Common misconceptions around LGBTQ+
Is there something such as heterosexual stereotypes or myths that needs to be addressed? No, you will not find any articles on such topics, in fact, you will find many articles about misconceptions that straight people have about the LGBTQ+ community. In some way, it feels wrong. Why would a human have misconceptions about another fellow human being in the first place? This brings us to the next question, where do these misconceptions arise and why? Irrespective of where all of it started, it feels unfair to some degree that someone has to constantly correct people’s mistakes every single time.
LGBTQ+ people are frequently misunderstood and misrepresented in popular culture and media. Thus, the misconceptions by the general public, result in a great amount of stress and anxiety. Queer people have shockingly high rates of mental health issues. Let’s not be the cause of other people’s struggles and try to resolve our misunderstandings on our own. Educate yourself by busting the common myths and mischaracterizations of the queer community.
Being gay is a choice
Seriously? Who gave this brilliant idea a green light? Being LGBTQ+ is not like choosing a new ice cream flavor. It’s not like a career decision. It’s a part of someone’s identity, as natural as the sky and ocean being blue. Think about it, does anyone question, being a man or a woman is a choice? Then why question if someone is being queer? So, let’s put this misconception to bed and focus on accepting people for who they are, no questions asked.
Who is the man in the relationship?
Such a common question, thrown at any queer couple. Not to mention it was even raised during the Same-sex marriage hearing in the supreme court in India. If even the well-educated people of the judiciary are raising such questions, then it is needless to ask for a common man to understand the queer dynamics just like that. This is because gender roles are fixated in many countries like India, where a man is expected to do so and so tasks, and the same goes for women.
Even if an individual fit under the norms of an ideal man or woman and happens to follow a fluid gender role in a relationship their identity is questioned without any shame by others. Not to mention the array of questions a queer couple might be scrutinized to.
How can a child have two moms or two dads?
Who in the world proved that a child can only grow normally if he/she is brought up by a mom and a dad? Another add-on is that having a mom and dad can only provide a healthy environment for a child to grow as a happy kid. Hello, wake up, more than three decades’ worth of studies shows equally good outcomes for children of LGBTQ parents as those with non-LGBTQ parents. We have always seen one or the other kind of diverse parenting like single-parenting, adoption, etc. When did having two moms or dads prove to be a wrong upbringing?
LGBTQ+ individuals are confused or going through a phase.
Newsflash: Sexual orientation and gender identity are not phases or temporary fads. It’s who people are, and it’s as valid as your love for your family. Many parents just ignore serious issues of their children as a phase which at last ends in a very bad manner. Similarly, coming out as queer is seen as a phase in which their child has decided to act out, sort of like a rebelling phase. But parents fail to see that they are fooling themselves by trying to convince otherwise with such lame excuses. They simply don’t want to accept the truth in front of them.
So, let’s spare ourselves and others the headache and leave the notion of “it’s just a phase” behind and embrace the fabulousness of diversity.
There are only two genders: Man and Woman
The biggest myth of all, Gender identity is your biological gender from birth as well as how others perceive your gender. People often mistake biological sex as a person’s gender. The counter-argument on this point would be that first of all gender identity is a personal experience of gender and what they feel from within. It’s not something that one can tell just by looking at an individual. This is entirely an individual self-conception of who they are and no one, literally no- one in this world can dare question that notion.
Gay men love to dress like women because they secretly wish they were women.
First off, let’s make it clear that sexuality is different from gender identity. Sexual orientation is about who you want to be with. Gender identity is about who you are.
And, come on! *Dramatic Eyeroll* Just because someone identifies as LGBTQ+ doesn’t automatically mean they’re a walking fashion runway. Sure, some folks have impeccable style and can rock any outfit, but let’s not stereotype an entire community. After all, we’re all just trying to find that perfect pair of jeans to flaunt ourselves.
In today’s world, where acceptance and inclusivity are gaining momentum, it’s crucial to debunk the misconceptions surrounding the LGBTQ+ community. Although progress has been made, many people still harbor misconceptions that continue to support stereotypes and hinder understanding.
It’s time to open our minds, embrace diversity, and support one another. Remember, love has no boundaries, and neither should our understanding. Let’s live happily and let others do the same!
