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Barely eight years ago, most Americans believed that being gay is "just the way some choose to live." You know, like choosing your diet or hairdo. And while the tide has shifted, with society being more accepting, more folks are coming out as LGBTQ+ than ever before - some chose to and still do forget that it's as real as global warming or Christmas.
The subreddit Sappho And Her Friend, then, is a godsend which sheds light on cringeworthy instances of LGBTQ+ erasure from academia, pop culture and real life. Who knew that straight people completely ignoring the fact that LGBTQ+ is a thing can be so absurdly amusing.
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#1
What To Call Your Straight Aunt's Husband
In a world that claims progress and inclusivity, it is disheartening to witness the persistent shadows of prejudice cast upon the LGBTQ+ community. From the humblest corners of society to the grand stage of global politics, there exists a myriad of reasons, however wrong, why some individuals remain staunchly ignorant when it comes to accepting and embracing diverse sexual orientations and gender fluidity.
While significant progress has been made over the years, including a growing number of individuals, particularly Gen Z, feeling more comfortable and open about their LGBTQIA+ identities, there remains much work to be done. Unfortunately, even during Pride Month, which spans the entire month of June, incidents like the recent vandalism of the LGBTQIA+ community's flags at Stonewall National Monument in New York City, the birthplace of the modern LGBTQ rights movement, serve as a reminder that challenges persist.
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#2
Straight-People-Forgetting-Gay-Couples-Exist
"Pride Month — and the pride parades — continue to be deeply important in the continued solidarity, fight for human rights, and visibility of the LGBTQI+ community. Additionally, and equally important, is the label 'pride'," Samantha Stein, a licensed psychologist based in San Francisco, told Bored Panda in an email. In 2019, Pride celebrations in San Francisco included 289 parade contingents and held "the largest gathering of LGBTQ+ people and allies in the nation."
"Over the years, it has continued to increase in size and scope, and I haven't seen or heard of any displays of prejudice there since the 1990s," Stein said. "In some ways, it has lost some of its original power: many of the young people from the Bay Area who attend are not aware of the history and courage of the original PRIDE celebrations. That said, we can view that as a positive change since they haven't had to be!"
#3
The Apostrophe Is Not In The Wrong Place
#4
“I Think Emily Dickinson Was A Lesbian”
June, for those of you who don't know, is a month of celebration that aligns with a significant event in the history of the Gay Liberation Movement known as the Stonewall Uprising. In the early hours of June 28th, 1969, a gay bar called 'The Stonewall Inn' in New York City's West Village was targeted by a police raid. Such raids were common at the time, but on this particular occasion, the patrons of the bar resisted and fought back, leading to what became known as the Stonewall Riots. These protests continued for several days.
#5
Who's Gonna Tell Them
Yvonne Dauwalder Balsiger 1 year ago
Oh, so it doesn't count if it's not p in v and no one gets pregnant 🤣
#6
Her “Friend “
Recognizing its historical significance, the city of New York designated the Stonewall Inn as a historic landmark in 2015, and it was further honored as a national monument by President Barack Obama in 2016. This June marks the 53rd anniversary of the first Pride parade, which took place in 1970, a year after the uprising at Stonewall.
#7
Straight-People-Forgetting-Gay-Couples-Exist
Marcos Valencia 1 year ago (edited)
If your job is selling bride dresses, you can't be that idiot.
#8
Sit On My Face But Just In A Friend's Way
Marcos Valencia 1 year ago
Well, I would take this answer as a very polite, but clear, "no, thank you".
"Regrettably, prejudice, oppression, violence, and even loss of life persist as harsh realities for individuals within the LGBTQI+ community, both in the United States and worldwide. Alarmingly, numerous states in the US are enacting legislation that actively undermines the rights of these individuals," said Stein.
#9
Hitting With That Self Sappho
Yvonne Dauwalder Balsiger 1 year ago
When you're so homophobic you don't realize you're gay yourself... I hope she is now a happy queer
#10
And They Were “Color Enthusiasts”
Feathered Dinosaur 1 year ago
I like to wear rainbow colors and bright colors in general, just because they're pretty. I'm cis-hetero btw, but I don't mind being mistaken as LGBTQ+
According to The American Civil Liberties Union, there were 19 bills introduced this year so far undermining freedom of speech and expression for LGBTQ people, including ones that target drag show performances.
