BY R.D.MILLER

Does the location of LGBTQ(+) really matter?

“Apple has lost its pioneering skills and sought more businesses,” wrote another.

When I write an opinion piece about this social issues that impact our community or nation, I often receive a common question.

Are you a member of the LBGTQ+ community?

My reaction has always been, “I have friends who are straight, gay, bisexual, transgender and some who are still trying to figure it out.”

So, what if our society evolved to the point where one could simply say, “I have friends from all walks of life, each on their own unique journey of self-discovery?” The fight for equality might be headed in the right direction.

Regardless, I’m writing this today because I firmly believe in the inherent goodness of humanity, even in the face of hate, division, wars, crimes against humanity, inequality, poverty, and any other challenges we may encounter.

Before I address any curiosity,  I am a heterosexual man who has actively participated in multiple Breast Cancer walks. I am happy to report that my recent doctor’s checkup confirmed that I am cancer-free.

I’ve also participated in a Multiple Sclerosis (MS) walk, and my doctors have given me a clean bill of health. I’ve also been involved in multiple LGBTQIA+ events.

In my line of work, I have witnessed the unfortunate presence of violence and the scarcity of resources. However, amidst these challenges, there are also heartwarming stories of individuals who have managed to thrive with the help of a strong support system.

I believe that many people avoid supporting important issues in our society because it may make them appear to be one of those over there.

Some people will add to the conversation in a helpful way, while others will just watch from afar because their problems may be different from those on this side of the ocean. Because of this, the amount of help or lack of it can look like a lot of different things, especially in today’s world.

Nevertheless, this peace is simply using a small platform to share a few observations and thoughts, and awareness.

But, most importantly, to provide a voice to some of those who are less fortunate to be who they are and cannot afford or have the means to protect themselves against violence and discrimination.

I hope you continue to support all foundations, so let’s get started on what’s next I have to say.

The coming out!

Everyone, in my humble opinion, is a remarkable human being with boundless potential who absolutely deserves the chance to make a meaningful impact on their society.

Although it may come more effortlessly to those with greater wealth and privilege, it’s important to acknowledge that there are also individuals seeking a space where social disadvantage can be overlooked, just like a swipe of mascara.

Fortunately, Rabbi Gil Steinlauf and Tim Cook both have financial anchors, bridges, a solid foundation, and retractable vessels that can weather storms and bypass rough tides.

Fortunately, many wealthy and powerful people find that publicly disclosing their sexual orientation can increase their wealth and power. However, this is not a story about the Rabbi or Tim Cook.

Many pundits argue that Michael Sam, a player who openly identified as gay and was released by two NFL teams due to his sexual orientation, could have had a different career trajectory if he had focused on his defensive line skills instead of transitioning to offense, allowing the world in this contact sport to know too quickly that he was gay.

However, it’s worth noting that there might be some players who, despite facing mental health challenges or being charged with domestic violence, still manage to participate.

In Michael Sam’s case, it appears that the National Football League (NFL) indirectly transmitted the message that homosexuality should be kept in the closet, namely in the locker room, with a number on file.

Even when the pendulum swings or roars to take all that is different, it is more difficult to get out of its course, much less find a canvas to paint in their own direction.

Other stories that are seldom told:

As I journey across various impoverished and developing nations, my purpose is to offer assistance to local schools by providing them with essential supplies, or to deliver inspiring speeches on topics such as tolerance, violence, and other pressing social matters.

Throughout my travels, I consistently observe a recurring socioeconomic disparity, much like what exists in affluent and influential countries. In some of these communities, the voices of its members may not always be acknowledged.

Yet,  their struggles bear resemblance to the times when people were unjustly denied the right to vote. Every endeavor to express themselves one told me feels like being marked for death.
I wondered who are the individuals that have the potential and perhaps the responsibility to do more.

Unfortunately, many frequently read news of high crime against humanity in general, not to mention individuals that society has labeled as a sin or an outcast due to barbaric ideologies.

Think what it must have been like for them to seek employment to feed themselves or their family.

Just as the fortunate few who have the resources to weather any storm, there are many individuals in the LGBTQ+ community who lack the means to escape the rising tides or find a supportive community when faced with adversity.

Even in a location as lovely and inviting  where the sun appears to always be shining, inclusion can be quite the delicate dance.

Today, many people are trapped by their location under an ancient colonial doctrine, a never-ending battle for acceptance in search of an anchor or a shield from a raging tide.

These are lovely places that many people visit for a vacation or to catch up with family members and reconnect with their roots, their is an anchor that needs to be lifted..

For some, homophobia can be relentless, sweeping away anything that lacks stability like a raging ocean. These unchecked anti-waves have really taken a toll on several impoverished and developing regions.

The hidden colors are looking for a canvas.

The “locational gay” if such a term exists; encompasses more than just this person’s gender identity, It represents the complex interplay of fading colors from various skin tones, intertwined with economic and social disadvantages that persist especially within  community with  people of color.

It’s not just the Caribbean, Asia, or Latin America that have seen legislative changes affecting the LGBT community.

Reports have highlighted that some African leaders have made it more difficult for LGBT individuals to receive protection. However, there are also those who have taken a commendable step forward.

