Myths and Misconceptions about the LGBTQ+ Community and Why they are Wrong

While there has been a great deal of progress in LGBTQ+ inclusion and acceptance, many people are familiar with several misconceptions about the LGBTQ+ community—you can change your sexuality, the Bible says being gay is wrong, etc. However, as common as these are, they are not correct! In this article, we talk about 6 different myths, or common misconceptions, and the truth behind the words.

Myth: being gay is a choice

Reality: Being gay is not a choice, rather something we are born with. In fact, Swedish researchers used positron emission tomography (PET) scans and found similarities in the amygdala (the part of the brain that controls emotional learning, including emotional stimulus) between gay men and heterosexual (striaght) women. They also found similarities in the amygdala between lesbians and heterosexual men. This formation is developed early in the womb, proving that one cannot choose who they are attracted to. This also proves that one cannot “change” their sexuality. "As far as I'm concerned there is no argument any more - if you are gay, you are born gay," says Dr Qazi Rahman, a lecturer in cognitive biology at Queen Mary, University of London.

Myth: you can guess people’s pronouns by their appearance

Reality: The only way to know someone’s pronouns is if you ask them. Their gender identity can be different from their gender expression. Gender identity is how one identifies and based on chemicals and hormones. Gender expression is determined on appearance such as facial hair, clothing, and secondary sexual characteristics. For example, someone can dress feminine but use he/him pronouns! A couple ways you can ask for someone’s pronouns:

• “Hey I was just wondering what your pronouns are?”

• “Hi, I’m [your name], my pronouns are [your pronouns]. What’s your name and pronouns?”

• "I don't want to misgender you on accident; may I ask what your pronouns are

Myth: when someone comes out to you, it’s okay to tell other people because they don’t want to hide it anymore

Reality: Coming out is often a difficult decision, especially choosing when and to whom someone will come out to. There are many dangers in coming out, including: abuse (physical or emotional), discrimination, bullying, being kicked out, and being disowned. By telling someone else without their permission, you may be putting them in incredible danger. It also takes away their moment and choice to speak.

Myth: we don’t need to fight for gay rights anymore because gay marriage is already legal

Reality: Many countries incriminate or kill people for being homosexual. In fact, it is illegal to have done LGBTQ+ sexual acts between adults in over 70 countries and is punishable by death in 12. We need to fight for the stigmatization of the LGBTQ+ community. Albeit the huge progress of the LGBTQ+ community, it is legal to discriminate against LGBTQ+ people: using conversion therapy; denying healthcare; in the workplace; when they are trying to adopt or conceive a child; at schools; etc.

Myth: a child will turn gay if they see a gay person on TV or in real life

Reality: People are born with their sexuality. If they suddenly “turned gay”, it is likely that they were gay before, and has just decided to tell you. Seeing a variety of couples will expand your child’s mind, the same as seeing biracial or disabled couples. It is no different than seeing a heterosexual couple on TV. It also validates your child’s sexuality if they are gay. Many LGBTQ+ people today say that they would have been more accepting if they had seen representation of themselves in the media. This is the same concept of an Asian child seeing Mulan as a Disney princess, or a Black child seeing Miles Morales as a Black Spiderman. Resource: https://www.huffpost.com/entry/the-myth-of-turning-gay_b_5354633

Myth: being gay is against the Bible

Reality: The Bible says nothing about being gay. The main texts that are used for this argument are misinterpretations that (Genesis 9:20–27, 19:1–11) discuss r*pe; (Leviticus 18:22, 20:13) prostitution; (1 Corinthians 6:9–10; 1 Timothy 1:10) and pedophilia. Resource: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0146107915577097?journalCode=btba