In 2021, the legal battles for LGBTQ people are not over– this year, transgender people across the country face the largest wave of anti-trans bills since the 2016 “bathroom bills” which has co-occurred with increased violence against trans youth.
Marriage equality, Biden’s overturning of the military ban, Kaicsh executive order banning employment discrimination based on sexual orientation, expanding medical options for queer care, can help us feel as though we’ve mostly run the gauntlet of LGBTQ liberation. the variety of rainbow accessories available (i’m wearing some right now) bring hope to LGBTQ who have not been able to take for granted a safe place to change in a store…but these rainbow consumer options are NOT liberatoratory for LGBTQ people. we risk overlooking the present danger of private power of arbitrary discrimination which put LGBTQ people broadly are at higher risk of poverty, homelessness, and suicide.
we must establish true equality through material means, provide affordable housing, medicare for all. we must build a strong labor movement and form unions in solidarity with LGBTQ communities who are more vulnerable to low-paid and abusive positions, and provide good jobs for all. Ohio is “at will employment” state. LGBTQ youth may not get fired for their identity, but any means may be used as a substitute– if they missed a spot mopping that day. We must continue our struggle against corporations who would gladly sell us a rainbow tank-top but then use private power and arbitrary means to trap us in poverty and dispair.
LGBTQ youth are at high risk of being rejected by their families, at a time when more adult age children must live with parents due to lack of economic opportunities. discriminating against the houseless by private charities (Salvation Army). Police are paid too much to target people based on stereotypes which disproportionately effects LGBTQ (especially trans women of color). This occurs due to stereotyping and economic disparity and classism.
It is easier for hetero-normal society to accept monogamous couples who still resemble hetero gender norms. Polysexualities (as in people who are attracted to more than one gender), intersex, and gender non-conforming people, non-couple relationships, do not fit. Couples which more closely resemble familiar gender & family roles signifies tolerance– progress on inclusion is not an empty gesture, but it is also not yet good enough! No pride for some without liberation for all
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