Whilst we might think that we’re immune from the crazy misguided messages we hear all the time about what it means to be LGBTI, we can without knowing it absorb into these into our systems and cause all sorts of difficulties.

We all grow up in a world dominated by media and societal messages that put down LGBTI people. This includes constant social media banter, and many lunch room conversations with negative stuff being said about us when debating topics such as marriage equality for LGBTI people. It makes sense then that we can be deeply impacted by these stereotypes ourselves. Research has shown that we can internalise these messages and this can impact on our self-esteem, and increase the risk of anxiety, depression and stress.

The impact of negative stereotypes is far-reaching and the media can be used to reinforce or challenge their power. Children in primary school walk around the playground saying 'that’s so gay' and without challenge these children often grow up into adults that have limited acceptance of LGBTI people. The power of campaigns such as ‘that’s so gay’ project and ‘it’s get better’ campaign have successfully challenged these stereotypes.

Paving the way for LGBTI equality and acceptance can be helped by us considering how we can interact differently, how we can role model appropriate acceptance of difference and diversity.  This includes how we can use individual and collective action to challenge generally negative attitudes about LGBTI people. At the very least LGBTI individuals make an active choice to ignore this banter, or fire up and actively debate the issues.

The most effective way to challenge broad negative stereotypes about us is active, respectful and positive communication with individuals no matter what their beliefs might be about us. If we all do this, a collective powerful voice can open the door to greater acceptance of diversity and reduce the reliance of stereotypes. What else can you do to breakdown stereotypical representations of LGBTI people?