9 Things People Get Wrong About Being LGBTQ
- Admin
- Aug 26, 2018
- 3 min read
1. Gender and sex are different. Period.
A person's identity is very dynamic. No, when I say "sex" I do not mean the birds and the bees. I'm talking about the biological wiring of a person's physical being. Gender is something we decide, where we identify in the social norms that have been created for us. And sometimes, it means breaking them.
Official Definitions:
Sex: either of the two main categories (male and female) into which humans and many other living things are divided on the basis of their reproductive functions.
Gender: the state of being male or female (typically used with reference to social and cultural differences rather than biological ones).
Ultimately, both of these categories and how a person identifies is different for everyone.
2. I'm not going to change my mind when I get older.
We've all heard the stereotypes, the ones that never die. Although, you should never feel bad about speaking up for yourself when this occurs. Firstly, what's so wrong about identity changing? We should have the freedom to identify the way we feel, honest with ourselves, and continue to be honest with how we feel as it may or may not change. It's okay. Secondly, if you honestly feel that this is how you're happy, then why should anyone be able to tell you any different? Your identity is yours.
3. "I can't get pregnant, so I don't need protection."
Sexual protection is for way more than pregnancy and the STIs that you can get are still life-altering just like a child. STIs are nondiscriminatory. Also, sexual protection is so much more than condoms. Dental dams, vaginal condoms, I could go on forever. There's no shame in talking to your doctor and partner(s) and figuring out what the best option is to keep you healthy.
4. Yes, I'm still gay.
No, Aunt Carol I don't need you to remind me of the available mates that I am not sexually attracted to. "You just haven't found the right (enter pronoun of the sex that you do not prefer)." It gets tiresome, I know. I don't know how you can be any more LGBTQ than literally stating your identity as LGBTQ. Like what else are you supposed to do?
5. The never ending stereotypes.
Being LGBTQ is not just this:
or this:
But that part is really fun too.
6. If you're bisexual, it doesn't mean you're just confused.
"I'll only date a real lesbian" is illegitimate and offensive, yet surprisingly common. Liking both sexes, all genders, one sex, or anything above and in between is completely fine. Being bisexual is just as valid as any other identity and does not mean someone is less adequate as a romantic partner. Despite your concerns, you will not suddenly turn them straight.
7. Queer does not need to be censored.
No, we are not forcing our gay on you. We deserve to fight so our families deserve equal representation. We have a right to fight to learn LGBTQ topics in school. We will not be silenced. We are people, not something that needs to be hidden from children and shamed in public. Equal rights, not superior rights. Just equal.
8. Just because I’m different now, doesn’t mean I lied before.
Identity is always unique and always changing, a fluid personal journey for each individual. Don’t be scared to test the waters, change your mind, or be confident in your decisions. It’s your decisions. It’s your identity. Love yourself!
9. My genderation hasn’t made it up.
LGBTQ people have been around since the beginning of time. It’s natural for humans and for animals. No, it’s not new in style in the 21st Century. We won’t be leaving. We’re just who we are.
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