I'm Straight and I Work for a LGBTQ+ Organization. I'm Here for You Too.
As a straight heterosexual man working for an LGBTQ+ organization, I have a unique opportunity to support and uplift a community that has historically faced discrimination and oppression. While some may question why someone who does not identify as LGBTQ+ would choose to work for such an organization, the answer is simple: supporting disenfranchised communities is not just the right thing to do, it is essential for the health and well-being of our society as a whole.
One of the most important reasons to support disenfranchised communities is that we are all on the same team as American citizens. Regardless of our individual identities, we all have a stake in ensuring that every member of our society has access to the same opportunities and resources. When one group of people is marginalized or oppressed, it can have far-reaching effects on the rest of society, leading to increased inequality, poverty, and social unrest. By working to support marginalized communities, we are working towards a more just and equitable society for all.
Additionally, supporting disenfranchised communities is essential for building stronger communities overall. When we work to uplift those who have been historically marginalized or oppressed, we are not only helping those individuals, but we are also helping to create a more diverse and inclusive community. This diversity can lead to greater innovation, creativity, and collaboration, as people from different backgrounds bring unique perspectives and experiences to the table. When everyone feels valued and included, we all benefit.
As a straight heterosexual man working for an LGBTQ+ organization, I also have the opportunity to be an ally and advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. Allies play a crucial role in supporting marginalized communities by using their privilege to help amplify the voices and experiences of those who are often silenced. By speaking up for LGBTQ+ rights, challenging homophobic or transphobic behavior, and promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace and community, I can help create a safer and more welcoming environment for everyone.
Supporting the LGBTQ+ community is crucial in creating a society that is inclusive, accepting, and supportive of all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. While religion can be an important part of many people’s lives, it is important to recognize that not everyone shares the same beliefs, and that these beliefs should not be used to justify discrimination or exclusion of any group.
Religious beliefs should never be used as an excuse to discriminate against or harm members of the LGBTQ+ community. Everyone has the right to live their life as they see fit, as long as they are not harming others. By denying individuals their basic human rights, such as the right to love and marry whomever they choose, or the right to be treated fairly in healthcare, education, employment and housing, we are doing a disservice to both the individuals and our society as a whole.
Moreover, it is important to recognize that being a member of the LGBTQ+ community is not a choice, nor is it something that can be changed. It is a fundamental aspect of a person’s identity, just as their race or ethnicity is. By rejecting or discriminating against someone based on their sexual orientation or gender identity, we are essentially rejecting who they are as a person, which can lead to deep emotional pain and trauma.
If politicians begin stripping rights away from the LGBTQ+ community, it sets a dangerous precedent that can lead to further erosion of the rights of other marginalized groups, such as women, non-caucasians ethnicities, non-christian religions, the elderly, and people with disabilities. Once we start chipping away at the rights of one group, it becomes easier to justify doing the same to others, and this can create a slippery slope towards greater inequality and injustice.
History has shown us time and time again that when we allow discrimination against one group to go unchecked, it can quickly spiral out of control and lead to discrimination against other groups. For example, in Nazi Germany, the persecution of Jews was followed by the persecution of other groups, such as homosexuals, people with disabilities, and Romani people.
If politicians begin to strip away the rights of the LGBTQ+ community, it sends a message that discrimination is acceptable, and this can embolden those who seek to deny rights to other marginalized groups. We have already seen attempts to roll back women’s reproductive rights, to limit access to healthcare for the elderly and disabled, and to restrict the voting rights of minority groups. If we allow discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community to go unchecked, it is only a matter of time before other marginalized groups are targeted as well.
Discrimination against any group is a violation of basic human rights, and it is our responsibility as a society to protect these rights for everyone. We cannot pick and choose which groups are deserving of basic human rights and which are not. Every person, regardless of their gender, sexual orientation, age, or ability, has the right to live a life free from discrimination and persecution.
So, I work in an LGBTQ+ orginzation, not only to support those in that group but to support the rights of every citizen regardless of orientation, gender, disability, race, or religion. This isn’t “woke’ism” this is basic, fundamental human rights.