Most people find it difficult to think objectively because they never consider the most fundamental aspect of their thinking, which is to discover why they think the way they do. If they did, they might discover that the human brain is predisposed to arrive at conclusions that require the least amount of thinking. We develop habits and jump to conclusions so our brains can think less. More often than not, our habits are bad rather than good, because good habits require more thought, and we accept our own conclusions as fact because it's easier than examining them critically and objectively.
The human brain behaves like a muscle. Used regularly and pushed too its limits, the brain becomes stronger and more efficient, while neglecting it has the opposite effect. Just as it's possible to build up one group of muscles while ignoring the others, it is possible to build up part of your brain and neglect the rest. A good example of this can be found in the entertainment industry, where people's lives revolve around acting out scripts and interacting with their peers. Is it any wonder that the vast majority of these people have lost the ability to think outside of their scripted lives or interact with people from diverse backgrounds?
The best way to develop your own thoughts is to learn to think about every situation you encounter from two opposing viewpoints. Regardless of whether or not you think abortion should be legal, come up with rational arguments both for and against the practice and pit those arguments against one another. If you're fair and thorough in your debate (and why wouldn't you be if you're debating yourself), you will probably discover that nost issues just don't have a simple answer, and anyone who thinks that they do is revealing that they are either biased in their thinking, or simply not thinking critically.
A crime is an act that is forbidden by law or the omission of a duty that is required by law. To claim that a person committed a "hate crime" not only presumes that those making the claim can read minds, but begs the question of whether - if crimes committed out of "hate" is to be considered more serious, crimes committed out of "love", or by people incapable of emotion (sociopaths) should be considered less serious.
Until they reach puberty, children are asexual, meaning they have no understanding of sex - unless it is forced upon them. While the gender traits of masculinity and femininity, as well as the degree to which one identifies with and is attracted to these traits varies from person to person, it is only by being able to mature in an environment that allows a child to develop naturally that they can ever hope to become normal adults. There are areas where children in their early teens and perhaps younger are trained to be soldiers without anyone claiming that those children are "trans-military", or anything other than normal children who were indoctrinated into a particular lifestyle.
Similarly, there are no Catholic children, only children who were raised in Catholic households. The concept should be obvious; children learn from their environment, and make choices based upon what they believe is the norm. Obviously, a child growing up without traditional male and female role models has little chance to develope into a normal adult.