Prejudice in the Gay Community Based on Physical Attributes
Solutions
We must identify the root before tackling a solution. Why are people behaving in this way in the first place?
Make prejudiced people feel uncomfortable posting their opinions online
Create more inclusive, genuinely safe spaces for queer people to find dates/hook ups
Crack down on micro aggressions more. Zero tolerance.
Use personal privilege to help those with less privilege. Consider intersectionality - how do your intersections compare with another person's?
Use ethos to convince people racism is unacceptable. We owe empathy to everyone we encounter.
Personal examples of prejudice within the gay community
Asian friend finding “no Asians” on gay social media
Majority white club in Pittsburgh was really uncomfortable seeing my black friends walk in
Different gay scenes have same issues with prejudice and discrimination
Memes are now an acceptable way to discriminate (if something is in a joke format it has to be okay, right? Spoiler alert: wrong).
I’ve been told I look like a “holocaust victim” because of my body type
I atteneded a private, Christian, largely white, high school where the majority of students were wealthy and white. I experienced discrimination, but nowhere near to the level trans, black, or more outspoken students were. This effected how the gays on campus intereacted with each other - we didn’t. We were too scared to be associated with one another, so we found no strength through community. We effectively isolated ourselves which inhibited the growth of acceptance of the self and others.
Questions I have
Is there something in my upbringing different than that of other white gays that effects how I interact with people in the community vs. how they do?
Do I take part in these micro aggressions without realizing?
Are racial “preferences” actually preferences or just racism?
Where do these prejudices come from?
What are more forms of racism in the gay community (besides social media)
Why do white gays feel the need to put other down when they are already in a position of power and privilege?
Do similar issues occur in other countries? How about non-white countries?
How does economic status play into how one interacts with the community?
Do these issues happen more on certain apps? If so, what is it about these apps that draw these kinds of people to them?
Perceptions of the gay community
People just don't realize there are issues! We need allies to support inclusivity in the community from the outside.
A more accurate portrayal of what it means to be gay in the modern age is necessary for people to begin to understand the layered complexity that is LGBTQ+ culture.
“Sassy” stereotype allows gays to feel comfortable putting each other down when in reality they are just cruel, prejudiced bullies.
Pride changes how non LGBTQ+ people view gay culture. They think rainbows, floats, and drag queens are all there is being gay.
Miscellany
Goals for the essay: increased inclusivity, broader awareness of issues in the gay community
Media’s influence: there are more gay characters on television than ever. More celebrities are openly gay, and queer people are increasingly at the forefront of entertainment and politics. How does this effect perception of the self and of others in the community?
How and why is my opinion relevant/helpful?