lgbtq
The letters LGBTQ are just another way of saying that Love is Love.
Jess's Problem
Jess has a problem. Jess wants to date and be with someone but the one Jess wants to be with will not be with her. Jess thinks she really needs to try dating others then; Jess figures maybe it will help her move on. In reality though, Jess does not want to date. Jess knows she will never move on. Jess is in love. Jess does not want to touch another person - man or woman. Jess is in love with someone and wants her. And only her. The woman Jess wants is her best friend, Megan, making it so much more complicated. Jess and Megan grew very close over the course of less than a year. Jess fell in love with Megan. Even early on, Jess knew Megan was the one. And Jess still believes that Megan is meant for her. Every stupid little thing Megan is and does draws Jess closer every day. Whether Jess sees Megan 4 days in a row or does not see her for 2 weeks, Jess loves her the same. The little noises Megan makes, the stupid things Megan says, Megan’s innocence, Megan’s stubbornness, Megan’s body and heart and soul; Jess can not help falling in love. Jess knows falling in love is not a choice. And that choice was taken from her the second time she met Megan. There are three major problems Jess knows from falling in love with Megan; Megan can not be with a woman due to religious beliefs, Megan is not gay, and well Megan could not live without a penis in her life. Megan loves Jess. Jess knows this but Megan can not and will never love Jess the way Jess loves Megan. Jess knows this too. Megan is very kind and allows Jess to express her love for her. Although Megan has told Jess that Megan thinks Jess is not in love with her. Jess knows that is the stupidest thing Megan has ever said because Megan does not know the half of it. Jess is open to Megan about it all but the love is so deep no matter how Jess tells it or shows it; it is not enough. Know one can convey the type of love Jess feels for Megan. Jess feels Megan does get upset about Jess’ feelings sometimes and Jess is pathetic and finds it so hard to hide her love. Anyone Jess talks to about Megan basically instantly knows Jess is in love with her. Jess lights up and has this happiness about her when she talks about Megan. Megan means the world to Jess. Jess knows she can spend the rest of her life with Megan as a friend if Jess does not fuck it up. Jess wants more, but Jess has to settle. Jess is okay with it most days, well Jess is okay at faking that she is okay with it most days, because she still gets to be close to Megan; whether that is making things worse or not Jess worries. Because everyday Jess continues to fall in love with Megan. For no reason. Jess, though, in the back of her mind will always have faith that one day she will be with Megan. Jess knows this is wrong. Jess knows she will be with Megan the rest of her life if Jess can handle it. As Jess and Megan are friends and always will be. But will Jess be able to handle it when Megan has a boyfriend, when Megan is with her boyfriend, when Megan is intimate with her boyfriend around Jess. Jess wants Megan to be happy so bad, but Jess is scared of the future. Because all Jess can see is her with Megan. Jess tries to picture Megan with men to try to ‘prime’ her but it does not work out. Jess even fantasies about a threesome with Megan and a man thinking that will aid in it. It sometimes works, but most of the time, no, because Jess does not want to seem possessive but Jess does not want anyone else touching Megan. Jess wants Megan to be hers. Not to control or anything. Just to love and love only her. Jess is in love and knows Megan is the one for her. Jess is scared of so many things. Jess knows Megan might get jealous if Megan sees Jess with another woman. Or maybe even a man. This scares Jess as Jess does not want to hurt Megan. Jess is scared of that so she does not want to date any man or woman. Megan does want Jess too at times. But Megan hopes Jess dating may help Jess move on. Jess thinks maybe it will make Megan happy if she pretended to like someone. Maybe then Jess, Megan probably figures, may be able to have sex and not focus on Megan all the time. But Jess worries it will never work. Jess worries about hurting the other person as she will fake being with the one she is with as she does not really want to be with anyone but Megan. And even if Jess likes someone else; Megan will win. If Megan had a date, for