Beyond Sunshine and Rainbows - The Battle for LGBTQ+ Equality
Over the last two years, US state legislators introduced more than 450 bills targeting the LGBTQ+ community, including bans on gender-affirming care and pronoun usage in schools. Given that awareness of the LGBTQ+ community has spread globally, it seems counterintuitive that anti-LGBTQ+ legislation would be on the rise. Yet, this is unfortunately true for several reasons.
In many countries, conservative governments and politicians are actively pushing back against LGBTQ+ rights, framing them as active threats to traditional values. At the same time, many people regard petitions for greater LGBTQ+ rights as highly disruptive. For example, when the Indian Supreme Court began hearing petitions to legalise same-sex marriage, instead of rallying the masses to support the LGBTQ+ movement, it sparked heated debates nationwide. Thus, this underscores the deep-seated societal resistance against the movement and how a significant portion of society is still hostile towards the LGBTQ+ community.
This is highly detrimental to LGBTQ+ individuals, who experience disproportionate levels of violence, harassment, and discrimination worldwide. Without public policy protecting them from societal hostility and even legislation that restricts their rights, these individuals continue to struggle daily. This is coupled with the fact that discussions surrounding sexuality are particularly polarising, causing LGBTQ+ youths to be disowned by their families from a young age, leading to greater homelessness and mental health struggles.
Fortunately, the LGBTQ+ community is increasingly receiving greater acceptance and legal protections worldwide. For example, even though India has yet to legalise same-sex marriage, the country has already decriminalised homosexuality as a whole. Additionally, numerous companies have adopted diversity policies and celebrate Pride Month to recognize individuals in the LGBTQ+ community. These policies represent small steps in the right direction, setting the precedent for future LGBTQ+-inclusive policies.
All in all, the LGBTQ+ community continues to face severe discrimination and stigma in the status quo. Inclusive policies often face legal challenges, political opposition, slow implementation, and cultural resistance. However, understanding more about the struggles of the LGBTQ+ community makes progress possible. By addressing harmful narratives, expanding inclusive policies, and amplifying marginalised voices, society can move towards uplifting this community and create a truly equitable world for all.
