20 Questions

Questions to Ask a Lesbian

Respectful questions to ask a lesbian friend, family member, or acquaintance to learn about their experiences, perspectives, and build understanding and connection.

1

What has your experience been like coming out, and how did you know you were ready?

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Why this works

Shows respect for their personal journey and helps you understand their experience with identity and self-discovery.

2

How do you navigate relationships and dating as a lesbian?

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Why this works

Helps you understand their experience with relationships and what challenges or joys they encounter in dating.

3

What support systems have been most helpful to you in your journey?

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Why this works

Shows interest in their well-being and helps you understand what kinds of support are most meaningful to them.

4

How do you handle discrimination or prejudice, and what advice would you give to others facing similar challenges?

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Why this works

Shows empathy for their experiences and helps you understand how they cope with discrimination and what advice they have for others.

5

What are some common misconceptions about lesbians that you'd like to address?

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Why this works

Gives them a chance to educate you about misconceptions and helps you understand what stereotypes they face.

6

How do you approach conversations about your identity with family and friends?

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Why this works

Helps you understand how they navigate conversations about their identity and what approaches work best for them.

7

What role has the LGBTQ+ community played in your life?

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Why this works

Shows interest in their community connections and helps you understand the importance of community support.

8

How do you handle situations where you feel you need to educate others about your identity?

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Why this works

Shows respect for their experience and helps you understand how they approach education and advocacy.

9

What are some ways allies can support the LGBTQ+ community?

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Why this works

Shows your interest in being a good ally and helps you understand how you can support them and the community.

10

How do you approach conversations about your identity in professional settings?

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Why this works

Helps you understand how they navigate their identity in different contexts and what challenges they face.

11

What are some resources or organizations that have been helpful to you?

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Why this works

Shows interest in their well-being and helps you understand what resources they find valuable.

12

How do you handle situations where you feel you need to advocate for yourself or others?

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Why this works

Shows respect for their advocacy work and helps you understand how they approach standing up for themselves and others.

13

What are some ways you celebrate your identity and community?

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Why this works

Shows interest in their positive experiences and helps you understand what brings them joy and pride.

14

How do you approach conversations about your identity with children or young people?

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Why this works

Helps you understand how they navigate conversations about identity with younger generations and what approaches work best.

15

What are some challenges you face that you wish more people understood?

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Why this works

Shows empathy for their challenges and helps you understand what issues they face that might not be obvious to others.

16

How do you handle situations where you feel you need to correct misinformation about your identity?

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Why this works

Shows respect for their experience and helps you understand how they approach correcting misinformation and educating others.

17

What are some ways you practice self-care and maintain your well-being?

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Why this works

Shows interest in their well-being and helps you understand what self-care practices are most important to them.

18

How do you approach conversations about your identity with people from different cultural or religious backgrounds?

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Why this works

Helps you understand how they navigate conversations about identity across different cultural contexts and what approaches work best.

19

What are some ways you stay connected to the LGBTQ+ community?

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Why this works

Shows interest in their community connections and helps you understand how they maintain their community relationships.

20

What advice would you give to someone who is questioning their sexual orientation?

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Why this works

Shows respect for their experience and helps you understand what advice they have for others who might be going through similar experiences.

Building Understanding and Connection

Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.

Approach with Respect

Be Respectful

Approach the conversation with respect for their identity and experiences, and avoid making assumptions.

Listen Actively

Pay attention to their responses and show genuine interest in their experiences and perspectives.

Ask Thoughtful Questions

Ask questions that show genuine interest in understanding their experiences and building connection.

Be Supportive

Show Empathy

Show empathy and understanding for their experiences, especially when they share challenges or difficulties.

Be an Ally

Be supportive and encouraging, and avoid being critical or dismissive of their identity or experiences.

Respect Boundaries

Respect their boundaries and avoid asking questions that are too personal or invasive.

Build Connection

Find Common Ground

Look for shared interests or experiences that can help build a connection and rapport.

Show Appreciation

Express appreciation for their willingness to share their experiences and perspectives with you.

Be Supportive

Be supportive and encouraging, and avoid being critical or dismissive of their identity or experiences.

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