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#MythBustingMonday: LGBTQIA+ Survivors of Sexual Violence

For this month’s #MythBustingMonday we are focusing on some of the myths and misconceptions around sexual violence for members of LGBTQIA+ communities. 

[TW: Discussion of Rape Myths, Sexual Violence, Homophobia, & Transphobia]

[Read time: 3-4 mins]

Myth 1: LGBTQ+ people are overly sexual, kinky, or promiscuous and always want sex. 

This myth can be linked back to the idea that homosexuality and/or gender fluidity are sexual “perversions” or “deviances” and should be medically treated or managed. Attitudes like these have historically been, and continue to be, one of the root causes behind the human rights violations that LGBTQIA+ communities face around the world. 

Everyone (straight, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, cisgender, asexual, EVERYONE) has a right to experience their sexuality in a way that works for them. A person’s sexuality, sexual experience or gender expression is never an automatic “yes” to something sexual. Everyone has the right to say no to something sexual, and have that be respected.

Myth 2: Sexual Violence doesn’t happen in LGBTQIA+ Communities.

For a lot of people, LGBTQIA+ communities symbolise safety and inclusion, but the reality is that intimate partner sexual violence happens in every community. Sexual Violence, and Intimate Partner abuse occurs across all groups, subgroups and categories of people. Victims and abusers come from all cultures, sexual orientations, gender identities, socioeconomic classes, ages, religions and political beliefs. The isolation and stigmatisation perpetuated against those identifying as LGBTQIA+ make community spaces extremely important, and having an experience of sexual violence come from someone within this space can be deeply hurtful. 

For LGBTQIA+ survivors of sexual violence these attitudes can cause different barriers:

• Fear of being disloyal or betraying the idea of their community if they report an assault by someone else who identifies as LGBTQIA+
• Not wanting to risk losing their connection to the social community of LGBTI people in which everyone may know them 
  and the abuser. 

Myth 3: Men can’t be affected by sexual violence. 

No matter your gender, any sexual act done without your consent is sexual violence. Assumptions that men (or even just people that present as masculine) would be more capable of fighting off an unwanted sexual advance are rooted in patriarchy and sexism. Gay and bisexual men can face further stigmatisation as survivors of sexual violence where misogyny, homophobia and victim-blaming come together.

Myth 4: Women can’t perpetrate sexual violence.

Anyone can choose to be abusive or not. Women can be and are abusers. Because of gender stereotypes, many people believe that a female abuser is more likely to use emotional tactics of abuse rather that physical tactics, and that these forms of violence are “less serious”. Evidence suggests women can and do use the same tactics as male abusers. There is no reason to take female abusers less seriously. 

Myth 5: There Are No Support Services for LGBTQIA+ Survivors 

There are a number of ways LGBTQIA+ survivors can access support after an experience of abuse. Some of these options include: 

• The STAR Centre: Offers free and confidential support to anyone aged 13+ (women, girls, men, boys and those who identify as transgender or non-binary), of any ethnicity who has experienced any type of sexual violence at any time in their lives. We are committed to providing a space which feels (and is) safe for all survivors (13+) irrespective of their gender identity, sexuality, ethnicity, age, disability, sex, religion or gender reassignment. See more about our inclusion policy here. You can contact us on 01563 544686, by email admin@starcentreayrshire.org or by using our online form.
• Rape Crisis Scotland Helpline: Helpline offers confidential short-term, crisis and initial support by phone, email, webchat and text. Phone, email and webchat support is free and texts will be charged at your normal network rate. Calls do not show on your bill. Find out more on how Rape Crisis Scotland supports members of the LGBTI+ community here. Call: 08088 01 03 02 Text: 07537 410 027 Email: support@rapecrisisscotland.org.uk or use the webchat function on their website.
• Galop: Helpline for LGBT+ people experiencing abuse or violence, such as hate crime, domestic abuse, sexual violence, so-called “conversion therapy” or any other kind of abuse. Call: 0800 999 5428 Email: help@galop.org.uk or use the webchat option on their website.
• LGBT Youth Scotland: Scotland’s national charity for LGBTQ+ young people, aged 13-25. They support young people in all aspects of their lives through the provision of amazing youth work, and empower them to use their voice to create change in equality and human rights. They also offer 1-to-1 support. Email: info@lgbtyouth.org.uk or use the live webchat.
• LGBT Health and Wellbeing: Run a Helpline Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 12-9pm and Sunday 1-6pm providing emotional support to LGBTQIA+ people and their families. Call: 0800 464 7000 Email: helpline@lgbthealth.org.uk or use their live webchat.

There are many different organisations that can provide support, but service provision can differ locally. To ensure that an organisation is safe and inclusive for members of the LGBTQIA+ community you can look for the LGBT+ Charter Mark, or Scottish LGBTI+ Rainbow Mark. Finding support can be a process, and what matters is that you find an organisation that works for you.