Today I witnessed power. Today I witnessed strength. Today I witnessed courage. Today I witnessed love.
I have been teaching at my current school for eight months now. When I got hired this summer, there was one student who sat on my student interview panel. I could tell immediately that this student was direct, the kind that said what was on her mind with absolutely no sugar coating whatsoever. Once I was hired, she approached me immediately and asked if I was going to facilitate the GSA.
I'm not sure if she was comfortable outing herself to me because she knew I am a lesbian but she immediately disclosed her sexuality to me. I didn't think twice when she brought her girlfriend to Family Night at work but I was told by staff that have worked at our school longer than I have that this was the first time she felt comfortable enough to bring her girlfriend, hold her hand in public and refer to her as 'girlfriend.'
Today, this student graduated. Part of the graduation process at my school is to give a presentation on projects that the student completed while at school and this student presented her history essay on the experiences of LGTBQI students in the United States.
What was amazing about today's presentation is that her entire family was in attendance-the same family that has repeatedly condemned her and her sexuality. Her girlfriend was also present today and she said the word 'girlfriend' multiple times in front of her family.
This presentation was extremely personal for this student. She spoke about her own challenges of not feeling safe and accepted and the battle she fought over coming out to herself and family. The graduation presentation does not require such a personal presentation, but the student chose by herself to present her most personal project to a room of twenty adults.
To continue with my last entry's theme, the importance of coming out is this: we come out ultimately for ourselves. Not everyone will accept us for who we are: fact. At the end of the day however, the most important thing is that we accept ourselves for ourselves. Today, there was visible proof that this student has truly accepted herself for who she is, sexuality included.
While practicing for this presentation, this student disclosed that she used to use drugs, ditch school, cut herself and even contemplated taking her own life because she did not accept herself. Two weeks ago Charlotte Dawson tragically took her own life as a result of cyber bullying. Just last week the Ugandan president signed legislation officially criminalizing homosexuality. The reality is that there are still people, states, governments, and countries that are prejudiced against the LGTBQI community and actively working to restrict rights and privileges.
Because of today's realities, the fact remain that coming out is difficult. It is difficult because as has been the case for this student, she has been rejected, judged, verbally abused and ridiculed simply for being who she is. No straight children have been kicked out of their homes for being straight. No parents have tried to convert their kids for liking kids of the opposite sex.
Today, this student loved herself. She loved herself in front of teachers, school board members and her family. A family that has not always shown love to her. A family that she chose to invite to her graduation presentation and include in an extremely personal project. A subject so personal they have still yet to accept this part of her. Ultimately she invited them because according to her at the end of the day to her, family is the most important aspect of her life. She has continued to show love to her family even when they have not reciprocated.
Like so many of us, this student struggled for some time to come to a level of acceptance with her sexuality because of the discrimination and prejudice she experienced. The fear and struggle that she felt was real. Not made up, not exaggerated, not embellished. She was made to believe on numerous occasions that there was something not right with her, something sinful, something wrong.
Today, this student was able to stand up in front of confidants, total strangers, and in front of the people who discriminated against her simply because she is who she is and declare that she is 'a gift'. Those were her words. One board member asked what the turning point in her life was and she replied that it was when she realized that she mattered. Every part of her, sexuality and all.
Yes getting to this destination has been more than difficult for her and she has not always shown love to herself which can be seen by her prior actions, but today she was able to. Able to in front of the people that questioned one of the most intimate aspects of her life.
Coming out shows love. Plain and simple. Loving oneself in a world that suggests or down right tells someone that they are wrong can be the most difficult thing in the world. To stand up and say that one loves him, her, their or xe self despite all this prejudice is the best way to fight back. As Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said, 'Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate. Only love can do that.'
Mia
Wednesday, February 26, 2014
Monday, February 17, 2014
In light of the recent stir that has resulted from both Michael Sam and Ellen Page coming out in the past two weeks, I feel it pertinent to discuss the importance of coming out. Before I begin, I firmly believe that one should only ever come out when he, she, they, or xe, are ready and only for him, her, they, xe self. With that being said...
