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It is ridiculous and, frankly, shocking that some people are still unaware of the existence of the LGBTQ+ community in this day and age. Whether they’re oblivious completely by accident or entirely on purpose, these people pretend that folks who are lesbian, gay, bi, trans, and queer don’t exist on Planet Earth. What’s more, they’re ignorant of the everyday challenges LGBTQ+ people face.

Bored Panda has collected screenshots of the times that straight people forgot that LGBTQ+ people are actually a part of society.

When you’re done reading through this list right here, you can check out Bored Panda’s previous article about the times that people had clearly been living under a rock right here.

Accredited psychotherapist and author Silva Neves, from the UK, explained to Bored Panda why some people pretend that LGBTQ+ people don't exist and went into detail about the discrimination, homophobia, biphobia, and transphobia they still have to deal with in 2022. According to the psychotherapist, for some straight people, ignoring the existence of LGBTQ+ is to stay comfortable in their own lives.

#1

For Those Afraid To Tell Their Doctors Their Sexuality. We Are Taught To Treat Everyone And Keep Our Opinions To Ourselves

For Those Afraid To Tell Their Doctors Their Sexuality. We Are Taught To Treat Everyone And Keep Our Opinions To Ourselves

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"People pretend the LGBTQ+ people don't exist because it is easier to stay with pre-conceived ideas of what they think they know about human beings. People still believe that being heterosexual is the only 'normal' and everything else is 'weird,'" psychotherapist Silva told Bored Panda.

"Ignoring the existence of the LGBTQ+ people is a way to stay comfortable with their own lives and not open to the diversity of humanity. Opening up to the diversity of sexual orientations requires being open to 'not knowing' and be curious enough."

#2

Ikr

Ikr

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#3

Stole The Rainbow

Stole The Rainbow

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rspanther
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It was just sitting there, didn't look like it was being used, so why not take it out, dust it off.

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The LGBTQ+ people still face many challenges in the West. According to Silva, these differ from country to country. And far from every Western country is as liberal and progressive as its neighbors.

"For example, in the UK, the LGBTQ+ people have legal rights and are protected by law under its discrimination act. However, some other European countries, such as Poland, have strong anti-LGBTQ+ rights and therefore people are not protected in that country, worse, some are even hunted," Silva gave an example of how two different European countries see the same community.

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#4

Better Lesbian Husband

Better Lesbian Husband

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However, Silva warned, that even in the UK, having legal rights doesn't automatically mean that there is no discrimination. "Unfortunately, there is still much homophobia, biphobia, and transphobia. There are numerous reports of LGBTQ+ people being attacked only for holding the hand of their same gender partner in the streets, for example."

He continued: "One of the main opposition to LGBTQ+ people is religious beliefs as many religious people do not agree with accepting LGBTQ+ people as equal human beings. Many LGBTQ+ people are rejected by their own family when they come out. Some can feel very isolated. Because LGBTQ+ people are still ostracised in our societies, they tend to develop poor mental health and misuse of alcohol and drugs as coping strategies."

#8

“I Think Emily Dickinson Was A Lesbian”

“I Think Emily Dickinson Was A Lesbian”

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hawkmoon avatar
Hawkmoon
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"Emily Dickinson should have been more carefull about Covid". Another dumb historian.

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#9

They'll Be Pals. Gal Pals

They'll Be Pals. Gal Pals

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Foxxy (The Original)
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well yeah you can have a bond girl but why does the sex object have to be just a girl, why can't it be a bond guy.

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Bored Panda had spoken about homophobia and why some people are homophobic with British psychotherapist Silva before. He explained to us that homophobia can, in part, be explained by a person’s upbringing. The beliefs and values that one’s family members hold can influence how an individual thinks as they grow up. However, this isn’t the entire story. Things are more complicated than that.

“If people grew up with homophobic parents and they haven’t been exposed to different opinions, they are more likely to be homophobic themselves. Most religions promote the inaccurate idea that same-sex relationships and sexual behaviors are unnatural, wrong, against their God, and a sin,” Silva explained to Bored Panda.

#10

Ms. And Mrs

Ms. And Mrs

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Trillian
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Even if they (edited pronoun) were married to a man that would be totally out of line

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#11

Brah

Brah

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Jo Choto
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I do not understand why doctors think they have the right to decide what you can do with your own body.

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“Even recently, the Pope declared that same-sex marriages were not endorsed by the Church. Islam is also very homophobic. Most Islamic countries have anti-gay laws with punishment ranging from imprisonment to the death penalty. Many people in the UK growing up in such households are more likely to be homophobic,” the mental health expert pointed out that homophobia is still very prevalent in modern times.

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Some younger people want to be part of the ‘in crowd’ and adopt the beliefs of their friends and peers. Unfortunately, this means that they might start taking on a negative outlook when it comes to the LGBTQ+ community just to fit in with their social circle.

#14

Sit On My Face But Just In A Friend's Way

Sit On My Face But Just In A Friend's Way

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NsG
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Um, if the girl you're hitting on is straight, she's probably using the same deflection she uses on guys, but isn't sure how to let you down gently either.

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#15

Who's Gonna Tell Them

Who's Gonna Tell Them

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Bored Seb
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I imagine what they mean is "to avoid any risk of unwanted pregnancy that would be a nightmare to deal with in space". But they spelt it wrong indeed ;)

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“Teenagers can be homophobic as a way to conform to heterosexuality and be more accepted by their peers,” Silva said.

Meanwhile, the therapist pointed out that some people become homophobic because they are trying to repress and deny that they personally have same-sex attractions.

 “In being homophobic they attempt to repress their own feelings by fighting against the source of their arousal: the LGBTQ people,” he said.

