Almost everyone at one point in their life has had doubts about their sexuality - or had questions regarding the LGBT. This enlightenment that maybe you aren’t exactly who you thought you were can lead to a very confusing time in your life. It is important to look into questions you have and research what you can. However, taking BuzzFeeds, “ Am I Gay” quiz probably won’t get you the answers you need.
Chances are you have heard things about the LGBT that are inaccurate, and it is very important to rectify these discrepancies in order to prevent as much confusion as possible.
One of the most common misunderstandings is about sexuality. According to the Young Scot organization. “Sexuality isn't just about sex, it's about your feelings, emotions, attractions, desires and how you express these.” Many people believe that sexuality is all about having sex and feeling physical pleasure, but it’s emotional and psychological as well.
Another myth is that gay people are mentally ill. The American Psychological Association, however, states that being gay is just as healthy as being straight. Studies of judgment, stability, and social adhesiveness all show that people of the LGBT function as well as heterosexuals. Being attracted to someone who is your same gender does not make you mentally ill. However, LGBT people do tend to suffer higher rates of anxiety, depression, and behaviors like alcohol and drug abuse than the general population - but don’t let these statistics fool you. The cause of this is because of the treatment and discrimination the LGBT face - not because they are gay.
A massive misconception is the belief that gay people choose to be gay. If being gay is truly a choice, then people who attempt to change their orientation should be able to do so. But most people in the LGBT describe their feelings as a deeply rooted attraction that can't be stopped. The many attempts to convert people forcefully has failed and bore fruitless results. Several studies have found that gay conversion therapy is ineffective and tends to cause many negative side effects. The American Psychological Association says that such treatment is harmful and can cause, if not worsen, feelings of self-hatred.
With all these misconceptions, it can be hard to truly understand the community. It is important to clarify as many of these faulty beliefs as soon as possible in order to facilitate your understanding. When researching and discovering yourself and your spot in the community, make sure to find reliable and credible sources. Be wary of sources that seek to mislead, lie, and trick you. The same goes for the people you trust in. Make sure you seek out people to confide in who care about you and truly want to help you.
Discovering that you are a member of the community can be a life changing event. Be sure to look into the queries you have and be conscientious of the situation. If you need help or have any questions, please visit The Trevor project.