Let’s learn myths about LGBT and their relationships. Everyone deserves the right to be in a happy relationship, regardless of their sexual orientations and gender identities. However, LGBTs face many stereotypes from societies, including being called an abomination.
Thankfully, things are not as bad as they used to be years ago. The stereotypes against the LGBT community are diminishing around the world. Many LGBTs are openly embracing their true sexual identity without fear of spite.
However, there are still many fabricated stories and misconceptions about LGBTs. They are fueled by religion, cultural background, the media, and mere ignorance. Education is the best way to raise awareness that one’s sexual orientation does not make them evil. Thus, this article seeks to uncover some of the dangerous myths about LGBTs and their relationships. We’ll also explore the realities of these false beliefs.
What is LGBT?
LGBT is an initialism that stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender.
● Lesbian: A lesbian is a homosexual woman. It is a woman who is sexually attracted to other women.
● Gay: A gay is a homosexual man who has a sexual attraction for other men.
● Bisexual: A bisexual is a person who is sexually attracted to both male and female. For instance, women seeking men and women on dating sites.
● Transgender: Someone who has a gender identity that differs from their birth sex. For example, a male who transitioned to a female. Those in this group can be straight, lesbian, gay, bisexual.
LGBT Relationship Myths Vs. Realities
The following myths generally apply to LGBT people. But some might be unique for each of the different groups in the LGBT community.
Myth #1: LGBT is unnatural because a sexual relationship is for procreation.
Reality: Many studies have shown that it is natural to be sexually attracted to the same gender. Some people argue that LGBT is wrong because it is only humans that practice it. Others claim that the purpose of sex is for reproduction. These are mere misconceptions. Studies show that more than 1500 animal species practice homosexual and bisexual behaviors. Also, sex is not only for procreation. In fact, it is just one function from a very long list of the functions of sexual intercourse, and guess what? People can also create life without having sex. What is unnatural is causing people pains by trying to force them to hide their feelings and identities.
Myth #2: Gays are punished with HIV/AIDS
Reality: HIV is not a punishment for anyone. It’s just a contagious disease that spreads mainly through unprotected sex. Someone with many sexual partners has a higher risk of contracting HIV/AIDs. It doesn’t matter if they’re straight, lesbian, gay, or bisexual.
Myth #3: Lesbian, gay, and bisexual people are promiscuous
Reality: Many straight individuals still hold the belief that LGBT people are promiscuous. They also believe that bisexuals are untrustworthy and unsatisfied in monogamous relationships. The truth is, one’s sexual orientation does not affect their trustworthiness and their choice of sexual lifestyle. After all, some straight people are promiscuous too.
Myth #4: Lesbians can turn straight by having sex with a “real” man
Reality: As funny as it may sound, many straight men actually believe this LGBT myth. They think that they can change the sexual orientation of lesbian through seduction. They believe that if a real man has sex with a lesbian, then she will change. That’s just some egoistic crap, and it’s not going to happen.
Myth #5: Transgenders are confused and misleading others
Reality. This is the most popular misconceptions about transgender people. However, trans are actually among the very few people who approach things with complete integrity. They know who they are and are transparent about it. It’s just hard for cisgender – people who identify with the gender assigned to them at birth – to understand how someone born with a penis and raised as a man might identify himself as a woman.
Myth #6: Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender are irreligious and non-spiritual
Reality: Many religious fanatics have real hatred or dislike for LGBT people. Why? They believe that such sexual orientations are outside the tenets of their religion. But that’s just another LGBT myth that no one should believe. Some religious folks would even go as far as telling LGBT people insensible stuff like, “I’ll pray for you, and my God will change you to straight,” What a pity! Spirituality has nothing to do with sexual orientations. Interestingly, there are lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender Christians who are happy with their sexual identity.
Myth #7: LGBT is a mental illness that can be treated by psychotherapy
Reality: LGBT people cannot be cured with psychiatric and psychological treatments. It’s not a mental disease. Such medications can cause emotional trauma for the patient. In fact, due to the several failed attempts of trying to change the sexual orientation of LGBT patients, the American Psychological Associations (APA) denounced homosexuality as a mental disorder. APA now recognize it as a form of sexual expression.
Myth #8: LGBTs flaunt and make out in public
Reality: If anyone is guilty of flaunting their sexuality, holding hands, and engaging in other forms of romantic activities in public, then straight couples are the culprits. LGBTs people hide their sexuality due to continuous stereotypes and discrimination against them.
Myth #9: Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people had traumatic childhoods
Reality: If being LGBT has something to do with a damaged childhood, then why do LGBT people have straight siblings? In fact, many lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender had beautiful childhood experiences. There are no studies supporting the claim that poor parenting can make a child become LGBT.
The Trouble With LGBT Myths
The problem with these dangerous misconceptions about lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender is that they:
- Cause emotional pain for LGBT people as they struggle with the stereotype
- Make it harder for LGBT to express their true feelings.
- Make LGBT feel guilty about their sexual orientation.
