PHL 111 4-2 Journal: Effect of Bias The strong Christian beliefs I absorbed as a child prohibited me from befriending a person who did not identify as a heterosexual because of biases formed against their lifestyle. In the early 2000s, I was a teenager working at a skating rink when I began developing a relationship with a coworker who informed me of her sexual orientation as a lesbian a few months later. In honoring the values instilled, I abruptly ended our relationship and asked management not to schedule us together, if possible, in accordance with the teachings taught and believed. I noticed when we were scheduled to work together that the hurt inflicted by my harsh reaction prompted me to ask myself why the bias is against befriending people who do not identify as heterosexual since I observed my family often leaving a movie theater if there was a same-sex scene since it was regarded as a sin. Even though I understood the religion's teachings and the lifestyle that should be followed, I struggled with the guilt I felt when my observations contradicted what I felt.
As a result of the impact of the bias on this situation, I questioned how much sin I would commit if I were to recommit befriending someone who identifies as gay or lesbian. My experience in showing compassion has taught me that no matter how different people's lifestyles are, it is still possible to respect and value them for who they are. Despite the origins of implicit bias being religious doctrines, challenging those teachings and choosing to investigate their accuracy led me to ask questions and not accept things lightly. Lastly, eliminating bias led me to self-evaluate and reevaluate my values, as well as what I want to be known for. Having become self-aware, I asked people to hold me accountable for treating everyone with kindness and respect, regardless of gender or sexual orientation. Moreover, this has allowed me to establish