#11
Happy Thanksgiving To All Aunties With Lifelong Roommates
#12
Oh My God, They Were Manicurists
Siddharth Krishnaswamy 1 year ago (edited)
This is in Saqqara. And the tour-guides tell everybody that the 2 were "brothers"...and you as a tourist try not to snort and walk on.
"For a group of people who are told continuously — through laws, religions, media, bullying, and directly — that LBTQI+ people are less-than or should not exist," Stein explained, "it is deeply psychologically important that there be counter-messaging."
She argues that this continuous messaging of inferiority often takes a toll on their mental well-being and can result in profound consequences such as mental illness, addiction, isolation, and even loss of life. "People fear and hate what they are taught to fear and hate, and they often fear what's unfamiliar."
#13
Ultimate Gal Pals
#14
Stop Saying You're Lesbian
#15
Straight-People-Forgetting-Gay-Couples-Exist
#17
Vivianne Miedema - All Round Legend
Annik Perrot 1 year ago
French singer Juliette, when asked about "her Romeo" answered " My Romeo is a Juliet."
#18
It's Perfect
#19
The Opposite Of Erasure, For Once!
#20
Oh, Yeah, Definitely Cis, Just Pretending To Be A Man...for 50 Years
#21
They Were Roommates!
Juniper_theBoredPanda12 1 year ago
All jokes aside I think this is so beautiful as a homosexual my self and a trans young woman I love all of these post but this is my favorite and I love the support of the community🥰🥰
#22
People Acting Like Gay People Didn’t Exist Until 2020
xxx 1 year ago (edited)
Reminds me of the controversy surrounding The Little Mermaid. How the actual f**k is her skin colour a problem. She's a MERMAID. And before you say 'oh but original Ariel was a redhead' It's a fictional character, and if they had changed just her hair colour - there wouldn't have been an outcry. People try and pretend it's about hair colour, but it's not-so-well-hidden racism.
#24
"Neighbours"
#25
"Twisting Classical Characters Like Dorian Gray Into A Homosexual"
#26
Straight-People-Forgetting-Gay-Couples-Exist
Marcos Valencia 1 year ago (edited)
Well, I can understand being personally confused, but at a hotel reception desk? Both women could even be married to other two women and just cheating... Hotels usually handle things with total discretion, not with "horror and confusion".
#27
Ms. And Mrs
#28
Straight-People-Forgetting-Gay-Couples-Exist
Regulus Black 1 year ago
It's kinda weird how random strangers just stop someone and tell them stuff like this or "I thought that you two sisters look so cute together" or something like that. So weird
#29
Me_irlgbt
Feathered Dinosaur 1 year ago
She just wants the other girl to be her roommate. Like, share the house. And the bed, of course.
#30
Tumblr
Blue_Mouse (queen) 1 year ago
Damn. Betcha they tried turning it into “well you seem more gay than bi…”
#31
I Believe This Man Is Really Close To Having A Realization About Himself That He Is Going To Be Uncomfortable With
Tiramisu 🇵🇸 1 year ago
As a Muslim, I am DYING of a combination of laughter and second-hand embarrassment
#32
What Is A Gay Bar For?
OmBoyGanesh 1 year ago (edited)
I mean, aren’t gay clubs synonymous with cis-hey bridle intentional misspelling) showers anyways? I can see the mistake here, given the queers are often marginalized in their own spaces for the sake of some weird tokenism. I bet the grossed out girl has a GBF (🤮) she thinks of like an accessory.
Snorkeldorf 1 year ago
I'm heterosexual but I was always flattered and kind when anybody of either sex hit on me (unless they were being totally obnoxious). If someone finds you attractive, that's a compliment.
CatLady 1 year ago
I used to think that until a former female friend drugged my drink. I very much wish she had never found me attractive.
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Nikki Sevven 1 year ago
"Ugh, I was at a grocery store and there was food there! It was so gross and uncomfortable!"
Colin 1 year ago
Been to one gay club with a friend. At the door she told them I was straight and they gave me an arm band. I asked why and they said so the other guys know you're not interested. I thought that was a cool idea.
Huddo's sister 1 year ago
Similar to traffic light parties where the colour you wear signals whether you are single or taken
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Kathryn Baylis 1 year ago (edited)
When I used to go to clubs to see drag shows (those women are gorgeous!), I got more male attention than female, tbh. I also danced with more handsome men than I ever did at a straight club. Felt 100% safe the whole time, too. Absolutely loved it!
