Shattering Stereotypes-Dispelling LGBTQAI+ Myths

There are several myths and false beliefs circulating regarding the LGBTQAI+ community. We have gathered just a few misconceptions that the members of the LGBTQAI+ community often face. 

You may already be aware of some of them, but if not, we hope this list helps you the next time you hear someone spreading myths and disinformation, and thereby show your allyship to the community.

1- One can "become" LGBTQAI+ due to external influences.

There is no evidence that environment, education or social relationships can change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity. 

2- Homosexuality is an illness or disorder.

Homosexuality was removed from the official lists of mental illnesses decades ago, thanks to the advancement of scientific knowledge and the recognition that being gay does not constitute a psychological problem, nor it is a choice, just like being straight isn't a choice.

3- LGBTQAI+ parents cannot raise healthy and heterosexual children.

The ability to be loving and competent parents is not affected by sexual orientation or gender identity. Studies show that children raised by LGBTQAI+ parents develop in the same way as children raised by heterosexual parents. LGBTQAI+ couples can raise heterosexual children with just as much love, support and care as any other couple. What really matters is the parents' love and commitment, not their sexual orientation.

4- LGBTQAI+ relationships are not as stable as heterosexual ones.

The stability of a relationship depends on the quality of communication, mutual respect and compatibility of partners, not on sexual orientation. If the partners in question are committed to each other, any relationship can survive and thrive.

5- Transgender identity is just a “phase”.

Gender identity is a fundamental part of who we are as people and is not something that changes arbitrarily or as part of a “phase.” Transgender people often have a clear awareness that their gender does not correspond to the sex assigned to them at birth and deserve the same respect and recognition as other gender identities. 

6- There are no representations of LGBTQAI+ people in mainstream mythology. 

Many cultures have narratives that can be interpreted in ways that include LGBTQAI+ elements. For example, in Greek mythology, there are stories such as that of Apollo and Hyacinthus or Achilles and Patroclus that have been interpreted as examples of homosexual relationships. In Norse mythology, some interpretations suggest that Loki, the God of mischief, may be considered gender fluid. 

Traditional Hindu literary sources do not speak of homosexuality directly, but changes of sex, homoerotic encounters, and intersex or third gender characters are often found both in traditional religious narratives such as the Vedas, Mahabharata, Ramayana and Puranas as well as in regional folklore.

It holds significance to recognize that mythology is often open to interpretation and that narratives can be revisited to reflect a wider range of identities and experiences.

7- People from the LGBTQAI + community are predatory/molesters. 

The LGBTQAI+ community is not defined by the harassing behavior of a few individuals, just as no other community is defined by the negative behavior of a few. The vast majority of LGBTQAI+ people are individuals who respect the rights of others and are committed to promoting equality and mutual respect. Judging an entire community based on the actions of a few would be unfair and unrepresentative of reality.

These myths are just the tip of the iceberg. So many more still prevail about the LGBTQAI+ community despite there being a wealth of information at our fingertips. We need to ask ourselves if we're doing enough to educate not just ourselves but also the people around us. Education and awareness remain vital in dispelling hate and misinformation and inching towards a more inclusive world.