In recognition of diversity, list the ways in which the GBLTT community differs from other.?

Question

No cultures are exactly equal in every aspect. One principle of anthropology seen in play throughout history is that when one culture meets another, one will come to dominate the other. This is a result of technology, social heirarchy, commerce, social organization, scope and resources of government and state, and more. This is a simple prelude to acknowledging the fact that one culture is often superior to another in one aspect or another and to say that the dominant culture engages the (soon-to-be) subservient culture because it does find some value in that culture that it lacks (sometimes this is simply and unfortunatly slave power). In the sense that the GBLTT community constitutes both a global culture and unique subculture within many countries, and has few ties to traditional, ethnic, or historical roots, what virtues and weaknesses does it display in relation to other cultures? How can these strenghts be used to its advantage in maintaining distinctness and unity?

Reply to Just_ine_credible: Indeed, the community does have a tracable history dating back to honored Roman Soldiers thousands of years ago, and farther. The book "History of Same-Sex Unions in Premodern Europe" is a great study of some of this in Western civilization. I meant no disrespect or denigration of the stuggles, contributions and suffering of the community, but only note that it is not well-known to many of its' members, especially those who are youthful or just coming out. This ignorance is a part of the educational system, and is being slowly addressed by community support groups, organizations and programs. It none-the-less stands as true that unlike ethnic cultures and religious cultures (virtually indistinguishable in most societies) that enculturation begins at birth, and only now is this community (re)discovering its footprints in history.
Thank you for your comments.

to Atropis: your state an opinion that it is "folly" to refer to a global gay culture. Is this simply a tactical error to do so while acknowledging the fact that one exists, or is this a denial of the very existance of such a global gay community? There exists common bonds between GBLTT people across the globe, regardless of their language, belief set, or ethnic heritage. These bonds are constituted by many things, including, but not limited to, common historical events (Stonewall, Pride Marches, Festivals, civil marriage laws, and more), common values of equal rights, fairness, justice, family and equal protection, and a world increasingly united by technology (high speed communications, news, cable and satellite, cellular service, internet, email, IM and more). The global "gay" culture has additional roots in the joint efforts of many nonprofits who share resources and aid internationally. Global gay culture is certainly not a misnomer today.

Answer 1

The GLBT community differs from others in that it's members come from all other cultures, races, nationalities, religions, genders, abilities, education level, and income levels.
Just as handedness crosses these cultural lines, so too does the GLBT community.
The GLBT does in fact have it's own unique history, one that is all too easily pushed aside or conveniently forgotten by mainstream societies. Our community symbols and their meanings, our history of being persecuted, experimented on, even attempts to extinguish us as a whole...all these things, plus so much more...our achievements, our acknowledgments, our remembrances, our struggles to be heard accepted, acknowledged and depicted with honesty and dignity...these things make us a COMMUNITY.
Our history of inclusion, taking in those who have been disenfranchised due to their sex, gender, sexuality or the mere perception of such, adds strength and richness to our community as well as our history.
We share a common history and a common goal for our future. Our distinctness is defined simply by who we love. Our relationships are indeed based in just that, LOVE.

Answer 2

The LGBT community needs to better intograte into society, or at least appear to. I am a trans woman who is also bi, and I rarely get involved with lgbt activities as they smack of pounding a large drum. I do tell people I have a femal partner (though I keep the trans stuff low key), and people respect me for it.

The lgbt 'community' is part of society as a whole, and needs to think wholistically before it can move forward. Only then will people see it as something other than 'weird' or 'strange'. Being gay or trans is not the problem, rather how you act and behave.

Answer 3

I think it's folly to refer to a global gay culture. And, in fact, I think that's a major strength; we'll always be around no matter what.

Answer 4

There are no differences. We have lovers, haters, mena people, nice people, weirdos and normal people just like any other group.The differences in any group come from the individuals who make that group up!

Answer 5

LGBT (lesbian, gay bisexuals and trans, let's keep it simpler) are well known for their HETEROgeneity!