While I would say that the majority of the response to both Michael Sam and Ellen Page coming out has been positive, there still seems to be the pervasive questions of 'why does it matter?' First, let me say that by coming out, no one is inviting another person into his, her, their, xe bedroom. Just like when a hetero cis bodied male refers to his girlfriend or wife, he is not inviting anyone into his bedroom.He is simply stating that he has a female partner. The same rules apply for the LGTBQI community. Announcing that one is gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, asexual does not automatically describe one sex's life. If a person begins to think about that person's sex life simply because he, she, they or xe came out, well then that's the latter person's responsibility and not of the person who came out.
Moving on, the reason why coming out is still so essential today is because in the United States, the majority of the population still assumes that everyone is straight. All the messages that are displayed are hetero centric and only recently are same sex and trans images being represented. Coming out dispels this hetero biased assumption and challenges people to accept and realize that not everyone is cis body and straight.
Watching Ellen Page's six minute speech and hearing her voice quaver, I am reminded of the walk I took with my parents five years ago when I outed myself to them. Coming out, announcing to your parents, friends, your boss and colleagues and to the world is not easy. My parents have lived in the Bay Area for the past forty years and were 1960s hippies and I was still terrified that I would be judged or rejected by them. Yes I should have known better, but because this society still sends the message, both subtly as well as overtly, that one should be hetero sexual, the fear and anxiety that I felt from realizing that I was in fact not straight and wanted to make it known still shook me to my core. When I first realized that I liked girls more than boys, I ignored this realization for years because it was too much to bear at the time.
I had it easy. There are still countless stories both past and present throughout the world of individuals being rejected, scrutinized, beaten, tortured, arrested and killed simply for being who they are. This is still the reality of today. There is still pervasive hate and fear as well as ignorance surrounding the LGTBQI community and I have many personal connections that have not had and continue to not have it easy because of who they are.
As Ellen Page said, 'if we stop being horrible to each other, well then maybe the world will be a better place.' I had a friend ask me if life was really all that hard for the LGTBQI community in light of the progress that has been made in this country and I was taken aback by his question. Yes, despite the huge advances that have been made which are exciting and promising, there are still those that are actively trying to limit and ultimately restrict basic human rights (i.e. the Kansas House Legislature just last week).
Rather than preach about how challenging and downright awful it still can be to be a member of the LGTBQI community, I write tonight in hopes that if people still are curious as to why it matters that people announce who they like and who they are, this post will provide them with answers.
1. Coming out honors and authenticates who one is
There were so many years in which I was dating men that something was always missing. There seemed to be a disconnect between what I was told and envisioned what I should have and what was actually there for me. It was not until I started dating women that this disconnect was no more. Finally everything I wanted was there and I was no longer confused.
People do not exist within this society in bubbles. Sure one can stay closeted or keep one's true self private, but like Ellen Page said, "I am sick of lying by omission." Yes one's sexuality or gender is not the business of anyone else, but because we live in a communal world, the burden of not sharing one's true self with those that matter in their life can lead to what Page called, 'suffering'.
2. Coming out provides hope for others who might be questioning or know they are family
The majority of these country's messages still are hetero centric. Song lyrics, billboards, magazine pictures, relationships in TV and movies, (the list goes on), still portray man and woman and these messages continue to suggest that this is what should be. Knowing that there are actors, teachers, politicians, athletes, musicians, and the like that are members of the LGTBQI family gives people someone to look up to. To relate to. To prove to them that they can be out and successful too. That they are not alone. That they are not a disease, or mistake or abomination.
4. Coming out helps dispel homo/bi/trans phobic stereotypes
Sure there have been shows that portray members of the LGTBQI community but unfortunately the majority of these images are steeped in stereotypes and homophobic caricatures of what a gay man should be. (Think of Jack from 'Will and Grace' or Mitch and Cam from 'Modern Family'). To continue, when these relationships are shown on TV shows, the partners are hardly ever affectionate with one another. Rarely do we see same sex kisses. I can still remember what a big deal it was when Willow and Tara and Jack and Will shared on screen kisses on basic cable TV.
