Those who don’t understand homosexuality are often critical, judgemnetal and insensitive towards queer people. However, even the most supportive friends and colleagues can be inappropriate with their words too.
Whether you mean well or are simply trying to understand your gay friends better, there is a right way to put across your questions to queer people.
© Lloyd-Levitan Productions
We have all been in one of those awkward situations where we have asked an inappropriate question or said something completely uncomfortable to the gay men in our life. Although it’s probably not new for them since they hear these things too often from their family, relatives and friends, we could work on it and be more considerate about how we say things.
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Here are 5 things your gay friends and colleagues are sick of hearing and things you should refrain from uttering at all cost. Because, you love them:
1. When Did You Turn Gay?
© Amazon Prime
No one just ‘turns’ gay and you should know better than that.
Instead, one can ask when did they discover that they were gay and how did they come out, given that you are close to the person and they are comfortable sharing that information with you.
2. You Don’t Look Gay
© John Wells Productions
Okay, the lack of representation of the queer comminuty and Bollywood movies stereotyping gay men with floral shirts, weird makeup and the gajagamini walk are to be blamed for this.
There is no specific way gay men ‘look’. So, keep this outdated observation to yourself, please.
3. So, Who Is The ‘Man’ In The Relationship?
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Or, who brings flowers on the date? Or, who is the ‘wife’?
It’s actually pretty offensive to put heteronormative labels and ask somehting which basically translates to ‘which one of you is the girl’ whenever you meet a gay couple.
Just, don’t.
4. Give Me Some Fashion Advice, Since You Are Gay
© 20th Century Fox Television
Not all gay men love fashion as they show in the movies and would not jump on every chance they get to give you a makeover.
You can ask for a style tip if you think his dress sense is great, but adding ‘because you are gay’ only comes across as you stereotyping.
5. Hey, I Am Straight So Don’t Fall For Me!
© Not a Real Company Productions
That is insulting on so many levels.
First of all, gay men don’t just get attracted to anything in pants. And, after you say this cringeworthy line, rest assured that he would never be into you.
