Beyond Sunshine and Rainbows - The Battle for LGBTQ+ Equality
Over the last two years, more than 450 bills targetting the LGBTQ+ community were introduced into US state legislatures, 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, petitions for greater LGBTQ+ rights are often viewed 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 extremely detrimental for LGBTQ+ individuals, who experience disproportionate levels of violence, harassment, and discrimination worldwide. Without public policy protecting them against societal hostility, and some legislation even restricting 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 starting to receive increased acceptance and legal protections in countries 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, in recognition of individuals part of the LGBTQ+ community. These policies represent small steps in the right direction,, setting the precedent for future LGBTQ+ inclusive policies to come.
All in all, the LGBTQ+ community continues to face severe discrimination and stigma in the staus 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,a nd amplifying marginalised voices, society can move towards uplifting this community, and create a truly equitable world for all.