To expand, this country seems to have made progress in same aspects of accepting the LGTBQI community, but within certain categories. The effeminate, gossipy, fabulous gay male best friend is the object of desire for any straight girl. The hot, feminine, 'lipstick' lesbian and her equally as femme girlfriend is the fantasy of most males in this country. The importance of Michael Sam coming out is this: he has blasted apart the stereotype that all gay men are feminine and would rather go shopping than play a sport. Until these stereotypes are no longer, coming out is still important.
The belief that all lesbians are more butch and that all gay men are more effeminate are ignorant beliefs that need to end. Just because a woman has long hair does not mean that she is straight and just because a man gets pedicures does not mean he is gay.
5. Coming out challenges certain discriminatory interpretations of religious texts
Instead of debating homosexuality and religion let me say this: I know many members of the LGTBQI community who devoutly practice and I know many religiously affiliated allies that accept LGTBQI identified people into their religious institutions. Being LGTBQI and/or religious are not mutually exclusive and there are many who are choosing to defy these presumptions.
6. Coming out lessens the stigma
Because of the negative reactions that resulted from Michael Sam coming out in a male athletic world, proves that there is still stigma of homosexuality in that world. The fear that he will check out his teammates in the locker room or that his sexuality will distract the team from the game are both offensive as well as ridiculous. Huge controversy, including sexual assault, domestic violence, murder, animal abuse just to name a few, constantly surrounds both college as well as professional footballs players. If more people come out like Sam did, eventually that stigma will lessen. Hopefully there will be a day in the not so distant future when people no longer have to come out.
7. Coming out challenges ignorant, bigoted, hateful beliefs
Same sex marriage has been legal in the state of Massachusetts for eleven years now and the institution of marriage has not crumbled. Same sex partners have been adopting, fostering, having kids and have not been raping, abusing or teaching them to be gay. LGTBQI teachers are still employed and students are still graduating. Exposure brings education and education brings about acceptance.
8. Coming out promotes acceptance and healing
Coming out exposes members of the LGTBQI community to the hetero community. With exposure comes personal connection and understanding. I have had many students who have said that they hated gay people and when I told them I was gay, at first they were shocked, but then nothing changed. They continued to interact with me just as they had before and some every continued to hug me at the end of everyday.
For some there seems to be a belief that homosexuality is a new revelation and that all of a sudden people are choosing to be gay. There are records of homosexuality throughout all of history and coming out helps challenge this myth.
Acceptance is a powerful tool. When a person accepts him, her their, xe self, the potential is limitless. And when a person comes out and is accepted by the person he, she, they, xe came out to, that act of acceptance can result in confidence. Confidence can inspire others, result in productivity and as well as other positive emotions.
Speaking from experience, I was not accepted at my last place of employment. In fact, I was discriminated against. Because I lived in constant fear and anxiety, I had little desire to contribute, I was not productive, to put it lightly, I was not my best self. I had other concerns that took precedence over teaching well. I was in survival mode. I did not feel safe. In fact I was reminded on three separate occasions, that my employment was at risk. Although I was never accused because of my sexuality, my sexuality was made issue which was the basis of concern of my performance. Not surprising, no one else's sexuality was an issue, even though everyone was having sex with one another at this particular establishment that will not be named....
At my current place of employment however, not only am I accepted, but I am also celebrated. My ideas are heard and valued and at the end of the day, I feel safe. Because I feel safe, I can be my true self and not worry about my safety or well being while at work. I can teach to the best of my ability and I believe that my energy can be a chain reaction. I feel positive and therefore I can pass that on.
9. Coming out challenges for more respectful behavior
With personal connection comes loyalty and respect. I have met so many people that have admitted to saying sexual slurs in the past but after knowing and loving someone that has come out, they themselves have stopped saying those words and have challenged others to do so as well.
10. Coming out promotes inclusion
Anytime a person receives a wedding invitation to a opposite sex wedding or reads about a heterosexual engagement in the newspaper announcement section, this is considered normal within this society. It is expected int his society that everyone will find a partner and settle down and so these sorts of announcements are often encouraged and celebrated. Since heterosexual couples announce their love and invite people in their lives to share in this occasion, should members of the LGTBQI community be allotted the same consideration?
