The definition of love, simply put, is a feeling of strong or constant affection for a person, according to Merriam-Webster. So who are you to decide there is only one correct way to love?
A few weeks ago, two people I love dearly celebrated their anniversary together. They went to dinner, had a few drinks, shared memories from the past six years they spent together; they did everything any couple would think to when celebrating something so meaningful. And it’s beautiful, right? Celebrating six years of life together? And during those six years, they bought a home, adopted a few dogs, paid their fair share of taxes, and are upstanding citizens in their community, just like you and me.
Now, when I tell you those two people were both men, do you find it any less romantic? Do you find these two any less of a human in society? I mean, after all, they do everything we do on a day-to-day basis. The answer should be, yes, it is beautiful, and no, it’s not any less romantic. These two aren’t any less of a human in society, instead, they are maybe even more than you or I will ever be. Why, you ask? Because they’re courageous, they’re tough, and they’re in love with someone of the same gender.
So what, you may think. But the society we live in today isn’t as accepting as it should be.
Statistically, in 2015, according to Statista, one in every 100 American women and two in every 100 American men identify as being homosexual, with another four percent of Americans identifying as bisexual. With so many people having the courage to stand up and say this is who I love, this is who I am, who are we to knock them down and tell them no?
Although the legalization of gay marriage is a step in the right direction, a law doesn’t define an individual’s stance on the subject. Unfortunately, even in 2016, the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender communities are more likely to experience acts of intolerance, discrimination, harassment, bullying, violence, and many more heinous altercations. For what, though?
Does it really affect anyone other than the two involved? It doesn’t, and for you to feel as though you have a say in whom he or she loves is nothing but a selfish act.
The fight for equality that the LGBT communities put forth each and every day for the sake of their own lives shows the strength and determination they have bestowed within them. In my opinion, there are few people as strong as these individuals; you may disagree with me, and that’s fine—but how would you feel if a person you knew and loved sincerely as a person, not a partner, was discriminated against simply for holding hands with the same sex? Tell me, what’s so wrong about being proud about being in love, being proud of your partner?
Love should be enough of a reason.
Love is love.
Love wins.