example, and Jess needed Megan, Megan would go on the date as she is okay too. But if Jess had a date and Megan needed Jess; Jess knows she would choose Megan. So every relationship is doomed. Jess will choose Megan over anyone over and over again. Jess is obsessed with Megan maybe, but Jess would never hurt her; Jess just loves her. Another thing that worries Jess is sex. Jess has a high sex drive. Megan does not. Jess figures maybe if she has just has sex with others it will help as will leave Megan alone. Jess will not be too sexual with Megan maybe then; allowing Megan to be happier. Megan does not want sex with Jess anymore. Well, maybe not not want it, but she is not supposed to have it. But Jess wants every part of Megan so bad Jess feels bad when she thinks of her best friend in a way that ‘uses’ her. Jess tries not to look at Megan all the time in a sexual way but Jess does because Jess finds Megan so beautiful. And not just her body. When Jess looks into Megan’s eyes, her soul….just so beautiful. So Jess worries that sleeping with others might be good for her own body, but might hurt Megan and might hurt Jess’ chances of ever getting to be sexual with Megan again. Megan does not want to be sexual with Jess but once again Jess would be with Megan sexually in an instant; even if Jess is with someone else. That is not fair to the other party. But Jess is in love and will choose the one she is in love with over and over. Jess hopes she can fall in love with someone else. But Jess is also stubborn and is so in love with Megan she will most likely not let herself fall for anyone else the same way. Jess wants Megan and Jess would do anything to get Megan. But Jess knows there is nothing she can do. Jess still wants to be a good friend to Megan but sometimes it is hard. Jess feels defeated. Jess would do anything for Megan whether they are best friends or lovers and that is what is hard. There does not get to be a differentiation because if you are in love you do anything you can to win that love. That is all that matters. And Jess has faith she will be with Megan in the end. Jess prays and believes that she will have Megan. Although reality says Jess will never get Megan as ‘hers.’ Jess does not understand that she is supposed to be positive and have faith but in reality it will never be. Jess hurts not understanding this theory. Jess then thinks maybe if she is with a man rather than a woman it might be better. If Jess is with a man and Megan is with a man then the two women can still have the intimacy with each other. What Jess knows and hates though as it will be almost obsolete. Jess knows she would be busy with her life and relationship and Megan hers so they would be lucky to see each other a few times a year. Lucky to cuddle a few times a year. That is how life goes. Jess does not think she will be able to handle that. Jess misses Megan so easily and Jess loves Megan so much. Megan does not understand the power she has over Jess. Jess does not mind the power as it is a good thing when you love someone, but not a good thing when Megan can not and will never love Jess in the same way.
By Jennifer Skinner5 years ago in Humans
Bisexualism
Bisexualism The 1st thing I can look back on, during Midget hockey, is being in a restaurant with my teammates. I sat between 2 of the girls, Bess and Dee; 2 of my friends. Bess was a fun loving brunette. Dee was blonde, and although fun, a responsible teen. At one point during us eating and yapping there was some kind of conversation about how I was Bess' girlfriend so Dee couldn't have me. Then Bess held my hand on the table for a few minutes. I liked it, yes. But it was just that - girlfriends hanging out and screwing around. BUT, I remember it, so maybe it meant more to me.
By Jennifer Skinner5 years ago in Humans
The Start of Transition
Being transgender is an experience that can make life extremely complicated. To begin with the process of starting transition is complicated at best. You are required to gain approval from medical professionals in order to begin. While some people are at the whim of their endocrinoligist others find ways to use their primary care physician to begin the process. For myself I chose to go through Planned Parenthood. It was as easy as going into their office and speaking with one of the doctors in order to make sure that you are aware of how things change and that you have been properly informed of what might happen once you begin the process.
