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Lgbtq Reflection Paper

Decent Essays

When I think of LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer) group, I cannot really relate to them at all because I am a straight female. I also have different beliefs about the group. I do not choose to ridicule anyone just because they are different but I do stay true to what I believe in. Despite my beliefs, I was very open to their discussion and tried to relate and understand where they were coming from. During the session, I realized that many people in the LGBTQ community suffer ridicule every day, want to change how the LGBTQ community is looked upon, and struggle with identity.
Even though our society has progressed with gay marriage rights laws and increasing “tolerance”, many people still do not agree with the LGBTQ movement. …show more content…

Many LGTBTQ people struggle with identity when they are young. Some tell their parents how they really feel and others choose to “stay in the closet”. Either way, the transition for most people is not easy. The panel leaders at the discussion expressed their different journeys of when they “came out” and how family and friends reacted. One of the panel leaders said that when she told her parents that she was gay, they immediately did not want to talk about it. Some other panel leaders said that their parents blew up about it at first and now they have become more accepting. Some of the common phrases that most friends and family members have told them were “it is just a phase”, “you have not been with the right man yet”, and “you are going to hell”. Most of the panel leaders said that when they “came out” it put a strain on their family relationships. The transgender woman said that she has not been to any Thanksgiving or Christmas gatherings because of the rejection she has felt from her family. She also does not really speak to her dad anymore. Another panel leader, who is a lesbian, said that her mom has met her girlfriend but is still not that accepting of her lifestyle. She said her mom’s biggest question is “Are you going to marry a woman?’. She also does not like to be around her extended family because they always “throw bible scriptures at her”. One thing I found interesting was that all the panelists had in common was that they all have had issues with their family acceptance of who they are, but they feel like they have found a home within the LGBTQ community here at Mississippi State. This is important because Mississippi State embraces diversity. Even though there is still more work to be done to increase diversity and inclusion, many people still can find an organization they can identify with and grow as a person in their own beliefs and

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