Book - The Next Civil War

"they have friends who become gay or transgender."
Probably just an unintentional error on your part, Rob, but it is my understanding that people don't become gay or transgender. You either are or you aren't. It's not like changing your hair colour, it's just the way you are. I think you meant to say "come out as,,,"
I think it is important to clarify, or the usual suspects will jump on it and say, 'see, they are trying to turn our kids gay!'

As someone who has lifelong friends and relatives who are gay, yes they may be born gay, but sexuality doesn't manifest itself in most children until puberty, and some even later. So I stand by my description. My gay childhood friends and relatives had no idea they were gay until well past their childhood. "Coming out" is a totally different event. Some gay people never come out, never admit they're gay and never experience a gay relationship.