10 Bizarre LGBTQ Myths Debunked Through Logic & Science

Did you know that homophobia is increasingly becoming a silent pandemic? The biggest reason for this spread is the misinformation, ignorance, & existence of several LGBTQ myths. People across the world who are not well informed about the LGBTQ have many deep-rooted stereotypes & false beliefs about the LGBTQ community; these beliefs come from a lot of social, political, & religious sources that are not backed with the right logic or science. In this article, we will debunk all the myths about LGBTQ community and help you get some clarity and clear the air on a few of them:

Unusual Myths About LGBTQ + Community 

There have been bizarre stereotypes and myths about LGBTQ community that have been floating around that have left a stain & bad reputation about the community. In celebration of the Pride season, Here are a few LGBTQ myths & stereotypes of LGBT community that need a light of clarity and science: 

1.  Homosexuality is a disease

Earlier, the DSM (Diagnostic Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders), which is considered a “bible” for mental health professionals to classify mental disorders, also had “Homosexuality” under its pages categorized as “sexual deviation”. But this was later scrapped, and the DSM concluded that Homosexuality is not a disease. To eradicate this LGBTQ myth, many scientific studies made an inference to one point, i.e. Homosexuality does not cause any impairment or distress, which are two fundamental criteria for a mental disorder. Here is a summary of the many studies conducted that led to “Homosexuality is a disease” from a justified fact to a myth:

Evelyn Hooker’s Research:

Psychologist Evelyn Hooker was the first whistleblower to bust the most prevalent LGBTQ myth that Homosexuality is a disease. In her groundbreaking study, she compared the mental stability of heterosexual and homosexual individuals, which resulted in no difference between both parties. Thus debunking the myth that Homosexuality naturally leads to psychological distress & impairment. 

Kinsey Report

Alfred Kinsey is another psychologist who challenged the misconceptions about LGBTQ community. His study revealed that sexual behavior, feelings, & thoughts towards the same sex or opposite sex could vary and can be subject to change (fluidity) over one’s life course. This report busted the stereotype that “sexual orientation is a binary construct.”

Longitudinal Study 

Many longitudinal studies conducted worldwide closely monitored homosexual behavior and concluded that sexual orientation is a stable part of one’s identity rather than a short-term concept.

2. Traditional gender roles are played in same-sex relationships

Most same-sex couples are confronted with questions like “Who wears the pants in the relationship?” or “Who is the guy/ girl in the relationship?” To burst your bubble, traditional gender roles don’t play in same-sex relationships. Unlike heterosexual relationships, the dynamics of gender roles are quite balanced in same-sex relationships. One of the biggest perks of being in a same-sex relationship is that you are not bound to follow societal expectations and are free to follow your own set of dynamics that can define your relationship.

3. LGBTQ relationships don’t last longer 

Another LGBTQ myth that sees a lot of uproars is that same-sex relationships don’t last longer. Most people have vague and generalized assumptions like LGBTQ+ Individuals are more promiscuous, which pushes them from having committed relationships, or LGBTQ relationships are complicated due to challenges like homophobia, societal pressure etc. Even though it is true that LGBTQ Relationships are more challenging to navigate as compared to heterosexual relationships, this does not equate to the fact “all” of them don’t last long. A recent study on  Martial Strain and Psychological Distress in Same-Sex and Different-Sex Couples paints a completely different picture by debunking this myth. The study suggests that compared to same-sex relations, heterosexual marriages have more tension, miscommunication, & resentment, which easily break down marriages. The reason for this is the typical gender roles & expectations. LGBTQ Relationships, on the other hand, don’t have such stringent rules. If you are not yet convinced? We have another fact: the average divorce rates amongst homosexual couples  are way lesser than heterosexual couples. Making a relationship work is very subjective & depends upon the person; until they want to, they will; it has nothing to do with anyone’s sexual orientation or gender identity.  

4. The “institution” of marriage will lose its essence if same sex marriages are legalized 

For a majority of the LGBTQ population, walking down the altar is still considered a crime. Most people consider the legalization of gay marriage as a threat to the meaning and essence of marriage. But the truth is, the essence of marriage will remain the same even with the legalization of same-sex marriages. With growing time, the definition of marriage has also evolved. It means “The legally or formally recognized union of two people as partners in a personal relationship” rather than constraining it to a man & a woman. Additionally, many studies and research have shown that the inclusivity of same-sex marriages has added to the progression of society, as people started to be more accepting, promoting equality, reducing discrimination, and less spread of homophobia. Lastly, marriage is not a rigid institution; it recognizes the love, commitment, & desire to build a life together. Hence proving this to one of the LGBTQ myths that hold no truth. You have also come across many LGBTQ mental health challenges which helps us to identify the community's well-being.

5. Homosexuality is being against the law of nature 

A lot of people who condemn Homosexuality do quote that being gay or homosexual is against the rule of nature, but what if we told you that this another trail of LGBTQ myths & nature is an LGBTQ ally? Well, to play down the facts, Homosexuality is a very apparent part of nature; many animal species have been endowed to embrace Homosexuality with open arms. Don't believe us? Well, we have some natural facts ready for you. Homosexuality and same-sex activity are seen in animals like Penguins, Dolphins, Giraffes, Swans, etc. Another surprising fact comes from sea horses. Did you know that male seahorses get pregnant? Well, as shocking as this might sound, Male seahorses are the ones that carry the child & nurture it till they are born. Since its inception, life has been masculine & feminine in the same body, without the two sides jostling between each other. So isn't it only natural that the most evolved species, i.e. Homosapiens, shall be an amalgamation of both sexes even if hiding within a single anatomy? Nature loves diversity and does not discriminate, so it is high time that we don't as well. Homosexuality has always been a part of nature, and disregarding it is one of the many misconceptions about LGBTQ community. 

6. LGBTQ is a western & modern concept 

LGBTQ being a western concept or influence is one of the many LGBTQ myths that are not true.Many arguments from anti-homosexual groups circle “Homosexuality being a harm to culture, & a western propaganda”. But this is far from being the truth, and the best way to prove it is by keeping a track of all A to Z of LGBTQia2+ history & various cultural practices as bearing witness. Many ancient cultures have shown traces of preserving homosexuality without any prejudice & free from social stigma. To make it more shocking, this was even before the West introduced the concept of homosexuality. Some examples include The queer love affair between Egyptian legends of  Niankhkhnum and Khnumhotep, Ugandan Langi Effeminate Men, same-sex marriages in Mesopotamian culture, traces of mentioning same-sex love in Persian poetry, etc. There are many more examples of our ancestors that had an accepting approach towards homosexuality. As it was wisely quoted by Robert Penn Warren, “History cannot give us a program for the future, but it can give us a fuller understanding of ourselves, and our common humanity, so that we can better face the future”. 

7. All gay men are feminine & lesbians are masculine 

There are a lot of LGBTQ stereotypes, and unfortunately, this one tops them all. Many people who are fairly new to same-sex couples might find it difficult to navigate through this stereotypical representation of LGBTQ people. However, all gay men are not ought to be feminine, and all lesbians are not ought to be masculine. The strength of masculine or feminine traits does not determine Individuals sexual orientation. There is a lot of diversity in expressing oneself in the LGBTQ community; you might find gay men more in touch with their masculine side, while some are in tune with their femininity or may have both present in them. This applies to the lesbian community as well. It is important to not fall into these LGBTQ myths, & understand that even though one might possess some personality traits or behaviors that might classify them into a certain sexual orientation isn't a universal truth or a fact. Irrespective of one being straight or everyone's way of expression might differ from one person to the other. Masculinity and Femininity are no more fragile!

