Small steps...

I can relate to what your saying. Even before realizing and coming to terms with being gay I had this same outlook. From a young age I've just personally believed that people should be allowed to do whatever makes them happy. If they aren't directly causing harm to others or themselves, let them live however the hell they want.

Gender stereotypes especially is something I'm pretty vocal about and have challenged people about the topic for quite sometime. While I never strayed from the stereotypes associated my gender (not out of fear, my interests and all that other stuff just so happen to align with the it) I really don't see any reason why boys can't play with dolls or girls can't play with trucks.

 

These are big steps! I think it shows a change in confidence and mindset, and it's great that you felt able to do it.

I'm very much bothered by the heteronormativity I see around me, and this whole pink is for girls, blue is for boys really bugs me too. This matters a lot to me as a mom. My daughter loves Star Wars, Paw Patrol and rough play, she also loves Elsa and Peppa Pig and pretending to be a princess. Nobody else should have a right to challenge her interests. I totally understand the way you feel about this.

 

Yes I also think the society is way too heteronormative! It´s good you stand up for gay rights! People have their right being who they are, not being forced into a heteronorm!

 

I understand exactly what you're saying. I honestly give thought to things I did not before. I also live in the Bible belt and attended Baptist church here in the community. At this time, I'm just sort of stepped back. The ignorance just kills me. I mean, I'm basically the same person, just "enlightened". I honestly think it's a lot to do with environment, so it's hard to blame someone. I think I may have been that someone not so long ago. Not that I would say or do anything bad, but just by buying in to the ideas of what normal is and what's acceptable. I see now that it's all subjective.

 

Good job, a good positive step.

Yes, I've had similar conversations with family and co-workers, I can certainly relate. It gets easier with each successive conversation, too (or at least it has for me).

Every good step counts and is helpful.

 

Way to go! That's a big step.

 

I think it's one of the biggest and most significant steps on your personal journey actually. Once you have reached a point of standing up for "other people" who are part of the LGBT community, you are edging closer to standing up and being counted yourself.

Just as a matter of interest, did your friends say anything in response? Did they seem surprised by the strength of your feelings? I only ask, because to some people, it might appear that you were dropping hints to any friends in the group that don't know about your sexuality.

Anyway, well done!

 

Hey yeah I definitely relate to how significant this is for you! When I was deeply closeted and in denial and ashamed, I didn't want anyone to think I was gay so I stayed far away from discussions about it; or if I did, I'd turn bright red. That was the extent of my internalized shame, that my biggest fear was that people would think I was gay.

It's a huge thing to realize you're no longer afraid of bringing these things up, or that your passion for sticking up for LGBT rights and non-cisheteronormative gender roles outweighs the fear. Keep doing what you're doing!