It is indeed "odd" that seemingly intelligent folks are not open-minded and observant enough to see the lack in logic of their own perspectives/approaches, while pointing out the holes in the perspectives of others

I really do try and see others points of view, if only to trry and understand how or why their opinion should vary so much to mine. If it is a learning environment I am happy to learn from others. But now here is the crux, accepting my opinions of what is bigotry is my opinion, I simply can never or accept bigotry in the face of evidence that show the high likelihood it is totally wrong.

Someone wanting to believe, for instance, that homosexuality is a choice I find a little obtuse based on all the evidence otherwise, though I would defend the right of that person to believe as they wish.

Only when they wish to turn that belief into a weapon of hate or harm can I never agree with it. This also goes for activists on all sides who would want to use insult and hurt (or worse) to further an argument or bring about change. I think aggression breeds aggression... but that too is only my opinion.

If we are to survive as a species we certainly need to move toward the middle ground from all sides

The difference being that I think bigotry does lead to or involve hatred. Arguing against it does not, at least against the protaganist, but may do against the subject. I hate hate!