These Times, They Are A-Changin'
The LGBTQ community is somewhat of a mystery to most people. However, over 8 million people in the United States are lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender. Being a member of the LGBTQ community is challenging for many people. People often struggle with being accepted in their homes and communities and with coming to terms with who they are.
David is a 15 year-old boy living in England who submitted an article to www.LGBT.foundation to talk about his personal experience as a gay teen. He had attempted to come out to some people, but he hadn’t had success with finding someone who cared or understandood “It has been a very lonely process; at times I’ve felt like everyone is against me. I’ve felt isolated, I sometimes don’t know how to deal with things,” he said. His parents are both extremely religious, and he had no other adults whom he could talk to that will accept him for who he is. He was bullied by his peers and ignored by his teachers. Hundreds of people share stories like this one every day, and just want to be heard by someone.
The “It Gets Better Project” is an organization supporting anyone who is going through a hard time with with accepting their identity. It was started in September of 2010 when Youtuber Dan Savage made a video with partner Terry Miller. They talked about how they were happy as adults and how it gets better. They started a channel with the video, which has over 2 million views and over 50,000 new submissions from other people testifying to the idea that it does get better. People from all around the world send in videos that are posted to the website or YouTube channel. Anyone can watch the videos and hopefully gain some of the support they need. To get involved, people can submit a video talking about their experience, donate money, buy and wear their merchandise, purchase their book, follow them on social media, and sign a pledge saying that they will spread the message. Their website is a safe, supportive place where the message is that “Everyone deserves to be respected for who they are”.
Members of the LGBTQ community are looking for acceptance, love, and education. It is extremely hard for a person to accept themselves if no one else understands what they're going through. Many gay teens grow up thinking that how they are is wrong and that things will never turn up, but with the help of some organizations, that can be changed. Times are changing. Acceptance is needed. Love will win.
_____________________________________________________________________
Works Cited
"Demographics of Sexual Orientation." - Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia. N.p., n.d. Web. 09 Mar. 2016.
"It Gets Better Project | Give Hope to LGBT Youth." It Gets Better. N.p., n.d. Web. 09 Mar. 2016.
"Personal Stories | LGBT Foundation." Personal Stories | LGBT Foundation. N.p., n.d. Web. 09 Mar. 2016.