Right, so I've stumbled across this YouTube video of Thomas Lloyd talking about his pride and
owning his identity at a TEDx conference...
His initial question came from peers and family members who ask "Why are [you] so gay?" and it resonated well with. Anyone who knows me understands when a misrepresented group is put at large, I actively speak out. Now, as for Lloyd's direct comments on his experiences and what he has learned from extensive research, I have nothing more to say. Lloyd made an engaging speech, which included satirical references and made sure to speak out on the issue of black men not being able to speak on their experiences with the HIV/Aids crisis.
The video sparked an internal dialogue, and made me realise how everyone in the LGBTQ+ community has a god forsaken right to be as loud and out as physically possible. I'm not exactly feeling a long, emotional post today... so let me bulletpoint this.
- When we look at the HIV/Aids crisis, there is still such a stigma against the gay community as a whole for being 'dirty' and blaming the majority for being 'bug chasers'* when this just isn't the case. There are too many organisations in the progressive world, actively looking for a cure.
- The Stonewall incident was a huge milestone for the LGBTQ+ community - a riot in which everyone from drag queens, to queer women, and alliances demanded to be treated equally. To me, refusing to come out (if you are in a safe position in your life) is a selfish act which degenerates our community. Yes, OUR community - whether you like it or not.
- We live in a better world now. Nowhere near perfect; but considering it is legal to be open and gay in 117 countries of the world, hiding away will not help anything.
- If you are living in the 117 countries - the other 79 need you. The better we are represented as just normal, dull people trying to get on with life, the better chance we have to move on in this world.
- The Human Rights Act is there to support you. Although the world does not owe you shit, it is your right as a human being, to learn what you are entitled to. Don't get me wrong - please do fight for injustice, fight for those who may not be able to fight. There are LAWS to protect you, and if you need have the knowledge to know how the law can protect you.
- The LGBTQ+ community are being represented better than ever [in the media]. We are slowly but surely saying good-bye to camp clichés and 'butch lesbian' stereotypes. With characters such as Christian Clarke (Eastenders, BBC), Piper Chapman (Orange is the New Black, Netflix) and Henry Best (Cucumber/Banana, Channel 4). Celebrities being open about their sexualities (notably Tom Daley and George Shelley - hello boys).
- Continuing from the point above, it is unfair to say that gaining a job will be any more difficult. Prolific people from every walk of life are being OPEN. Music, Art, Sport, Politics - you name it, there will be someone who has questioned their attraction to being a non-conformist.
- By not being actively out, you are denying yourself of being human. You are denying your freedom of expression, and limiting yourself of sexual and romantic choices that you secretly enjoy. If you can not willingly express love and affection, surely you are a robot?
* - Bug Chasers are gay men actively looking to contract HIV. It's been slated as a form of self harm, and anyone dealing with or knows anyone actively looking to contract HIV should seek medical help.
I can feel myself getting angry just typing this out. It pains me to see people letting the world swallow them up because their family, peers or government don't 'agree' with their lifestyle. It makes me every more angry because my own experiences with coming out as gay have proved that all it takes it to be open, proud and being a likeable human being, for people to change their own opinions. Fuck this stigma that the LGBTQ+ community hold for being extremists. Fuck homophobia. Fuck every last ounce of self-hatred that the world puts into these little boys and girls through subliminal messaging.
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