Why It’s Okay To Be a Stereotype

Hey guys, gals and non-binary pals. There are a lot of stereotypes about identities in the LGBTQ+ community. You know, the lesbian with tons of cats, the gay man who loves musical theatre, the list goes on. These stereotypes can be harmful, because they cause comments like “you don’t seem/look gay” which is so thoroughly stupid it’s not even worth going over. But mostly, it can cause people to invalidate their own identity because they feel like they have to fit the stereotype.

But stereotypes are not all harmful, or at least not always. Many stereotypes do exist for a reason, and to get rid of them completely would be cruel to those who do fit the stereotypes.

People get up in arms about the stereotypes of butch lesbians, but there are lesbians who are butch. The way people dress has nothing to do with who they undress. Lesbians who like to dress more masculine should not feel like they are wrong for perpetuating the stereotype, but lesbians who dress feminine shouldn’t feel like they’re “not a real lesbian”.

There are plenty of gay men who do love musical theatre and dress well, and they are not wrong for doing so. But there are also gay men who are more traditionally masculine, and that’s okay too.

There are many non binary people who enjoy wearing weird and wacky clothes in order to confuse people about their gender. There are many non binary people who have short, brightly colored hair. But these things are not what make them non binary and you don’t have to wear these kinds of things to “look non binary”. But you also can if that’s what makes you comfortable.

What I’m saying is, do what makes you comfortable and happy. Be a stereotype if that’s what makes you feel like you, but if the shoe doesn’t fit, don’t wear it (or whatever that metaphor is). This all ties in with the whole Identity vs Expression thing, basically, it’s your business how you express yourself, and it’s nobody else’s job to police it.

Sorry this is so short but hopefully you enjoyed it. My posting schedule should be mostly back to normal this week onwards, so expect positivity posts Tuesday and Thursday and a longer post next week Saturday. Have a great day!