What’s This About Minorities Taking Over?

Content Warning: homophobic bullying, Orlando Pulse Massacre

Last night, I watched Paul Murray Live on Sky News (I’m really loving that show at the moment). He was in Tweed Heads on the New South Wales/ Queensland border with Senators, David Leyonhjelm (Liberal Democrats), Pauline Hanson, (One Nation) and Kiralee Smith (Australian Liberty Alliance), plus others.

I’ve got to say, that all candidates answered very well. All made good points throughout the night. The last question by a young transwoman really stuck out to me. She was asking about Safe – Schools; the controversial anti – bullying program that was aimed at assisting LGBTQ+ students. For the record, looking deeper into the program, I think it went too far. It should have stuck with supporting the LGBTQ+ students, combated bullying in general and gave information to teachers in how to support students in the LGBTQ+ community. However, “gender theory” was used in the program, not to combat bullying, but to fulfil a radical socialist agenda of Director, Roz Ward. The video below will tell you what I mean.

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What I didn’t expect was that, in answering the question, Pauline Hanson went on a mini rant on how society is overrun by “minorities”.

I really get annoyed with these sentiments. While I don’t agree that the Safe Schools Program went the right way in combating homophobic and trans-phobic bullying, I resent the way minorities, especially the LGBTQ+ community, are constantly shouted down any time they bring up issues of discrimination and safety at schools.

I, for one don’t want to dictate anything to anybody. I’m not trying to shout anyone down and I certainly don’t condone any abuse of anyone who is against same – sex marriage for example. but when can we – members of the LGBTQ+ community, have our say? When can we point out our own experiences of self loathing, or discrimination, without everyone fighting tooth and nail to keep us quiet?

 

The Orlando Pulse Nightclub massacre in Florida around fortnight ago was a tipping point for the LGBTQ+ community). Writer after writer have opened up about struggles – both personal and societal –  faced by the LGBTQ+ community. No matter how many politicians or journalists tried to downplay the attack or revert to other issues, members of the LGBTQ+ community were still insistent. This was only the latest (and deadliest), of a string of violent and abusive incidents that LGBTQ+ people have faced in the West. It is the deadliest of a string of acts of discrimination faced by the LGBTQ+ community in the West (at least that’s how most see it). No, this wasn’t just a terrorist attack like September 11, 2001. This was a specifically targeted attack aimed at the Hispanic LGBTQ+ community. They were the targets and victims that fateful early morning. While exact motive of the gunman is still unclear, (I’ve read and heard different theories), it has put a spotlight on LGBTQ+ discrimination.

 

So, yes, Pauline Hanson, we may just be a “minority”. We just want to be safe. We want to be heard. We don’t want to be targeted for hate speech or violence. And we will continue to speak up until violence, discrimination and abuse is not longer a daily reality for members of the LGBTQ+ community.

Symbolic Gestures

Candle vigils

Facebook memes/ images (found this image on a friend’s wall)

Lighting of the Sydney Harbour Bridge

So much commemoration. Some people say that symbolic gestures are useless. That they are not enough. Of course they aren’t enough on their own. But, I for one, have been touched by the gestures to (hopefully), bring a feeling of support to the LGBTQ+ community. In Orlando, I do believe we witnessed the absolute worst of homophobia and prejudice last weekend.

People are willing to show their support and be open about being against prejudice against the LGBTQ+ community. It is telling extremists that homophobia, bi – phobia, prejudice against asexual people, etc will not be tolerated; in our schools, in our workplace, in public venues, on – line, etc. And I take comfort in that. I really do.

In showing a zero tolerance to LGBTQ+ hate, I think we can let others who migrate to countries like the U.S or Australia, or who’s parents have migrated, that hate toward the LGBTQ+ community will not be tolerated. Period.

 

I saw a video that was posted on a blog before about the prejudice faced by asexuals in the LGBT community.

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Would have Elyssa Tappero posted this if it wasn’t for what happened in Orlando? Maybe. I don’t doubt it. But, regardless, the tragedy has sparked discussion that needs to continue. Homophobia, transphobia, bi – phobia, pan – phobia, a – phobia, etc needs to continue being stamped out.

 

Blogger John Pavlovitz wrote this post encouraging people to continue supporting LGBTQ+ people – to not stop after the news story dies down. And I share his plea.

Continue to support the LGBTQ+ people in your life. Be an soft place for young people to come to if they are struggling with their sexuality or gender identity. Support your asexual friend/ family when they come out to you. Continue being vocal against all forms of prejudice and try and make it a daily practice. That, at least, will be one step forward.

Orlando Gay Bar Massacre: Denying LGBTQ+ Their Humanity

The aftermath of the Orlando massacre where at least 50 people were gunned down in a gay bar will inevitably bring up two debates – America’s attitude to guns and Islam.

While I’m not denying either, let’s broaden the scope. This was allegedly sparked by the gunman, (who I won’t name. He doesn’t deserve it), seeing two gay people kissing.

In society, young LGBTQ+ couples often express fear about holding their partner’s hand in public. They fear being stared at, or worse. LGBTQ+ people are often dehumanised – being reduced to an ‘act’ or ‘lifestyle’, rather than a red – blooded human being who happens to not (just) love those of the opposite sex.

I was watching BBC/ ABC2 documentary ‘Gay in Pakistan’, where a British – born Muslim went to Pakistan to examine the attitudes toward the LGBT. Technically, homosexuality is criminalised in Pakistan, but, apparently, it’s rarely enforced and prosecuted. That doesn’t mean that LGBT+ are safe. Hate crimes do exist. One thing that stood out to me. Most Muslims (at least that were researched), who condemn homosexuality are ignorant to the science of sexuality. They reduce gay people to the ‘acts’ they supposedly do.

 

That is the problem and it is a problem that happens again, and again and again. Sexual orientation is not about what a person ‘does’. It’s about a nixture of sexual and (usually) romantic attraction (or lack of). It is not an ‘act’. It’s (for the most part), the way people experience love and connection to others.

 

I’m not asking for anyone to change their beliefs in regard to same – sex marriage or same – sex relationships. I want the LGBTQ+ debate to change to acknowledge that we are talking about PEOPLE. Not caricatures. Not stereotypes. Not porn characters, real people. Then, maybe whatchappened in Orlando will at least become rare.

 

Same – Sex Marriage Leads to Polygamy Argument Slips Into A Ditch

So you think that the legalisation of same – sex marriage inevitably leads to polygamy? Really? Read this from a site on the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. It argues that while same – sex marriage would have little effect on marriage where it’s legalised, polygamy almost always has disastrous social consequences on both men and women.

Read it and judge for yourself.