11. Coming out creates reality
Bottom line, we exist. No matter the laws and restrictions, we have been and always will be a part of this world. Fact. Coming out gives voices to our stories and represents us as people. As Michael Bronski argues in his book, 'A Queer History of the United States', LGTBQI people have always existed in and contributed to society, even when their stories have not be told or heard.
12. Coming out is patriotic
I know this last one sounds ridiculous, but hear me out.
This country was founded upon one of the most noble and inclusive ideals that any country was founded upon: equality. This word is found throughout multiple governmental documents and is a theme that throughout history this country has fought for. Fifty years ago a Civil Rights movement was taking place in this country, encouraging Americans to remember and embrace the ideals on which this country was founded. Today, a new Civil Rights movement is being fought once again attempting the remind America about what equality truly looks like and means.
Thousands of LGTBQI men and woman have enlisted, fought and died for this country. Even though these individuals are still denied basic human rights and true equality, they are willing to take the ultimate sacrifice in order to protect the liberty of this country.
My question is this: if coming out isn't a big deal, then why aren't members of the LGTBQI community more visible within society? Why was it such a big deal when Ellen came out years ago? If people really didn't care about people's sexuality, then why isn't there true equality? Why are there so many institutions, both secular and religious, private and public that are continuing to fight so hard to restrict LGTBQI rights?
Rather than question those that are choosing to honor themselves and come out, which means share themselves with the world, question those that challenge these brave people. Question the institutions that are preaching and practicing bigotry and discrimination. Question those that respond with apathy and derision.
I know that this entry has more preaching within the words than story but I will still relay my message of hope. I hope that someday people will no longer have to come out. I hope that someday our society and even our world will be more genuinely accepting of the LGTBQI community. I hope that the discrimination and hate will end. I hope that legal equality will be achieved. These are big hopes for which I hope to see some if not all of them occur in my lifetime. For tonight, my hope is this: that when a person comes out, he, she, they, or xe will be celebrated for the person he, she, they, xe are.
Mia
While I would say that the majority of the response to both Michael Sam and Ellen Page coming out has been positive, there still seems to be the pervasive questions of 'why does it matter?' First, let me say that by coming out, no one is inviting another person into his, her, their, xe bedroom. Just like when a hetero cis bodied male refers to his girlfriend or wife, he is not inviting anyone into his bedroom.He is simply stating that he has a female partner. The same rules apply for the LGTBQI community. Announcing that one is gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, asexual does not automatically describe one sex's life. If a person begins to think about that person's sex life simply because he, she, they or xe came out, well then that's the latter person's responsibility and not of the person who came out.
Moving on, the reason why coming out is still so essential today is because in the United States, the majority of the population still assumes that everyone is straight. All the messages that are displayed are hetero centric and only recently are same sex and trans images being represented. Coming out dispels this hetero biased assumption and challenges people to accept and realize that not everyone is cis body and straight.
Watching Ellen Page's six minute speech and hearing her voice quaver, I am reminded of the walk I took with my parents five years ago when I outed myself to them. Coming out, announcing to your parents, friends, your boss and colleagues and to the world is not easy. My parents have lived in the Bay Area for the past forty years and were 1960s hippies and I was still terrified that I would be judged or rejected by them. Yes I should have known better, but because this society still sends the message, both subtly as well as overtly, that one should be hetero sexual, the fear and anxiety that I felt from realizing that I was in fact not straight and wanted to make it known still shook me to my core. When I first realized that I liked girls more than boys, I ignored this realization for years because it was too much to bear at the time.
I had it easy. There are still countless stories both past and present throughout the world of individuals being rejected, scrutinized, beaten, tortured, arrested and killed simply for being who they are. This is still the reality of today. There is still pervasive hate and fear as well as ignorance surrounding the LGTBQI community and I have many personal connections that have not had and continue to not have it easy because of who they are.
As Ellen Page said, 'if we stop being horrible to each other, well then maybe the world will be a better place.' I had a friend ask me if life was really all that hard for the LGTBQI community in light of the progress that has been made in this country and I was taken aback by his question. Yes, despite the huge advances that have been made which are exciting and promising, there are still those that are actively trying to limit and ultimately restrict basic human rights (i.e. the Kansas House Legislature just last week).
