Here is a look at some of the most common misconceptions about same-sex couples

There are many different misconceptions some people have about same-sex couples. Ever since the same-sex marriage ruling by the Supreme Court in 2015, it’s more important now than ever to address these myths. Why the LGBT community is so misunderstood is a bit of a mystery. Perhaps it’s because it has only recently become socially acceptable to admit you are attracted to people of the same-sex. No matter the reason, here is a look at some of the most common misconceptions about same-sex couples.

They Are More Promiscuous

Some people think that homosexual people have many more sexual partners than those who are straight. This is not the case. The average homosexual has the same number of sexual partners as the average heterosexual. You may know a gay person who is very promiscuous, but you likely know someone who is straight who has many sexual partners as well. Because of this common myth about homosexuals, many think they have a hard time being loyal to their partners. This is also incorrect. When you look at fidelity, there is not much of a difference between gay and straight people. If anything, you may find that same-sex couples are more loyal to each other than some heterosexual couples. A person’s sexual orientation does not determine his or her level of promiscuity or loyalty to his or her partner.

They Raise Gay Children

Now that same-sex marriage is legal nationwide, there are many couples who are looking into starting families. While a same-sex couple cannot have a child completely naturally, there are several different options they have:

• Adopting a child
• For two women, a sperm donor may be used
• Having a child through a surrogate

Of course, some couples have children from previous heterosexual relationships as well. There is a common belief that children who are raised by gay couples are more likely to be gay themselves. This is not true. A child’s sexual orientation is not decided by whether or not they had gay parents.

Your Gay Friend is Attracted to You

It can feel a little uncomfortable when you first find out your best friend is gay. You may be concerned that he or she is attracted to you, but it is untrue that gay people are attracted to every single person of that sex. Whether you are gay, bisexual, or heterosexual, you are going to have certain likes and dislikes which will help determine the people you are attracted to. Could your best friend be attracted to you? Sure, but if he or she is, it’s not because he or she is gay. It’s about as likely as a straight friend of the opposite sex being attracted to you.

Gays and Lesbians Are All The Same

Have you ever met someone, assumed he or she was gay and found out you were wrong? Perhaps you have a coworker who you thought was straight but later found out he or she was gay. Some people assume that all gay men have higher voices, wear super stylish clothes and act feminine. They also think most lesbian women have short haircuts and wear traditionally manly clothing. If you think this, it can throw you for a loop when you find out that gay people are diverse, just like straight people. While there may be certain homosexuals that fit into your mold, you will find there are many who do not.

When you aren’t familiar with the gay community, you may have a lot of misconceptions about same-sex couples. However, it’s important to remember that they are not all the same, they aren’t necessarily more sexually active than straight people, and that they don’t raise gay children. Realizing these things are all myths may help you better understand the gay community.