Question About Stereotypes
Hello, I'm Rainbow Pride. I'm new here, although some of you may have seen me exploring the forums a bit today.
My goal here is to gain support for lesbians, gays, bisexuals, and transgenders by writing about them.
My first project will be about LGBT Stereotypes. So I'd like to ask the community here a few questions.
1. What are some stereotypes you have heard about lesbians, gays, bisexuals, and transgenders?
2. Do you think they are true? If so, why?
3. Why do you think other people believe them?
Let's keep this forum thread on topic. I want to know what you, as a community, have heard about lesbians, gays, bisexuals, and transgenders. Please don't bash others for whatever their opinions may be. Thanks
I think most reasonable, fair, people know all the stereotypes, know that there can at times be some truth to them when it applies to some people, but don't let stereotypes be much of factor in their dealing with individuals.
Having said that, however, I'm not a lesbian; and throughout my whole life I've dealt with people who can't seem get past stereotypes about girls/women who look/act like me. I "came of age" in the 70's, when women kind of had to decide whether to be "fake men" and be taken seriously or else "be feminine" and not be taken seriously. I went with "being feminine" because I didn't think I should sacrifice something I liked about myself. I figured, "The world will have to figure out that someone like me can be someone who should be taken seriously." Well, the world never figured that out; and I've spent my whole life having a whole lot of people treat me like I'm a kid or their daughter or "some fluffy-head" because I wouldn't give up looking feminine, and I wouldn't learn to use a deeper voice in order to be taken seriously. (There were whole courses aimed at teaching women how to make their voices deeper and how not to let their voices stray all over the place when they talked.)
At the time, I figured, "It's hardly 'feminism' (valuing being a woman) if we have to turn into 'fake men' in order to get respect." I suspect the world is full of heterosexual women (and men, probably) who deal with the stereotypes nobody even realizes cause so many problems, because "the world" still has such a long way to go when it comes to realizing that stereotypes (while occasionally having a little truth to them in some cases) are about packaging and not about the person inside.
How all this applies to your question (about LGBT issues): As a "non-LGBT" person, I've never spent a lot of time thinking about stereotypes of people who are LGBT, because, honestly, I struggle (almost on a day-to-day basis) with people who "don't get it" when it comes to who I am.
I guess my main point here is that I think there's at least the chance some LGBT people may over-estimate the amount of time non-LGBT people spend thinking about them (or stereotypes of them); because a whole lot of us deal with our problems with stereotypes throughout our whole lives.
This isn't meant to be a "read-the-riot-act" type of thing at all - honest. I just thought it may contribute to the discussion, or even (maybe) reassure anyone in the LGBT "category" either that they're far from alone or else about non-LGBT spending much time thinking about other people's "problems" (since so many of us have our own).
Having said all that, I don't underestimate the struggles LGBT have to deal with when it comes to a lot of people's lousy attitudes. I just wanted to add another element to what is so often the "usual" discussion.
In recent days I've been incubating a Hub on the "struggles" of being a straight woman who wouldn't sell out her own femininity in the interest of being taken seriously. In a lot of ways, I know "the world" treats me pretty well because of what I am. At the same time, getting respect and being taken seriously in a world that so often equates a deep voice, big shoulders, and large frame with "power" or intelligence or reasoning/logic hasn't been easy. I know the world can be pretty out-and-out rotten to people in the LGBT category, but at least the world knows they exist and have these issues. "My" world is one that tends to think women "finally" became equal in the seventies and there are no more issues for women to deal with at this stage in the game. (Again, I didn't mean to hijack your thread and topic - only add an extra element to it. )Yes, I realize that other people deal with stereotypes as well. However, your being a "fluffy-head" in some people's minds does not affect your right to life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness.
On a side note, can we please stay on topic like I originally requested? I realize that stereotypes affect everyone, but my project isn't about EVERYONE, it is about lesbians, gays, bisexuals, and transgenders.
Sorry if that sounds rude, but thank you for complying with my request in advanceAhem.. Justine.. wrong topic! LOL
Good for you, but that wasn't what I was asking. Everyone has HEARD stereotypes about people. I wasn't asking for stereotypes you believe, necessarily.
