Leading Their Authentic Lives

Let's celebrate! The Singapore government will repeal Section 377A! Homosexuality has been a long-standing issue, and this historic news is a huge win for the LGBTQ+ community. Leading Their Authentic Lives 😍 Many years ago before I began my training to be a Sexologist, I was on a movie date with my Australian boyfriend. We were riding on a downward escalator when two men who looked like a couple came towards us on the side of the upriding escalator. I nudged my date to get his attention and to take note of the two men. When he ignored me, I nudged him again. When they passed us, he turned to me and asked: "Why did you do that?" Me: "What do you mean? I was trying to get you to notice that gay couple." Him: "So what? So what if they're gay? Leave them alone. Let them lead their lives." The moment he said that, I felt like I was slapped in the face and I asked myself this for a long time after: "Yeah why did I do that?" 😥 I did it without any thought. I did it because I've had people do that to me as if it's a joke. Why would being gay be a joke? Even if they were dressed funny, it's not right to make other feel uncomfortable. But of course, their lives are not a joke to them. Making fun of others is not funny. It's rude and cruel. Those two men would have wanted to go about their day without having people point, stare, laugh, mock, or talk behind their back just as I wouldn't want to happen to me. So why did I do that to others? When did I become the bully? I realised I was so wrong but I didn't know what to say or how to redress it. Years later, when my now ex-boyfriend and I caught up, I recounted that incident and thanked him for calling me out on my unconscious behaviour and promised him that I have learned since and don't do that anymore. If anything it helped me realise we are all leading programmed and unconscious lives not questioning if what we were brought up to do and say is still right, fair or relevant. If anything that incident helped me realise my privilege of having had more exposure and fueled my desire to advocate for LGBT people. To that date, I remain embarrassed about my behaviour in that incident, but I feel it is important to share this story. We do hurt others in our micro aggressions and it's not ok to hurt others. We are all humans sharing similar human experiences, and what we can do is be kind to one another - not just tolerate, be kind and loving. Because being loving is in our nature. I encourage you to work through your LGBT bias and ignorance if you can as I have been. LGBT people aren't people from an alien planet. ❤ They are all around us. They are our friends, family members and esteemed members of our society. When one suffers, we all suffer. Created by Relationship Counselor and Clinical Sexologist Dr Martha Tara Lee of Eros Coaching. Hire her at http://www.ErosCoachig.com Read less