#16

People Are Gay, Steven

People Are Gay, Steven

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KJ
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yup, just two good friends, ignore the fact they are snogging later in the evening.

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#17

Aunt Pat And Her "Roommate", 1986

Aunt Pat And Her "Roommate", 1986

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#18

And They Were “Color Enthusiasts”

And They Were “Color Enthusiasts”

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Guy MacGregor
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well the rainbow have been used as a symbol for multiple different things through history. It is not necessarily linked to homosexuality for everyone.

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Even if someone had been living under a metaphorical rock, it’s still incredibly difficult to miss the existence of the LGBTQ+ community. Pride Month, traditionally held in June (but on other months in some countries), is a time for events that promote the community’s fight for dignity, equality, and justice. It is also a time to draw attention to the issues that some members of the community struggle with, including discrimination.

During a previous interview with Bored Panda, ‘Stonewall,’ a United Kingdom-based organization spoke about the importance of Pride. ‘Stonewall’ is an organization that aims to create a world where all members of the LGBTQ+ community are free to be themselves and live their lives to the fullest.

#19

It's Straight To Be Gay

It's Straight To Be Gay

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#21

Let's Go, Lesbians

Let's Go, Lesbians

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According to Robbie de Santos, the Director of Communications and External Affairs at ‘Stonewall,’ Pride Month is an annual way for everyone to show support for the LGBTQ+ crowd. It’s a global phenomenon that unites everyone.

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“Pride is an opportunity for all of us to come together in celebration, protest, and solidarity with lesbian, gay, bi, and trans communities all over the world,” de Santos told us about the extent to which Pride is celebrated each and every year.

#22

How Many Here Are In The "More Options" Category?

How Many Here Are In The "More Options" Category?

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Liam F.
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Bruh, if they're going to ask the question why, wouldn't homosexuality be a choice?

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#23

Finally Found One In The Wild

Finally Found One In The Wild

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KJ
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And save on laundry costs by sharing a bed, very environmentally friendly.

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#24

That’s How Long Y’all Been Married Or?

That’s How Long Y’all Been Married Or?

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nathaniel avatar
Nathaniel
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

To be fair, without any other context, you might not immediately jump to gender transition.

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“All lesbian, gay, bi, trans, and queer people should be able to thrive as themselves, but in 2021, LGBTQ+ people are still being held back because of who we are,” he explained to us previously that even though there’s a lot of progress, there are plenty of challenges that yet remain to be tackled.

#25

I Believe This Man Is Really Close To Having A Realization About Himself That He Is Going To Be Uncomfortable With

I Believe This Man Is Really Close To Having A Realization About Himself That He Is Going To Be Uncomfortable With

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#27

"My Daughter And Her Best Friend / Room Mate." - Worried Parent

"My Daughter And Her Best Friend / Room Mate." - Worried Parent

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MaddaPanda
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What can your daughter do to make you grow up to be a decent human being before it's too late? Oh wait...it's probably already too late.

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“For some LGBTQ+ people, these harms are particularly acute, and we need to stand together against all discrimination that holds our communities back, from racism to ableism, misogyny to classism,” de Santos said.

Pride Month, according to ‘Stonewall,’ is important because it allows everyone to come together and show their support, in their communities, workplaces, schools, online, and on the streets. It’s a celebration of who we are as people. It’s also a way to continue fighting for “freedom, equity, and potential” for all of us.

#28

But Boys Don't Get Periods?

But Boys Don't Get Periods?

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Bad Alchemy
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Trans boys get periods. trans men get periods. Any one with a uterus may get a period. Not all uterus-owners are girls/women. Please update your reality.

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#30

Good Friends

Good Friends

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shuka shuka
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Not true. I took a Classics university course 20 years ago and on day one we were told Alexander was gay.

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“At Stonewall, we’ll continue to fight until every lesbian, gay, bi, trans, and queer person is free to be themselves, wherever they are,” de Santos said that the fight for equality continues.

#31

Well, Why Would She??

Well, Why Would She??

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nathaniel avatar
Nathaniel
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I work in an office with several women, all of them straight. But they are obsessed with boobs, like it is the number one talking point about them. Liking boobs is universal.

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#32

My Great-Great Aunt And Her “Roommate” (People At The Time Assumed They Were Sisters Though)

My Great-Great Aunt And Her “Roommate” (People At The Time Assumed They Were Sisters Though)

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#33

There’s No Bi In Team (Link To Thread In Comments)

There’s No Bi In Team (Link To Thread In Comments)

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#34

Lovely Bit Of Sportswomanship On Display By Sam Kerr And Kristie Mewis

Lovely Bit Of Sportswomanship On Display By Sam Kerr And Kristie Mewis

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#36

We Exist Solely For The Satisfaction Of Straight People

We Exist Solely For The Satisfaction Of Straight People

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#38

Ah, Yes. I Love My Pda-Filled “Friendships”

Ah, Yes. I Love My Pda-Filled “Friendships”

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nathaniel avatar
Nathaniel
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Sometimes women will marry each other which also look like romantic relationships.

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#39

“Mila With Her Classmate” Written On The Backside; My Grandmother Is On The Left; C. 1950s, St. Petersburg, Russia

“Mila With Her Classmate” Written On The Backside; My Grandmother Is On The Left; C. 1950s, St. Petersburg, Russia

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#40

Staring

Staring

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Sean
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

well its interesting seeing a person thats not boring and the same as everyone else although its also uncomfortable, at least thats how i felt when i was in a bigger city for the first time (i grew up and still live in a tiny german town)

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Note: this post originally had 65 images. It’s been shortened to the top 40 images based on user votes.