El Howard 1 year ago
I've been to gay clubs, and getting hit on by same sex should not come as a surprise there! Best time was when my gay housemate, his boyfriend, and his two lesbian besties took me to the IBeam in SanFran and we group danced. Weird being the straight Fifth Wheel with two gay couples, but we had fun.
MurderMittens 1 year ago
The only time i went to a gay club, it was 99% men. I'm not sure there were any lesbians there. Just a few girls with male dates.
Dawnieangel76 1 year ago
I'm an asexual woman, and gay clubs are the best. The men don't hit on you, and woman take "I'm flattered, but no thanks" seriously & gracefully.
Ms.GB 1 year ago (edited)
I used to go to a gay club, my friend didn't want to go alone plus they had an amazing drag show. Everyone was always super nice but once we were hanging at Dennys afterward and I guess this one guy didn't like that I was straight and asked if I was a f*g hag but in a mean way. I just said if supporting my gay friends makes me a f*g hag I guess so...that shut him up but I couldn't really fault him for being wary of me. It never ever bothered me to be hit on, I would just say that I'm really flattered but I'm here to be a wing girl for my friend. I don't know why you would go to a gay club if getting hit on by the same sex is gonna upset you...it's like "You do know where you are right? You're a guest in their space."
Fraxinus excelsior 1 year ago
That's a good question. Most straight people go because usually gay clubs/bars are a fun place to be, no "you looking at my bird pal?" Before they're punched into oblivion. Occasionally a pervert will frequent the place to get a jolly out of seeing ladies enjoying each others company. But mostly it's a safe place to have a drink.
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#33
And They Were Shipmates
#34
[insert Joke Title Here]
![[insert Joke Title Here]](https://www.boredpanda.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/648850808b953_2bmy90tswn981__700.jpg "[insert Joke Title Here]")
#35
Straight-People-Forgetting-Gay-Couples-Exist
#36
Straight-People-Forgetting-Gay-Couples-Exist
detective miller's hat 1 year ago
LOL reminds me of how when they dubbed season 3 of Sailor Moon into English and suddenly Sailor Neptune and Sailor Uranus were cousins. Like y'all actually just made it ten times worse because now it's definitely incest. xD
#37
Ah Yes, Clearly Just A School Friend
#38
I Am A Very Clueless Individual
#39
Straight-People-Forgetting-Gay-Couples-Exist
Kathryn Baylis 1 year ago
TBH, I’m heterosexual and as a child, there were many times I shared a bed when I slept over at a friend’s house. Hell, I also did it as an adult when traveling with a group, and hotel rooms were scarce. Wasn’t considered an unusual thing back in the day. Friends and siblings often slept in the same bed. Big whoop-de-do!
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What do you think ?
Jennifer Smith 1 year ago
I could be wrong here but I think some of those friends were actually couples.
Milan 1 year ago (edited)
I am waiting for the moment, when LGBTQ+ will stop being “a thing” and everybody will be the same - human being - people…
LokisLilButterknife 1 year ago (edited)
I get what you’re saying, but I don’t view being LGBTQIA+ as “a thing.” We didn’t choose our sexual identities or gender identities— it is totally biological. I will always be queer. I think the moment we are treated like actual human beings, when there’s an end to homophobia and transphobia, and our rights aren’ being taken away—that’s when. I think people both within and out of the community need to support each other if this is to happen.
Load More Replies...
Bec 1 year ago
Not a couple but I am not the most observant. I was teaching a college class and one of the students was a tall red head, wore platform heels, had a n unusual name. One day I called on her and in a deep voice she answered - and it clicked that she was trans. No biggie, nowadays I ask students to post on a discussion before class what name they want to be called, and how to [pronounce it if it is tricky, and they can tell their preferred [pronouns if they want.
Kira Luna Nichtawitz 1 year ago
As someone with a great-aunt that has been married to her wife for at least 10 years, I can confidently say that my grandma still confidently calls them "good friends." If my grandma's referring to our family member's wife, she'll say ____'s FRIEND is coming over too. We all just facepalm, and have tired of correcting her.
Fraxinus excelsior 1 year ago (edited)
I see Nathaniel has a new admirer. They may get your sense of humour one day. I, like most of the people here get your wit Nathaniel, please keep it up.
