In general, males who are secure in their own femininity tend to be less homophobic and sexist than those who fight their inner female and retreat from her. Yes, he was courageous in breaking with tradition. Russell was against it and the logical positivists were against it. Suppose, I as a Westerner have strong issues about gay and lesbian rights in Zimbabwe, female circumcision in different cultures, Hindu fundamentalism etc. It may be one of the burning questions of our time.
Inclusive dialogue is the key.
It should be possible to hear the other's voice, and bring all viewpoints to the table. Some religious fundamentalists have caught on to the idea of saying 'that's just your view and context' when you invite them to the table. What I am arguing for is a neo-humanism in values. Too often, humanism is reduced to a cheap scientism, and a downplaying of the rights of women, minorities, and colonized people. But there's something salvageable in humanism minus its white male imperialism, its classism, and its ethnocentrism.