Introduction
To begin, did you know that LGBTQ+ populations are more likely to develop depression and anxiety than their heterosexual counterparts? This diminishes their health and well-being amidst the need to expand their daily-life outcomes. I have decided to focus on this issue to promote their rights. Also, this is meant to dispel common myths and misconceptions targeted toward this community. We must overcome this and create a safe and secure environment for them.
I firmly believe that we all have the moral obligation to respect the rights and dignity of the LGBTQ+ community. I aim to dispel common myths and misconceptions associated with these individuals by arguing for respect and value toward their rights. Respecting their rights benefits not only associated individuals but the society at large. Therefore, we should all respect the rights of these community members to shape a better social setting.
I will speak on the importance of respecting LGBTQ+ individuals, dispelling common myths and misconceptions, and promoting their rights. These are key areas that will allow community members to familiarize themselves with the need to promote the welfare of these community members. We should all strive to respect LGBTQ+ members and eliminate myths and misconceptions that hamper their status at the community level.
The Importance of Respecting LGBTQ+ Individuals
Community members should learn to respect LGBTQ+ members as this is their fundamental right. These groups have often been discriminated with the vice being persistent during the Stonewall riots and the fight for marriage equality. This primarily affected the older populations who experienced victimization and stigma (Lof and Olaison 254). These groups and others have continued to be exposed to discrimination and marginalization due to their status. For example, they are prone to violence and suicide, mainly from depression and anxiety attacks. A member often looked down on by others is likely to develop depression that can lead to suicide. Also, these populations are often exposed to violent attacks perpetuated by their counterparts. This portrays the need to create an inclusive and safe environment for these persons across all areas. Schools, workplaces, and other social domains should implement inclusive policies to accelerate the respect and promotion of the rights of the LGBTQ+ community. For example, schools should recommend that teachers engage in LGBTQ+-related content and conversations to enable students to familiarize themselves and accept this concept (Ryan and Jill 35). This will enable them to dispel common myths and misconceptions directed toward these persons.
Dispelling Myths and Misconceptions
The myth that being LGBTQ+ is a choice has often led people to maltreat these persons. Community members should understand that sexual orientation and gender identity are innate and should be respected. These statuses are biologically determined, and everyone should respect this perspective. Also, most people feel and assume that LGBTQ+ members are immortal and unnatural, which is not the case. They are as capable of maintaining healthy relationships as their heterosexual counterparts ((Parker III 248). They should be allowed to enjoy these benefits and not be discriminated against. It is also important to note that the myth that being LGBTQ+ is a mental disorder has continued to negatively affect their welfare across various communities. The American Psychology Association eliminated homosexuality from the list of disorders, which means that being LGBTQ+ should not be viewed as a psychological challenge.
Counterarguments
Even though we advance the rights of these community members, we should note that viewpoints rely on diverse cultural, social, and religious practices across different societies. Some religious groups portray homosexuality as a sin and immoral act, with the Bible condemning this act (Mayo 77). Anyone associating with LGBTQ+ is considered to be engaging in an unholy act. Also, particular cultures believe this is a heinous practice that should be disregarded. For example, Africans and Asians consider being LGBTQ+ a taboo and shameful act. As much as we would want to champion their rights, we should never forget that presenting these opposing viewpoints that fuel discrimination, prejudice, and intolerance. Speaking about sexual orientation and gender identity can make both groups develop inappropriate feelings and emotions that elicit negative behavior. However, we should always be guided by respect, dignity, and equality for all, irrespective of a person’s sexual and gender status. We must promote understanding, inclusivity, and diversity while rebuffing all forms of discrimination. More so, the rights of the LGBTQ+ community should be observed and respected.
Conclusion
As I conclude, I would like to reiterate that even though stakeholders have made strategic milestones, LGBTQ+ persons continue being exposed to discrimination, harassment, and violence connected to their status. They are viewed as objects of violence and discrimination because they do not ascribe to the norms of the majority of the population. The poor treatment directed towards these persons hampers collective interests. LGBTQ+ is a diverse community that entails persons with different statuses. Any adverse treatment directed towards them can challenge achieving the projected community-based goals and objectives. For example, violence, hate crimes, and bullying complicate efforts to establish a safe and stable environment. Even if legal structures and policy changes have reduced the vice by creating anti-discrimination laws and same-sex marriages to advance their rights and status, more needs to be done to achieve optimal results. Community members should be exposed to educative insights and informed on forming allyship to promote the rights of the LGBTQ+ community. As the larger community, we must remain committed to fighting for the rights of these persons and other groups.
Works Cited
Löf, Jenny, and Anna Olaison. “‘I Don’t Want to Go Back into the Closet Just Because I Need Care’: Recognition of Older LGBTQ Adults In Relation To Future Care Needs.” European Journal of Social Work 23.2 (2020): 253-264.
Mayo, Cris. LGBTQ youth and education: Policies and practices. Teachers College Press, 2022.
Parker III, Eugene T. “Campus Climate Perceptions and Sense of Belonging for LGBTQ Students: A Canadian Case Study.” Journal of College Student Development 62.2 (2021): 248-253.
Ryan, Caitlin L., and Jill M. Hermann-Wilmarth. Reading the rainbow: LGBTQ-inclusive literacy instruction in the elementary classroom. Teachers College Press, 2018.
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