Violence against the LGBT community is linked to gender construction by perceptions of sexual orientation and gender identity. World Health Organization recorded that homophobic and transphobic violence is rampant in different parts of the world (Blondeel, de Vasconcelos, & García-Moreno, 2017). Violence is witnessed through physical activities such as kidnapping, sexual assault, beating, and murder. Psychological abuse is in the form of coercion, threats, and deprivation of liberty. The indicated physical and psychological acts constitute gender-based violence, driven by the desire of punishing individuals considered as defying gender norms. The LGBTs are taken advantage of because they are seen as weak, and most nations do not have laws that can protect them. Attacking the LGBT illustrates the stigma and discrimination associated with the issue. Society has specific perceived sexual orientations, where all men should behave, act, and dress like male. Homosexuality is thus considered wrong; men being the largest victims. Transgender men and gay are faced with the largest issues due to hate expression from both men and women, for not taking up the perceived image of masculinity.
Women are perceived as the weaker gender and have suffered throughout history. The same case is seen with LGBT, who are considered vulnerable, thus the violent attacks. Gay men, for example, cannot be compared to men attracted to women. The aspect of being attracted to a similar gender is considered as a weak quality, thus gender-based violence. The anti-gay agenda, such as in Africa, have promoted violence against LGBT (Pakman, 2014). These groups advocate for the family values, where men and women got married, and LGBTs are seen as outcasts and treated harshly. The efforts women put into fighting for freedom, rights, and acceptance is the society is also seen with the LGBT groups. States are accepting LGBT and implementing laws to protect them and guarantee their liberty. Mexico, for example, is the last country to pass same-sex marriage (Muggeridge, 2015).
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The Information that Impacted Me Most
The information that impacted me most is the efforts of protecting the LGBT community and promoting their rights. The targets of violence, discrimination, and hate speeches have been a motivating factor for the LGBT community to fight for recognition in society. The 2017 Municipal Equality Index shows that LGBT has gained recognition over the years. In employment sector, for example, the LGBT community is protected since the municipality prohibits employment discrimination (Equality Federation Institute, 2017). In addition, LGBT can access any services and programs without hinderances. Campaigns to protect LGBT are now at the international levels. High profile individuals such as Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein, the U.N high commission, are fighting for equality as he once stated: “there is “no justification ever” for degrading or exploiting people based on their sexual orientation” (Human Rights Campaign Foundation, 2014).
According to the Human Rights Campaign (2019), most nations are accepting and passing gay rights to protect these individuals from violence and discrimination in society. The scorecard shows that most countries have gradually accepted LGBT and allowing them to go with their activities normally, such as marriage and adopting children. Hurewitz (2004) also shows hope for LGBT people in society through provision of sexuality scholarships aimed at achieving change. Lawrence v. Texas' case has been used to indicate the change that has taken place. Initially, the United States Constitution did not allow marriage between same-sex people. Lawrence v. Texas' case, however, shows that change has made, and gay men are free to engage without their actions taken as illegal. A change in the constitution gives LGBT hope of being accepted and considered equal in the future. The information impacted me as I believe in equality, freedom, and safety of all people despite sexual orientation or gender identity. The hope for protected LGBT families will thus promote peace and unity in our society.
References
Blondeel, K., de Vasconcelos, S., & García-Moreno, C. (2017, December 28). Violence motivated by perception of sexual orientation and gender identity: a systematic review. Retrieved November 7, 2019, from https://www.who.int/bulletin/volumes/96/1/17-197251/en/.
Equality Federation Institute. (2017). Municipal Equality Index. Human Rights Campaign Foundation , 6 .
Human Rights Campaign Foundation. (2014). Equality Rising: 2014 GLOBAL EQUALITY REPORT.
Muggeridge, P. (2015, June 19). Which countries have the most equal LGBT laws? Retrieved November 7, 2019, from https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2015/06/which-countries-have-the-most-equal-lgbt-laws/ .
Pakman, D. (2014, May 28). American Right-Wingers Push Anti-Gay Agenda in Africa. Retrieved November 7, 2019, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9g0KBHHlhao&feature=youtu.be .
Human Rights Campaign. (2019). SEI 2014: View Your State's Scorecard. Retrieved November 7, 2019, from https://www.hrc.org/resources/sei-2014-view-your-states-scorecard .
Hurewitz, D. (2004). Sexuality Scholarship as a Foundation for Change: Lawrence v. Texas and the Impact of the Historians Brief. Health and Human Rights , 7 (2), 205–216. doi: 10.2307/4065355
