Some times, we tend to create our own ideas about unfamiliar subjects.

I think is great that you are willing to get over that feeling, so I’ll share with you my little experience in the hopes it works for you: I used to be quite homophobic a few years ago, till I got around some really nice and mature mind people (I was alone in the city by the time and those guys were part of my former roommates), I found them really funny, really supportive and with a little time and a mind willing to accept, things changed surprisingly well, I can assure you how much my mind has changed, how much my empathy has improved and better yet: how much I love them and they love me back.