Rather than preach about how challenging and downright awful it still can be to be a member of the LGTBQI community, I write tonight in hopes that if people still are curious as to why it matters that people announce who they like and who they are, this post will provide them with answers.
1. Coming out honors and authenticates who one is
There were so many years in which I was dating men that something was always missing. There seemed to be a disconnect between what I was told and envisioned what I should have and what was actually there for me. It was not until I started dating women that this disconnect was no more. Finally everything I wanted was there and I was no longer confused.
People do not exist within this society in bubbles. Sure one can stay closeted or keep one's true self private, but like Ellen Page said, "I am sick of lying by omission." Yes one's sexuality or gender is not the business of anyone else, but because we live in a communal world, the burden of not sharing one's true self with those that matter in their life can lead to what Page called, 'suffering'.
2. Coming out provides hope for others who might be questioning or know they are family
The majority of these country's messages still are hetero centric. Song lyrics, billboards, magazine pictures, relationships in TV and movies, (the list goes on), still portray man and woman and these messages continue to suggest that this is what should be. Knowing that there are actors, teachers, politicians, athletes, musicians, and the like that are members of the LGTBQI family gives people someone to look up to. To relate to. To prove to them that they can be out and successful too. That they are not alone. That they are not a disease, or mistake or abomination.
4. Coming out helps dispel homo/bi/trans phobic stereotypes
Sure there have been shows that portray members of the LGTBQI community but unfortunately the majority of these images are steeped in stereotypes and homophobic caricatures of what a gay man should be. (Think of Jack from 'Will and Grace' or Mitch and Cam from 'Modern Family'). To continue, when these relationships are shown on TV shows, the partners are hardly ever affectionate with one another. Rarely do we see same sex kisses. I can still remember what a big deal it was when Willow and Tara and Jack and Will shared on screen kisses on basic cable TV.
To expand, this country seems to have made progress in same aspects of accepting the LGTBQI community, but within certain categories. The effeminate, gossipy, fabulous gay male best friend is the object of desire for any straight girl. The hot, feminine, 'lipstick' lesbian and her equally as femme girlfriend is the fantasy of most males in this country. The importance of Michael Sam coming out is this: he has blasted apart the stereotype that all gay men are feminine and would rather go shopping than play a sport. Until these stereotypes are no longer, coming out is still important.
The belief that all lesbians are more butch and that all gay men are more effeminate are ignorant beliefs that need to end. Just because a woman has long hair does not mean that she is straight and just because a man gets pedicures does not mean he is gay.
5. Coming out challenges certain discriminatory interpretations of religious texts
Instead of debating homosexuality and religion let me say this: I know many members of the LGTBQI community who devoutly practice and I know many religiously affiliated allies that accept LGTBQI identified people into their religious institutions. Being LGTBQI and/or religious are not mutually exclusive and there are many who are choosing to defy these presumptions.
6. Coming out lessens the stigma
Because of the negative reactions that resulted from Michael Sam coming out in a male athletic world, proves that there is still stigma of homosexuality in that world. The fear that he will check out his teammates in the locker room or that his sexuality will distract the team from the game are both offensive as well as ridiculous. Huge controversy, including sexual assault, domestic violence, murder, animal abuse just to name a few, constantly surrounds both college as well as professional footballs players. If more people come out like Sam did, eventually that stigma will lessen. Hopefully there will be a day in the not so distant future when people no longer have to come out.
7. Coming out challenges ignorant, bigoted, hateful beliefs
Same sex marriage has been legal in the state of Massachusetts for eleven years now and the institution of marriage has not crumbled. Same sex partners have been adopting, fostering, having kids and have not been raping, abusing or teaching them to be gay. LGTBQI teachers are still employed and students are still graduating. Exposure brings education and education brings about acceptance.
8. Coming out promotes acceptance and healing
Coming out exposes members of the LGTBQI community to the hetero community. With exposure comes personal connection and understanding. I have had many students who have said that they hated gay people and when I told them I was gay, at first they were shocked, but then nothing changed. They continued to interact with me just as they had before and some every continued to hug me at the end of everyday.
