Last semester, I had the incredible opportunity of taking an Issues in Feminism class. Little did I know, this class would open my eyes and change my outlook on so many spheres of life. Specifically, I was able to learn about the ways in which people are oppressed in our society whether it is due to race, age, religion, social class, etc. I began to reflect on how privileged I truly am as a white, middle-class, female college student at a four-year university. Specifically, I thought about the ways in which I avoid discrimination due to my heterosexual sexual orientation. The list I came up with was surprisingly extensive. So here it goes... The privileges I enjoy because I identify as straight are:
- I never have to worry about not being accepted or judged due to whom I choose to love.
- I will never have to face the pressure of hiding who I am from others.
- I never have to announce or establish myself. "Coming out" is not one of my worries.
- My sexual orientation will always be correctly assumed.
- I will not be denied a job, denied a raise, or fired because of my sexual orientation.
- People will not use my sexual orientation as a derogatory term.
- Likewise, my sexual orientation is not a political controversy.
- I will not feel apprehensive in showing interest for someone because of fear of rejection based on gender.
- Men will never try to convince me to be straight. They will never try to alter my sexual orientation.
- My femininity will never be challenged.
- Girl talk with my friends about my romantic interests will not be awkward or tense.
- My sexual orientation will not be an avoidable topic in conversation.
- I can go see a movie, go out to dinner, walk around a park, and hold hands with my significant other in public without anyone raising an eyebrow.
- My sexual orientation will never cause me any awkwardness or shame.
- I am free to love publicly, candidly, and openly without any hesitation or second thought.
Looking back on this list, I realize that the first step in striving towards an equal society is to acknowledge that some, if not most, of us are significantly more privileged than others. As a society, one of our downfalls is the fact that we deny the advantages we have over others. When we downplay our privilege, we also insult those who do not enjoy the same opportunities we do. Further, it is not only important that we realize and acknowledge our privilege; it is also crucial that we celebrate others’ love rather than criticize it.
The next time you see a same sex couple, be sure to understand the oppression they may face and also commend their bravery and commitment. In such a harsh world, why should we tarnish something as precious and beautiful as love? Love is love, whether it is between a man and woman, two men, or two women, the happiness shared between two human beings should never be offensive or insulting. Instead of ruthlessly insulting love, our society has to employ a much larger degree of acceptance and appreciation toward it. My final advice is as follows: celebrate love, honor love, and most importantly, respect love. Abolish the rules society has created because ultimately, there are no guidelines for loving someone.
