1. Be Curious And Open-Minded
Actually listen to LGBT when they describe what it’s like to be us, instead of inventing your own theories, or, believing shitty blogs on Facebook. Anyone who fails this one will not succeed in the next three, and isn’t worth trying to convince of anything. They’re a lost cause. If you believe intellectual swill like Breitbart, you’re too stupid to grasp the basic tenets that someone could have a neurological difference from you, and that doesn’t make them evil.
Also, it isn’t up to is to educate you on basic respect. You should have learned that as a 5 year old. Questioning someone’s right to live isn’t a matter of you not being educated on LGBT issues - you’re just a bad person.
I’m happy to educate anyone on the subject, and explain my own experiences. If you say things like, “But, what if I identified as Santa Claus,” then fuck off. Go learn basic logic and common sense and then come back.
2. Learn To ‘Pass The Mic’
Yes. This one is hard for 2022 America, where “I’m not a doctor but…” opinions are treated as near-fact, especially on subjects like COVID or the LGBT community.
You’re not an expert. Learn to ask questions and be curious (#1), and be able to admit you were wrong, rather than digging in and trying to justify being a dumbass by using rhetoric. Stop trying to use the words of disgraced crackpots or self-appointed experts to confirm your opinion, and, be open to it being changed.
Stop telling me what I am. I know what I am. Stop comparing my experience to stupid shit like schizophrenia, which you only do to be an asshole and elicit an emotional response. Stop telling adults what type of adult they should love.
3. Recognize Your Privilege
We’re not your pets, deserving of pity, or a way of scoring woke points. Waving a pride flag doesn’t do anything to help us.
Actually do something to help us. Call out others for being homophobic and transphobic. Point out when erasure happens, and, actually praise LGBT to your friends. Stop using misogynist and hateful language, even as a joke.
Realize that, while you may not have it easier than me at a micro level, I have challenges that you will never face. You will never be fired for being straight. You will never have to worry about being attacked, raped, or murdered because you’re straight and cis. You won’t have to face street harassment or rude stares for being straight and cis.
Many of us face terror for just being who we are. Our families reject us, and we become homeless. People treat us like we’re dangerous, especially to women and children. The police and system has a bias against us.
4. Take Action
Acknowledge 1-3. That’s the bare minimum you can do. And, above us, vote for people locally and nationally who want to help us.
That is all.
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