#LGBTQ+

   

     Many people are unwilling to support rights for gay and lesbian persons. (Jenkins) Many people allow their personal judgments and convictions to cloud the basic rights of the American people. Whether or not you agree with the way that someone chooses to live their life, that SHOULD NOT HAVE ANY holdings on how they deserve to be treated. Someones lifestyle does not automatically take away their basic rights as a person.

     Majority of society, especially Christians have a bad reputation for shaming, judging, and mistreating those who do not live a lifestyle that they believe in or agree with. They take parts of the Bible and use it according to how they want to interact with others. As someone who does believe in God, it makes me sad to see the people who are supposed to show the love  of Christ the most, being the ones who are the least likely to give it away. 

     

     While everyone is entitled to their opinion, Black Lives Matters has made it a priority to advocate for the gay, lesbian, bi-sexual, queer, and trans-gendered community. Two of the founders, Alicia Garza and Patrisse Cullors are queer black women. It would be impossible for them to see what is happening within their community and not speak up about it. They have made it a personal goal and mission to see that EVERYONE gets equal treatment. The presenter at the first national convention for Black Lives Matters was Elle Hearns, a trans black woman. She was chosen specifically to show that black women, queer and trans people can be leaders. Black Lives Matters has been at the head of all murders of trans-black women. 

     The movement does not just sit behind screens and simply report what has happened and how angry they feel. They are at conventions, on stages, in protests. They are making sure that people know what is going on and providing the tools that are needed to make a difference. Allowing people to ensure that their voices will be heard.  Nonetheless, these actions have not been without challenge. They have had to suffer antagonism from the public. A representative from Back Lives Matters spoke out and said “Believe that when we say Black Lives Matter, we mean all black lives matter.” 

     I think that it is important to see the value of everyone. Anyone you know can be a part of the #LGBTQ+ community. Whether it be your neighbor, or your mailman, your sibling, best friend, or your coworker. I think that sometimes it is important to remember the basic rights of people. Regardless of your personal feelings, people are people. Likewise with the black community, LGBTQ+ community, muslim community, hispanic community, or the white community, whatever community you find yourself resonating with, it is important to appreciate everyone's life path and let people do what is best for them.  

     Let's all make the decision to watch how we treat other people that do not necessarily fit into our "perfect world". Instead of judging people before we get to know them, let's make the decision to get to know them. Ask them to out to coffee, go for a walk or just sit down to talk to them. Ask them the questions that you have in your head. Let them ask you questions. Get to know each other. And THEN, if your two lifestyles don't mesh or you don't see a friendship happening, then that is okay. You tried, you put in the effort. But don't just close off an entire group of people because you're afraid to step out of your comfort zone. 

          ~ And that’s the way the cookie crumbles!~

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