Are LGBT rights human rights?

What about a world where all of us looked, talked, and behaved exactly like each other? Unimaginably boring! What makes our world wonderful is the sheer variety in cultures, languages, cuisine, art, rituals, customs, traditions, and even gender. Gender, you ask? What variety? There are just two genders, right? No. There are more. Gender goes beyond the biological sex assigned to a person at birth, and so it is not just the binary of male and female. It is what one identifies with (or not), and it has a lot to do with emotions too.

You may have come across the term LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender; new letters are getting added increasingly for further inclusivity). Further, there are people who want to be defined by none of these genders or by more than one.

Among the people mentioned here, you may have come across transpeople or read about how they are achievers in several fields. If you are wondering why you do not get to see many LGBT people, it is because they are often ignored, teased, or abused for who they are that they choose to not reveal their identity to everyone. Such discrimination arises in society in the name of religion, culture, tradition, etc., or because their own country refuses to acknowledge them. This is unfair to the community, because as young people it may be difficult for them to come out and be themselves, and later as adults, it denies them a chance at fulfilment and happiness.

Comfortingly, things are changing. While discrimination and violence against the community continues, it is also finding acceptance and support across the world. Pride Parade and Pride Month are celebrated the world over, where people from the community and allies take part to celebrate the community.

If you feel you belong to the LGBT community, it is important to understand that you are as valuable as everyone else and that you deserve a life of equality and dignity. Find support groups, stand up for yourself, and be proud of who you are. If you do not belong to the LGBT community, you can be an ally, a person who supports the LGBT community. Be a friend, talk to them, support them, and find out how all you can help them. Even something as basic as finding out which pronouns they use – he, she, they – and following it is a right step towards inclusivity. Remember that while discrimination divides us, inclusivity gives all of us the chance to live together peacefully.

Picture Credit : Google

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