The LGBTQ+ community has always been in and out of people’s minds. Recently, this community has been making worldwide headlines and been a current topic in many politicians’ discussions. It has been put on the controversial side of topics because of the clash between the conservative public and the supporters of the LGBTQ+ community. The LGBTQ+ community is full of diversity and stands up against societal norms. Being accepted, and treated equal, is the most fundamental thing for this community. They just want to be heard and not harassed for the way they are. “About one-in-five adults (19%) say they would be very upset if they learned their child was gay or lesbian.” Being a part of this community, I have gone through discrimination from my classmates, people I have encountered, and my own parents still struggle with my sexuality after coming out two years ago.
This community is about expressing ourselves and being proud of ourselves. Coming to terms with your sexuality is not easy and this community wants everybody to know the struggles we go through- not for pity, but for understanding and to educate the public about the LGBTQ+ community. Conservatives do not understand that we are all people and we all seek the same thing: acceptance. The discrimination, bullying, judgment, and disgust the LGBTQ+ community encounter is horrible. “Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or questioning (LGBTQ) youth and those perceived as LGBTQ are at an increased risk of being bullied (LGBTQ Youth, 2017).” Society and what it contains, overall, has become a barrier in the progress on the LGBTQ+ community. Religion is a topic that is not commonly discussed within the community. Many within the LGBTQ+ community tend to not associate with a religion because they have had bad experiences with religious organizations or places of worship.
“The Muslim religion (84%), the Mormon Church (83%), the Catholic Church (79%) and evangelical churches (73%) were viewed as more unfriendly than the Jewish religion or non-evangelical Protestant churches.” Many religious people defend themselves by saying that being homosexual is against their morals and disrespectful towards God. Coming out is never easy for people within the LGBTQ+ community. People who want to come out, and feel ready to, have to mentally prepare for the worst. The relationships between your parents, friends, and whoever you decide to come out to, become in danger of weakening. Some have been kicked out of their homes right after coming out to their parents, others lose all contact with their family because they are deemed as an abomination. The views of society are also an obstacle to get through for people of this community because society looks up to other people such as President of the United States, homophobic family members, or friends.
Many have been declined job positions because of their sexuality not being considered normal within society. I know many people who are a part of this community who hold back on expressing themselves because they are too scared of being judged and harassed. These barriers stunt the progress of the LGBTQ+ community of being accepted and treated equally. In the past decade, the acceptance rate has increased by about 20%. Some people have become more open-minded and changed their opinions on the LGBTQ+ community. Times are changing, and society has to realize that this community is not going anywhere. There are many organizations that focus on the advancement of equal rights, and there are others where they focus on individuals who have become homeless when they come out. More and more people are coming out as being part of the LGBTQ+ community.
There are astronauts, politicians, actors, actresses, activists, musicians, and more who are role models for many of the LGBTQ+ community. Many civilians are standing up as allies for the community. One of the most recognized advocate for the community is Ellen DeGeneres, who has received the Presidential Medal of Honor for her work towards the LGBTQ+ community, and other organizations she has started. Laverne Cox is a known transgender actress who stars in Orange is the New Black is also an activist for equal rights. There are also many civilians who start Gay Alliance clubs in their schools and churches. On every social media platform, whether it be Facebook, Snapchat, or YouTube, there are many allies for the community who make it their priority to stand up for this diverse community.
On TV, there are news anchors who have no shame in being their true selves. These influencers are role models for people of this community, and they give this new light to the darkness all the struggles can bring. There are many coming out videos on the internet that show people going through the process of coming to terms with their sexuality and then telling their loved ones about their sexuality. Slowly, but surely, the world is starting to accept the LGBTQ+ community. The discrimination towards LGBTQ+ community will not completely go away, but it can dramatically decrease. It will take years, even decades, for the world to fully accept this community, but this community is strong and united, and we will continue to fight for equality.
