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Barely eight years ago, most Americans believed that being gay is "just the way some choose to live." You know, like choosing your diet or hairdo. And while the tide has shifted, with society being more accepting, more folks are coming out as LGBTQ+ than ever before - some chose to and still do forget that it's as real as global warming or Christmas.

The subreddit Sappho And Her Friend, then, is a godsend which sheds light on cringeworthy instances of LGBTQ+ erasure from academia, pop culture and real life. Who knew that straight people completely ignoring the fact that LGBTQ+ is a thing can be so absurdly amusing.

#1

What To Call Your Straight Aunt's Husband

What To Call Your Straight Aunt's Husband

northlakes20 Report

In a world that claims progress and inclusivity, it is disheartening to witness the persistent shadows of prejudice cast upon the LGBTQ+ community. From the humblest corners of society to the grand stage of global politics, there exists a myriad of reasons, however wrong, why some individuals remain staunchly ignorant when it comes to accepting and embracing diverse sexual orientations and gender fluidity.

While significant progress has been made over the years, including a growing number of individuals, particularly Gen Z, feeling more comfortable and open about their LGBTQIA+ identities, there remains much work to be done. Unfortunately, even during Pride Month, which spans the entire month of June, incidents like the recent vandalism of the LGBTQIA+ community's flags at Stonewall National Monument in New York City, the birthplace of the modern LGBTQ rights movement, serve as a reminder that challenges persist.

#2

Straight-People-Forgetting-Gay-Couples-Exist

Straight-People-Forgetting-Gay-Couples-Exist

Excellesse Report

"Pride Month — and the pride parades — continue to be deeply important in the continued solidarity, fight for human rights, and visibility of the LGBTQI+ community. Additionally, and equally important, is the label 'pride'," Samantha Stein, a licensed psychologist based in San Francisco, told Bored Panda in an email. In 2019, Pride celebrations in San Francisco included 289 parade contingents and held "the largest gathering of LGBTQ+ people and allies in the nation."

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"Over the years, it has continued to increase in size and scope, and I haven't seen or heard of any displays of prejudice there since the 1990s," Stein said. "In some ways, it has lost some of its original power: many of the young people from the Bay Area who attend are not aware of the history and courage of the original PRIDE celebrations. That said, we can view that as a positive change since they haven't had to be!" 

#3

The Apostrophe Is Not In The Wrong Place

The Apostrophe Is Not In The Wrong Place

lancea_longini Report

#4

“I Think Emily Dickinson Was A Lesbian”

“I Think Emily Dickinson Was A Lesbian”

yesisaidthis Report

June, for those of you who don't know, is a month of celebration that aligns with a significant event in the history of the Gay Liberation Movement known as the Stonewall Uprising. In the early hours of June 28th, 1969, a gay bar called 'The Stonewall Inn' in New York City's West Village was targeted by a police raid. Such raids were common at the time, but on this particular occasion, the patrons of the bar resisted and fought back, leading to what became known as the Stonewall Riots. These protests continued for several days.

#5

Who's Gonna Tell Them

Who's Gonna Tell Them

ManyTraining6 Report

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Recognizing its historical significance, the city of New York designated the Stonewall Inn as a historic landmark in 2015, and it was further honored as a national monument by President Barack Obama in 2016. This June marks the 53rd anniversary of the first Pride parade, which took place in 1970, a year after the uprising at Stonewall.

#7

Straight-People-Forgetting-Gay-Couples-Exist

Straight-People-Forgetting-Gay-Couples-Exist

RhymesWithSky Report

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Marcos Valencia
Community Member
10 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If your job is selling bride dresses, you can't be that idiot.

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#8

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

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

FruityNesa Report

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Marcos Valencia
Community Member
10 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well, I would take this answer as a very polite, but clear, "no, thank you".

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"Regrettably, prejudice, oppression, violence, and even loss of life persist as harsh realities for individuals within the LGBTQI+ community, both in the United States and worldwide. Alarmingly, numerous states in the US are enacting legislation that actively undermines the rights of these individuals," said Stein.

#9

Hitting With That Self Sappho

Hitting With That Self Sappho

Thedepressionoftrees Report

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Yvonne Dauwalder Balsiger
Community Member
10 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When you're so homophobic you don't realize you're gay yourself... I hope she is now a happy queer

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#10

And They Were “Color Enthusiasts”

And They Were “Color Enthusiasts”

finnsatch Report

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Feathered Dinosaur
Community Member
10 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I like to wear rainbow colors and bright colors in general, just because they're pretty. I'm cis-hetero btw, but I don't mind being mistaken as LGBTQ+

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According to The American Civil Liberties Union, there were 19 bills introduced this year so far undermining freedom of speech and expression for LGBTQ people, including ones that target drag show performances.

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#11

Happy Thanksgiving To All Aunties With Lifelong Roommates

Happy Thanksgiving To All Aunties With Lifelong Roommates

Tavietavie Report

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KJ
Community Member
10 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They even share a bed, purely to cut down on expenses though, honest!

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#12

Oh My God, They Were Manicurists

Oh My God, They Were Manicurists

LadyTentacles Report

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Siddharth Krishnaswamy
Community Member
10 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is in Saqqara. And the tour-guides tell everybody that the 2 were "brothers"...and you as a tourist try not to snort and walk on.

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"For a group of people who are told continuously — through laws, religions, media, bullying, and directly — that LBTQI+ people are less-than or should not exist," Stein explained, "it is deeply psychologically important that there be counter-messaging."

She argues that this continuous messaging of inferiority often takes a toll on their mental well-being and can result in profound consequences such as mental illness, addiction, isolation, and even loss of life. "People fear and hate what they are taught to fear and hate, and they often fear what's unfamiliar." 

