Myths about being Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual or Transgender [LGBT].
Myth 1: Being LGBT results from immature sexuality. Any result of immaturity comes from the shame for being who they are.
Myth 2: Homosexuality is caused by an overprotective mother & an absent father. Fathers who sense their sons maybe gay often distance themselves; & mothers maybe more protective to prevent bulling for being gay.
Myth 3: Acquainting children with LGBTS & teaching them about homosexuality will make them gay. This myth came about to prevent LGBTs from raising children as they may sway them into choosing an alternative lifestyle.
Myth 4: Being sexually abused in childhood can turn a person gay. Early sexual abuse doesn’t shape orientation, but can confuse people of their orientation due to imprinting
Myth 5: Homosexuality can be prevented or cured. Heterosexism teaches that everyone should be straight. We are born with certain sexual & romantic orientations. Reparative Therapy has a high rate of relapse and trauma.
Myth 6: People can choose to change their orientation. People can choose the way to live their lives, but orientation is fixed. Orientation is like a personality trait that is at the core, stable.
Myth 7: Teens offers a “second chance” at heterosexuality. Not true. Teens often experiment sexually with no interest of converting their orientation.
Myth 8: Homosexuality is merely sexual behavior. No, it is a matter of attraction: emotionally, mentally & psychologically.
Myth 9: Homosexuality is an “alternative lifestyle”. No one would choose an ‘alternative’ lifestyle that leads to depression& self-destructive behavior.
Myth 10: LGBT relationships don’t last. There are fewer social supports for LGBT people, but LGBT relationships can endure and last with healthy communication, respect, empathy and validation like any straight relationship.
Text adapted from Joe Kort
