Branden+P’s+2017+OpEd+Article

Microaggressions Towards LGBT People

By: Branden Padilla

Microaggressions are defined by [|dictionary.com] as, “ a subtle but offensive comment or action directed at a minority or other non-dominant group that is often unintentional or unconsciously reinforces a stereotype.” Microaggressions have been infamously known to be made toward people of color, LGBT persons, etc. The people who present those aggressions usually never notice that they do, and even if they noticed they don’t see the issue, and that’s the issue.

Everyday I hear something about me being gay compared to them. “Your music can literally not get any gayer,” well no shit. While it may be seen as a joke it’s still a microaggression. They are classifying a certain type of music with the connotation of being feminine and relating it to being gay. While straight white males don’t listen to [|cupcake], they call the music gay simply because they can’t relate to it. While Blink 182, Sublime, and Fall Out Boy aren’t on my top 400 favorite bands, they’re widely listened to by straight white males, I don’t go around calling them straight white male bands (sometimes). See how ridiculous it sounds from that perspective?

In an article titled, “[|Many faces of Homophobia],” they mention that the bible thumping conservatives aren’t the only homophobes around. Anyone could give off a microaggression that demeans the LGBT community, even its own members. Even the most down to earth people could say something without even realizing it. “ The smallest remark can contain a secret bite in it.”

Take me for example, I don’t go around wearing tights or dresses. I don’t wear makeup nor do I strip on a pole during school hours. I don’t grind on girls during school dances and I hangout with other guys both straight and gay alike. I can't watch Rupaul's drag race for more than thirty mins. Horrible examples right? I can count the times I’ve met someone and they asked me, “ are you sure you’re like 100% gay?” just because I'm not glammed out with "gay" accessories. It's just not me. This may seem just like a question being asked by your local idiot, but what lies under that question is what they connote as gay behavior. Other times I’ll hear (surprisingly) that the guy usually hates gay guys, but he thinks I’m cool. Thanks I guess?

All in all, people can argue all they want that microaggressions aren’t a thing, and that we’re being hypersensitive. The people who argue it are usually the people who do it on purpose. They may be micro, but they always get noticed and can do some real damage. They are the smallest remarks and yes they do add up. Many people find them as a grave offense, while they could just roll over my head and I wouldn't know the difference till after the fact. Maybe I just don't pay attention, maybe I don't really care. I don't know. I do know that it isn't right and some aggressions are worse than others. While not every one of them deserves a block on social media, there are plenty that warrant much worse than that. Yes, if you make them on purpose to your gay friend for a laugh, you're not helping the cause. No it's not funny joke. Just admit you're homophobic and move on.