How much of the LGBT lifestyle is misunderstood?

Question

Although I'm straight, I feel as if the LGBT community and those living in it are some of the most misunderstood individuals in the Universe. People "in the lyfe" have the hardest time doing anything. Why do you all think that is? How does this make u feel?

Answer 1

I think what burns me up the most is that most of society looks at us as though we're totally incapable of having a meaningful relationship and that it's all about doing "unnatural" things in the bedroom. I am here to tell anyone that the relationship I have with my partner is so very soul deep that it dumbfounds even me at times. The bond and the love that she and I share is so profound that I wonder how many hetero couples have ever experienced this. I mean REALLY experienced this. The judgements that society puts on us about sin and such is something I just laugh off most of the time. What really bugs me is their perception of the relationships. That it's all sex based when that is just so not true. Yes, sex plays a part of it just like in a hetero relationship. But that's NOT all of it. It goes way beyond that.

Answer 2

The hardest part for me is the concept that there is a homosexual lifestyle. While the media would have us believe that gay men all live like the guys in Queer as Folk, or Noah's Ark, or that lesbians are all in L-Word communities, the vast majority of us live the same lifestyle straight people do.
We go to work, we stop at the dry cleaners, bank and post office on Saturday, we go to church on Sunday, we have dogs, and car payments and rents or mortgages. Some of us have children, by adoptions, from previous straight marriages, or by other means. We worry about the war, and the economy, and drugs and gangs. We support charities and political candidates, we belong to the neighborhood watch group, and sometimes we go to movies, bars, dances, festivals, concerts, and other social gatherings. We celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, baptisms and funerals. We have mothers, fathers, sisters and brothers. We long for someone special to share our lives with. Sometimes we find someone. When we do, we hope it is forever, but alas, it doesn't always work out. We pick up the pieces and move on.

I could go on and on...so far, how is this different from a straight "lifestyle?"

Answer 3

I think a majority of the LGBT community is misunderstood... some more then others... and not only misunderstood by the straight population but by each other too in many cases.
We learn to adapt though.. and once we have adapted I dont think we have near as many struggles as before... we are able to lead happy and productive lives just like anyone else...

Answer 4

First of all I will promise you no long replies!

Umm, I would have to agree with some of already mentioned, the fact that it *is* a 'lifestyle' is bad enough. I do nothing that is odd or weird and I am still looked upon as different. When I go out with a guy I am dating, I will purposfully *not* make it look obvious that we are 'connected' in anyway, because I know that there are people who don't feel comfortable with that. And that really hurts some people, some GLBTQ people that they have to watch what they do, like they can't (at my school) bring a same-gendered partner to a school dance.

In short, the fact that there even has to have a question thread, is the answer.

Hope it helped!
~Roger

Answer 5

All of the LGBT lifestyle is misunderstood. Why I think that is: Most people are just hypocites and claims that they are going by the bible. The bible say alot of things that shouldn't be done but they are being done each and everyday. This makes me feel like I have to keep on being strong and that is what I am going to continue to do.

Answer 6

I, for one, am tired of being lumped into this ambiguous "gay lifestyle." I believe that sets the stage for misunderstanding. There is no clearly defined way of life associated with being LGBT, just as there is no universal African-American lifestyle, Jewish lifestyle, or even Caucasian lifestyle. The term "lifestyle" being applied in this sense serves no purpose but to propagate stereotypes about people.

Answer 7

Of course they are. It's hard to be LGBT these days, no matter how much people try to be PC. The majority of my friends are lesbian or gay. Though I've never complained to them, it bothers me that when straight people and friends find out, they look at me funny. They usually reply with, "Gay guys are ok, I guess, but lesbians? Aren't you afraid they're going to hit on you?" And I just have to roll my eyes. They're my friends. They wouldn't do that. They know I'm straight.

So that right there is proof people are having a hard time accepting them in more ways than one. They automatically assume if someone is the same sex as you, and they're gay, they're going to hit on you. It's total BS. That's like expecting everyone of the opposite gender who's straight to hit on you. Doesn't work like that, does it? Nope.

People make a lot of assumptions about gay people, and the media plays up all of the misunderstandings so that we're presented the stereotype as fact. Not all gay people have aids, not all gay men dress up like women (in fact, many men who do dress up as women are actually straight), not all men act like girlie boys, and not all lesbians are butch. In fact, NONE of my lesbian friends are butch.

Answer 8

Well, I think the more correct term would be "refuse to understand or be tolerant about."

People are people; LGBT people want many of the same things out of life that non-LGBT people do. I don't see why some people refuse to understand that, and preach hatred, bigotry, discrimination and therefore violence.

Since when did equal rights translate into "special rights?"

I applaud all people, of all orientations, who work for tolerance, understanding, peace and justice.

Answer 9

well... i really dont know.
The only thing that bothers me is that it's all people around me worry about. i'm bisexual, and some girls dont like me because they're scared of me, which hurt.
Guys love to talk to me about girls because i can agree on "how hot they are" or " do you think she'd go out with me? what kind of guy does she like" and stuff like that.
I have a small group of friends, plus the entire band is nice to me.
It took me 2 years, my first years of high school, to really know who i was. then people started respecting me when i respected them and they realized i was just a normal girl.
but i've had it lucky. i was taught to respect everyone no matter how much they anger you. and that has kept me from hurting people.
Some people i know in california, utah, oregon, montana, and a few others have been beaten up and almost killed because they were gay.
I just keep to myself and if someone has a problem with me then they can tell me and i'll try to talk to them.

Answer 10

a lot of things are better than they used to be... i'm surprised to see myself type that, since things aren't really that great for most glbt people. but things are okay. if any part of my life is misunderstood, it's trying to get other gay people to understand me... that i'm a queer woman who doesn't go to the biker bar every night and listen to melissa etheridge and missy elliott. not that there's anything wrong with that.... but being gay has this stereotypical identity that comes with it... along with being myself in front of straight people who are homophoblic, i try to be myself... period... and make my own lifestyle.