For some there seems to be a belief that homosexuality is a new revelation and that all of a sudden people are choosing to be gay. There are records of homosexuality throughout all of history and coming out helps challenge this myth.
Acceptance is a powerful tool. When a person accepts him, her their, xe self, the potential is limitless. And when a person comes out and is accepted by the person he, she, they, xe came out to, that act of acceptance can result in confidence. Confidence can inspire others, result in productivity and as well as other positive emotions.
Speaking from experience, I was not accepted at my last place of employment. In fact, I was discriminated against. Because I lived in constant fear and anxiety, I had little desire to contribute, I was not productive, to put it lightly, I was not my best self. I had other concerns that took precedence over teaching well. I was in survival mode. I did not feel safe. In fact I was reminded on three separate occasions, that my employment was at risk. Although I was never accused because of my sexuality, my sexuality was made issue which was the basis of concern of my performance. Not surprising, no one else's sexuality was an issue, even though everyone was having sex with one another at this particular establishment that will not be named....
At my current place of employment however, not only am I accepted, but I am also celebrated. My ideas are heard and valued and at the end of the day, I feel safe. Because I feel safe, I can be my true self and not worry about my safety or well being while at work. I can teach to the best of my ability and I believe that my energy can be a chain reaction. I feel positive and therefore I can pass that on.
9. Coming out challenges for more respectful behavior
With personal connection comes loyalty and respect. I have met so many people that have admitted to saying sexual slurs in the past but after knowing and loving someone that has come out, they themselves have stopped saying those words and have challenged others to do so as well.
10. Coming out promotes inclusion
Anytime a person receives a wedding invitation to a opposite sex wedding or reads about a heterosexual engagement in the newspaper announcement section, this is considered normal within this society. It is expected int his society that everyone will find a partner and settle down and so these sorts of announcements are often encouraged and celebrated. Since heterosexual couples announce their love and invite people in their lives to share in this occasion, should members of the LGTBQI community be allotted the same consideration?
11. Coming out creates reality
Bottom line, we exist. No matter the laws and restrictions, we have been and always will be a part of this world. Fact. Coming out gives voices to our stories and represents us as people. As Michael Bronski argues in his book, 'A Queer History of the United States', LGTBQI people have always existed in and contributed to society, even when their stories have not be told or heard.
12. Coming out is patriotic
I know this last one sounds ridiculous, but hear me out.
This country was founded upon one of the most noble and inclusive ideals that any country was founded upon: equality. This word is found throughout multiple governmental documents and is a theme that throughout history this country has fought for. Fifty years ago a Civil Rights movement was taking place in this country, encouraging Americans to remember and embrace the ideals on which this country was founded. Today, a new Civil Rights movement is being fought once again attempting the remind America about what equality truly looks like and means.
Thousands of LGTBQI men and woman have enlisted, fought and died for this country. Even though these individuals are still denied basic human rights and true equality, they are willing to take the ultimate sacrifice in order to protect the liberty of this country.
My question is this: if coming out isn't a big deal, then why aren't members of the LGTBQI community more visible within society? Why was it such a big deal when Ellen came out years ago? If people really didn't care about people's sexuality, then why isn't there true equality? Why are there so many institutions, both secular and religious, private and public that are continuing to fight so hard to restrict LGTBQI rights?
Rather than question those that are choosing to honor themselves and come out, which means share themselves with the world, question those that challenge these brave people. Question the institutions that are preaching and practicing bigotry and discrimination. Question those that respond with apathy and derision.
I know that this entry has more preaching within the words than story but I will still relay my message of hope. I hope that someday people will no longer have to come out. I hope that someday our society and even our world will be more genuinely accepting of the LGTBQI community. I hope that the discrimination and hate will end. I hope that legal equality will be achieved. These are big hopes for which I hope to see some if not all of them occur in my lifetime. For tonight, my hope is this: that when a person comes out, he, she, they, or xe will be celebrated for the person he, she, they, xe are.
