Every June, Pride Month for the LGBTQ+ community, many companies show support for a wide range of sexual and gender identities through their apparel. Unfortunately, we all know that this support is short-lived, as these same brands remove all of their rainbow gear once July 1st rolls around.
This year, however, some celebrities have continued publicizing their views in a way that they believe benefits the community, including artists such as Taylor Swift with her video for "You Need to Calm Down." Some argue that her video is groundbreaking, praising her for being more politically active and raising money for GLAAD.
But is it really a win for the community?
Artists like Taylor Swift, who illustrate their support only when it is convenient for them, do not represent the kind of action we should be taking. Using stereotypical queer symbols, such as sipping tea, in no way benefits the community. Once again, this is another example of an artist appropriating a culture that they don't know about.
Taylor Swift, in general, has been known to only support certain causes when it is beneficial to her, including feminism (in which she almost strictly portrays herself as an ally for white feminism). This video not only further exemplifies her appropriative habits, but displays a much larger issue.
People are beginning to think that the fight by the LGBTQ+ community is becoming bland. In a country like the United States, where gay marriage became legal in 2015, why bother fighting? Isn't marriage equality all we wanted?
The struggle for marriage equality was about more than simply legalizing a union, though. It was about being considered equal among heterosexual, cis peers. It was about feeling safe in public if one decides to show their affection for their loved one. It was about having a voice in politics. It was about better representation in all forms of media.
These are the things the community was fighting for, things we are still fighting for.
Of course, it is important to recognize the great strides taken: laws are improving across the globe in places such as Argentina, Uruguay, Taiwan. There has been increased exposure of LGBTQ+ lives through media, with icons such as Ellen DeGeneres making a name for themselves based on their talent and not their sexualities.
With all this progress, it is imperative to stay vigilant and recognize that there is still so much suffering within the community on an international level. Homosexuality is illegal in over seventy countries, where people who openly express their sexuality are often detained and imprisoned. In multiple Middle Eastern countries, including Iran, being gay is still considered a mental disorder.
Even in the United States, a country that is often considered progressive when it comes to accepting various sexualities and genders, trans people are repeatedly brutally attacked, abused, killed. We are beginning to forget the story of Matthew Shepard and the brutality of Orlando.
We cannot sit idly by and allow news outlets to convince us that the struggle is over, that the community has finally won what it has been fighting for. We must continue to make posters, hold marches, contact members of Congress, scream until our voices are heard and action takes place.
Most importantly, do not forget that the risk of suicide among young members of the LGBTQA+ community is almost five times that of heterosexual youths. If you or someone you know is struggling, please contact the Trevor Project's free lifeline at 1-866-488-7386.
