Accepting difference, embracing diversity
Amelie Reeves discusses the importance of representing LGBTQ+ people.
Have you ever worried about being criticised for who you love? Have you ever faced ridicule or invalidation when stating your gender? If not, then you’re probably cisgender (when someone’s gender identity corresponds with their assigned sex at birth) and heterosexual (being attracted to the opposite sex).
Fixed ideas about sexuality and gender have been embedded in our preferential society for many years leading to concepts of heteronormativity and cisnormativity. These beliefs can lead to discrimimation against a plethora of individuals; they can make people feel that if you’re not cisgender or heterosexual you must explain and justify your identity. Unfortunately, this is a harmful ideology that is not highlighted enough, so it may not be easily reversed. Although we live in a progressive country, there is still a multitude of hateful actions used to discriminate against the LGBTQ+ community. A good example of this would be the use of insults such as the f-slur; this word is commonly thrown around as if it has no offensive meaning, even though it does. Often schools are a place in which this discriminatory word is used by young people who may not even fully understand the weight of their words; this can be hugely demoralising for those in the LGBTQ+ community, especially for teenagers who are beginning to express themselves and discover who they are.
The media is also a frequent hindrance for the LGBTQ+ community as it continually portrays cisgender and heterosexual characters in TV shows, films and books. Lacking proper representation is something members of the LGBTQ+ community face daily. It can become disheartening having to constantly hunt down well-written entertainment featuring prominent LGBTQ+ characters. This is when we need to stop adhering to the socially accepted ideas of heteronormativity and cisnormativity and support diverse TV shows, films and books, so that everyone is represented and feels like they have a place in our society. The more we spread acceptance and awareness, the more we will all benefit. Luckily, we are starting to see a shift and we do have some TV Shows and films that include LGBTQ+ characters, such as Sydney in the popular Netflix TV show “I Am Not Okay With This”.
During these progressing times, it is crucial to think before you speak and know that, although we may live in a more privileged country when it comes to human rights and acceptance, we're still far from perfect. Be an advocate and an ally for the diverse community around you; challenge discriminatory attitudes when you see them; call out those who use language to insult or belittle others; or, if you don't personally feel strong enough to speak out to support the LGBTQ+ community, at least don’t use your words to bring them down.
Amelie Reeves, Y11
Have you ever worried about being criticised for who you love? Have you ever faced ridicule or invalidation when stating your gender? If not, then you’re probably cisgender (when someone’s gender identity corresponds with their assigned sex at birth) and heterosexual (being attracted to the opposite sex).
Fixed ideas about sexuality and gender have been embedded in our preferential society for many years leading to concepts of heteronormativity and cisnormativity. These beliefs can lead to discrimimation against a plethora of individuals; they can make people feel that if you’re not cisgender or heterosexual you must explain and justify your identity. Unfortunately, this is a harmful ideology that is not highlighted enough, so it may not be easily reversed. Although we live in a progressive country, there is still a multitude of hateful actions used to discriminate against the LGBTQ+ community. A good example of this would be the use of insults such as the f-slur; this word is commonly thrown around as if it has no offensive meaning, even though it does. Often schools are a place in which this discriminatory word is used by young people who may not even fully understand the weight of their words; this can be hugely demoralising for those in the LGBTQ+ community, especially for teenagers who are beginning to express themselves and discover who they are.
The media is also a frequent hindrance for the LGBTQ+ community as it continually portrays cisgender and heterosexual characters in TV shows, films and books. Lacking proper representation is something members of the LGBTQ+ community face daily. It can become disheartening having to constantly hunt down well-written entertainment featuring prominent LGBTQ+ characters. This is when we need to stop adhering to the socially accepted ideas of heteronormativity and cisnormativity and support diverse TV shows, films and books, so that everyone is represented and feels like they have a place in our society. The more we spread acceptance and awareness, the more we will all benefit. Luckily, we are starting to see a shift and we do have some TV Shows and films that include LGBTQ+ characters, such as Sydney in the popular Netflix TV show “I Am Not Okay With This”.
During these progressing times, it is crucial to think before you speak and know that, although we may live in a more privileged country when it comes to human rights and acceptance, we're still far from perfect. Be an advocate and an ally for the diverse community around you; challenge discriminatory attitudes when you see them; call out those who use language to insult or belittle others; or, if you don't personally feel strong enough to speak out to support the LGBTQ+ community, at least don’t use your words to bring them down.
Amelie Reeves, Y11