Thank you
They are people who can't afford gender reassignment surgery. They hate Christian breeders, they want to ruin religion in America. They have an agenda against traditional marraige. They want to flaunt their sexuality openly and in front of children. They want the Bible rewritten to be more inclusive. They want people not to use the word "gay" to mean something odd or bad. They want to have a third restroom option. They want all first aid kits to contain Amy's. They want more shows like Runway. They want the neandrathals to quit farting in public. They want a National Rainbow week. They want the right to be weird and declare their sexual preference in public. They want to teach elementary schools the facts about a gay lifestyle. They want tickets issued to people who throw-up when they see gay men or women kissing. They want a day each year when they can wear carnival coustumes and bolas in public. Most of all they want equal rights which they already have but they can't see equal is equal they need more.
Here you go Rainbow warrior !!! This is the stereotype of stereotypes - perfectly put sneako, thanx for the demonstration of love and tolerance that you put out - Jesus loves you though.
Whats wrong with that post? Man! This happens everytime I try to be sensitive!
Welcome to HP, Rainbow. I LOVE your avatar.
Spending some time looking at the backlogs in the forums might answer some of your question. There's a WHOLE lotta talkin' (arguin') about this issue going on.
I don't have much to say as far as the topic is concerned except that I've met people from all walks of life, and like humans there are cool ones and not so cool ones no matter what community, gender, affiliations, etc. one is dealing with.
I really just wanted to pop in and make sure to give you a warm welcome!Thank you for the warm welcome, Spider. All credit for my avatar goes to iluvjono4eva from Deviant Art. The original creation can be found here: http://iluvjono4eva.deviantart.com/art/ … -75992659.
I've looked at some of the older forum posts in the LGBT section, actually. However, I am looking for more black and white stereotypes (i.e. Gay men are flamboyant, all lesbians play softball, etc)
I agree with your comment about each individual being different.
Once again, thank you for the warm welcome
You're welcome!! I tried to visit that link, but it appears that the piece of art has been moved or taken down
Let's see....stereotypes...(even though I'm not a big fan of them, I guess we need to be aware of them). So, here are some wide, sweeping generalizations that are kind of offensive...LOL
Gay guys are flamboyant.
Gay people are promiscuous.
Gay people are immoral.
Gay people want everyone to be gay.
Drag queens (and kings) take forever to get ready...okay okay, that one's true
How's that for a start.Exactly what I was looking for, thank you. However, I know that stereotypes differentiate in each area as well so I am hoping for at least a few more responses
Not sure why the link isn't working. It worked for me when I put it up, but now it says the deviation cannot be found.
Thank you for the welcome, Friendlyword. However, I plan on taking sneakorocksolid's place as the number one authority on gay issues here on HubPages, no offense to him or you
Kiss, Kiss? What the hell is that? Kiss, Kiss? Hey are you guys gay?
Good topic.
Sorry I can't help with the stereotypes, all the ones I know locally have been mentioned already.One stereotype is that all gay people have identical political beliefs.
It'll be nice to have an expert on gay issues who actually knows what they are talking aboutWe have Brenda. She is certain she knows what she is talking about.
this is interesting, and good luck Rainbow!! Im sorry I have no real anything to offer, as I don't know any stereotypes other than the ones mentioned, and some of those Ive never heard of before now. I just wanted to say good luck.
Welcome to hub pages and good luck
Thank you all for helping me with this project. Some of the stereotypes you've mentioned are stereotypes that I haven't even heard! I knew there had to be some that I hadn't heard so I am very thankful that I decided to ask for comments relating to this topic and I am very grateful that the community here is so willing to help and participate
Brenda, although I do not agree with your views, you have given me some very interesting and useful information that will require an entirely different article. Thank you for that.
I'm off to do some research! Please feel free to leave additional comments about stereotypes. I'll be checking this thread often.Not trying to argue.
You'll see that one of my questions were why people believe them. I am simply asking him if the stereotype he made up was based off of one experience or many.
I want to know where these stereotypes come from, as well as what they are. My comment was for research purposes only.No worries! I sometimes take things the wrong way too! A lot of what is said on the internet can be lost in translation
Thank you, aware, for seeing that I was not trying to argue with your stereotype, simply asking where it came from
I'm working on a hub right now. I keep finding new information and am trying to organize it in a way that will be thoroughly informative and useful
I will definitely take a look at your hubs later!
- Twenty One Daysposted 14 years ago
0I wasn't asking for TRUE stereotypes
I'm asking for stereotypes that you have heard. I'm asking if you believe them. I'm asking why you believe them. And I'm asking why you think others believe them.Have heard too many to mention.
And after being caught in the Proposition rally @ Union Square, NY, heard so many racist expressions from those outside AND those inside that lifestyle against that lifestyle.
