I just moved to Seattle from Wyoming, so I can kind of relate. But I'm on the opposite side of things. In the past few years I've become quite liberal with many topics. I believe in reproductive rights, including abortion, as I am a woman, so this hits close to me. I believe in LGBT rights, where as I used to be an opponent. My stance on that really started to change after someone burned down the house of my friend because he came out. People back "home" think I've gone crazy and are perpetually trying to get me to move back so they can "un-corrupt me." But just as you hold your ideas on certain issues quite dear, so do liberals. Both of us probably have good reason to believe what we currently do. Take for example, my stance on abortion. I was anti-abortion until I found out that if I get pregnant, my body would not be able to carry a baby to term, and I could get very sick or even die without the procedure. I know women who have been trapped with abusive men because they got them pregnant, thus require that man for support. You see, sometimes people have very personal reasons for their stance on something, and have forgotten that the opposing side might also, as well. Is it right for your teacher and classmates to berate you? Absolutely not. Everybody, regardless of gender, political affiliation, race, sexuality, whatever, is capable of being a jerk or a radical. It's up to you to hear others out and be patient with those who refuse to listen or respect you.