> You can’t just ignore it

I agree with your comment in general, except this one point: you sometimes absolutely can just ignore it. The instance from the article is one such example.

I didn't read it that way. The subject seems to feel overwhelming grief/dispare for being different and notices it everywhere he goes. What good is there in ignoring it? I'd address it. Own it. It seems that the subject generally has had a supportive family/community and has not had much adversity other than just feeling stuck in his life.