MY EXPERIENCE WITH LGBTQ+

As an LGBTQ+ person, you face unique dynamics, emotions, and obstacles when it comes to dating and relationships. Here are 20 common experiences in LGBTQ+ partnerships, addressing both joyous and challenging elements.

1. Having a profound sense of mutual understanding but forgetting what it was about

You both understand each other, particularly when it comes to the process of accepting who you are. Sometimes, however, that "deep mutual understanding" entails reading each other's minds—until you completely misinterpret it and start debating who should be in charge of knowing what, when, and why. Still no psychic abilities.

2. Coming Out Together... to Another Unaware Family Member

Aunt Sue asks naively, "So which of you is the'real' roommate?" just as you believe everyone knows that you are supporting each other by coming out. You both sigh, grin, and repeat the explanation. Aunt Sue is still baffled.

3. Locating a Selected Family and discovering that they are all ridiculously overbooked

You create a wonderful family of friends, which is wonderful—until you all want to organize supper. Then it is "Can't, I am out of town," "Booked solid," and "Maybe June?" for three weeks. You might as well make a calendar your best buddy at this point.

4. Harmonizing Feminine and Masculine Energy Until You are Fighting Over the Final Flannel

It is fantastic that you can blend feminine and macho vibes with ease. All bets are off, though, when there is only one large flannel remaining in the closet. In this relationship, there can only be one lumberjack.

5. Supporting Each Other Through Judgments... by Judging the Judgers

You handle discrimination with grace, except when you’re whispering scathing (but hilarious) commentary to each other about the close-minded stranger glaring at you. It’s a solidarity thing.

6. Embracing Fluidity Together… But Losing Track of Labels

Exploring identities together means lots of love and acceptance—and a flowchart of every label you’re embracing this week. Who even knows anymore? Label-less is the new label.

7. Attending LGBTQ+ Events as a Couple... and Pretending to Know the Dance Moves

Pride parades, parties, you name it! But dancing? One of you has two left feet, the other swears they’re the next Beyoncé. The real question is, will you survive the salsa lesson without stepping on each other?

8. Finding Allies Together… But Every Ally is Busy on Moving Day

Allies are wonderful until you need help moving a couch. Then it’s “Oh, I’d love to help, but I just… have this thing…” It’s like they signed up for allyship minus the heavy lifting.

9. Facing Heteronormative Spaces… With Awkward Handholding

Holding hands in public? It’s sweet. But sometimes you’re caught off guard, and suddenly you’re navigating the grocery store aisle in an unexpected “we’re just friends but also in love” shuffle.

10. Redefining “Normal”... Including Weird Anniversary Dates

Traditions? You make your own, which means you’re celebrating your six-and-a-half-month anniversary at 2:17 p.m. with pancakes in a pet store. It makes no sense, but that’s what makes it perfect.

11. Handling Strangers' Assumptions... Regarding Who "Proposed"

There is always someone who wants to know who "offered." Since your Netflix account is really the only ring that matters, you joke that you will flip a coin the next time to avoid having to explain.

12. Coordinating Medical Care... and Overly Cordial Receptionists

It can be challenging to locate a doctor that is LGBTQ+ accepting, but once you do, the receptionist gets to know you too well. It can sound a lot like a family reunion when someone asks, "So, who is in for the annual?"

13. Enjoying Little PDA Moments Until You See Your Boss

It can feel like a little celebration to hold hands in public, but then you run into your boss and you have to pretend to be casual as he gives you "the eyebrow."What a waste of discretion.

14. Getting Rid of Internalized Fears And giggling over it

It is lovely when people support one another through old hangups. Until one of you freaks out—for what reason—when you see that you are wearing sandals and socks in public. Sometimes your style decisions just shout "internal strife," but no one knows.

15. Handling Trauma from the Past... As Your Spouse Becomes a Therapist

Although everyone has baggage, your partner is there to support you. However, there are occasions when they are so helpful that you think you ought to start paying on an hourly basis. The question, "And how does it make you feel?" assumes a whole different connotation.

16. Being Proud of Being Visible But also in outfits that match

It is empowering to be openly visible as an LGBTQ+ couple, but occasionally you wind up unintentionally matching your partner in public, and all of a sudden your prominence becomes the unasked-for fashion statement.

17. Finding Relationship Role Models Only to Find Out They Disbanded

At last, you come across a couple to admire! Then you see on Instagram that they are no longer together. The objectives you set as an example suddenly become "Hey, at least we have not issued a'mutual breakup statement' yet."

18. Experiencing the Happiness of Acceptance... and the Mild Fear of an Overly Forgiving Aunt

It is wonderful when your family is very supportive—until Aunt Linda goes beyond. Enter her tirades about how she is "so down with RuPaul" while you are frantically trying to find a way out.

19. Establishing Your Own Customs

Creating Your Own Traditions Is Hard to Recall is fantastic, but you can not recall whether your anniversary falls on your first date, your first concert together, or the day you met. In reality, the "custom" is simply hoping that one of you recalls first.

20. Serving as an Inspiration to Others And Unaware of How It Occurred

It is fantastic that you are suddenly motivating others, but it also comes with a lot of pressure! You two still quarrel about which show to binge-watch next. But hey, you are in if that is all it takes to be a role model!

Every relationship has its peculiarities, but in LGBTQ+ partnerships, the common experiences create memorable moments that are both poignant and funny. Despite their individuality, these moments are essentially about love, development, and finding the humor in it all.