LGBTQ+
<div style=' background:#FFFFFF;color:#000000;font-size:15px;font-family:Verdana;width:auto;padding:5px;max-height:100%;'><span><p>It may seem that the LGBTQ issues surrounding gender identity, sexuality and their fight for<br>equality and justice is a current and modern phenomenon; but history tells us otherwise. The<br>timeline of LGBTQ history dates as far back as 9 th century BC through the sculptures and rock<br>art. In the later millenniums, homosexuality continued to be represented in sculptures and<br>paintings.<br>During the early periods of history, homosexuality was not only accepted and practiced, but in<br>many ancient cultures it was deified and homosexuals were considered divine.<br>With the notion of religious sin gaining popularity in Europe, homosexuality was regarded as<br>shameful and deserving of severe punishments, including death. The criminalization continued<br>to other parts of the world until the early 19 th century.<br>In late-20 th century penal and civil laws were introduced in support of homosexuals in parts of<br>US and in some countries in Europe, like France, Sweden, Denmark. It’s just the beginning of a<br>long journey for the LGBTQ community before they are accepted into society and given the<br>stature that they once enjoyed.<br><br><u>LGBTQ :</u> The acronym for “lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer/ questioning”. These<br>terms are used to describe a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity. Although this is a<br>widely used umbrella term to describe this community, the experiences and identities in the<br>LGBTQ communities vary widely. The ‘ ’ (plus) represents other sexual identities like<br>pansexual, two-spirit, asexual, cisgender.<br><u>LGBTQ challenges: </u>The LGBTQ community faces social stigmas and discrimination at home,<br>school, workplace and in relationships. The coming out process for the LGBTQ person can be<br>an exciting and overwhelming experience but is often weighed down by the risk of rejection,<br>discrimination, ridicule, isolation and even physical harm. It’s often a tempest of emotions<br>associated with joy, relief and pride followed by fear, vulnerability and self-doubt.<br><u>LGBTQ youth:</u> Adolescence is a crucial phase of physical, emotional and sexual<br>development. This is the time when a young adult begins self-identity about gender and sexual<br>orientation. LGBTQ teens are the most vulnerable population among the youth today because<br>they lack support from their families, social and school groups.<br>LGBTQ youth are targets of hate, bullying, harassment and physical abuse. Teens ostracized<br>and isolated for being homosexuals can result in them attempting suicides, engaging in<br>substance abuse and suffering from mental illnesses.<br><br><u>LGBTQ phobia and myths:</u> Fear and extreme hatred toward LGBTQ communities is often<br>rooted in myths that damage and weaken their entity. Lack of understanding, preconceived<br>notions, and negative attitudes by the heterosexual community has led to the atmosphere of<br>homophobia.<br></p><br><br><br><br><span></div><div style=' background:#FFFFFF;color:#000000;font-size:15px;font-family:Verdana;width:auto;padding:5px;max-height:100%;'><span><p>Some of the homosexuality myths include:<br>- It’s a choice<br>- It’s abnormal and can be cured<br>- A danger to children<br>- They make bad parents<br>- It’s against religion<br>- They are criminals<br>- Lead unhealthy lifestyles<br><br><u>LGBTQ ’s equality:</u><br>- To view them as people with values, hopes and beliefs.<br>- To be treated with dignity and respect without prejudice and injustice.<br>- To be given the same chance and opportunity to pursue a healthy and happy life as<br>anyone else.<br>- To feel safe in their communities.<br>- To have access to healthcare facilities.<br>- To think of them as ordinary, everyday citizens who work hard, pay taxes, celebrate and<br>grieve, and serve the country.<br><br><u>An ally: </u>An ally is someone who stands for, supports and encourages the LGBTQ person(s).<br>An ally is respectful, civil and empathetic to the issues and phobias surrounding the LGBTQ <br>community by building awareness, honesty and confidentiality.<br>Be it friends, family or a workmate, an ally provides a reassuring social and psychological<br>support by participating in LGBTQ community events, introducing them to heterosexual ally<br>groups, standing up to injustice and harassment meted out to a homosexual individual or a<br>community, and helping them create safe environments.<br><u>Be an ally:</u> Educate yourself. Be open to listen without judging or minimizing an LGBTQ . Don’t<br>assume those around you are straight. Work out your own unconscious bias and prejudice.<br>Change the language and attitude about an LGBTQ . Be authentic around an LGBTQ,<br>especially when you mess up. Apologize and be honest about your ignorance.<br>LGBTQ individuals are aware and accept that people feel awkward around them in social and<br>workplace settings. As an ally, be aware of these sensitivities and learn ways to ease such<br>situations.<br><u>Pride flag of LGBTQ :</u> Professionalism Respect Integrity Diversity Excellence are the pride<br>values of the LGBTQ. Their unified symbolism is a rainbow-colored flag.<br></p><br><br><br><br><span></div>
