When the rainbow flag of bright colors flies with boldness and pride, it is partly a symbolic statement meant to represent the obstacles that LGBTQ folks have overcome or are currently battling today. It’s pride month, a month when the LGBTQ community celebrates. One question might arise in the minds of many folks, and that question is as follows: What are they celebrating? It’s a question that manifests itself in a lot of different ways. Whether it be from folks genuinely confused on LGBTQ matters or others who respond with wanting a “straight pride” month, understanding what we are celebrating is an important step in our quest for true freedom. Freedom to be who we are without apology. Freedom to hold a partner’s hand without feeling shamed. Freedom to use the restroom that corresponds with one’s gender identity. One question might arise in the minds of many folks, and that question is as follows: What are they celebrating? I think a necessary piece to this puzzle rests in getting a glimpse into what it is like being LGBTQ. While everyone’s experiences within the LGBTQ community will vary due to different factors (intersectionality, for all of you social justice warriors), I can say with confidence that being LGBTQ brings with it a host of obstacles that non-LGBTQ folks simply don’t face. This is in no way an attempt to shame others for their identities, but rather a gentle reminder of the different realities LGBTQ folks and non-LGBTQ folks face in their day to day lives. It can be little things, such as having to worry about whether your friend will accept you. It can be difficult things like not knowing whether one’s parents will let you live in their house anymore. It can be devastating things such as being bullied so much to the point where one is driven to believe that the only solution to the pain is through self-harm or suicide. It is true that depression can affect anyone regardless of one’s status of being LGBTQ or non-LGBTQ, but the fact of the matter is that LGBTQ youth are at an increased risk for mental health problems, substance abuse and suicide attempts. Other barriers include dealing with the f-word being thrown around casually. (No, I do not mean the word that rhymes with truck). Being discriminated against in multiple faith communities, being told that one’s marriage is somehow inferior than others simply because of gender, and being told that I can simply “pray away the gay” are just a few things that I have personally experienced.
It’s about the young teenager who is still in the closet struggling on the daily to find words to describe their sexuality and/or gender identity. It’s about the transwoman in high school who feels uncomfortable using the restroom for fear of being the victim of violence. It’s about the bisexual girl who is told she isn’t “lesbian enough” or that she “needs to be more decisive” and as a result turns to cutting. It’s about the trans folks who are living on the streets being brutally murdered and attacked. It’s about the young gay teenager who gets bullied for being too “girly.”
So, what exactly are we celebrating? We are celebrating a host of things—our identities, overcoming adversity, and legal victories just to name a few. It isn’t a “gay agenda” attempting to ruin the moral foundation of America as some folks would characterize it. When the rainbow flag of bright colors flies with boldness and pride, it is partly a symbolic statement meant to represent the obstacles that LGBTQ folks have overcome or are currently battling every day. It isn’t just rainbows and butterflies (pun slightly intended)—no, it’s a statement proclaiming that we are here together, we are here to stay, and we will continue to fight for true freedom.
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Marcus MillerHello! Thank you for checking out my blog. I graduated from Johnston High School in Iowa back in 2015, and am attending the University of Iowa, where I am studying political science and ethics and public policy. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." Archives
May 2018
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