How to write a convincing character with a opinion that differs from the author's?

Question

So I wrote a short text recently in which the character has a very strong political opinion (anti-LGBTQ), which in addition is totally different to my own opinion. Now, I wanted to make the character as realistic as possible and used real arguments that people with this opinion use. Other participants said that they were not sure if I myself as the author share the same opinion and yeah, that would be a problem if someone thinks I'm some anti-LGBTQ after reading that text.So how can I write a character whose opinions differ from mine but without making the character unrealistic? The stories are from 1st person view so that makes it a little bit more difficult as:- I just can't make the person change their mind- I can't change the point of view either- Making a statement at the end would somehow ruin the whole feeling- Making unrealistic arguments would be unrealisticEDIT: I'm asking especially for short texts. In my case my test was for a Poetry Slam and I am completely new. In short texts I don't have the time to introduce a character and often just have to make him do his wrong things without being able to tell the audience more about him/her

Answer 1

This is a challenge, because your character is totally different from you, and it has brought the attention of the audience to you instead of the character himself. I think the audience does need to know that your character's opinions are not of your own. The best way I would do this is to include a quick written disclaimer before the reader engages with the text, or a note from you at the end. This way, your reader is focusing more on the character than on you as the writer. I don't think a disclaimer or endnote would ruin the feeling - it shouldn't - but rather force the reader to think about the character and his ideas. Writing is supposed to make people think, and consider other ideas. Your writing definitely will do that.

I give you a lot of credit - writing from a completely different perspective than your own is very difficult. Well done!

I hope it all works out. Best of luck to you!