The fight for LGBTQ rights has had several wins recently. Advocates have reached some significant milestones for this cause. Some of these include closing down conversion camps for youth in certain states, more places banning gay and trans panic defences, the passing of pro-equality bills, more LGBTQ elected officials, leaders expressing their goals for LGBTQ protections, and making LGBTQ discrimination in the workplace illegal.
You have every right to feel a sense of relief and celebrate these wins. But the cause still has a long way to go, and LGBTQ people continue to face many problems. Today, as more people come out, it’s important to keep in mind that although it’s a cause for celebration, it also opens them to dangers such as discrimination, hate crimes, and injustice.
If you’re a member of the LGBTQ community, then you know exactly what this entails. While the world seems to be more open and accepting, there’re still many places and people who choose to be hateful and violent. Additionally, there are numerous governments, world leaders, and organizations who still stubbornly refuse to stand against discrimination. Instead, they actively tell society to condemn LGBTQ members, supporters, movements, and organizations.
As a member of the LGBQ community, you might feel a sense of responsibility to fight against this. Understandably, this is your right, and to fight for a peaceful and just life shouldn’t even be a necessary struggle. But that’s the truth that many have to live through today, and it’s a cause worth fighting for. However, it’s a dangerous battle, and help from allies such as an LGBT discrimination lawyer is always welcome.
There are many other actions you can take if you’re experiencing discrimination. If you’re struggling with this experience, here are some things you can do:
Find Support From Family And Friends
The first thing you should do when you’re experiencing discrimination is to talk to family and friends who love you and support you. When you came out, remember who stuck by you and supported you during difficult times. Since they know who you are, then they want to know your experiences and struggles ever since you’ve embraced your true self. Be open about what you’re going through as an LGBTQ, and buy LGBTQ flags here. It will give you the support you need and inform your loved ones about your everyday battles.
Educate Others
Educating others is one of the most fundamental and practical ways to dispel discrimination. Most of the time, discriminatory acts are rooted in ignorance and misinformation. People tend to act in a way they think is correct, and their belief systems can be altered permanently. Educating them about the LGBTQ community allows them to empathize and see other realities outside their own. So, if you find constructive avenues to help and urge them to educate themselves, you’re addressing many of the bases of their discriminatory thoughts and actions.
Get Legal Help
Even with well-meaning efforts to educate people about sexual identity and gender issues, some will remain close-minded. Besides, discrimination varies in intensity. Some actions are utterly despicable and would require you to get legal help. Many people still turn a blind eye when it comes to LGBTQ discrimination in school and the workplace. They even brush it off as petty or harmless jokes. And some can inflict physical injuries or mental and psychological trauma. In the long run, the inflicted pain will affect your health, everyday life, and even your ability to function normally. For this matter, you must get the professional help you need to sort things out legally.Join Or Contact Organizations
The struggles of LGBTQ people have been ongoing for years. Even a simple Google search on LGBTQ discrimination in history can give you a wealth of information on this issue’s prevalence throughout history. Because of this, organizations have been created to support and protect the members of the LGBTQ community.Some are more general, such as The LGBT National Help Center and Family Equality Council. Others are more specific, such as Pride at Work and Out & Equal Workplace Advocates, which are targeted to empower individuals in the workplace. Veterans also have the Modern Military Association of America. And for the elderly, you can check out the Gay & Lesbian Association of Retiring Persons and Services & Advocacy for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, & Transgender Elders.
