I am a 15 yr. old boy. I look like a boy. I dress like a boy and do have a girlfriend that I think is hot. My question is I think I am to girly. I don’t like to play sports. I am not into cars or other things that boys my age are. I like the arts. I act, sing and dance. I have been called gay at school. I don’t feel gay. What’s wrong with me?
There’s nothing wrong with you — it’s normal to be interested in a variety of things, regardless of how masculine or girly you might think they are.
It’s easy for some people to assume that all guys share the same qualities — they haven’t made the effort to learn that each individual has unique characteristics. Gender stereotypes are just plain false because they’re never true for all girls or all guys.
There are lots of straight men who are not into cars or team sports but who are into the arts and who sing and dance — Johnny Depp is only one good example.
Bullies often pick on kids who don’t fit the social norm at school — kids who aren’t the same race or religion as most people in school; who are, or appear to be, lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender; who are “too fat” or “too skinny”; who don’t like the same music as other kids or don’t wear the “right” clothes; or kids who simply appear to be troubled or different in some way.
If you’re feeling harassed at school, you might try talking with an adult you trust. Getting support from friends will also help.
Tags: gay, sexual orientation, social norms