#15

Straight-People-Forgetting-Gay-Couples-Exist

Straight-People-Forgetting-Gay-Couples-Exist

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#17

Vivianne Miedema - All Round Legend

Vivianne Miedema - All Round Legend

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Annik Perrot
Community Member
10 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

French singer Juliette, when asked about "her Romeo" answered " My Romeo is a Juliet."

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#18

It's Perfect

It's Perfect

Thedepressionoftrees Report

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SheDeM
Community Member
10 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Comparing a flower to an old shoe! :D Perfect. I hope the light turned on in her attic

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#19

The Opposite Of Erasure, For Once!

The Opposite Of Erasure, For Once!

chaosgirl93 Report

#20

Oh, Yeah, Definitely Cis, Just Pretending To Be A Man...for 50 Years

Oh, Yeah, Definitely Cis, Just Pretending To Be A Man...for 50 Years

Allygatornado Report

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HannahNo
Community Member
10 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well, in that time it could be possible, that she loved the job and not women. It would have been impossible to achieve this much as a woman back in the days. There are records of successful men that suddenly got pregnant. Think about Mulan :D

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#21

They Were Roommates!

They Were Roommates!

Sister_Rebel Report

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Juniper_theBoredPanda12
Community Member
10 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

All jokes aside I think this is so beautiful as a homosexual my self and a trans young woman I love all of these post but this is my favorite and I love the support of the community🥰🥰

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#22

People Acting Like Gay People Didn’t Exist Until 2020

People Acting Like Gay People Didn’t Exist Until 2020

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xxx
Community Member
10 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Reminds me of the controversy surrounding The Little Mermaid. How the actual f**k is her skin colour a problem. She's a MERMAID. And before you say 'oh but original Ariel was a redhead' It's a fictional character, and if they had changed just her hair colour - there wouldn't have been an outcry. People try and pretend it's about hair colour, but it's not-so-well-hidden racism.

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#24

"Neighbours"

"Neighbours"

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#25

"Twisting Classical Characters Like Dorian Gray Into A Homosexual"

"Twisting Classical Characters Like Dorian Gray Into A Homosexual"

issiautng Report

#26

Straight-People-Forgetting-Gay-Couples-Exist

Straight-People-Forgetting-Gay-Couples-Exist

kittyk8888 Report

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Marcos Valencia
Community Member
10 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well, I can understand being personally confused, but at a hotel reception desk? Both women could even be married to other two women and just cheating... Hotels usually handle things with total discretion, not with "horror and confusion".

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#28

Straight-People-Forgetting-Gay-Couples-Exist

Straight-People-Forgetting-Gay-Couples-Exist

RhymesWithSky Report

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Regulus Black
Community Member
10 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's kinda weird how random strangers just stop someone and tell them stuff like this or "I thought that you two sisters look so cute together" or something like that. So weird

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#29

Me_irlgbt

Me_irlgbt

TheHiddenNinja6 Report

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Feathered Dinosaur
Community Member
10 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

She just wants the other girl to be her roommate. Like, share the house. And the bed, of course.

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#30

Tumblr

Tumblr

Louisfroor Report

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Blue_Mouse (queen)
Community Member
10 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Damn. Betcha they tried turning it into “well you seem more gay than bi…”

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#31

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

NomadFire Report

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Tiramisu 🇵🇸
Community Member
10 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As a Muslim, I am DYING of a combination of laughter and second-hand embarrassment

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#32

What Is A Gay Bar For?

What Is A Gay Bar For?

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OmBoyGanesh
Community Member
10 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I mean, aren’t gay clubs synonymous with cis-hey bridle intentional misspelling) showers anyways? I can see the mistake here, given the queers are often marginalized in their own spaces for the sake of some weird tokenism. I bet the grossed out girl has a GBF (🤮) she thinks of like an accessory.

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#34

[insert Joke Title Here]

[insert Joke Title Here]

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rullyman
Community Member
10 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A huge amount of research into sex and gender was burnt by the nazis at one of their big book burnings. They targeted the Institut für Sexualwissenschaft.

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#35

Straight-People-Forgetting-Gay-Couples-Exist

Straight-People-Forgetting-Gay-Couples-Exist

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witchling
Community Member
10 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Really? My bff and I were out once and I told a couple of guys that we were married so they'd back off. Backfired terribly.

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#36

Straight-People-Forgetting-Gay-Couples-Exist

Straight-People-Forgetting-Gay-Couples-Exist

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detective miller's hat
Community Member
10 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

LOL reminds me of how when they dubbed season 3 of Sailor Moon into English and suddenly Sailor Neptune and Sailor Uranus were cousins. Like y'all actually just made it ten times worse because now it's definitely incest. xD

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#37

Ah Yes, Clearly Just A School Friend

Ah Yes, Clearly Just A School Friend

soup-cats Report

#38

I Am A Very Clueless Individual

I Am A Very Clueless Individual

IcyyPaintbrush Report

#39

Straight-People-Forgetting-Gay-Couples-Exist

Straight-People-Forgetting-Gay-Couples-Exist

ericaferrica Report

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Kathryn Baylis
Community Member
10 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

TBH, I’m heterosexual and as a child, there were many times I shared a bed when I slept over at a friend’s house. Hell, I also did it as an adult when traveling with a group, and hotel rooms were scarce. Wasn’t considered an unusual thing back in the day. Friends and siblings often slept in the same bed. Big whoop-de-do!

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#40

"When Did You Stop Being Gay"

"When Did You Stop Being Gay"

cybernet377 Report

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LK
Community Member
10 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Perhaps the poor waiter has never heard of bisexuals, or pan...

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Note: this post originally had 80 images. It’s been shortened to the top 40 images based on user votes.