By Kaleb Haycraft-Thomson5 years ago in Humans
Gender Norms
What are gender expectations? Are people generally aware of their behavioral influences during or in prevention of societal tensions due to the breaking of gender norms? Who influenced your gender affiliation? Are these societal expectations good, fair or are gender differences minor all together? These are questions I have hoped to address throughout this essay. By beginning with interviewing I am able to pull a more reliable understanding of how these norms are experienced, expressed, as well as some explanations as to why such norms are persistently perpetuated throughout the culture. I interviewed five individuals and though I will maintain their privacy I will expand a little on their categorical background (L-data) and divulge any possible observer bias due to personal relationships. The first is in her early 20’s, two kids, divorced, home owner with no college education and has a successful career as a nonpolitical government employee ( participant one) and she is an old friend. The second is also in her early 20’s home owner, minimum wage employee (participant two), she is also an old friend. The third is a relative, he is in his early 20’s dropped out of college but has recently returned, works in the club scene and has recently acquired his first apt (participant three). The forth is a Mexican Immigrant that has acquired citizenship, he is in his late 30’s, two children, divorced with employment within a labor field (participant four). And finally the fifth is in her early 20’s, full time university student, with three part time jobs as well as many activities associated with her university (participant five) she is also a close friend.
By Katelind Sky5 years ago in Humans
Adapting in the Closet! Part 2
Mother spots early internet activity My first experience of gay pornography came when I was 12 years old. We had just gotten our first desktop PC and installed the internet. I have no idea how I found the images that I did, but I was certainly very glad that I did so! A particular image became imprinted on my mind: two guys sitting on the floor with their legs facing each other and cocks touching. It blew my mind!
By James Richards5 years ago in Humans
Adapting in the closet! Part 1
They say your childhood shapes you, and looking at my less-than-perfect shape now, I can definitely see what it did to me! As a child, one of the taunts that really used to upset me was "You sound like a girl!" and other variations like "You're a girl!", "Why do you always play with the girls?", or "I have every right to pick on you because you're a poof!"
By James Richards5 years ago in Humans
My Simple tip for LGBTQ+ Allyship at Work
One day, I was chatting with a friend about what her company was doing to celebrate Pride month. She excitedly told me that her company had passed out Pride flags to all of the employees at her work for visible support to the LGBTQ+ community. “What a great gesture!” I thought. She then disclosed that one of her colleagues complained about this because it felt like they were forcing people to openly support a topic that they were not comfortable with talking about, let alone letting other people know that they support. I was quite stunned at my friends’ colleague’s reaction. She didn’t seem to make the connection between the values that her company was promoting and her personal bias.
By Amanda Gardner6 years ago in Humans
He/Him’s can be Lesbians?
LGBTQ+ community, or “the queers”, “the alphabet people”, and many other names have been used to describe our community. We tend to have this want to be all inclusive. This drive to be completely open to everyone, and as someone that’s been labeled a “conservative queer”, perhaps I’m sitting with the older crowd with some topics but there is a large amount of toxicity in the community and I think we have all seen it at one point or another. Excusing physical boundaries because “we’re all gay here anyway”, or rampant biphobia, and even the appropriation of race related cultural identifiers as well as the “MAPs” and “transtrenders” that steal from the credibility of the community for twisted benefit. So I suppose maybe I’m already old in gay years but I think we need to talk about something that’s been discussed time and time again.
By Alena Gaskins6 years ago in Humans
Thoughts
thoughts.... Right now I have mixed many feelings, family... work... and myself in particular. The thing is I am finding it difficult, feeling unaccepted and my head is fighting a war of the sexes, meaning I know who I am and want to be, but some days it’s so.... difficult.
