How to Embrace the True Beauty of LGBTQ+ Love

The LGBTQ community’s journey toward achieving equality has been an incredible and trailblazing one. It’s a journey bedeviled with both setbacks and drawbacks on the one hand and progress and triumphs on the other.

Let’s explore the extraordinary evolution, adversities, and victories that have accordingly, punctuated the community’s direction.

Right from the spark at Stonewall to the realm of marriage equality, we shall probe with you the pivotal milestones that have carved the course of the struggle for LGBTQ+ rights.

We shall do this by taking a plunge into a beautiful narrative and uncovering how this community has defied confines, stimulated evolution, and paved the way toward a more all-encompassing and receptive society.

The Stonewall Riots: Start of LGBTQ Activism

So, where did the “coming out” first begin, you may ask?

We start by tracing back the birth of this momentum to the summer night of June 28, 1969, in New York City, at the Stonewall Inn.

The inn was a run-down mafia-controlled bar, mostly selling cheap adulterated liquor to the gay community, which frequented the place for social gatherings.

And when the police raided the inn that night, the LGBTQ community opted to stand up in defiance against the ceaseless barrage of police harassment and prejudice.

This standoff, which later became popularly known as the Stonewall riots, lasted six days.

The altercation inaugurated a fresh era in LGBTQ activism, subsequently paving the path for the modern-day struggle for gay rights.

It led to the formation of organizations such as the Gay Liberation Front and marked the serious commencement of the struggle for LGBTQ rights.

Decriminalization and Reclaiming Human Rights

In the annals of history, the LGBTQ community has weathered legal storms and sodomy laws that have had the effect of stripping them of their basic human rights.

In 2003, in the famed Lawrence v. Texas case, the U.S. Supreme Court invalidated, in a landmark ruling, laws that criminalized consensual same-sex relations. They deemed such laws unconstitutional and a violation of the right to privacy.

This milestone ruling breathed new life into the struggle for LGBTQ rights across the globe. It wasn’t long afterward that many other countries followed suit and decriminalized similar laws.

‘’Coming Out’’ as LGBTQ

Sexual orientation is a crucial process that takes time to develop over a person’s lifetime. For most gay people, especially in the last century, the realization of one’s sexuality came with serious ramifications.

What would one’s friends, colleagues, and family say? How would they take it if a woman kisses another, for instance? These questions gave rise to fear and inhibitions.

To this day, the process of publicly disclosing one’s LGBTQ identity is an inherently long and eventful journey that plays an indispensable role in the battle for parity. 

There has been a reaction of both acclaim and adversity to ‘’coming out’’ stories in society‌. Such stories have served the purpose of serving as powerful tools for breaking down barriers and fostering an understanding of this gay concept.

It is through the audacity of those who share their truths that the LGBTQ community has gained both empathy and prominence and shattered the shyness enveloping their existence.

Pride Parade Marches of the Gay Community

On the first anniversary of the Stonewall riots referred to above, the gay community held parades in New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles.

This simple commemoration would later morph into a worldwide festival dedicated to celebrating diversity, inclusivity, and love.

Worldwide, individuals from all walks of life march yearly to manifest solidarity, revel in their identities, and advocate for equality.

These often very colorful events inspire progress by creating visibility and reminding the world of the LGBTQ community’s resilience and strength.

Fifty-three years after the inaugural march, the LGBTQ community can pride itself on phenomenal growth. They have not only successfully come out of their cocoon, but have gained worldwide recognition and acceptance in many countries.

LGBTQ Fight for Marriage Equality

In 2001, the Netherlands became the first country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage. This landmark decision inspired other nations to follow suit, recognizing that love is gender-blind and, altogether, defies gender boundaries.

Two decades later, thirty-three more countries have followed suit. These are spread across North and Latin America, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand.

In contrast, only South Africa in the whole continent has joined these ranks.

The legalization of same-sex unions in the thirty-four countries has wielded a profound influence, fostering societal concord and confronting long-held biases.

But it proves a tall order for most other countries, especially in Africa, where deep-rooted traditions would hear nothing of such practices. As an example, Uganda is on record for having passed anti-gay legislation.

