5 exciting facts about the LGBTQIA+ community
That there is more to the LGBTQIA+ community than "just" gay and lesbian is clear.
But: It's definitely fun to delve a little more into the story and get to grips with further details. Thus, it is not only possible to lay the foundation for exciting small talks, but also to broaden one's own horizons.
But what does this actually mean exactly? Which facts about the community are particularly interesting and perhaps even a little surprising?
The following sections contain some inspiration for exciting conversations - both with queers and non-queers. After all, everyone should be well informed, shouldn't they?
Fact #1: THERE is where the terms "gay" and "lesbian" come from.
According to research, the word "gay" originated in the course of the 19th century. It is said to be a derivative of "sultry" and to refer to the "stuffy air" in the gay clubs of the time. Read correctly: There were gay clubs as early as the 19th century, which, by the way, enjoyed particular popularity. Mostly, however, they met in secret, often in cellars. And it was precisely there that the air was not the best. Nevertheless, it undoubtedly often became "very hot" here - in every respect.
The word "lesbian", on the other hand, is supposed to be a reference to the Greek island of Lesbos. In the past, many women who enjoyed same-sex love are said to have lived there.
Fact #2: Being gay is not a phenomenon of modern times
Homophobic sayings such as "Well, in the past there would not have been THAT!" have certainly been heard by every gay person. But: This is a classic prejudice. Because: Since the beginning of mankind there have been people who felt they belonged to the same sex, men who liked to wear women's clothes, etc.. At the time of the Romans, people even had much less shame in this regard than is the case today. At orgies, same-sex dating was more or less "normal".
Fact #3: Many people do not show their queerness to the outside world - simply because it is "normal"!
"I can spot a gay man five miles to the wind!" - Sayings like these may be wishful thinking. The fact is that many people do not show their queerness to the outside world. Why should they? After all, even cis people don't introduce themselves with "My name is XY and I'm straight!" And even the most flamboyant drag queens are often very plain in their private lives.
Fact No. 4: Many queers feel particularly comfortable in Denmark
The situation for queers has improved over time in many countries. But: in some countries, people who love the same sex still have to fear for their lives. The situation is particularly good for those who live in Denmark. Surveys repeatedly show that people are very tolerant towards them. And this, of course, ultimately affects the quality of life of those affected.
Fact #5: More and more gay athletes are coming out of the closet
A gay soccer player? That would have been unimaginable just a few years ago. Today, however, more and more men are coming out of the closet and owning up to it. Even when they are playing professionally.
"Career setbacks" or even the end are virtually impossible these days. On the contrary, many people who have the courage to stand by themselves in this way experience broad public support and a lot of love. Social networks make an important contribution here. They are now used particularly intensively to make coming out official.
Did you catch that Ireland is expanding protections for queers?