Discrimination towards the LGBTQ community

Action: With this project, I want to inform others about the discrimination that the LGBTQ community goes through in today's society. This can range in an array of issues, from institutional discrimination like bathroom controversies to individual problems like suicide rates and transgender teens or kids. Also, I would like to inform readers of different ways to support and become an ally to the LGBTQ community.


Transgender and gender non-conforming individuals experience discrimination and rejection regularly. This has a negative effect on the mental well being of transgender and gender non-conforming individuals. Some of the issues are anxiety, fear, stress, hypervigilance, depression, and self-loathing. They often coping by using avoidance and substance use.


Some statistics:

• Suicide attempts among trans men (46%) and trans women (42%).
• Famil chose not to speak/spend time with them: 57% 
• Harassed or bullied at school (any level): 50-54% 
• Experienced discrimination or harassment at work: 50-59% 
• Doctor or health care provider refused to treat them: 60% 
• Suffered physical or sexual violence: — At work or school: 63-78%
• Disrespected or harassed by law enforcement officers: 57-61%
• Experienced homelessness: 69%   

One current social issue that affects the LGBTQ community is the bathroom ban. In some states, they are still trying to pass the bathroom ban that forces individuals to use the restroom that matches sex assigned at birth. However, this can make gender non-conforming individuals feel ‘outed’ against their desires, increase the risk of violence and safety, and open door to discriminatory action. The main argument for this ban is to protect women and children against sex predator, which creates an unjust stereotype for members in this community. 

Another important issue that the LGBTQ have is dealing with their sexuality when they are teenagers. Transgender children in America have faced adversity and opposition in their decisions to externalize their gender but social norms and dialogue are slowly beginning to change.

Experts say children who clearly identify as the opposite gender will benefit from starting to transition sooner rather than later. Some ways parents can support their transgender child is to use your child’s preferred name or preferred gender pronoun. Educate yourself, be their advocate, and encourage your child to stand up for themselves. Most importantly, assure your child that they have your unconditional love and support.

This issue is important to me because I have a lot of friends who are a part of this community and hearing their struggle and being there firsthand made it a very sensitive topic for me and something that I try to spread awareness about. Being a mom, I cannot imagine having my daughters feel like they are alone and unsupported for something that they cannot help. 

These are just some of the issues that the LGBTQ members face, however, there are ways you can be an ally to the LGBTQ community. By following these tips, you can be a friend to those going through a tough time and make a big difference.

• Don't assume
• Listen first
• Be careful about confidentiality
• Respect the terminology a person uses to describe their sexuality
• Be patient
• Avoid private questions
• Avoid backhanded compliments
• Challenge rude remarks or jokes
• Be open-minded
• Know your limits

Community support

Sources

Be an Ally & a Friend. (2017, August 04). Retrieved October 31, 2017, from
      https://www.glaad.org/resources/ally

Equality California. (n.d.). Retrieved October 31, 2018, from
       https://www.eqca.org/ 

Gender Neutral Bathrooms. (2016, May 26). Retrieved October 30, 2018, from      

       https://www.uua.org/lgbtq/welcoming/ways/bathrooms 

Miller, H. (2015, October 7). How to be an LGBT Ally. Retrieved October 31, 2018, from                 

        https://www.hrc.org/blog/how-to-be-an-lgbt-ally  

Miller, L. R., and Grollman, E. A. (2015), The Social Costs of Gender Nonconformity for Transgender Adults: Implications for Discrimination and Health. Sociological Forum, 30: 809–831. doi:10.1111/socf.12193  

Rood Brian A., Reisner Sari L., Surace Francisco I., Puckett Jae A., Maroney Meredith R., and  Pantalone David W. Expecting Rejection: Understanding the Minority Stress Experience of Transgender and Gender-Nonconforming Individuals. Transgender Health. August  2016, 1(1): 151-164. 

      https://doi-org.mimas.calstatela.edu/10.1089/trgh.2016.001 

Sutter, J. D. (2016, May 09). 'We need a restroom revolution'. Retrieved October 30, 2017, from                http://www.cnn.com/2016/05/09/opinions/sutter-gender-neutral-restrooms/index.html