Do you distance yourself?

[twinning]

Distance yourself?? 1 Day, 18 Hours ago
Firstly, in this post I am asking something about you guys, so in return ill offer something to you about me, I'm 18. I go to Edith Cowan University and I'm doing a double major in Psychology and Youth Work. I consider myself to be bisexual, but I don't want all my information to be biased by my own views.

So the Question: "how GLBT youth distance themselves from mainstream adult 'society'"

This is simple, basically all the Q is asking, what do you guys do to segregate yourselves from the prejudiced eyes of 'mainstream adult society'. Is it your clique? (emo, scene, goth etc.) or perhaps the peer group you hang out with? or do you not even feel the need to be distanced from 'mainstream'?

Thanks in advance guys

Also just so you guys know, I will be showing a selection of your responses in my speech, however I will ensure your names are removed to allow your anonymity. If you do not wish to have your post displayed please mention this and I will make sure it doesn't get shown ^_^

[asha888]

Hi twinning, i thought i'd help you out with your question. I'm 24 and identify as lesbian. I don't think I distance myself from the mainstream society, I have both gay and straight friends and socialise in mainstream places. I have never been to the Court hotel or Connections, but find it easy to meet people in everyday places.

If anything, Iwould find myself distanced in the workplace and usually choose to be silent about my personal life - being the permanently single girl. I find alot of people don't understand same-sex relationships or haven't been around real-life couples and are more likely to compare me to stereotypes, aswell as the constant jokes and always being referred to in terms of my sexuality. These are the things that would make me feel isolated or that my sexuality is unacceptable to mainstream society. I enjoy having a couple of gay/lesbian friends because it is nice to talk to someone who thinks the same way and can relate to your life.

[JillyBeans]

Hey,
I agree with asha888. I mix easily with mainstream adults, however I am often reluctant to reveal my sexuality in case they distance themselves from the 'queer' girl. Some people are just plain homophobic.. However, my girlfriend and I make friends with people and then they end up finding out we're a gay couple naturally, we've never had any problems when they get to know us first.
So, im not waving my sexuality around. Im also very easily mistaken for a straight girl, I almost feel like a cheat. The fact I can move so freely, without sterotypical prejudice on a day-to-day basis. E.g. A girl with short hair and an androgenous outfit usually gets branded as gay.
I dont feel forced to segregate myself, but then again I dont have many aquaintances in Perth, let alone gay ones, since my girlfriend and I just moved here. I do feel that i'd prefer to hang with gay people though, only because im far less likely to be given strange looks, or faces when I lean over to kiss my partner.