40 People Who Are Totally Unaware That LGBTQ People Exist

Are they just playing ignorant, or are they really?

Damjan

Published in Interesting
2 May 2021

40 People Who Are Totally Unaware That LGBTQ People Exist

This roundup is packed with people who seem completely unaware that LGBTQ people exist, even when the evidence is right in front of them.

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From awkward social media posts to wildly confident assumptions, the screenshots in this list show just how far some people will go to explain away what they do not want to see. The result is equal parts funny, frustrating, and painfully familiar.

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Here are 40 of the most baffling examples.

1. Oh, dad

Person scrolling Facebook on a phone, reacting to “totally straight” claim

zyco_

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2. "Saw This On Facebook Today"

Guestyperson

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3. Totally straight...

miles_has_died

Some people can look right at the obvious and still miss it completely.

The phenomenon of individuals being unaware of the existence of LGBTQ+ people can often be explained through cognitive dissonance. When confronted with information that contradicts their beliefs or knowledge, individuals may choose to ignore or reject new information to maintain their worldview.

Research suggests that cognitive dissonance can lead to an emotional response that prioritizes comfort over truth, resulting in a lack of awareness about important social issues.

4. No, I don't

yutus

5. Big fan

Housemates in a shared living room, discussing ignorance and diverse perspectives

hesilf

6. Housemates

carypo

This ignorance might also stem from socialization within homogeneous communities, where exposure to diverse perspectives is limited. Psychological studies indicate that individuals raised in environments that reinforce specific beliefs are less likely to question these beliefs or seek out differing viewpoints.

In such cases, promoting diversity and inclusion in educational settings can help broaden perspectives and reduce ignorance about LGBTQ+ identities.

7. "Just A Theory"

redd_the_fox

8. Where is this soulmate?

lilmisswonderland

9. Just two bros...

Pearlspear

Media shapes a lot of what people think they know, and this is where the gaps start to show.

When individuals see diverse representations of LGBTQ+ lives in media, it can foster empathy and understanding, ultimately leading to increased awareness and acceptance.

It’s encouraging that the House of Representatives voted to pass the Equality Act, a law that would prohibit discrimination against individuals based on sexual orientation and gender identity. This act would enable teachers to implement a different, LGBTQ-inclusive curriculum.

However, what’s disappointing is the fact that the LGBTQ curriculum is still widely understated in classrooms. Only five states have announced that LGBTQ history would be taught in their public schools.

10. Medical Classmates....

Samy_fag

11. Poor grandson...

Drops-of-Q

12. "Just A Friendly Reminder, The History Books Accidentally Forgot A Few Pages From Anne's Diary"

isabelletjuh2005

That gap shows up again and again in the comments and screenshots below.

Workshops and discussions aimed at dismantling stereotypes and promoting empathy can foster a deeper understanding of LGBTQ+ issues among those who may be unaware.

13. Got your back

Mysteryhuman1

On the other hand, implementation, financing, and educator training are often vague. Even though LGBTQ history is very long, its curriculum history isn’t.

Eliza Byard, a historian and the executive director of the Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network (GLSEN), says, “A lot of us grew up with history taught to reinforce the idea that only certain ways of being are natural. It is hugely important that every child understands the complexity of human history in all its different dimensions in order to have a full understanding of the past, present, and possible futures, and that’s what this is ultimately about.”

14. Just Guys Being Guys

Trey_Explainer

15. Very Good Friends

reverendjesus

Another crucial aspect of addressing ignorance is creating safe spaces where individuals can discuss their experiences and learn from one another. Research in community psychology shows that safe spaces can significantly enhance understanding and acceptance among diverse groups.

Facilitated dialogues that allow individuals to share their stories can help bridge gaps in knowledge and foster connections across different identities.

It’s the same kind of family tension as someone debating whether to tell their conservative parents about their brother’s secret same-sex relationship.

16. Why do they share storage space?

DearCup1

17. Love for mass transit

fortyfivepointseven

18. Hints?

Commuters at a mass transit station, laughing while questioning shared storage

jonathanjrouse

Education plays a big role in how people learn to recognize and respect LGBTQ+ identities.

Implementing comprehensive sex education that includes LGBTQ+ topics can help normalize these discussions, making it easier for individuals to engage in conversations about diversity.