Posted On: 2022-05-17 18:25:12
The world is struggling with pandemics and new variants of COVID-19. Meanwhile, other problems are resurfacing that have gone unnoticed around the globe. Problems like:
economic crises,
climate change and its negative consequences,
animal extinction, and other issues.
Humans perform such materialistic activities that affect the environment as well as other living beings around.
But there are other such psychological processes humans perform that directly and only affect humans, negatively. That is, accepting other human beings as they are. Many people consider themselves superior not because of their financial status or standard of living, but because of their difference in being and existence.
Wondering what it could be? It is about the LGBTQIA+ or the LGBTQ community and the discrimination they face in spite of living in the 21st Century. The LGBQIA+ stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Queer/Questioning, Intersex and Asexual/Agender/Ally community. Attempting to represent an entire community that has lived different experiences with one acronym or label is extremely difficult because there are many. Hence, the plus sign denotes other gender identities.
Simply put, this group of people is also known as homosexuals. Around the world gender equality is a well-known issue in today’s society. And this has been an issue for many years now. 17th May marks the Day against Homophobia, Transphobia, Biphobia and Acephobia.
Now, these are a few new terms to learn. Homophobia is the fear, hatred, discomfort with, or mistrust of people who are lesbian or gay. Biphobia is fear, hatred, discomfort, or mistrust, specifically of people who are bisexual. And transphobia is fear, hatred, discomfort with, or mistrust of people who are transgender, genderqueer, or don’t follow traditional gender norms.
Why is this day observed globally? Why do the LGBTQIA+ community have to face the harshness of the world? What is the need to address the day globally? It is a big question. And the answer lies in the suffering that this community has to face every single moment after they admit to others that they belong to the 'LGBTQIA+ Communtiy.'
Today, homosexuality and queer identities may be acceptable but within the boundaries of family, home and school, acceptance of their sexuality and freedom to openly express their gender choices still remain a constant struggle.
LGBT youth are nearly twice as likely to be called names, verbally harassed or physically assaulted at school compared to their non-LGBT peers. This affects their education and careers, and mental health as well.
Bullying and harassment play a significant role in pushing members of the LGBTQ community toward drug use. Often, sexual minority adults turn to drugs and alcohol to block the pain felt from hurtful words and actions.
Studies say that only 37% of LGBT youth report being happy, while 67% of non-LGBT youth say they are happy. With each instance of verbal or physical harassment, the risk of self-harm among LGBT youth is 2 ½ times more likely. This even escalates further as researchers say that gay, lesbian, and bisexual youth are four times more likely to attempt suicide than their heterosexual counterparts.
When faced with a problem, most people turn to their families. They know that no matter what hardships they face, their family will love them unconditionally and stand by them. Many LGBTQ persons, on the other hand, are not so fortunate.
Mothers, fathers, and other family members may be unaware of their sexual orientation. Their families may reject them, refusing to talk with them or connect with them. This increases the risk of addiction and makes the recovery process even harder.
For most people, parental approval is quite important. People may feel useless or despondent if they do not receive this assistance. To cope with their unpleasant emotions, many people turn to drugs and alcohol. Substance misuse leads to a downward cycle that is difficult to reverse without the support of a strong family.
Abuse and trauma are all too prevalent in the LGBTQ community. A high school bully who harasses people they don't comprehend could be the source of abuse. It could be a parent who is unwilling to accept their child's differences. Abuse and trauma, regardless of the source, are physically and emotionally harmful to persons.
An estimated 29% of LGBTQ youth have been kicked out of their homes, run away, or become homeless. To cope with the anguish, many people drink or use drugs.
Homelessness and unemployment are common experiences among LGBTQ people. A report showed on 4,000 participants polled from April 16 to May 6, found that 17 per cent of LGBTQ people had lost their jobs because of COVID-19, compared to 13 per cent of the general population.
LGBTQ people have lower incomes and higher rates of poverty, as well as more food insecurity, higher unemployment, and a higher risk of homelessness than the overall population. All this can impede LGBTQ people’s ability to attain and maintain economic security.
These problems faced by the LGBTQ community are mentioned just to name a few, but most common ones. There are hundreds of other issues and difficulties that they have to face daily.
Imagine living with these issues must be so difficult. Being abandoned by the only source of love and comfort- family adds to the miseries of the community.
International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biophobia
The problem of homosexuals is a complex one as the world questions their existence. And hence, a day like International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia is necessary. The day aims to celebrate sexual and gender diversity & campaign against the violence and discrimination experienced by LGBTQ+ people globally.
On May 17, 1990, the World Health Assembly of the World Health Organization approved the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD 10), which no longer listed homosexuality as a diagnosis. Launched in 2004, the IDAHOT commemorating that day has become a global occasion to educate lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people, and to advocate for sensible public policies regarding LGBT people.
The Bottom line...
The world is full of different wonderful people. Each human being is unique and has the right to make choices. But the homosexuals, known as the LGBTQ community have to face discrimination even after the Universal Declaration of Human Rights has stated that “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.”
Crowdfunding sites like Filaantro supports the LGBTQ community and works to create a better and equal environment for them. One such case was that Filaantro supported during the dreadful times of COVID-19 lockdowns in India. Global Rights Foundation decided to provide ration kits to a transgender community from Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra. Filaantro along with the Global Rights Foundation raised funds and distributed these kits which included basic food items like rice, dal, flour and salt. This was an initiative to support the community and make them feel that this society does not discriminate against them and respects them.
The only difference in the community is their gender identity. They, too, have a heart full of love, sensations, and emotions. And yet, these people who are as NORMAL as other people are treated with injustice. We stand in no place to ACCEPT them, yet they wait for their loved ones as they are, as they love TO BE.
Love them as our own, because they deserve better than what it is now!
Author: Anjali Patel
Ready to Start a Fundraiser ?