Nick Ward’s Blog

Since this class is based around social issues, I figure I could write about social issues in our world today. Some issues that I find to be somewhat controversial deal with the LGBT community. For those of you who may not know what LGBT is, it stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender. (The acronym sometimes is switched around or a Q is added for Queer or Questioning. Sometimes when dealing with organizations, it includes an A for “Ally,” meaning somebody who supports the gay community.) You may have already jumped to the conclusion that I’m going to write about gay marriage. However, there are a million other issues surrounding the LGBT community that aren’t just marriage-related. Why just focus on one topic? Let’s explore the options: workplace discrimination, hate crimes, health and legal benefits (or lack thereof), political problems, bullying, and stereotypes.

What I don’t understand is why these problems still exist. The only thing that separates homosexuals from heterosexuals is the fact that they happen to find different people attractive. So why force stereotypes and discrimination upon them? Take me for example. Yes, being gay might be a part of my identity, but I don’t feel like it should completely separate me from the rest of the world. Also, you don’t have to necessarily fit stereotypes either. Last time I checked, I don’t dress that well, I don’t have a lisp and I don’t rave on and on about who was just kicked off of America’s Next Top Model. Hell, I belch just like any other straight guy. Even if I was super feminine, why would that be so wrong? Let’s face it, people are just different.

It is so unfortunate that these ridiculous issues are still prevalent in society today. Who cares if somebody is gay if you are looking at a resume? Why is that something to even consider? Why is it such a problem if somebody’s gay partner is receiving health benefits? Why are kids still getting kicked out of their homes and living on the streets solely based on the fact that they are gay? You would think that America would have learned by now that being different is not such a terrible thing.

-Nick Ward