Hi. I’m 18m and gay.

I like to be on different subreddits of the lgbt community to get an idea of the different experiences, problems and just perspectives of the community.

One thing of note, which is really starting to get to me, is the SHEER AMOUNT of infighting, prejudice and hate I see all around.

A lot of the prejudice and hate can be summed up as ‘I don’t relate to you, so I don’t understand you, and now I don’t respect you’. This can be applied to the gay folk who don’t understand bisexuality, so they don’t respect it. It can be applied to the bisexual people who don’t relate to monosexuality, so don’t respect it. The same goes for transphobic queer people.

I can’t relate to bisexuality, but I know ten-fold that it is real and valid. Simple. The same applies for being trans and so on. I feel like it’s such a basic principle of our community.

I know no place is free of assholes and bigots, but I really think a lot can be solved with some basic human empathy and education.

The amount of bi folk I’ve seen post about how invalid they feel for dating someone of the opposite sex is really upsetting. And the amount of prejudice and gatekeeping I’ve seen from other members of the community is astounding.

I think it’s so important that we stick together and actually WORK together and take pride in our differences and diversity. I absolutely love hearing about the vast experiences from everyone. Being on this sub has taught me so much, and I feel like a much better person because of it.

I guess this post just serves as a reminder of this principle. Not relating to someone is a blessing, because it allows you to see the world in a different light.

And for all the bi/pan folk feeling invalid, especially around pride month, please understand that YOU ARE VALID. It doesn’t matter who you’re dating, or your preferences in gender: YOU ARE QUEER. Any relationship you are in, no matter who you’re dating, is queer because you’re in it. I’m sorry so many people in our community have acted shitty over this.

So let’s please stick together and remember how amazing ‘not relating’ to someone is. Times are scary and it’s invaluable for us to be there for each other.

Sorry if this post is a mess- I’m exhausted and stressed!! Love you all!! 🩷💜💙