First of all don't label yourself, realize that people want to like you for you, not because you are gay/lesbian. I think people that are a different culture or that have different beliefs pre-judge others and therefore create a stigma that might not have ever even been brought up had you not already had your guard up. I am straight and have recently started a job where there are a lot of gay/lesbians. I admit I was not use to it. Its like learning a whole new culture. They say things and make jokes sometimes and I have no clue what they are talking about. But to truly answer your question its like this: Some people are always going to be ignorant and pass judgement because you are different. But for most folks, its all how you approach them. For the most part, it usually makes people uncomfortable. They are afraid they are going to say things that will offend you. So you have to be prepared and kind of ease people into it. I have a friend thats a lesbian and we were friends for months before I ever knew that. When I found out I was totally cool with it. If she had been very open about it in the beginning as far as trying to push the issue on me, I doubt we would have ever been friends. I truly like who she is as a person. When meeting new people, don't have the attitude that "I am (your name) and I am a lesbian." You are you and I am sure you have great qualitities that others will find appealing and many will overlook that you are a lesbian, just as your friends do now. Let people get to know you for who you are, I promise most decent people will totally be cool with it.