TED: I grew up in the Westboro Baptist Church. Here's why I left | Megan Phelps-Roper

The speaker shares their journey from being a member of the Westboro Baptist Church to leaving it after engaging with people on Twitter. Through conversations, they began to question the church's doctrines and eventually left in 2012. They found acceptance in communities they once targeted, leading to a new perspective on empathy and understanding. The speaker emphasizes the importance of dialogue and offers four steps to foster understanding: don't assume bad intent, ask questions, stay calm, and make the argument. They conclude with a call for empathy and change in public discourse.

What was the author's realization about the nature of people they once protested against?

In what ways did the author find acceptance after leaving their previous beliefs?

What does the author suggest is necessary for overcoming division in society?

Reflect on the author's mother's advice and its implications on their journey.