Anti-gay legislation in several nations where the service industry accounts for a sizable amount of the GDP may contribute to an increase in hate crimes. Furthermore, it endangers the victims’ lives while also reducing the country’s tourism business.

Despite minimal advancements in various areas, a significant number of individuals have unfortunately lost their lives.

Various individuals who died due to a savage ideology, often stemming from lack of knowledge and a trait of society that is handed down like an old recipe, and undoing decades of narrow-mindedness is quite the challenge.

Many parents endure discrimination as a result of having LGBT children, and they are more concerned with social stigma and antagonism today than with their children’s future possibilities.

Many people today could have realized their full potential, becoming great stars, teachers, and police officers. They, too, were son’s daughters, uncles, aunts, mothers, fathers, and friends, and many places today were unwilling to embrace them because they were gay.

I could have gone to any LBGTQ website, criminal data, or GLDD and fetched the ever-changing facts, but instead, I’d like to spotlight some of those who bear the burden.

The lack of resources, access to medical care, and support have also resulted in their expulsion from their community.

The only visual representation of a voice mail or iTunes appears to be the sound of broken sewer pipes leaking and hovering above their heads as a result of living under deteriorating bridges for may on this side of town.

Human Rights Watch reports an increase in violence against homosexual persons just because they are considered to be gay, and these communities receive little support.

Being gay is neither a sin nor a learned trait; however, bigotry, intolerance, and atrocities committed against this community or humans in general are.

What does true love look like?

As I have stated throughout, equality is extremely important; nevertheless, what happens when some are perceived to be more equal?

Many people are unable to offer the resources they require to live a normal life, despite constant efforts by local groups to enact legislation to protect this population.

What happens if HIV-positive patients fear treatment?

HIV testing is essential to HIV prevention, treatment, care, and support, but impoverished people may avoid or have restricted access to it, according to reports.

A few folks I know who were with us but are no longer

Many people fled their towns to find solace elsewhere, yet they are still living in the shadows.

She, nevertheless, has a deep fear of revealing her true self. Despite speculation, she consistently dismissed inquiries about her decision not to have a child her age, even after they spotted her holding hands with her partner in a different part of town.

I often wonder if anyone had truly taken the time to understand her, they might have uncovered the painful truth of her past.

It was a devastating betrayal by her father’s trusted friends, who subjected her to unspeakable horrors during her childhood at a local bar.

Her trust in people waned as she had no one to rely on for help, and she became increasingly isolated.

Even after her passing from breast cancer, her remains were treated with an unjustified fear and prejudice, as if her sexual orientation was a transmissible disease.

Her remains have been laid to rest in the garden she lovingly cultivated.

I still have more to paint, but maybe you now have a clearer idea of why I write about this subject in order to preserve their memories.

Integrating your strength,  and open the cover for those still looking for shades:

Even though many regions have taken tiny steps, many communities and official institutions have accepted and will continue to recognize same-sex weddings.

The economics

In their article, the Advocate stated that “the LGBT community earns its place at the table of economic opportunity with an input to the economy of over $1.7 trillion and several jobs thousands of jobs globally.”

Furthermore, Curve Magazine reports that the gay, lesbian, and transgender population spends more than $550 billion per year in the U.S. alone.

While some LGBTQ+ ships and planes have found their way to various coasts, who require disposable income to drive their economy, why not utilize your influence outside the closet to assist others who are still looking for a guiding light to traverse these uncharted waters?

This community has an impressive reach to keep evolving and spreading awareness, especially when it comes to beautiful beaches and crystal-clear waters.

Promoting more education and grassroots support is crucial, even though changing a systematic issue may seem challenging. The positive outcomes will endure beyond any silence.

Some of the welcome mats that are laid out, not for their vibrant hues, but for their origins and price tags.

As the fight continues, there is an illusive tide of change:

Throughout history, it has become evident that the quest for equality often clashes with the ideologies of certain people in general.

I find it quite fascinating how a culture of homophobia has managed to persist over the years, intertwining with social and political factors to perpetuate stigma and inequality based on sexuality and gender.

Today, countries in Africa, Asia, the South, and North, as well as Latin America and a few Caribbean islands have taken steps. Change takes time and is frequently resisted.

But as I have noted, do not be fooled there are many unanchored vessels that will require stronger anchors to hold any movements toward the bean of colors.

Today, many regional leaders remain deafeningly silent on human rights amendments or new legislation.

There are some who continue to argue that Homosexuals and their agenda, according to anti-gay protesters, have a negative impact on strong and healthy families, righteousness, and justice. However, these claims are met with skepticism by many.

Collaboration regardless of location, race culture, and economic status.

There are many places that struggle to gain acceptance on their own, while others, who are less fortunate, are forced to keep their flag folded and search for a different path. However, even though some of us may feel like outsiders looking in, there is still work to be done.

Unfortunately, other LGBTQ persons lacked the resources and are still attempting to book a private party where they may dance like no one is watching.

Only when societies become more educated and tolerant will we be able to dance together and turn back the clock on a monster that was created.

Advocating for the legalization of marijuana, even with its potential for long-term addiction, imagine if all human rights embraced a similar cause and observed the outcome.

No, it does not! You don’t have to be gay to support their cause, but should it matter?

Love knows no boundaries – it transcends economic status, culture, and location.