JammaCoast2Coast 1 year ago
Can we take a moment to appreciate the people who decided to comment so many times stating, "They could be good friends", when the entirety of the article is about LGBTQ+ couples being dismissed? Slow clap for the new historians.
juice 1 year ago
i think most of those commenters were either being facetious or just trolls
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Jules (they/them) 1 year ago
I find it amusing that I have a sort of opposite story despite my friends and I being all some form of queer. My best friend has been in my life since first grade so to say we know each other well is a bit of an understatement. She's gay/sapphic (maybe questioning?) and I'm aroace-ish/questioning/maybe sapphic. She had a girlfriend last year but is not dating now. So pretty much she and I hang out all the time and especially during the school year. We shared an art class and lunch so we'd be seen together a lot, and by ourselves we're both quiet and unassuming. We were together enough that one of her friends (but not really mine) thought we were dating. Besides that, we've been assumed to be sisters (don't look much alike) and cousins (again, don't look much alike), but really, we are just REALLY good friends.
cal da trans emo rat (he/they) 6 months ago
This reminds me of the "friendship" between Alexander Hamilton and John Laurens :3
LokisLilButterknife 1 year ago (edited)
Oh look, a miserable, homophobic bigot in its natural habitat. Marvel as the loser types out hateful comments from its mom's basement as it subsists on a diet of Mountain Dew and stale Cheetos. The homophobe is the lowest life form and even cockroaches avoid it. They breed in large numbers on Reddit and in the darkest depths of the Internet. They homophobe is a cowardly creature and lashes out in anger at anything that threatens it--- which is mostly every little thing.
Load More Replies...
Jennifer Smith 1 year ago
I could be wrong here but I think some of those friends were actually couples.
Milan 1 year ago (edited)
I am waiting for the moment, when LGBTQ+ will stop being “a thing” and everybody will be the same - human being - people…
LokisLilButterknife 1 year ago (edited)
I get what you’re saying, but I don’t view being LGBTQIA+ as “a thing.” We didn’t choose our sexual identities or gender identities— it is totally biological. I will always be queer. I think the moment we are treated like actual human beings, when there’s an end to homophobia and transphobia, and our rights aren’ being taken away—that’s when. I think people both within and out of the community need to support each other if this is to happen.
Load More Replies... Bec 1 year ago
Not a couple but I am not the most observant. I was teaching a college class and one of the students was a tall red head, wore platform heels, had a n unusual name. One day I called on her and in a deep voice she answered - and it clicked that she was trans. No biggie, nowadays I ask students to post on a discussion before class what name they want to be called, and how to [pronounce it if it is tricky, and they can tell their preferred [pronouns if they want.
Kira Luna Nichtawitz 1 year ago
As someone with a great-aunt that has been married to her wife for at least 10 years, I can confidently say that my grandma still confidently calls them "good friends." If my grandma's referring to our family member's wife, she'll say ____'s FRIEND is coming over too. We all just facepalm, and have tired of correcting her.
Fraxinus excelsior 1 year ago (edited)
I see Nathaniel has a new admirer. They may get your sense of humour one day. I, like most of the people here get your wit Nathaniel, please keep it up.
JammaCoast2Coast 1 year ago
Can we take a moment to appreciate the people who decided to comment so many times stating, "They could be good friends", when the entirety of the article is about LGBTQ+ couples being dismissed? Slow clap for the new historians.
juice 1 year ago
i think most of those commenters were either being facetious or just trolls
Load More Replies... Jules (they/them) 1 year ago
I find it amusing that I have a sort of opposite story despite my friends and I being all some form of queer. My best friend has been in my life since first grade so to say we know each other well is a bit of an understatement. She's gay/sapphic (maybe questioning?) and I'm aroace-ish/questioning/maybe sapphic. She had a girlfriend last year but is not dating now. So pretty much she and I hang out all the time and especially during the school year. We shared an art class and lunch so we'd be seen together a lot, and by ourselves we're both quiet and unassuming. We were together enough that one of her friends (but not really mine) thought we were dating. Besides that, we've been assumed to be sisters (don't look much alike) and cousins (again, don't look much alike), but really, we are just REALLY good friends.
cal da trans emo rat (he/they) 6 months ago
This reminds me of the "friendship" between Alexander Hamilton and John Laurens :3
LokisLilButterknife 1 year ago (edited)
Oh look, a miserable, homophobic bigot in its natural habitat. Marvel as the loser types out hateful comments from its mom's basement as it subsists on a diet of Mountain Dew and stale Cheetos. The homophobe is the lowest life form and even cockroaches avoid it. They breed in large numbers on Reddit and in the darkest depths of the Internet. They homophobe is a cowardly creature and lashes out in anger at anything that threatens it--- which is mostly every little thing.
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