Being in the LGBT community is a huge part of many people's lives. It is where we have found people who understand us, accept us, and love us. But, no matter how many people in the community we meet the one thing we want is for our friends and family to understand, accept, and love us just the same.
1. We did not choose this.
This is not something we can control. We did not choose this any more than you did. And while it may being something you can't relate to, acknowledging that this is just who we are is so important.
2. Being LGBT is hard.
In our day-to-day lives, we face oppression and hate. We experience things no one should have to. And until it happens to you, you can never know how difficult it can be, but supporting us through all of the nastiness in the world makes a difference.
3. It's okay to talk to us about it.
Finding out your loved one is a part of the LGBT community can be confusing. We get that. Don't be afraid to ask us questions and help you understand where we are coming from.
4. But sometimes we don't want to.
But, you also need to respect that sometimes we just can't talk about it. This can be just as confusing to us and it can be to you and until we wrap our heads around it, we might not be able to answer all of your questions or even want to.
5. Who we love and what we identify as is no different than who you love and what you identify as.
Enough said.
6. Our sex lives are none of your business.
Unless we have that kind of relationship, don't ask. You wouldn't want some random person you just met asking how you have sex and neither do we.
7. Sometimes the way we identify can change.
Sexuality and gender identity is fluid. Our experiences can change the way we view people and how we view ourselves. We understand that this confuses you even more but just go with the flow and try to understand.
8. Being LGBT is a huge part of our lives.
Most people in the community love being a part of it. We take pride in who we are. If we are comfortable with ourselves we are going to talk about it. We will have rainbow flags flying out the windows.
9. But being LGBT is not all that we are.
Aside from this identity we are so much more. We are writers, teachers, parents, students. We have lives just like you.
10. We still love you.
No matter how you react to us coming out, we still love you. You are our family, you are our friends and you will always hold a special place in our hearts.
