THE FREEDOM BOOK - Cambridge University Students' Union

CUSU LGBT The Freedom Book 2008 9StereotypesStereotypes are everywhere; whether you’re straighter than straightor as gay as they come, you’ve doubtlessly heard them. A lot of stereotypescan be funny, and sometimes people do fit in to them, but theycan also be really hurtful.When some people encounter something they don’t understand, orfeel challenged by, they often force that something into a stereotype.This is often the case with LBGT people, and there is no end to the listof stereotypes that exist. There are so many that you’re bound to fallinto one of them – as are most straight people. But because you’re notstraight, some people think that this proves the stereotype is right.Regardless of what other people may tell you, your sexuality is a verypersonal thing, and as private as you want it to be. Being a gay mandoesn’t mean that you have to camp it up if you don’t want to. Equallyif you are camp, you don’t need to ‘butch it up’ because you don’t wantto conform to that stereotype. You’re free to decide what your sexualitydoes – and doesn’t – mean to you.Being LesBiGayTrans...There’s no right or wrong way to ‘be’ LBGT. It could mean that youwatch football, drink lager and then go home to your boyfriend. Equallyif you want to shave your head, don dungarees and play rugby, thenthat’s fine too.Whatever you call yourself, whoever you are and however you chooseto live your life, CUSU LesBiGayTrans is here for you as much or as littleas you want it.Be who you are, not who others expect you to be.