I am not bisexual, a lesbian or transgender.
I am straight and I am an ally to those that are LGBT.
Before we get any further, let's define and break down what "LGBT" means.
L: Lesbian. A female-identified person who is attracted romantically, physically or emotionally to another female-identified person.
G: Gay. A male-identified person who is attracted romantically, physically or emotionally to another male-identified person.
B: Bisexual. A person who is attracted romantically, physically or emotionally to both men and women.
T: Transgender. A person whose gender identity does not correspond to that person's biological sex assigned at birth.
Now, let's go through some statistics about being in the LGBT community.
A large percentage of my friends identify themselves within the LGBT community. I cherish those friends and keep them close, as I do with my straight friends. They are just like everyone else -- they just love the same sex (or both sexes), or identify as a different gender than their biological sex.
However, I can't help but be more protective of my LGBT friends. Here are some reasons why:
42 percent of people who are LGBT report living in an unwelcoming environment.
80 percent of gay and lesbian youth report severe social isolation.
Six in 10 LGBT students report feeling unsafe at school because of their sexual orientation.
Coming out is difficult to do -- especially in a state that's located in the Bible Belt, like Texas, where just about anything that isn't "normal" or "Christian-like" is looked down upon. Then, after coming out, someone who is LGBT has to adjust to being openly "out" in a primarily conservative state.
I want my friends, along with those within the LGBT community that I haven't personally met, to know that I am with them. I will not let anyone discriminate against you, threaten you, hurt you, or taunt you when we're together. I want you to feel safe and able to completely be yourself around me.
The 2010s have been years of change. Just last July, gay marriage became the law of the land. More LGBT officials are being elected into offices around the country. There are more transgender-friendly bathrooms. This just names a few of the steps that are being taken in order to achieve full equality.
I want my LGBT friends and those within the community to know that I admire you, your strength and who you are. I never want you to feel like you can't be yourself around me. I treasure and adore you for who you are, and whichever gender you identify as or love.
