LGBTQ Rights

The material we viewed in class wasn’t particularly eye opening for me, not because it wasn’t educational, but because I was already aware of most of the issues we learned about. As a member of the queer community, I try to stay up to date. I’ve been out as a pansexual for almost three years now, and been an a feminist for nearly as long.

So I try to remain informed about issues facing our community. I’m aware of the opposition that LGBTQ people face, though I still cannot understand why. I feel like a large part of it comes from overzealous religious beliefs. In most religions, homosexuality is considered a sin. Also, being trans or genderfluid is often looked down upon as well, because to admit that you don’t feel comfortable in your body is to admit that whatever deity you believe in is capable of making mistakes.

Also, a lot of this hatred may spring from a lack of understanding. People don’t understand queerness, or they are taught to consider it unnatural. Thus, they show revulsion and even hatred towards the queer community.

However, I do believe that it is possible for the LGBTQ community to one day be viewed and treated as equal, not just in the United States, but internationally as well. It will take a very long time, though. Unfortunately, education takes time. Eventually, though, it is possible to stamp out ignorance to this issue.

But I don’t think just legalizing gay marriage is going to be enough. In fact, it’s really the least of our problems. There are currently many states where it is entirely legal to fire, evict, refuse to serve, and refuse to hire someone based on their sexuality alone. And it happens, far more often than you’d think. This leads to increased concentrations of poverty and homelessness in the queer community. Not to mention, because they feel so rejected from society, many queer folk turn to drugs and alcohol, or experience depression and other emotional side effects. So the rates of substance abuse and mental illness are rather high in the queer community.

Not to mention, many openly gay people, trans, and genderqueer people are faced with increased odds of being street harassed or victimised in hate crimes.

So while I do feel that gay marriage is important, I don’t feel that it is currently our most pressing issue. I feel that there ought to be more media coverage devoted to other issues facing our community, in America and abroad. Media coverage is actually extremely important, because people need to learn about what’s going on. Eventually, equality is possible, but only through education.