June 26, 2016 will mark the one year anniversary of the legality of gay marriage in the United States. Since this day, much has shifted in attitudes toward the LGBTQ+ community.
Caitlyn Jenner came out as openly transgender in July 2015. At first, this transition was challenged with much resentment and hatred. But it ultimately transformed views on transgender people and continued the spread of acceptance. In September 2015, however, Clerk Kim Davis denied a same-sex couple a marriage license in Morehead, Kentucky, despite the Supreme Court ruling. Most recently, North Carolina banned people from using government-owned restrooms that aren’t intended for the gender they were born with. The continuing division of views in America has caused certain ideologies to dominate despite laws that have been implemented toward equality.
On June 12, 2016, shooter Omar Mateen murdered 49 people at a gay nightclub after pledging allegiance to ISIS. Hatred like this has been present in America for too long. It’s been almost a year since the Supreme Court ruling, yet the shift in ideology has been slow and fought with much oppression. June is considered “pride month” and it’s meant to honor gay rights and celebrate love and equality. But when an ideology based on love and acceptance is met with hatred and violence, what does this say about America’s progressive label?
America is claimed to be the most progressive country in the world, yet the continuing divide in gay rights ideologies is holding the country back from the future. The events that unfolded in Orlando are a tragedy and the worst mass shooting in U.S. history. It’s sad to think that we live in a country where hate groups and bathroom laws oppose acceptance. It’s said that history repeats itself, and with regards to changing ideologies, America has been stubborn in the past. When the Civil Rights Act passed in 1964, it left the country divided on equality issues for decades (and it can also be said that the fight for civil rights is still not over). But the fight for gay rights seems to be a gruesome battle that is still a prevalent issue today.
What’s sexuality got to do with it anyway? Hating an ideology that opens it’s arms to accept everyone is a dark shadow on American society. We still live in a society where hate prevails in violent acts and in politics. But it’s met with the voice of millions fighting for a chance to be loved and accepted.
I have faith in America. We are on the right course of action, despite how many acts of terror or detrimental laws challenge us. The Orlando massacre occurred during a weekend of many pride parades across the country. I happened to attend the festival in Washington, D.C. that day. The energy that I felt there let me know that despite the disgustingly violent act that happened the night before, it didn’t stop the fight for love and acceptance. The festival went on as planned and people danced and embraced in the streets as a demonstration of their pride.
The fight for equality has been long and arduous, and it’s certainly not over. But with continued hope and love, this community will be an accepted norm in the future. I believe America can and will be a country of widespread peace for all members of the LGBTQ+ community.
