It’s pretty mind-blowing that even now, in 2025, some people are still holding onto completely made-up conspiracy theories about the LGBTQ+ community.
Most of these ideas aren’t just wrong—they’re so detached from reality that they would be laughable if they didn’t cause real harm. These myths create fear, fuel discrimination, and make it harder for LGBTQ+ people to simply live their lives. These are 12 of the most ridiculous queer conspiracy theories that still pop up, and why they have no basis in truth at all.
1. “Being queer is just a modern trend or phase.”
There’s this idea that LGBTQ+ identities only exist because they’re trendy right now, as if young people are just picking labels like fashion accessories. In reality, queer people have existed in every recorded society throughout history, long before hashtags, TV shows, or rainbow flags.
The only thing that’s changed is visibility. As societies become more accepting, more people feel safe enough to live openly. It’s not that more people are “becoming” queer; it’s that fewer people are being forced to hide who they’ve always been.
2. “LGBTQ+ people are trying to ‘recruit’ straight people.”
This myth acts like being LGBTQ+ is a marketing scheme, with some secret club trying to sign people up. Reality check: sexual orientation and gender identity aren’t contagious, and you can’t be convinced into changing them through a few conversations or rainbow merch.
Queer people aren’t out here trying to “convert” anyone; they’re just living their lives authentically. If someone discovers they’re gay, lesbian, bisexual, trans, etc. later in life, it’s not because they were recruited—it’s because they finally felt safe enough to accept who they already were.
3. “Kids are being ‘turned’ gay or trans by media exposure.”
There’s a lot of panic about LGBTQ+ representation “confusing” kids, but seeing a gay character on TV doesn’t suddenly change someone’s identity. Media representation gives kids language for what they might already be feeling; it doesn’t create feelings that weren’t there.
When kids see different kinds of people reflected in books, shows, and movies, it helps them understand the diversity of the real world. It’s about letting kids know that whoever they are is okay, not about steering them into an identity they don’t already have.
4. “There’s a secret LGBTQ+ agenda to destroy families.”
One of the more dramatic conspiracy theories claims LGBTQ+ rights movements are somehow aimed at dismantling traditional families. In reality, queer people want families too—they just want the freedom to build them authentically, without shame or exclusion.
The idea that two women getting married or a transgender parent raising a child somehow threatens other families doesn’t hold up. What harms families isn’t love; it’s judgement, rejection, and discrimination disguised as “protection.”
5. “Transgender people are confused and need fixing.”
This harmful belief assumes that transgender people just haven’t figured themselves out yet, as if their experiences aren’t real or valid. But being transgender isn’t confusion. It’s clarity about who you are, despite massive social pressure to be someone else.
Many trans people spend years reflecting, researching, and making incredibly brave decisions to live as their true selves. Suggesting they’re confused ignores the real, thoughtful journeys they’ve taken to live openly and authentically.
6. “Giving LGBTQ+ people rights takes rights away from others.”
This myth frames equality like a zero-sum game: that if LGBTQ+ people get marriage rights, healthcare protections, or safe work environments, somehow everyone else loses something.
Of course, rights aren’t finite. Protecting one group’s rights doesn’t shrink yours; it strengthens the entire framework of equality that benefits everybody. Equal rights don’t erase anyone’s freedoms; they just make society more just and fair for everyone involved.
7. “Nonbinary people are making up genders for attention.”
Source: Unsplash There’s a lot of ignorance around nonbinary identities, often suggesting they’re just attention-seeking trends. In reality, gender has always been more complex than just male and female across history and cultures.
Nonbinary people aren’t inventing gender diversity; they’re finally putting words to experiences that have always existed. Recognising more than two genders doesn’t complicate life. It simply honours the truth of human diversity that’s been ignored for too long.
8. “LGBTQ+ people are dangerous to children.”
This toxic lie has been used to justify discrimination for decades, painting LGBTQ+ people as threats without any evidence. Studies repeatedly show that queer people are no more likely to harm children than anyone else, and often advocate fiercely for safe, inclusive environments for all kids.
Targeting an entire group based on baseless fear hurts everyone, especially children who may themselves grow up LGBTQ+ and internalise the idea that something is wrong with them. Teaching love, acceptance, and respect keeps kids safe, not spreading baseless panic.
9. “Without media influence, everyone would be straight.”
Some conspiracy theories argue that being LGBTQ+ is a product of modern culture, not something innate. However, orientation and identity aren’t marketing trends or lifestyle choices—they’re deeply rooted aspects of who someone is.
People don’t turn gay, bisexual, or trans because they watched the wrong show or read the wrong book. They discover these truths about themselves, often despite a world telling them not to. Visibility helps people find language for their experiences—it doesn’t manufacture them.
10. “Bisexual people are just indecisive or attention-seeking.”
Bisexuality is often misunderstood, with some claiming it’s a phase or that bisexual people are incapable of real commitment. Neither could be further from the truth. Being attracted to more than one gender doesn’t make someone’s feelings less real, serious, or valid.
Bi-erasure—the idea that bisexuality isn’t “real enough”—isolates people even within LGBTQ+ spaces. Recognising bisexuality as a legitimate, stable identity helps dismantle tired old myths that harm people who already feel caught between two worlds.
11. “Coming out is selfish and only about making other people uncomfortable.”
There’s a cruel idea that coming out is about seeking attention or creating drama for other people. In truth, coming out is usually a long, deeply personal process of honesty and courage.
When someone comes out, they aren’t doing it to inconvenience anyone—they’re doing it to live authentically. If anything, they’re offering trust and vulnerability to the people around them. It’s not selfish; it’s a powerful act of reclaiming their right to exist fully.
12. “LGBTQ+ activism is trying to erase straight people.”
Supporting LGBTQ+ rights doesn’t mean removing straight identities. In reality, it means creating a world where everyone, including straight people, can live without fear or shame based on who they love or who they are.
Inclusion doesn’t erase anyone. It expands the circle to make sure no one is left out. Fighting for LGBTQ+ rights is about making the world kinder and more just for everybody, not flipping the power dynamic onto someone else.