Do I agree with either, no. Hate speech is still racism. Whether it is a type against their own, against those outside or against those within.
Why others do is either based on social fear propaganda, moral position, political soundbite lobbying, even in some cases mental and physical health concerns. So all those mediums would present a substantial reason.
James
PS, by not wanting REAL mono or stereo types, why create an article or thread about it. Wouldn't it be best to have the real to express a social issue... (just a birds eye view, here)
Hmmm. I will not give topics of steotypes because I am just in my feeling ALL are acceptable.. We have had what people call "gay" same sex relations an by-relations for eons of time..
Why no focus on the positives of what these relations bring as a whole community!
I have MANY friend couples and singles whom are same-sex and by-sex orientated.
Have had the HUGEST inpiration from them in the arts for years, the flavour of humour is astounding, intelligance briilliant.. NO FEAR... all roard are crossing.. YET, They are VERY, honourable peeps as well.
MY fave friends love the same sex and love me for not! HAHA
Why are you trying to seperate??If you dislike the thread, ignore it.
The title wasn't descriptive enough, so I landed here - without knowing it was about this particular topic. Oh, you should have said, "don't comment" as opposed to saying "ignore it." Ha-ha! Thanks.
OMG that is sooooo steotyicical..!!! Hello, did you get that from a magazine!?
SO crap!!!!! So UNTRUE!
Actually most predetors I've heard in the predetor state of North Carlolina are homeless, abused, ex- milirary..OR just reclusive.. people
I can tell from Livelongers post she/he is in "religious" FORMAL.. Caddy and So boring.. N
Hw about saying what your face to face is versus "religious" CRAP"
"EDIT" my response was to livelonger!!!!
TOTAL CRAP!
Hello, where are we living and why is sooooooo the world F@@ked up!! ???
I wil say
1- ignorance
2 intolerancedo you think it was a recruitment song?
Honestly, I thought it was only a great Disco song!!
(and remember, I said I was young!!)- I missed it too, sorry..soo super happy you pointed it out "Relax don't do it
When you want to to go to it
Relax don't do it
When you want to come
Relax don't do it
When you want to suck to it
Relax don't do it
When you want to come
Come-oh oh oh"
- sneakorocksolidposted 14 years ago0
Look gay people I was teasing you in a nice way no harm intended. The only issues I have with gays are indoctrinating children and marraige. The other stuff was me trying to be steriotypical the other direction, lighten up!
Yikes!
ok - I forgive you as well - but I am not gay so I don't know if it counts
I am against indoctrinating kids with religion and imposing religion on marriage.Well see there, we could be twins!
See - I knew religion was gay, all those frocks the guys wear and don't come near me with all that laying on of hands stuff !
Well I would watch those Catholics but I'm a perfectly reasonable Mormon. Would you like a copy of the other Testament of Christ?
Actually, having been forced to 'understand' the king jim version when still in my formative years (of how to argue against such nonsense) I wouldn't mind one, I have never read yours and so cannot begin to argue against it.
Well I would gladly send you one with my testimony handwritten inside. If you are against teaching children about religion, well, we are even more and probably the most agressive teaching our children. We don't force it but we expect them to understand before they decide oneway or another. Gays typically don't care for our position on gay marraige but we love them regardless of their sexuality.
I understand why you would see it that way but it's not our intention to program anyone.
I guess I can get it in any bookstore ? What is the title? will save the transatlantic post
I understand your position but there is a difference and it does matter to the religious community. You can't disqualify our feelings and in the same breath say we should honor yours.
OW! If thats the case why not accept a civil union with all the benefits intact. You get what you want without offending anyone and I would vote for that all day long. The fact that the gay community won't accept a compromise that would make this issue go away is proof they have an agenda, sorry. I believe that agenda is to bring down religion in America and the world.
No UW! It was ten fingers and four toes for it and ten fingers and eight toes against. Its official and certified!
Agreed. One of the most irritating stereotypes is that of a "gay lifestyle." There are thousands of different gay lifestyles, like there are thousands of straight lifestyles. Being gay or straight is an inborn, immutable sexual orientation. Is there such a thing as a brunette lifestyle?
The US GAO (General Accounting Office) lists over 1,100 federal rights and benefits alone (i.e. those that you won't get even if you're fortunate to live in one of the 5 states that allows same-sex marriage): http://www.religioustolerance.org/mar_bene.htm
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