I often don't get why, with my all-white, small farm town upbringing, that I didn't turn out to be a bigot. I often think it's because of one of my dad's famous sayings: "Everyone is valid just as they are." That's some good swamp Yankee wisdom, right there.
I grew up in a white, small farm town. I, sadly, did not get through it without learning bigotry. I had to unlearn them. I was bigoted even against who I was as a trans, pansexual girl. I'm still dismantling these things instilled in me.
I completely understand that. I saw such things as kid; I grew up during Boston's busing/desegregation in the 70s. Super lucky that I managed not to have to unlearn at least that particular problem