By Natasha Carter6 years ago in Humans
My Most Favorite Love Song
Have you ever had a love you regret not having, not telling the person how really feel and letting them find love from or in another person? Or maybe imagined a love you’ve wanted with someone for a very long time,like a best friend or a crush? Ever had it so bad that you can’t help but to lose yourself at the sound of their voice,the way they walk,the way they talk or the way they smell. Just makes you melt from outside to inside,right? I experienced that. In fact,I still experience that....and it is BEAUTIFUL! And this song makes me believe in love. That it’s possible and still out there waiting for you. It may sound cheesy,and I’m not trying to sound like one of those “everything is a sin and blasphemy” religious people (though I am a Christian),but if you just take the time and patience for yourself to believe love is possible and meaningful to you,and there is a person willing to give that all to you,then you’ll see that it’s all true and you’ll maybe even gain some hope of it being alive. Something you’ll look forward to waking up to in the morning. When you go out for your first and/or your second dates. When you sleep at night. When you dream night and day. When you’re alone watching tv or working out. When you write in a journal or type about it on your computer/laptop. You then realize,it’s not just amazing to have. It’s not just a temporary fling. Love is the real deal. It’s special,it’s amazing,and there’s so much to give and have and learn from. It’s one of the keys to life. A happy life. Yeah,I’ve had crushes in high school in the past that made me feel like that. I mean who hasn’t anyway? I got butterflies,I wanted to see them everyday. I was “head over heels” for them as you could say. But,there was one person that can across my in my life that really made me have these feeling like this song I’m sharing with you all. And she still gives me the same feeling. Goosebumps and all. ☺️😍This song represents,not only me, but the love between my best friend. When I met her,love for just grew on me naturally. I don’t know what it was and is about her,but she makes me feel like I can be myself. I feel protected and safe around her. I feel like I can sleep at night and all my worries fly away when she wraps me in her arms at night. When I’m around her,and when I look at her,I get so nervous and chills take over me inside out. This song is also representation of my love. My love for other people like my family and my friends. The warm-hearted personality I have. Sometimes I think of a random love fantasy when I listen to this song. Almost like one of those old school romantic music videos. I love it though! This song also shows and tells me what how it would feel to pretend to not love someone when you can’t help but to show it, let alone resist it. Love is very strong,especially when it’s with someone you could be with forever one day. Even when you know it. You try to hide it,even when it’s just natural for you, but it doesn’t work. It may for a little while,but it’ll also kill you inside the longer you try to hide it. This song,to me,is a symbol of all of that. Regretting telling someone how you feel,wanting so much to be with that person, pretending to not have the same feelings as someone else,trying to move on but can’t,hiding your true feelings from someone because of fear,living a lie,lying to yourself,fear of rejection. I chose this song because it shows true love and exactly how it is with the true one you love. And it’s very beautiful to have. In fact,when you know you’re with the right person,it’s more than beautiful. It’s ecstatic. It’s a cloud 9 feeling. It’s a Kodak moment. Most of all,it’s something you want to have and look forward to having for the rest of your life. ☺️
By Shania Thompson6 years ago in Humans
Memoirs of a Trans Artist
Canada is one of the leading countries in advocating for the queer identity and our beloved Justin Trudeau made sure of that. Year after year the LGBTQIA+ community has been proud to walk the streets of Toronto in solidarity with each other and thousands of allies. A grand party protest that celebrates the life and struggles of the queer identity, but for myself, an actor, singer, musician, acceptance has been a lifelong fight. I first emerged as a budding musical theatre Artist at a very young age. Singing and dancing was my thing and even though I was growing up into a young woman inside, the boy outside was maligned. Having been forced to go through circumcision, a right of passage they say in a traditional Filipino culture, constant incessant bullying for my seemingly effeminate expressions, I emerged as a vibrant positively joyful young person. Much of this is attributed to my faith, having been exposed to the church life early on, I also aspired to live a religious life, role playing as the Virgin Mary herself. I found solace in the church, a concept I was denied of at home and at school. "Ibibitin kita ng patiwarik" (I'll hang you upside down) an often exclamation my father would use to threaten and control my actions, "I still feel the belt marks on my body". At school was never better, as I was the smartest in the class (Top 1) and also a little curvy, my cis male gender classmates would often grab me by the tits. I did however fought back numerous times with the help of my GLIMPSE barkada (bffs). Even from all the condemnation, I remarkably bounced back joyful and positive because of music. "I just loved singing", I joined singing competitions at school and won most of them. Werk!
By Thalia Altura6 years ago in Humans
Let’s Talk About Coming Out
When I came out, I felt so free. Like, in all honesty, I felt better in a way that I’d never felt before. It was like the weight of knowing but feeling too upset or being too deep in my own denial to acknowledge it was gone. And it was shockingly easy.
By Remy Dhami6 years ago in Humans