The Pursuit of Transgender Parity

The fight and progress for transgender people have not been as grand and majestic as those for LGBTQ people. Notwithstanding, it has remained an ongoing struggle for a long time and has yet to make major inroads toward getting recognition.

Transgender people encounter distinctive challenges and biases. This brings to the fore the need to shed light on matters pertinent to transgender rights.

There is certainly an urgent need to focus on this group’s rights as well. Special emphasis is placed on their rights to unbiased healthcare, legal validation, and equal employment opportunities.

By breaking down barriers and fostering understanding, society can work towards creating an environment where it values, cherishes, and accepts transgender individuals; For the same reason as has happened with the acceptance of their homosexual and lesbian counterparts.

Religion, Parenthood, and the LGBTQ Inclusion Journey

Religion

There has always been sharp and divided opinion among various religious organizations regarding the acceptance of the gay community.

Various religious traditions hold different views on LGBTQ rights.

While some fully embrace these individuals and heavily support their rights, others interpret their scriptures as holding opposing and more conservative views.

They openly oppose such relationships and any rights they may demand.

Open, ongoing discussions have however evolved.

The discussions mainly center on reconciling these beliefs in such a way that a wide spectrum of them needs exploration and acceptance.

As things stand, it’s only fair to respect each person’s views, hoping that soon all parties concerned will strike common ground.

Parenthood

This has also piqued the interest of society and the legal system. Increasingly, the societal outlook has significantly changed and has become more accepting and supportive of LGBTQ parents.

Adoption, foster care rights, and surrogacy have therefore become less cumbersome. Because of this, many countries have made significant legal strides to change earlier prohibitive laws.

Credit: Karolina Grabowska on Pexels

Not that there haven’t been challenges with varying degrees of acceptance in some regions.

LGBTQ parents should brace themselves for such challenges, depending on the severity of such hurdles in their regions.

Having equal parenting rights without discrimination should be their goal. A goal that is within reach.

LGBTQ Allies: The Potency of Inclusiveness

Allies of the LGBTQ community have played a pivotal role in the fight for equality. These are the straight, cis, or heterosexual people who support the cause and rights of the gay community.

They have not only challenged societal norms by advocating for change but also stood up against discrimination.

Through conducting education seminars and having empathy and understanding, these allies help shape a society that values and celebrates diversity.

Moving Forward: Steps to Embrace Fair Tenets

As we reflect on the incredible and trailblazing journey of the LGBTQ community, we ought to remember that there is still more work to be done to achieve genuine parity.

In the ongoing endeavor to gravitate closer to real equality, there are a few steps we can take to help:

• The education of the masses on gay issues is the key. Elevating our knowledge and understanding can challenge our own prejudices and contribute to a more inclusive society.
• Raise our voices against bias: We should use our voices to champion equality, whether within the confines of our homes, in the workplace, or in our local community.
• Extend support to LGBTQ organizations: Contribute funds and offer your time to organizations at the forefront of the battle for LGBTQ rights, ensuring the perpetuation of their vital mission.
• Embrace diversity; we are all different. Learn to celebrate and value the differences of others, fostering a culture of acceptance and inclusivity.
• Stand as an ally: As many others have done in the past, lend support and amplify the voices of the LGBTQ community, thus magnifying their stories and lived experiences. This will reach someone who might get help to ‘’come out’’.

Breaking Barriers

Remembering that the journey towards equality is ongoing and that every individual has a role to play is of vital importance.

Image courtesy of Pixabay

If we break down barriers, inspire progress, and embrace the spirit of inclusion, we can create a society where all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, are truly equal.

Takeaway

The LGBTQ journey of resilience that took off on June 28, 1969, has had moments of bravery and incredible milestones. Valor has been the major characteristic of this journey.

From the Stonewall riots to the fight for marriage equality and beyond, the community has surmounted barriers, engendered advancement, and laid the groundwork for a more inclusive and hospitable world.

Together, all human beings can be artisans of a society that extols divergence and champions equality for all.

James Nduati Charagu

James is a published author, blogger, and content writer.

He writes about relationships, marriage, and self-improvement to bring out the best in you.

When not writing, he enjoys having a bourbon and coke, playing with his cat, and traveling the world to discover new places.