The LGBTQ is a fairly recent movement that entails people with a different sexual orientation as compared to society’s norms. The LGBTQ community has many variations and people have added new words to the acronym over the years. These days it represents almost everyone who isn’t straight. LGBTQ stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and so on for the different variations that you can come across.
Many people ask- is this LGBTQ a Gen Z idea? The answer is- Not at all. Gay and lesbian people are not something that just emerged in this century, these people have existed throughout history. But it is only to this day that people are starting to fully accept them. The history behind this community hasn’t all been positive but that does not mean that it did not exist earlier.
Digging into the PAST
Digging into the past, we see that this group has been around for a very long time. Historical accounts have been recorded all over the world of their presence. Places like Japan had such people as a part of mainstream society as early as the Edo period (1603 – 1868) while the Pre-Columbian Americas had them before 1492. All the other major civilizations throughout the world were interspersed with the LGBTQ community although they had different names for them.
So why is it only coming to light now?
This is due to the suppression and violence they had faced for being different, for not agreeing with what society told them to be. The difference of being involved with someone of the same gender has often caused distaste in the past and to certain factions in particular. One of these factions includes many religious houses who have termed such a thing as a ‘sin’. Society does not expect sinners to be among the normal citizens, hence they have been ostracised for a long time.
The CHALLENGES
Being different comes with a strange set of challenges. The so-called different people are not given their due in society which pushes them into following the stereotypes. In such times, it can be very challenging to uphold one’s identity. Be it the mentally or physically challenged, substance-abuse-recovering addicts, migrants, refugees, or even the highly intelligent people, all have faced discriminatory attitudes at one time or the other.
Likewise, the endeavours of LGBTQ community are rarely taken seriously. When they stand for their beliefs, many discriminatory consequences might come to surround them. They may be deemed as socially awkward, making friends might become difficult for them and at times they are simply alienated because they dress or act differently. They are generally treated with hostility and they seem to be constantly at warring ends with the majority. FOMO (Fear of missing out), rejection and a secretive life tend to mark the lives of many LGBTQ people.
Taking a STAND
But taking a stand is what is important. Being different is not a crime. In fact it can truly allow you to live the way you want. It can be an extremely gratifying decision that in the long run will help with your overall happiness.
When more and more people come out as “different, ” the fear of falling in line starts to alleviate as you realise that you are not alone in your thoughts or beliefs. This was most certainly the case with the LGBTQ movement. With more and more people showing themselves as different, people become less and less scared to show their true identity. Overtime, people have prided themselves for being different. They even have an entire month dedicated to this. June has been recognized in many countries as ‘Pride Month’, in which the LGBTQ community members celebrate their continued presence in the world.
Many people who proclaim themselves to be a part of LGBTQ community have made their way to the top. Elton John, who is a famous songwriter is gay and he has made a name for himself in the music industry. Another example is Noah Schnapp, a well-known gay actor, who gained popularity by starring as the character Will Byers in Stranger Things. These people and many more, reaffirm that this community is very much here to stay. It is not an ambiguous element of society anymore.
Coming to LIMELIGHT
The LGBTQ community, despite being different, is also getting its fair share of representation in the media these days. Be it films or books, the LGBTQ community can be seen almost in a variety of characterization. A series like Heartstoppers is one show that explores the multiple sides of being part of this community and is heavily oriented around the idea of coming out and embracing it. We also have representation of the LGBTQ community in many other shows where characters may or may not play a major role. Some of these are Luz from Owl House, Ambrosius Goldheart and Balister Boldheart, from the movie Nimona, etc. Overall, we see a much more positive acceptance of this community with their fan base increasing very steadily.
So, is it worth being different? In my honest opinion, YES! While the fear of social rejection can hurt, the pain of having to play a person you are not will hurt even more. Other people will come and go but you, yourself, will be the one who walks with you the entire way of life.
I personally think that it makes much more sense to come to terms with your true self than to live life on someone else’s terms. So, LGBTQ or not, be yourself and live in a way that is true to you.
Writer : Ethan
Grade : 11 (Year 2024)
Place : Sydney, Australia
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