Debunking Myths about the LGBTQ+ Community

RAINBOW CORNER

You did nothing to make your child gay. Your response, however, will have a significant impact on your child's wellbeing. When parents find out that their child is lesbian, gay, or bisexual, their initial reaction is frequently one of self-blame. That is untrue. Sexual preference is not something that anyone, not even parents, can teach to a child. 

In popular culture and the media, LGBTQ+ individuals are routinely misrepresented and misunderstood. They are marginalised by a large portion of the general populace, which causes them a tremendous deal of stress and anxiety. Due to discrimination, the prevalence of mental illness among queer individuals is startlingly high. Negative beliefs towards LGBTQ people are frequently based on false information, stereotypes, and falsehoods. Many people's perceptions of unfamiliar subjects, particularly those involving underprivileged communities, are influenced by stereotypes. While some stereotypes are either exaggerations of the truth or misinterpretations of cultural norms, others are intentionally harmful. Sadly, prejudice towards the LGBTQ+ community has its roots in false beliefs about gay people that are founded on these kinds of stereotypes.

Due to the strength and prevalence of these stereotypes, there are now many myths about LGBTQ+ individuals and their culture, which has led to discrimination and stigma. This stigma must be primarily experienced by the LGBTQ+ community. Think about how the myths listed below might have influenced your opinions. To reduce stigma and advance equity, the following myths and misunderstandings regarding the LGBTQ+ community need to be dispelled.

Myth 1: Being homosexual is a choice

The reasons for homosexuality or heterosexuality are not related to parenting, peer pressure, or religious conflicts. Being gay is just as much a choice as being straight. When a heterosexual person is asked, “When did you decide to be attracted to persons of the opposite sex,” it is analogous to asking a gay person, “When did you decide to be gay.” Many people think that one deliberately chooses to be gay, lesbian, bisexual, or any other sexual orientation. Yet the situation is more intricate than that. The sexual orientation of a person has no “cause” behind it. Although some predispositions are present at birth, sexuality can also change and evolve with time.

Myth 2: Homosexuality is curable.

Sexual orientation cannot be changed by therapy, and remedial therapy may even be detrimental. Lesbian, homosexual, and bisexual transformational therapies (such as "conversion" and "reparative" therapy) have been proven ineffective.

Myth 3: Who is the man in the relationship?

Gender roles are flexible and dependent on the individuals because the dynamics of LGBT partnerships change from pair to couple. Couples of all sexual orientations are starting to question traditional gender roles in relationships. No one can be considered a "male" in a queer relationship unless they self-identify as one.

Myth 4: Parents made a mistake.

You did nothing to make your child gay. Your response, however, will have a significant impact on your child's wellbeing. When parents find out that their child is lesbian, gay, or bisexual, their initial reaction is frequently one of self-blame. That is untrue. Sexual preference is not something that anyone, not even parents, can teach to a child. A parent cannot make their child gay, just as they cannot make their child heterosexual or straight. Yet, how a parent reacts after a child comes out might affect how that child's life develops both now and as an adult. You have the opportunity to shield your child from high-risk, self-destructive habits like drug use and sexually transmitted diseases, as well as from homelessness, depression, and suicide.

Myth 5: Because they secretly wish they were women; gay guys enjoy dressing like women. Similarly, lesbians dress like guys and aspire to be them. Being gay, however, does not necessarily imply that a person identifies as a member of the other gender. Gender identity and sexuality are two distinct concepts that do not relate to one another.

Myth 6: Individuals who identify as LGBTQ+ can be recognised by certain mannerisms, fashion choices, or physical traits.

LGBTQ+ individuals exist in as many varied forms, dimensions, and hues as heterosexuals do. Some LGBTQ+ individuals can be recognised by their stereotyped behaviours and traits. Few LGBTQ+ people now believe they must dress to fit in with society's norms, and some LGBTQ+ persons decide to use their appearance to express their political views. Some members of various gay and lesbian peer groups or subcultures may imitate and exaggerate particular behaviours. Queer youth sometimes struggle to "fit in" to the gay community since there aren't enough open LGBTQ+ role models, so they adopt conventional behaviours believing that this is the only way to express themselves. Without a broad public awareness, harmful stereotypes can have a strong impact on queer kids.

Myth 7: It is not advisable to raise children with two fathers or mothers.

It is a frequent misperception that traditional, heteronormative homes are the greatest environments for children to mature. Anti-LGBTQ+ propaganda frequently emphasised the necessity or benefits of a nuclear family structure in the mid-2000s in response to marriage equality and the emergence of gay families. They still spread these false beliefs nowadays. Yet, there have always been a variety of parenting arrangements, such as adoptive families, close relatives caring for children, and single parents.

Myth 8: No, pronouns don't exist

The usage of pronouns to indicate gender identity is becoming a more divisive topic. The fact that pronouns are specifically spoken in settings pertaining to gender and sexuality is what most people find upsetting or perplexing. Pronouns, however, have always been used to denote gender because they are a widely used feature of the English language.

Myth 9: Homosexual practice is a sin

In any meaningful relationship, gay or straight, sexuality is a typical manifestation of human connection. But the widespread belief is that sexuality is a blessing that God gives to everyone. Similar to heterosexuality, homosexuality is morally neutral. Nonetheless, an unfair difference is frequently made in regards to LGBTQ individuals: "It's okay to be gay. Simply avoid acting gay or engaging in sexual activity. This is an unfair and ridiculous demand that does not apply to heterosexuals. To expect LGBTQ individuals to divorce the truth of who they are from the truth of what they experience is discordant and hurtful. Regardless of the sexual orientation of the partners, the idea of a committed relationship should be recognised.

Myth 10: Marriage is between a man and a woman

LGBTQ partnerships are capable of being as committed, solid, and legitimate as heterosexual ones. More and more nations throughout the world have made same-sex marriage lawful. Marriages are solid and valid because of the mutual love and respect between the partners, not because of their gender. Families, communities, and the church can be just as accepting of and blessing of faithfulness in committed same-sex relationships as they are in heterosexual marriages.

Myth 11: Being bisexual is only a phase

Bisexuals are included in the LGBTQ+ acronym, however their legitimacy is frequently contested. Bisexuality is frequently portrayed as a stage on the route to being "truly" gay or lesbian, but other queer individuals are not necessarily accepting of it.

Myth 12: An LGBTQ person is a danger to children

Nobody is more likely to abuse children than LGBTQ persons. This insult is false. The impulse to protect children is shared by gay people and heterosexuals. Paedophilia, a psychological illness, not homosexuality, is the sexual attraction to children. Although evidence shows homosexual males are no more likely than straight men to sexually abuse children, this accusation is frequently directed at gay men in particular.

How to Combat LGBTQ+ Misconceptions and Myths

Being aware of these myths is the first step in dispelling them. Knowing the nuances and causes of stigma can make it easier for one to see how one's actions may damage LGBTQ+ people. It is crucial to hear about the challenges LGBTQ people encounter from them. Only they are able to express the pain and problems brought on by these misconceptions. It's simple to get started by following LGBTQ+ rights organisations, community advocates on social media, and news outlets that cover queer people and allies.