(I'm aware that this is a touchy topic, but it is something I feel that I need to speak up about)
Today is, apparently, straight pride.
I've read a lot of rants from LGBTQ members about why this is wrong:
- Straight people have never been punished, bullied, beaten or killed for being straight.
- To claim straight pride is to deny the horrific history of the LGBTQ community.
- Being straight is easy, there is no coming out or worry of being abandoned.
- It could be considered a piss-take.
All true, right?! And perhaps you've heard this before:
So perhaps straight pride isn't necessary. But why can't straight people have as much pride as lesbians, gays, bisexuals, etc?
For example:
Overall, the trans community are the most loving, accepting and brave group of people I have ever had the pleasure to know and become a part of. Why? Because they know what it is like to be abandoned, abused and feel the constant desperation to be loved for who they truly are.
However, everybody has heard of transphobia, but I've also witnessed cisphobia within the trans community. Yes, being trans is incredibly hard, but blaming people for not understanding and attacking and spreading hate just sets off a cycle of hatred between communities.
As a trans person, I very quickly realised that being angry and sensitive was not going to allow me to live a happy life. When somebody says something mildly offensive or inaccurate, the likelihood is that they are either interested, uneducated, or somebody you don't need to waste your time speaking to.
By being so quick to anger, I feel that it gives off the stereotype that all trans people are angry and unapproachable. Which is simply not true.
Yes. People should be careful with their words and questions to make sure they are not being offensive or inappropriate, but that goes for everybody to everybody.
I'm aware that this may be easier for me to say as I'm surrounded by people who I know will back me up if anything ever turns ugly, but taking this calmer, more open approach to, perhaps ignorant, people makes life not only easier for yourself but also means that they can't hold anything against you, because you come across as a decent, chilled out person.
Personally, I'm incredibly open to anybody as long as they're not making fun of me or being inappropriate. It's difficult to know the boundaries, I know, I guess for me it depends on how well we know each other. I hate to think that my friends hold off from asking questions, because it makes me feel unapproachable and isolated in a strange way.
So, I feel that being angry at cisgender people for being ignorant about trans issues is totally unnecessary and a waste of energy.
How can I expect anybody to respect my transition and who I am, if I don't respect everybody else's identity?
Back on topic...
The same stance on cisgender people, should apply to straight people also.
In an ideal world there would be no such thing as LGBTQ pride, because there would be no need for it, as it would be as accepted in society as being straight. The point that I'm trying to convey is that everybody deserves to feel pride and nobody deserves hate.
The message the LGBTQ community are constantly putting across is that it is normal and natural to be lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans or any other sexuality or gender. Yet we need our pride.
But if everybody is the same as everybody else, no matter who they are or love... can't straight people take pride in being straight?
fab
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