Question about LGBT+ friendliness in deaf culture

Question

So I have a deaf co-worker who I've had a friendly working relationship with for over a year now. A few months ago, I started learning ASL so I can sign with him some. He's always seemed like a very kind person, so I'm thinking about trying to befriend him, see if he wants to text or hang out outside of work. Part of the reason I haven't asked yet is honestly, I'm shy and awkward, but I can get past that. The major obstacle for me is what has kept me at a distance from most of my coworkers- I'm trans and they have no idea. I'm still in the closet in my public life, so they all think I'm a woman even though I'm actually a man. Some of the people there are openly transphobic, others are less so but still were unsupportive of former trans co-workers. I'm not about to publicly come out there. Anyway, I realize deaf people are all individuals with varying worldviews and experiences, but I was curious if deaf culture is typically a little more accepting of "different" people like LGBT+ folk, or if it's about the same as in the hearing world and I have the same odds of being hostiley rejected.

Answer 1

To my knowledge because I am deaf and I know that Deaf world is very open to LGBT. So just start slowly with whoever you want. Don’t rush. Wait until your ready. There’s a lot of deaf, Hard of Hearing who are in that world. Deaf, Hard of Hearing , etc… they aren’t just those people. They are just like normal people goes on in the day.

Answer 2

Alfredo,

Thanks for your question. I think in your question and narrative you have hit on the answer in part. Yes, the Deaf community is made up of individuals and these individuals vary in their experiences and opinions in the same ways that all populations vary. At an individual level I'm sure you will encounter Deaf people who are very open and welcoming to LGBT+ people. You will also run into individuals who react negatively.

In my experience the Deaf community and individuals who I have been associated with are open and welcoming to all members regardless of their sexual orientation and/or identity. Possibly you have hit on a reason for this; that is, the Deaf community is a minority community and culture within the larger population of hearing people and most Deaf people have faced discrimination in their daily lives. Given this they may be more prone to accept and welcome individuals who are different from themselves. A few examples, there is a Section of the National Association of the Deaf devoted to the LGBT+ Deaf community. See more information here: https://www.nad.org/members/sections/lgbt-section/

I would suggest that you search on the terms deaf and LGBT and you will uncover many resources and information that may deepen your perspective.

I trust my answer has steered you in the right direction to gain more insights.