It’s been nearly a year since the Supreme Court of the United States ruled that the fundamental right to marry is guaranteed to same-sex couples. However, it seems like there are still constant efforts to prevent same-sex couples from doing so.
The society in which we live in is one of the most complicated things I have ever tried to understand. As I’ve gotten into my 20s, I’ve started to notice the way our society handles various situations. It’s amazing to me that certain individuals believe that lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender (LGBT) people in our society shouldn’t hold the same capacities as others. The one question that lingers constantly in my mind is why?
Sexuality, sexual identity, gender identity, etc. does not and will not ever define an individual. Here’s why:
I came out in January of 2014. It was the most stressful, complicated, terrifying, yet greatest things I have ever done. To this day, I consider it to be one of my greatest accomplishments. Not having to hide who I was attracted to became one of the most freeing experiences I’ve had in my 22 years of living.
What is so fascinating about coming out is the fact that LGBT people never actually stop coming out. Unfortunately, our society makes it almost impossible to believe that everyone should be viewed equally.
The controversial topic of LGBT rights has been dragging on for way too long. It’s time for everyone to realize that sexuality is just a minor part of who we are. Why should me wanting to be with who I love matter so much? My sexuality doesn’t define who my character is. I consider myself to be a fairly decent person. I never try to start arguments, I focus on my schoolwork, and I love spending time with my family and friends, so why does my sexuality have to be discussed? Just let me love who I want to love.
Before going to bed each night, I often lie there and picture an equal world. I picture a time that focuses on real issues rather than the rights of LGBT individuals. I imagine a moment in time that allows my boyfriend and I to have a nice dinner at a nice restaurant and not have people stare at us in disapproval. I can see a day when holding his hand in public would garner the same reaction as a man and a wife doing the exact same thing.
Equality isn’t even just about same-sex couples. It is the combination of creating a world that puts aside gender, race, and sexual orientation. It’s about holding everyone to the same standards.
Before going and judging someone based on their sexuality, consider judging them based on who they are. Judge their character, the way they hold themselves, the goals and accomplishments they have before anything else. Sexuality plays such a minor role in the making of a person’s being.
After all, doesn’t the Bible state that we should all love each other?