8. LGBTQ parenting is a threat to the child’s upbringing 

Adoption and parenting for LGBTQ couples is still an ongoing battle in many countries worldwide. Many courts, justice systems, and societies have rigid definitions of parenting as a role between a “mother and a father” & see children who are brought up in LGBTQ households will turn out to be homosexuals as well. Even though these claims are merely bizarre misconceptions of the LGBTQ community, there are many studies, evidence & statistics to debunk this myth. Many organizations like the American Psychological Association have researched same-sex couple parenting and found no differences in a child’s health or well-being when raised in a  straight or homosexual household. A child’s development has no relation to their parent’s sexual identity. Surprisingly, multiple research studies also show that same-sex couples raised children have better child psychological adjustments & better child-parent relationships. Moreover, they also show excellence emotionally, socially, and educationally. This positive outcome stems from LGBTQ+ parents establishing a good relationship with their child in terms of more support, frequent interactions, & warmth, as compared to heterosexual parents. Hence, this shows that parenting dynamics aren’t restricted to a man or a woman & same-sex couples can be amazing parents. In the end, this is one of the many LGBTQ myths that holds no truth!

9. Homosexuality can is “curable” & “reversible”

The prevalence of this myth about LGBTQ has stirred a lot of trouble for LGBTQ+ youth worldwide with the emergence of conversion therapy or correction camps, which promise to cure an individual’s identity or turn them into heterosexuals. Many conversation therapies & camps have reported using tortuous & abusive methods against LGBTQ+ youths, which leaves them scarred for life. Moreover, It is saddening to see that many regions and countries are yet to have a full ban or take a stand against this gruesome practice. Dr Richard Friedman, a well-researched psychoanalyst, had convincing answers for many LGBTQ myths including this. During his years of practice, he dedicated a lot of time & research to voice the fact that no scientific evidence proves conversion therapy is an effective method to reverse homosexuality. He courageously fought against the notion & LGBTQ myth that homosexuality is not a disease. Hence it doesn’t require any treatment. Enforcing conversion therapy on an individual will further deteriorate their mental well-being & development. Furthermore, he reiterated that sexuality is a biological concept rather than a mental term. It deeply depends upon genetics, hormonal, & developmental factors. Lastly, he also advocated that “changing one’s sexual orientation” is against the ethical principles & evidence-based approaches of psychology.  

10. Gender identity & biological gender is the same

Gender Identity is the same as biological gender and is one of the most prevalent LGBTQ myths that has been looming around for a while, so to cut it down, there is a thin line of difference between gender identity & biological gender, but they aren’t the same. To put it in simple words, biological gender is typically the gender you are assigned at birth, which involves physical characteristics that distinguish you from a male or a female. In contrast, gender identity is more psychological or inner feelings about how you see yourself as a boy or a girl. For most people, your gender identity is well aligned with your biological gender, but for some, they might feel different from their biologically assigned gender.

Some Other LGBTQ Myths That Are Untrue 

The list of stereotypes of LGBTQ community goes on; it is a list of never ending information and unnecessary generalization. Here are some more LGBTQ myths that don’t hold any truth:

• Lesbians Hate Men
• Asexual People Have No Libido 
• Intersex is another synonym of transgender
• Gay people are not religious
• You have to come out to your friends and family 
• People who identify themselves as Bisexual are confused
• Being trans will mean that you will have to go under a gender reaffirmation surgery.  

The Importance of Debunking LGBTQ Myths 

Debunking LGBTQ myths & clearing stereotypes of LGBTQ community is important. By educating yourself & knowing about the community, you can achieve the following:

• Build a diverse community that is inclusive & accepting. 
• You can make LGBTQ folks feel safer & give them the right space they deserve. 
• You will see a mass decrease in the rates of depression, anxiety, & suicide. 
• By debunking myths about the community, you are advocating for LGBTQ equal rights and social justice. 
• There will be peace and harmony living in different parts of the world, leading to the principle of “no room for hate.” 

In conclusion, not falling into these LGBTQ myths and giving into the stereotypes of LGBTQ community will help make a safe space for inclusivity and a well-built society. Educating yourself more and learning about different communities to coexist harmoniously is important. At last, make sure to understand gender identity which will help you clear out any doubts about LGBTQ.