Out of the many issues our world faces, gay bashing is still very prominent. People may say it is no longer an issue but in the past two weeks I have personally witnessed and/or heard about three different cases of gay bashing. This is not okay. Yes, there I progress happening and yes, people of these sexual orientations are starting to get more rights, but gay bashing is still a major issue. It is important for everyone in our society to known what it is, recognize when it’s happening, stop it, never participate, and show support.
Know what it is
Gay bashing also commonly known as gay bullying is any physical or verbal abuse against those who are or are presumed to be gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender. Although it is known as simply “gay” bashing, that doesn’t mean it does not apply to lesbians, bisexuals, transgender, and non-cisgender. In fact they are equally affected and usually simply referred to together as LGBT. Even those you are heterosexual and not LGBT can be a victim of gay bashing.
Recognize when it’s happening
It is easy to recognize when someone is getting physically abused and it could be for any reason, but what people seem to let slip by is verbal abuse. Any negative words or phrases that gives being gay a negative connotation are not okay. If you hear someone being called a “faggot”, “queer”, “dyke” or anything else, it is a problem. It is especially bad when these words are being said to someone directly in a hurtful way, but in everyday speech they are also very offensive, even if it was supposed to be a joke. Any threats are also verbal abuse. Telling someone they’re going to get beat up if they don’t run away is verbal gay bashing and it is incredibly dangerous and hurtful.
Stop it
When witnessing gay bashing, it is easy to turn the other way. But it is important to help because it could mean someone’s life. If you witness someone being verbally abused, stop them. Tell them what’s wrong with what they are doing. If they do not stop, walk away with the person being bullied. Be a friend to them and let them know their worth. Kind words and friendship are so important. Anyone who feels bad about themselves will find comfort in knowing that they are important and loved. If you witness physical abuse, call the police. Get a description of the abusers face. People who physically abuse someone for being LGBT need to be stopped. People have suffered major trauma, become depressed, and have even died from gay bashing, either from injuries or suicide.
Do not participate
One of the most important things you can do to help stop gay bashing is not to participate. The simple fact is, everyone is created equal. We all deserve rights and we all deserve the right to be happy. If you aren’t hurting anyone or yourself, you have the right to live and be happy the way you want to. Putting people down for being a different sexual orientation is not okay. You are not better than anyone else. Even if you simply use offensive gay slang in your everyday speech, to your friends, you need to try and stop. You may not know who you are hurting. Not participating also applies to LGBT. There are gay people out there who use the word “faggot” in a hateful way toward someone. Not only is this wrong in general, but it could happen to them.
Support
Another major way you can help stop gay bashing is to support the LGBT community. Befriend those who are being bullied. Show your support by joining a straight gay alliance, an LGBT organization, or go to pride festivals. If you are LGBT yourself and a victim of gay bashing, share your story. There is also free counseling on Whitewater's campus in the Ambrose Health Center, whenever you need support and someone to talk to, completely confidential. Anything that shows support helps. People may have their opinions on different topics, but no one deserves to be victim to physical and verbal abuse. The more this is spread the more people will realize that it is still a major issue.
If you are LGBT, know someone who is LGBT, or even have no social connection to any LGBT, this issue affects you. Even if you think you never need to worry about gay bashing, you or someone you love could be a victim to it. Gay bashers see what they want to see, and even if they assume you are gay when you’re not, they will abuse. Gay bashing affects everyone in our society, so it is so important that we all know what it is, recognize when it’s happening, stop it, never participate, and show support. Everyone is equal.
