they live in, but it’s hard because every time I’m with them, especially in a group, I just feel alone."—u/Superb_Gap_1044

"Glad you could get some help. Funny how that works."—u/GuyMansworth

"That and meeting the people the right discriminates against, such as trans people. I was in denial for the longest while, and most of my information on trans people came from bigots. It helped a long way in understanding my identity and coming to accept it, and having a therapist to talk to was essential. Over time, as I moved further to the left and met more people, I came to several realizations that I now feel free to express myself."—u/Eleutheria

"I’m angry all the time, and I’ve turned more liberal."—u/myheadhurts_more

"Isn’t the status quo being liberal? That’s why people are scared to tell their friends that they’re conservative."—u/Boring_Adeptness_334

"I guess that depends on where you live. I live in the Midwest, where if I told my neighbors I was liberal, my house would be egged, my tires would be slashed, and bricks would be going through my windows. When you're surrounded by angry people who don't like you, you tend to hide that part of yourself."—u/Peanutsmydog

"I ended up going left partly because of what you described. Conservatives never used to be like this, and I think the fog is starting to lift for some of them. I feel the tides turning. We're not all going to agree on everything all the time, but hopefully we can get back to a point where we can agree on enough things to make changes that benefit everyone."—u/Slytherpuffy

"My take: Be nice. Don’t be an ass. Be responsible for yourself and for your children. If you need any help, it should be easily available. Don’t litter. Don’t drive like a maniac. Don’t hurt people and animals. And for God’s sake, don’t push religion on me. It will not work."—u/Specialist-Jello7544

"I always say having a religion is a lot like having a penis. It’s fine to have one. It’s fine to be proud of it. But if you try and shove it down my throat, there’s gonna be a problem…"—u/Solid_Association_49

Note: Some comments have been edited for length/clarity.