June is Pride month. There are parades, events, parties and more taking place all over the US, to mark the month. The country definitely is steps ahead when it comes to recognising the third gender and many states have made same sex marriages legal. Even then, the country has a long way to go when it comes to accepting trans children, recognising the need for, and ensuring that, third-gender bathrooms exist. Also, attention needs to be paid to safety of trans people as crimes committed against them still go unchecked. THE WEEK talks to two LGBTQ activists to understand what else needs to be on the table.
“The fight for Marriage Equality, Gender Neutral restrooms and other LGBTQ rights in the US has effectively shifted the national narrative towards one of acceptance and inclusion. This has facilitated an openness to LGBTQ candidates compared to the past when that part of their identity would have had to be downplayed or completely hidden. That said, because of the rise of fascism and right-wing reactionary rhetoric it could be used to instil fear and anxiety with voters in more conservative states,” says Kalaya'an Mendoza, a New York-based LGBTQ activist and co-founder of non profit, Across Frontlines.
“In more liberal metropolitan areas in the US, LGBTQ people tend to be more able to more 'out' with their sexual orientation identities. However, in more rural and suburban areas, and within more conservative, religious communities, coming out may still prove to be more difficult. LGBTQ people, especially those in urban areas may generally feel safer than they did 5-10 years ago, but because hate crimes are still present, it’s very common for LGBTQ people to be hyper-vigilant of their surrounding and cautious of how they express themselves or navigate the world,” says Dr Kevin Nadal, psychologist and LGBTQ activist based in New York.
Being able to talk about your gay or trans-ness may be a big win, but, sometimes a trip to the doctor tends to be awkward for those in the LGBT community. According to news reports, doctors often make assumptions about the patient's sexuality, which means, the patient needs to 'come out' almost every appointment. And because these assumptions are being made by healthcare providers, the line is foggy when it comes to addressing sexually transmitted infections and diseases.
When it comes to openly electing or recognising leaders who belong to the LGBTQ community too, US has examples in recently elected Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot who identifies herself as queer, presidential probable Pete Buttigieg, who lives with his husband and only last year, the US Senate elected members from the LGBTQ community like lesbian Tammy Baldwin and gay David Cicilline.
But does the line between the message and the messenger get blurred in a scenario like this? “Regarding the expectation of LGBTQ identified candidates speaking on issues pertaining to our community, I strongly feel that if their identity was central to their campaigning they have a duty to speak to the oppression our people are facing,” says Mendoza. “LGBTQ candidates, women candidates, and non-white candidates have the burden of being knowledgeable and passionate about issues concerning their identities, while also not making that their main platform (in order to attract voters of all identities). It is definitely a balance that people of historically marginalised communities have to do all the time, and it’s not just limited to politicians,” Nadal adds.
Dr. Nadal goes on to say that, “There have definitely been an increase of LGBTQ elected officials, which is a definitely a positive sign of increasing support of LGBTQ communities. However, there are so many conservative Americans across the country, that I don’t know if the US would elect an LGBTQ candidate for president anytime soon.”
Both the activists feel that lots more needs to be done to make coming out for the LGBTQ community easier. The number of crimes against them needs to go down and safety of coloured LGBTQ people needs to be taken seriously too. 58 per cent of transgender people have reported abuse or harassment from police in 2018. In 2018, 26 trans genders were killed, while in 2017, 28 were killed. “Ending the alarming rate of violence on the Black and Brown Trans+ Women needs to be central in legislative and culture change efforts. We must protect the most vulnerable and marginalized of our community,” Mendoza adds.
Dr Nadal, however feels that an empathetic ear needs to be extended to all marginal communities including migrants and children of migrants. “There are many laws affecting historically marginalized communities that need to be addressed. Voting rights laws need to be equitable to ensure that all communities have access to voting. Immigration reform needs to occur to ensure more equitable paths of citizens for all, especially for undocumented Americans who have contributed significantly to our country. Employment non-discrimination needs to pass on federal levels, so that LGBTQ people are protected from losing their jobs on the basis of their sexual orientation and gender identities. Federal monies should be spent on erasing student debt and providing universal health care for all. Sensible gun laws, criminal justice reform, and equitable pay for all need to be addressed too.” he adds.
