While this past weekend was certainly momentous with the ruling that same-sex marriage is now legal in all 50 states of the U.S., there are still issues awaiting the same kind of validation. Our country may have been a little late to the game on this topic, but maybe with these steps forward our increasingly progressive nation will move quicker on other issues of importance. However, changing the views of society are much harder then passing an issue through SCOTUS. Here are a couple things that still need to be discussed.
1. Remove the stigma.
OK, so legally same-sex marriage is allowed. But does this make it that much easier for these people? Being gay, trans, pan etc. is still stigmatized even if now they can get married. Many people still shun these sexualities and genders despite any official rulings, and it will take a lot more for everyone to feel comfortable in their own skin. In the past years there have been thousands of cases of bullying, suicide and depression because we aren't accepting as a society. Now that the law is written, let's do the work on our side!
2. Make bisexuality OK.
While people have become WAY more accepting of gays, bisexuality is just about as dismissed and shamed as being gay was years ago. Let's get this straight (no pun intended): BISEXUALITY IS REAL. Do not tell someone it is a phase. Do not say that they "can't decide." Do not say that they are doing it for attention. It is every bit as real as other sexualities and needs to be accepted just as much as being gay or straight is!
3. ...On that note, make ANY sexuality OK.
So there is gay, straight, and bi, right? NOPE! There are also pansexuality and asexuality (and more!), where you are attracted to all sexes or none (respectively). All of these sexualities are perfectly normal and OK!
4. Understand the spectrum.
Alright, so there is gay, straight, bi, pan, and asexual.
Nuh uh. Sorry to burst your bubble, but these titles are like little boxes that we tell people they have to define themselves by to make it easier for others to understand sexuality. But the reality is that both gender and sexuality live on a spectrum. Someone may be fluid within sexualities or genders, feeling more attached to the female gender on one day and the male gender on another, or may go through years where they feel comfortable as a bisexual then years when they feel more comfortable as pansexual. Our sexualities and genders can change and alter, and no one should ever feel shame or feel like their sexuality is unvalidated just because it is not constant! There are also many other terms to describe other situations that I haven't mentioned. Attraction /= sexuality /= gender /= orientation. (It's confusing, I know! Here's a little exploration into these terms.)
5. Gender equality (not just for women and men).
On the same note as the spectrum, gender equality doesn't just mean women should be treated the same as men (although this is DEFINITELY true). Gender equality means all genders are treated equally. Hopefully some day, gender won't play a role in the way that we are treated since it in no way changes the way that you think or function or how worthy you are of a good life.
These ideas are just the tip of the iceberg. To learn more on gender and sexuality visit these sites:
- Teen Health Source
- It's Pronounced Metrosexual
- Safe Space Network
In the meantime, celebrate this wondrous occasion and support your LGBTQIA+ family (not just by changing your profile picture).
