Act like a car. People will understand your intentions. I think being treated as a second class citizen because you are a cyclist isn't as prevalent as one may think.
I have a turn where I have to cut across 2 lanes of traffic to get in the turn lane. I just go when there is a gap and act exacetly like a car, even if that means taking the right lane for a few minutes before getting into the left and finally into the turn lane. I don't know what people think to themselves or to a passenger in the confines of their car, but outwardly I have never had a problem and even get motorists waving me over into their lane.