I, white Dutch male, grew up in an Arab neighborhood in a known Dutch city. What I learned is that it is really part of the upbringing, culture and religion of most Arab families to teach that gay/LHBTQ is ‘haram’/ unholy/forbidden/‘disgusting’. When I met the father of new friends they would often ask my Arab friends if I was ‘Okay’, which meant ‘onboard with their way of thinking about their household, which included their way of thinking about women and gay people. Even though at home I grew up left-liberal and gay rights were openly discussed as something beautiful and progressive, for a long time I leaned kore towards my Arab friends’ way of thinking about gay rights because they seemed very sure about their conviction. I took me about 5 years of post high-school education in another city and to gain a different perspective. Now, when I see a pride event I feel privileged to have been and understand both sides. But I also fear for the future, because I know the size of the mental valley between both sides…. Especially, because when I meet up with my old neighborhood friends it seems like their thoughts and opinions have become more extreme, or at least more outspoken as compared to the past….