Navigating the Challenges Faced by the LGBT Community

It's a common misunderstanding that granting rights to one group must come at the expense of another. The legalization of same-sex marriage in the 2000s, for instance, was met with fervent opposition from some, yet the reality is that marriage rates and divorce rates among LGBTQ individuals are remarkably similar to heterosexual couples. What’s truly concerning are the myriad challenges that this community continues to face.

Climate Change and Social Challenges

While climate change, the rising sea levels, and the need to strengthen Social Security remain pressing issues, these are not the only challenges facing our society. The LGBTQ community, despite advocating for equal rights, still grapples with pervasive violence, bigotry, and discrimination. These issues are not just confined to one group; they stem from a variety of societal issues, and disproportionately affect communities in the developing world due to the legacy of Western colonialism.

Discrimination and Persecution

The LGBTQ community often faces deep-seated hatred, with individuals being beaten, chased, and even murdered by 'regular' or 'normal' people. They also face systemic discrimination in the workplace, facing job loss, eviction, and denial of health care. Additionally, they are frequently targeted by religious groups and others who want to eliminate their presence. In many cases, these individuals are cast out by their own families, leading to feelings of isolation and worthlessness. Some even turn to suicide as a result of these relentless pressures.

It's ironic that those who once fought to protect the rights of LGBTQ individuals now desire to erase them from existence. This shift in attitude is not only cruel but also deeply detrimental to the progress made in recent decades.

The Ethical Imperative

It's important to remember the ethical principle from Matthew 25:40: 'Whatever you do to the least of these, you do to me.' This applies to all members of the LGBTQ community, whether they are gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender. No individual or group has the right to harm them. It is our obligation to hold them, talk to them, help them, and love them.

Let's focus on the humanity of the LGBTQ community, not the specific identities that define them. People are people. We must work towards a world where everyone can live freely and openly, without fear of persecution or discrimination.