Mia
Thursday, February 6, 2014
Today starts the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia. For many, the Olympics signifies a celebration of nations coming together in the spirit of competition and having pride in their own countries and athletes performing in the events. This Olympics for others however, has been overshadowed by the laws Putin passed in Russia criminalizing homosexuality.
Brutal footage has been released on the internet of LGTBQI youth being tortured and others of protesters being assaulted under this law. Not only has Putin made homosexuality illegal in Russia, but he has gone as far to say that tourists and athletes themselves will be held to Russian law while visiting the country. Many have argued that Putin's discriminatory actions are a great human rights violation and that the Olympics should be protested and moved from Sochi. A nation criminalizing humans and taking away liberties should not benefit from the lucrative event that is the Olympics.
At first, I was one of the vocal protesters condemning Putin and advocating for a new winter Olympics location. Aside from the monetary gain, the lives of tourists and athletes could be at risk and because of this, nations valuing diversity and accepting all walks of life needed to ensure the safety and protection for those that would not receive these decencies traveling abroad to Russia. I even took it as far to argue that Putin should be sent a message that his bigoted policies would not be tolerated and as a result, he and his country would not benefit from intolerance.
Then this article, written by a gay athlete heading to Russia, was released on FaceBook and she pleaded that we stop protesting the Sochi Olympics and instead shift our focus on supporting the athletes participating. She argued that if the Olympics were protested it wouldn't be Russia that suffered. Rather, it would be the athletes. This woman astutely pointed out that she and other athletes were aware of the conditions in Russia but were still willing to travel and compete. Yes what is happening in Russia is horrible and should not be condoned, but hundreds of athletes have been training for years to get to where they are today and we should be focusing on and supporting them. Protesting Russia would inevitably be protesting them.
Needless to say this article got me thinking. If a gay athlete herself is willing to represent our country and travel to an unsafe country with hostile laws, well then shouldn't I support her? I then began to think of the Civil Rights movement that occurred and is continuing to occur in my own country and it occurred to me that change has to come from within. Change in this country resulted from the student sit-ins to the freedom rides, to the marches and the protests. Thousands of courageous individuals gave the bodies and lives in order to create change in this country.
Do I think that participating gay athletes will incite change in Russia? No. But because these individuals are heading to Russia despite Putin's laws at the very least shows Putin that he can not intimidate everyone. Similar to what occurred during the Civil Rights movement, many individuals stood up, refusing to be bullied or segregated anymore. By not participating in the Sochi Olympics, Putin would win. His bigoted, discriminatory laws would win.
My girlfriend and I have argued over a much lesser situation, but has similar undertones. Four summers ago, my no girlfriend and a bunch of friends went to a baseball game at a major league field. Two of our friends were a couple and they were being affectionate, nothing offensive or inappropriate for public, but the group was ultimately asked to leave because 'the venue was a family establishment.' Since I heard of this story, I have flat out refused to attend any event at this venue because my money would not support bigotry.
Although my girlfriend agrees with me to an extent, she reminds me that change needs to come from within and that if we stop going to these games, well then we let them win. They don't want our kind there anyway so if we stop going, then they will be happy. If we really want to make change happen, then we need to challenge the status quo by being ourselves and this change is most effective when it comes from within.
Exposure and presence inspires courage and courage inspires strength. Even though I personally do not know what Putin's motives and goals are, I am suspicious that he wants to suppress homosexuality into non-existence. If openly out athletes participate in the Sochi Olympics, then this issue of suppression continues to be made an issue.
Similarly, many activists and actors in this country have spoken out against Russia's policies and just the other day AT&T became the first major company to condemn Putin.Yes safety and protection are more important than exposure, but exposure is very important. If anything does happen to gay tourists and athletes, other nations, human rights groups and even the UN will be all over Putin and Russia, pressuring for change.
My parents have always reminded me that change takes time and when it comes to human rights violations, this fact can be hard to swallow. There is still a part of me that does not want to watch the Olympics as an act of protest against Putin. Instead of focusing on Putin however, I am going to focus on the brave athletes who are choosing to risk their safety in order to pursue their dreams and maybe even equality. I cannot speak for the athletes or assume that they are participating in the games to insight change. This is not what's important. What is important is that they are participating. No I do not personally know any of the participants but they are inherently a part of my community and because of this, I stand with them.
