Others who turn against each other

You would think that, in the Queer community, there would be a definite sense of comraderie; a sense that, no matter who the person was, if they identified as a queer individual, there would be a sense of acceptance from those who are also queer. You would think that people would be over, not under-sensitive about using open terminology, about not making assumptions about someone's sexuality, since they should be aware of the difficulties that people face when there are assumptions made about them. However, this is certainly not the case, and it's starting to get me a little miffed.

Personally, I identify as omnisexual. Part of that is political; I refuse to call myself bisexual because it is supposed to mean all encompassing, and yet it doesn't include people who don't fit into the gender of "man" or "woman". So when I see groups called "Lesbian and Bisexual Women", I get a little miffed. To quote my girlfriend... "So what about girls who are into girls but don't identify as lesbian or bisexual? Queer, pansexual, omni, trans...? Can they join? I just think of all our lovely sisters who are excluded by the group's title :)".

Except I don't have a smiley face.

It seems to me that there are such narrow pigeon-holing that goes on in the Queer community, and is not doing anybody any good. So many people hide their insecurities in their sexuality, and anybody who thinks that this is restricted to the heterosexist is severely and disappointingly idealistic. There is also a trend of homosexism - people who do not acknowledge the fact that other queer people have different genders, sexualities and identities to them, and act accordingly.

If we believe that our sexualities should be accepted, then we need to accept the sexualities of others. And Others. Because everyone who has ever had to come out because their sexuality didn't match the norm should understand how that feels. Everyone who has ever had to say "no, actually, I have a girl/boyfriend" should understand how difficult that can be. So if you're going to make an inclusive group, make it as inclusive as you possibly can.

Combat, don't contribute.