LGBTQ Rights
Homosexuality has been seen and documented within over 1,500 different species of animals around the world. (News). Homosexuality is a form of attraction that occurs naturally in nature, and is not something to fear. It is through both an uneducated and ignorant mind that myths about homophobia are fostered, in some cases even encouraged, and spread amongst societies. The goal of this project is to reveal the actual truths and facts of homosexuality, raise awareness about its many issues, and inform the younger generations that discrimination regarding sexual orientation is unacceptable.
Discrimination and lack of equal stature are things that occur worldwide among the LGBT community. Since 2001, 11 countries have legalized same-sex marriage: Argentina, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Iceland, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, South Africa, and Sweden (Wikipedia). Out of 196 countries, 185 still discriminate against homosexuals; which is nearly 95% of the countries in the world. By disallowing and opposing gay marriage, the majority of the world is promoting the idea that discrimination is acceptable. This ongoing portrayal of allowed hatred has caused prejudices against homosexuals to spread across the globe. Many activist groups, such as the ILGA (International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex Association) fight to protect the rights of the LGBTQ community worldwide (Wikipedia). Groups that promote equality among the LGBTQ community lead the way by demonstrating that discrimination is unacceptable. They inform the public about the injustices homosexuality faces, and help expand the knowledge of the common citizen. And while their work is exceptional and their ideals commendable, neither have been successful enough to fully protect the LGBTQ community. The wrongness and inequity that the LGBTQ community experiences must be stopped, as it often leads to horrific consequences.
Most views on homosexuality result in negative effects on the LGBTQ population, including isolation, unequal treatment, and in some cases loss of life. Gay, lesbian and bisexual teens are five times more likely to commit suicide than their heterosexual counterparts (livescience). Teenagers within the LGBTQ community fall victim to intolerance and utter disregard nearly every day. Whether it be a joke in the locker room or in one-on-one confrontation, it almost always results in a reduction in self-esteem. It is disheartening that only after weeks, months or even years of harassment many gay men and women are driven to a point of no return, and willingly end their life. Another example is the fact that many cultures have outlawed gay marriage, and in Africa, only two out of 53 countries allow and recognize same sex marriage (Wikipedia). Considering that Africa houses over one billion people, for only two of its countries to allow gay marriage is ludicrous. The overwhelming amount of citizens who are denied the right to legalize a relationship is astonishing. It is strange, if not absurd, to think that in the year 2012 millions upon millions of people are still not treated as equals. The list of negative impacts on the LGBTQ community is never-ending, but over time these problems can be resolved if tolerance is built and encouraged.
It is our goal to educate others about the LGBTQ community, and to shed light on the many problems that often go unnoticed “When you're scared, especially of something you actually know nothing about, hatred is a natural reaction” (AVERT).Many people claim that homosexuality is unnatural or wrong, when in reality their knowledge of the topic is minimal. However, instead of opening their minds to the subject, they often choose to be intolerant. It is because of this closed-off mindset that many people continue to suffer the detrimental consequences of homophobia. Many do not understand that homosexuality is not a choice, you are born gay. “Homophobia is widespread in America, far more widespread than most heterosexuals realize, and it is far more subtle, too” (Bidstrup). Many fail to notice that even in America, one of the most leading and influential countries in the world, homophobia is prevalent. It is crucial, then, that the populace becomes familiarized with the homophobic attitudes that rest at its doorstep, and urge to get rid of this narrow-minded outlook. The time has come for indifference and hatred to end; awareness must be raised. Before any problems in the LGBTQ community can be resolved, education and acceptance must be encouraged and spread amongst the people of the world.
In conclusion, homosexuality is nothing to fear. It is simply the misunderstandings that cause people to fear it, and in turn many negative things are a result. But with simple forms of education, the fear can be removed and equality can be achieved for all.
Discrimination and lack of equal stature are things that occur worldwide among the LGBT community. Since 2001, 11 countries have legalized same-sex marriage: Argentina, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Iceland, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, South Africa, and Sweden (Wikipedia). Out of 196 countries, 185 still discriminate against homosexuals; which is nearly 95% of the countries in the world. By disallowing and opposing gay marriage, the majority of the world is promoting the idea that discrimination is acceptable. This ongoing portrayal of allowed hatred has caused prejudices against homosexuals to spread across the globe. Many activist groups, such as the ILGA (International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex Association) fight to protect the rights of the LGBTQ community worldwide (Wikipedia). Groups that promote equality among the LGBTQ community lead the way by demonstrating that discrimination is unacceptable. They inform the public about the injustices homosexuality faces, and help expand the knowledge of the common citizen. And while their work is exceptional and their ideals commendable, neither have been successful enough to fully protect the LGBTQ community. The wrongness and inequity that the LGBTQ community experiences must be stopped, as it often leads to horrific consequences.
Most views on homosexuality result in negative effects on the LGBTQ population, including isolation, unequal treatment, and in some cases loss of life. Gay, lesbian and bisexual teens are five times more likely to commit suicide than their heterosexual counterparts (livescience). Teenagers within the LGBTQ community fall victim to intolerance and utter disregard nearly every day. Whether it be a joke in the locker room or in one-on-one confrontation, it almost always results in a reduction in self-esteem. It is disheartening that only after weeks, months or even years of harassment many gay men and women are driven to a point of no return, and willingly end their life. Another example is the fact that many cultures have outlawed gay marriage, and in Africa, only two out of 53 countries allow and recognize same sex marriage (Wikipedia). Considering that Africa houses over one billion people, for only two of its countries to allow gay marriage is ludicrous. The overwhelming amount of citizens who are denied the right to legalize a relationship is astonishing. It is strange, if not absurd, to think that in the year 2012 millions upon millions of people are still not treated as equals. The list of negative impacts on the LGBTQ community is never-ending, but over time these problems can be resolved if tolerance is built and encouraged.
It is our goal to educate others about the LGBTQ community, and to shed light on the many problems that often go unnoticed “When you're scared, especially of something you actually know nothing about, hatred is a natural reaction” (AVERT).Many people claim that homosexuality is unnatural or wrong, when in reality their knowledge of the topic is minimal. However, instead of opening their minds to the subject, they often choose to be intolerant. It is because of this closed-off mindset that many people continue to suffer the detrimental consequences of homophobia. Many do not understand that homosexuality is not a choice, you are born gay. “Homophobia is widespread in America, far more widespread than most heterosexuals realize, and it is far more subtle, too” (Bidstrup). Many fail to notice that even in America, one of the most leading and influential countries in the world, homophobia is prevalent. It is crucial, then, that the populace becomes familiarized with the homophobic attitudes that rest at its doorstep, and urge to get rid of this narrow-minded outlook. The time has come for indifference and hatred to end; awareness must be raised. Before any problems in the LGBTQ community can be resolved, education and acceptance must be encouraged and spread amongst the people of the world.
In conclusion, homosexuality is nothing to fear. It is simply the misunderstandings that cause people to fear it, and in turn many negative things are a result. But with simple forms of education, the fear can be removed and equality can be achieved for all.