What The Equality Symbol Means
Start writing a post
Politics

What The Equality Symbol Means

The fight for equality goes on.

3341
What The Equality Symbol Means
Wikipedia

Last weekend, America lost some beautiful souls because of hate. In a gay club in Orlando, a gunman, Omar Mateen, opened fire on club patrons and held some hostage early Sunday morning. There were many casualties of patrons, policeman and bystanders. Being gay myself, this massacre really hit close to home. So, I want to express my sorrows for a fellow LGBT community who has experienced a hate crime. When one community is struck by this kind of horror, it affects all of us.

When I heard about the Orlando shooting, my heart sank, and I got scared. I haven't been out for very long, so this fight for equality is all new to me, still. It's hard enough to be considered part of a minority, but when people hate you for something you can't control, that's scary. It doesn't matter if you're nice or good, someone can hurt you. It's extremely hurtful when people hate you for loving someone. That just doesn't make sense to me. I believe that it really shouldn't matter to anyone else who I love, whose hand I hold, who I kiss. It has nothing to do with anyone else. I just don't see why people care what others and myself choose to do, but I guess they do.

Because of this massacre, I've been brought back down to earth and have realized that legalizing gay marriage and living in an area where being gay is pretty widely accepted are great, but we still have a long way to go. I am very happy with how accepting people have been of me since I've come out, but this is a reminder that not everywhere is like that.

The Equality symbol, an equal sign, means the world to me. Not only is it a symbol of support and acceptance, but it's an acknowledgment of being equal with your peers, not just gay, but anyone. The idea of worldly equality is that everyone has human rights. It's not just gay rights, it's African American, female, Asian American, religious groups' —, anyone's rights. The equality symbol is primarily used to acknowledge support of gay rights, but it's really acknowledging that everyone has rights, and that everyone should be accepted for who they are. It shouldn't matter your skin color, religion, gender, loving the same gender as yourself or changing your gender to the one you feel is right, etc.

I just want to thank the people who fought and gave their lives in the Orlando shooting, including patrons, police men and women, and any others. Because of you, my girlfriend and I are one step closer to living in a safer world. Your lives weren't lost for nothing, you have become part of the movement. Because of you, I am one step closer to not being afraid to hold her hand in public. Thank you for everything you've done — you are our heroes, rest in peace.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

71380
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

133457
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments