LGBT history month! If you're not aware of what LGBT means, it stands for Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgendered.
But what does this mean? What is it really ?
It's a chance to honour how far the LGBT community has come, and make people realise how far we still have to go. However, since - at least in England - schools are unable to approach the subject of sexual or gender identity, so this particular history month goes unrecognised. Why?
Because history it written by the winners, and how often have they won? How often have the majority let them win? Sure, the have been victories, but all in all they've lost out. In some places in America you can still be fired for your sexuality.
In some place in the world, you can be murdered for your sexuality.
And what of gender identity? In most places, it's an uphill battle just to be yourself. You stand a very real risk of being verbally abused, physically attacked, or even killed just for being true to yourself.
So I ask of you, straight and gay, trans and cisgendered*. Take a moment at some point this month just to think, and maybe educate yourself. Watch 'Milk'. Do something. Also, if you're one of those who thinks being anything but straight is wrong. Why?
If you're part of the LGBT community, or questioning your identity - sexual or gender - I wish the the best of luck and I've added links to various sites that offer support.
Just thought I'd say something, Hotaru-chan. =]
http://www.queeryouth.org.uk
http://www.mermaids.freeuk.com/
http://www.stonewall.org.uk/
Sorry they're all UK links, I don't know any US links, but I'm sure someone on any of the sites could direct you to a US - or other country - alternative. =]
*a cisgendered person is someone whose gender identity fits the gender they were born into.
In my experience anyway, and I've been to three different secondary schools, all of which have been quick to hush and issues of that ilk. xD