Mia
Brutal footage has been released on the internet of LGTBQI youth being tortured and others of protesters being assaulted under this law. Not only has Putin made homosexuality illegal in Russia, but he has gone as far to say that tourists and athletes themselves will be held to Russian law while visiting the country. Many have argued that Putin's discriminatory actions are a great human rights violation and that the Olympics should be protested and moved from Sochi. A nation criminalizing humans and taking away liberties should not benefit from the lucrative event that is the Olympics.
At first, I was one of the vocal protesters condemning Putin and advocating for a new winter Olympics location. Aside from the monetary gain, the lives of tourists and athletes could be at risk and because of this, nations valuing diversity and accepting all walks of life needed to ensure the safety and protection for those that would not receive these decencies traveling abroad to Russia. I even took it as far to argue that Putin should be sent a message that his bigoted policies would not be tolerated and as a result, he and his country would not benefit from intolerance.
Then this article, written by a gay athlete heading to Russia, was released on FaceBook and she pleaded that we stop protesting the Sochi Olympics and instead shift our focus on supporting the athletes participating. She argued that if the Olympics were protested it wouldn't be Russia that suffered. Rather, it would be the athletes. This woman astutely pointed out that she and other athletes were aware of the conditions in Russia but were still willing to travel and compete. Yes what is happening in Russia is horrible and should not be condoned, but hundreds of athletes have been training for years to get to where they are today and we should be focusing on and supporting them. Protesting Russia would inevitably be protesting them.
Needless to say this article got me thinking. If a gay athlete herself is willing to represent our country and travel to an unsafe country with hostile laws, well then shouldn't I support her? I then began to think of the Civil Rights movement that occurred and is continuing to occur in my own country and it occurred to me that change has to come from within. Change in this country resulted from the student sit-ins to the freedom rides, to the marches and the protests. Thousands of courageous individuals gave the bodies and lives in order to create change in this country.
Do I think that participating gay athletes will incite change in Russia? No. But because these individuals are heading to Russia despite Putin's laws at the very least shows Putin that he can not intimidate everyone. Similar to what occurred during the Civil Rights movement, many individuals stood up, refusing to be bullied or segregated anymore. By not participating in the Sochi Olympics, Putin would win. His bigoted, discriminatory laws would win.
My girlfriend and I have argued over a much lesser situation, but has similar undertones. Four summers ago, my no girlfriend and a bunch of friends went to a baseball game at a major league field. Two of our friends were a couple and they were being affectionate, nothing offensive or inappropriate for public, but the group was ultimately asked to leave because 'the venue was a family establishment.' Since I heard of this story, I have flat out refused to attend any event at this venue because my money would not support bigotry.
Although my girlfriend agrees with me to an extent, she reminds me that change needs to come from within and that if we stop going to these games, well then we let them win. They don't want our kind there anyway so if we stop going, then they will be happy. If we really want to make change happen, then we need to challenge the status quo by being ourselves and this change is most effective when it comes from within.
Exposure and presence inspires courage and courage inspires strength. Even though I personally do not know what Putin's motives and goals are, I am suspicious that he wants to suppress homosexuality into non-existence. If openly out athletes participate in the Sochi Olympics, then this issue of suppression continues to be made an issue.
Similarly, many activists and actors in this country have spoken out against Russia's policies and just the other day AT&T became the first major company to condemn Putin.Yes safety and protection are more important than exposure, but exposure is very important. If anything does happen to gay tourists and athletes, other nations, human rights groups and even the UN will be all over Putin and Russia, pressuring for change.
My parents have always reminded me that change takes time and when it comes to human rights violations, this fact can be hard to swallow. There is still a part of me that does not want to watch the Olympics as an act of protest against Putin. Instead of focusing on Putin however, I am going to focus on the brave athletes who are choosing to risk their safety in order to pursue their dreams and maybe even equality. I cannot speak for the athletes or assume that they are participating in the games to insight change. This is not what's important. What is important is that they are participating. No I do not personally know any of the participants but they are inherently a part of my community and because of this, I stand with them.
Mia
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