10 Myths

I fully encourage the dispelling of any myth, but especially stereotypes and other myths harmful to people.  Murray Lipp wrote an excellent article dispelling what he defines as, "ten of the most problematic myths and stereotypes which play a role in the mischaracterization and dehumanization of gay men in the U.S.A."

1) "Gay Men are All Feminine"

That would be as bad as believing that all heterosexual women are feminine, all heterosexual males are masculine, or that all gay women are masculine.

2) "Gay Men are Into Fashion..."

Do we really have to underline (again) that humans are diverse?  Are all women into fashion?  Are all men into football?  The answers, of course, are "no" to both questions.

3) "Gay Men are Attracted to All Men, and Can't Control Their Desires"

That would insinuate that heterosexual males are attracted to all women and cannot control their desires.  Most humans are capable of being attracted to a person and not uncontrollably jump into bed with that person. Most humans find certain humans attractive while finding others unattractive.

4) "Gay Men are Promiscuous and Obsessed With Sex"

You say that like it's a bad thing.

Ok, back to seriousness.  Many men are "promiscuous and obsessed with sex."  Then again, many women are just as promiscuous and obsessed with sex.  This promiscuity and obsession tells more about the character of the individual than it does the sexual preferences of the individual.

On that note, I would like to point the reader to another blog which captures this idea even better than I do: Bisexual News and Views pay particular attention to the blogs entitled "We Do Exist" and "My Intro".

5) "Gay Men Focus on Anal Sex and Mimic Male/Female Roles"

Some might, but one can hardly believe that all do.  Some male/female couples mimic opposite male/female roles.  If this is true (which it is), why would you believe that all male/male couples always follow the same sexual script all the time?  There is a reason stereotypes are ridiculous and should be dispelled at all costs.

6) "HIV/AIDS is Primarily a Disease Among Gay Men"

I highly suggest you research this disease a little further.  The CDC is a good place to start.

7) "Gay Men are Not Relationship Oriented"

Some men aren't; some women aren't.  Again, this has more to say about the character of the individual than the sexual orientation of the individual.

Many same-sex couples have longer lasting, more successful (i.e.: happier) relationships than many of the more publicized heterosexual couples (Brittany Spears...Kardashian...anyone?).

8) "Male Homosexuality is Caused By...."

In fairness, the text after the ellipses (above) could be any drabble and still be untrue.

9) "Gay Men Can't Be Trusted Around Male Children"

Sigh.  This is only true if the INDIVIDUAL has shown himself to be untrustworthy around children.  For that matter, the individual could be male or female, gay or heterosexual.  Here again, this has more to do with the personality of the individual than it does the fact he or she is homosexual or heterosexual.

10) "Two Gay Men as a Couple Can't Raise Healthy, Happy Children"

Actually, I have written several essays on the general subject that homosexual couples have no disadvantages when compared to heterosexual couples when raising their children.  In fact, it is often the case that for the same reasons that some homosexual couples are happier, more successful and stay together longer than some heterosexual couples, these parents make better parents than the unhappy heterosexual couple who stays together "for the children."

That's the way I understand it
Laura