The many shades of queer
Victoria Pride Day parade.
Heterosexism occurs when people assume that everyone is heterosexual; this assumption often leads to feelings of isolation among members of the queer community.
On top of heterosexism, members of the queer community who don’t fit into the stereotypes that all gay men are effeminate and all lesbians are masculine face another kind of invisibility.
People, including queers, often assume too much based on looks.
A classmate recently told me she is a lesbian. I couldn’t believe it at first because she is very feminine, then I realized how often she must face this sentiment.
I have lesbian friends who cut their hair short and wear clothes they don’t even like to look more butch; I also have gay male friends who act more effeminate than they are, as a way to scream, “I’m gay!”
Sometimes it’s difficult for us to think outside the box.
Making assumptions about people is very easy, but it can result in misunderstanding, embarrassment, and a feeling of invisibility.
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