LGBT Pride Month: Addressing LGBTQ Misconceptions

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 25 Jun 2021 09:49:08 -0400

There is a misconception that individuals in the LGBT+ community are somehow responsible for everything that happens to them. Given some of the responses following my last posts (https://rly.pt/365TSyV), I thought it necessary to provide the information mentioned below.

At times people say and do things that harm others with their words and actions. Most times they are not aware that they are offending anyone. These actions are referred to as microaggressions. Microaggressions are defined as any verbal or physical interaction between those of different races, cultures, beliefs, or genders that has no malicious intent but can be interpreted as an aggression. Individuals in the LGBT community experience a significant amount of microaggressions as compared to their heterosexual counterparts. Listed below are a few of the many microaggressions that LGBT+ individuals face:

-Use of transphobic and/or incorrect gendered terminology: Experiences involving the use of denigrating language, incorrect gender pronouns, or both (e.g., publicly questioning a person’s gender).
-Assumption of universal transgender experience: Interactions in which individuals assume that all transgender persons are the same (e.g., assuming that all transgender people undergo gender-affirming surgeries).
-Discomfort/disapproval of transgender experience: Occurrences in which transgender persons are treated with disrespect or condemnation (e.g., a person becoming judgmental after learning about a friend’s transgender identity).
-Denial of the existence of transphobia: Instances when cisgender individuals (i.e., nontransgender people) invalidate a transgender person by denying that transphobic experiences exist.
-Assumption of sexual pathology or abnormality: Incidents involving the treatment of transgender persons as psychologically abnormal or sexually deviant (e.g., beliefs that transgender individuals are all associated with HIV/AIDS or are sex workers).
-Physical threat or harassment: Experiences in which transgender persons are teased, intimidated, or bullied because of their gender identity.
-Denial of personal body privacy: Statements or behaviors in which cisgender people objectify a transgender person’s body (e.g., a stranger asking intrusive questions about one’s genitals).
-Familial microaggressions: Subtle or unintentional forms of discrimination that occur within the family.
-Systemic and environmental microaggressions: Covert forms of discrimination that occur on an institutional or community level. Transgender and gender-neutral individuals experience several types of systemic discrimination and injustice from various sectors: the criminal justice system, health care, family, employment, education, and other public accommodations and service providers.

For those of you who are wondering, the long-term effects of microaggressions include, but are not limited to: high prevalence of clinical depression, anxiety, and somatization (the production of recurrent and multiple medical symptoms with no discernible cause). Increased levels of psychological distress, substance abuse, apprehension, and interpersonal difficulties. A recent study indicated a suicide rate of 41% among Trans individuals. Please note that some of the higher rates of HIV stem from the abuse and victimization that LGBT individuals are subjected to. For example, 21% of Transgender, Genderqueer, Nonconforming College Students, and 43-46% of adults have survived a completed or attempted sexual assault. In 2011, 1505 members of the LGBT community were victims of hate crimes. Lastly, from January 2008 to December 2012, there were approximately 1,123 murders of transgender people in 57 countries.

As humans, it is natural for us to fill in the blank regarding the unknown with information we think “fit” the situation. Most times, this information is based on what we have experienced, been told, or assume. Hopefully, the information in this post will help individuals research a topic before making a decision, posting a comment, or engage in certain behaviors.

Listed below are more facts regarding the LGBT+ community.

Until next time….

LGBTQ Pride Month: Battles Fought After the War is Over - Is the War Really Over? | RallyPoint

Last week, a friend and I were talking about LGBT Pride Month, and I stated that a more appropriate reference would be LGBTQQIP2SAA (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning, Intersex, Pansexual, 2-spirited, Asexual and Allies) Month. The puzzled look on their face demanded clarification. I shared that I researched the topic a few years ago. Listed below is a summary of our conversation. In 2018, I was required to conduct...

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 25 at 2021 10:09 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 25 Jun 2021 22:09:12 -0400

I've survived 3 sexual assaults with the latest just under 2 years ago.

Response by PFC Joseph Cuschieri made Jul 18 at 2021 12:22 AM

PFC Joseph Cuschieri — Sun, 18 Jul 2021 00:22:01 -0400

We stand in defense of our nation, our flag and our constitution. We swore an oath. This delusional drivel only serves our enemies. Words are NOT attacking or violence. You people need to get over yourselves. Take you commie bullshit and get the fuck off the line.

Response by SMSgt Bob Wilson made Jul 3 at 2022 1:38 AM

SMSgt Bob Wilson — Sun, 03 Jul 2022 01:38:14 -0400

In hiring a person, I have one rule can the person do the job. If they can, great. If they can't, bye. I've been part of one lawsuit on discrimination. The decision was in the company's favor. Bottom Line: Give everyone a chance, but provide them with expectations to success.