LGBTQIA+ Community

Our world has multiple varieties of culture, race, religion and communities that every
people tend to respect. One of which is the LGBTQIA+ community that is still controversial for
many people in the world. Some hates this particular community and some are confused about
this. I, myself, is not a part of the said community but I strongly believe that every human has
every right to do what they want, speak what they like, and be who they want to be, as long as
they’re not stepping unto other people’s liberty.

In our modern world, cultural appreciation, as well as cultural appropriation, has been
highly talked about by many different people and it’s because we’re living in a democratic
society where people are desperately fighting for their ignorance to attain equality in all aspects
in life. Struggling is an understatement for people both inside and outside of this community to
obtain the fair treatment they have been seeking. Which is why it is essential for all people, from
children to adults, to be oriented about sexualities and genders, and the normalization of these
differences. Because up until now, there are still several members from this community that are
being oppressed, pressured, or abused for being someone who the world doesn’t want them to be.
Some of them have also been subjected to hateful comments and even physical abuse as a result
of their decision to live as the gender with which they are most comfortable and confident of.
And this kind of issue will only be resolved if everyone treats them like how Filipinos treat
visitors and foreigners; like how a Catholic Church treats a Muslim student; and like how people
nowadays treat black people fairly.

In my opinion, since religion is also one of the most contentious topics in this society, it
has become the reason why some people, depending on their religious beliefs, are more likely to
be bothered or unsettled by the said community. I respect their viewpoints, but I'll never
understand where the hatred arises from. Because everyone can choose their own belief, own
religion, so why can’t they choose their gender? Remember that sexualities and genders are two
different terms. Sex defines a person’s biological attributes, whereas gender refers to the role of a
person socially. Nevertheless, even if we have different opinions, I think we can always try to
disagree without throwing hate or judgement. The world is too big for us to have the same
perception and make the same decisions in life.

Growing up surrounded by people who are part of this community, I've never thought of
them as a nuisance to my life. I'm aware that we all have different opinions base on experiences,
but I think it's important to let people know that there is always at least one person who believes
that the members of LGBTQIA+ community are decent humans too, and they are all normal, and
they should always be treated as such regardless of our beliefs. And always remember that once
you have judged a person by his/her race, culture, belief or identity, you are already stepping on
their freedom and therefore you’re the one who’s inhumane. I believe, being okay with
LGBTQIA+ community is not the same as fully accepting it, and in their case, people treating
them as normal human beings and not minding their business is enough for them to bear living in
this cruel world.