Jason Cabrera- LGBTQ Representation

LGBTQ Representation
by Jason Cabrera

The problem: One major issue in our society is the lack of LGBTQ representation in the media and in schools. The LGBTQ community is one of the most discriminated groups in the world. According to the FBI, 20% of all hate crimes were against the LGBTQ community in 2013. Another frightening statistic is that LGBTQ youth are more likely to commit suicide, compared to their heterosexual counterparts. These are all consequences of the lack of representation and education in the world. Students need to be educated in schools about how people that identify as LGBTQ are normal people and should be treated as such. We also need to educate LGBTQ people about their health and safety so they will not be clueless in life.

Why does this matter to me?: This issue is important to me because I identify as LGBTQ. I feel like we are a very underrepresented group of people and I’m honesty tired of it. In school, we had no sex education that centered on LGBTQ youth and as an adult I don’t really know much. There was also a lot of teasing from other students who would just assumes other people’s sexual orientation. There were never any lessons on popular figures that were of the LGBTQ community taught in history classes and I feel like there should’ve been. I also would like for there to be more LGBTQ characters in popular movies or tv that are not treated as a joke or a side character. A final reason I find this issue very important is because I cannot approach a love interest because it seems very taboo. One cannot really tell how the person will react or if they will expose something you intended to keep a secret or that could put you in danger. It’s the 21st century and this issue seems very outdated.

Solution: If I could provide a solution to this problem, it would be to jest be more inclusive. Schools need to introduce LGBTQ sexual education as well as educate student that people of the community are just like them. As for the media, there should be more LGBTQ centered shows and movies that aren’t offensive or used just for comedy. People need to start treating the LGBTQ community like real people.

Sources:

Facts About Suicide. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.thetrevorproject.org/resources/preventing-suicide/facts-about-suicide/

Latest Hate Crime Statistics Report Released. (2014, December 8). Retrieved from https://www.fbi.gov/news/stories/latest-hate-crime-statistics-report-released

Shahfazlollahi, A. (2017). Acceptance, Inclusion, Advocacy: Creating a Generation of LGBTQ Allies in the Elementary School.