LGBTIQ microaggressions and how to deal with them

mambaonline.com:

LGBTIQ+ microaggressions can take their toll If you’re queer, you’ve probably experienced subtle stabs surrounding your gender identity or sexual orientation, which cannot necessarily be classed as overt discrimination, but have made you feel shame, guilt or anger. Dubbed microaggressions, these tiny pricks may seem insignificant in a country where queer people are still subjected to violence and can even be killed because of their LGBTIQ+ identity.

However, it is precisely because of the more abject instances of discrimination and brutality committed towards the LGBTIQ+ community that it is important to discuss common microaggressions, and hypothesise about the correct way to handle them, should one encounter them.

What exactly are microaggressions? The Afrikaans idiomatic expression, jou onderrok hang uit (your underskirt is showing) is the perfect description of what the word “microaggression” means, as this saying hints that your actual intention or opinion is visible from beneath a thinly veiled comment or action.

LGBTIQ+ microaggressions are statements or behaviours that convey a negative message about queer people, and while these statements may be intentional or unintentional, they always have an underlying tone of disapproval of who a person is.