A is for:
ABCs, Asexuality/Agender, Androgynous, Ally, Assumptions (based off society/social media)-
As you saw in the video, not every topic was spoken about. If you haven’t seen the video (and would like to) I’ll provide the link at the bottom. These topics were chosen based off a previous poll from friends and followers- If you would like to add another topic, please comment the topic in the YouTube video, and I will reply on there.
I spend the first half of the video discussing this website and introducing myself to the influx of followers I’ve gotten on Facebook. This is elaborating in depth on the “ABC’s” topic first and expressing the importance of why I wanted to create this series. I am not the best public speaker, so that’s why I felt it was important to also summarize the video on here. However, I really do want you to be able to see a face in front of these topics or situations.
The point is: My content is not edited or scripted. I am 100% transparent, and it’s important that you know that I’m just a regular dude.
My goal is to help open the doors to uncomfortable conversations. I would like to help break the stigma within the LGBTQ+ community AND mental health. I am promoting visibility with kindness- that means that you shouldn’t be afraid to ask questions. Regardless if you understand the language, I SEE YOUR EFFORT, and I appreciate you taking the first step in educating yourself.
With that being said, I am not an educator. I am not a medical provider. I am not a licensed professional. I’m just a regular dude, showing you my experience and trying to be the person I needed when I was younger
Side Note: This website is also a directory for other aspects of support I provide (i.e.; Mental Health, Current Events, LGBTQ Family, LGBTQ Traveling, Collaborations, Reviews,..). This is not exclusive to the LGBTQ+ family. Everyone is welcome.
Here are the topics for letter A:
ABC’s series of a different topic per letter of the alphabet. Some will be featured on Youtube (link will be in post), and all topics will be on this blog series.
Asexual A sexual orientation where the individual/s are not attracted (physically or sexually) and/or don’t have any desire to have a partner. It does not mean that those who are asexual do not have partners or have sex-
Agender A person that does not identify themselves with having a specific gender.
Androgynous A gender identity where the individual has both female and male characteristics. This individual can also internally identify by male and female.
Ally (Allies) Someone that helps support a cause or community (LGBTQ+). An individual who helps and stands by minority groups in solidarity. A straight ally is an individual outside of the LGBTQ+ community and is an advocate to help fight for equal rights. It can be big things (like pride events) or even someone offering to accompany you in the bathroom.
Allies are extremely important, they show our community that there is solidarity. Remember, just because you are in the community, know someone, or have a family member, does not mean everyone will be supportive or be an ally to you. We navigate through life with a lot of obstacles, but at the end of the day it's not our job nto try to educate or make people understand who we really are. We deserve to be respected exactly how we are. By educating and gaining more allies, we are many steps closer to achieving equality
Assumptions (based off society/social media) Many times the LGBTQ+ community has been the punchline of the media. That creates a very difficult representation to those inside the community, and outside.
Common assumptions:
-"Therapy will 'cure' you" or "You can pray it away" We have seen (and even heard) many times about conversion therapy. In movies or TV shows it portrays as eliminating the individuals sexual orientation or gender identity. Unfortunately, it's more common in our every day lives than we realize. The common misconception is that by undergoing something harmful, it will recreate a different "trait" (sexual orientation or gender identity). The goal is then to take that "trait" (sexual orientation or gender identity) and associate it with a very negative situation, In hope that the individual will stop with that "trait". As said previously, it still is happening in every day. This goes hand in hand with "praying it away," where the misconception is when you can pray certain "traits" to change.
-"Transgender people 'trick' others" The media has portrayed transgender people as "tricking" others. This is probably one of the biggest assumptions based off the media and society. When people think of transgender people "tricking" others it means that the person is not being honest of who they are. The media portrays it as a trans (man) saying they are a male and then in the bedroom/behind close doors disclosing their sexual history , in return the other individual thinks that they were lied to or "tricked" by not immediately being disclosed of that personals sexual history (or specifically; genitalia). This more often happens with transgender women. Majority of transgender people tht are targeted and murdered are transgender women in the community. The media often portrays transgender women as also "tricking" others. That these women get in romantic relationships and don't disclose their sexual history (or genitalia) up front (because it's NO ONES FUCKING BUSINESS), and when they get comfortable enough to disclosing that personal information (personal sexual history or preferences), the other person feels "tricked/lied to" a then many times are assaulted based off of that. Transgender women are women. Transgender men are men. It is not a fad or something temporary, it is an identity.
-"You have to 'look' transgender" Based off the TV and media, it shows that transgender people are supposed to be obviously identified. This is obviously a common misconception based off physical traits (and what the media portrays as feminine vs masculine).
Here is an amazing piece-please check out "Transgender Representation in the Media" by Jessica N. Jobe Eastern Kentucky University, jessica_jobe1@mymail.eku.edu :
*I am not a doctor and this is not medical advice or medical guidance. This is based off my personal experience and perspective. There are more topics in the LGBTQ+ community, but these are the topics that were general to choose.*
Remember, I post a new video content every Thursday! Please subscribe and I’ll see ya next week for letter “B” and a GC2B Binder Giveaway!
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