LGBTQ🏳️‍🌈

Imagine being fired from a job you love, being sentence to prison time or even worst being sentenced to death all due to the fact that you were in love. That feeling is what the LGBTQ community have and still fear from. The LGBTQ also known as the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer. This community of people can be found all around us. Many of us have friends and even family members you are part of these community. Despite living in the 21^st century, for which many issues are openly shared and supported, there is still a handful that are afraid of the impacts that come when they choose to come out. Therefore, in light of Pride month I am writing this article to raise awareness and how others can help this group of people feel more welcomed into our community.

In Singapore, there has been an annual celebration during the pride month for this community of people for the past 12 years. This is known as Pinkdot. Pinkdot allows people from this community to celebrate with their loved ones for who they truly are. Usually it is taken place at the Hong Lim Park. However, despite the Covid-19 situation the Pinkdot will still be ongoing but online instead. Even though, there are celebrations to welcome this community, the main matter to support them has not be addressed. Despite a lot of efforts placed by many people from and supporting this community, the Section 377A was dismissed. This brought dismay to many people and made them feel more unwelcomed to society. However, hope is not given up and there has been a reappear. Therefore, it is important for us to help this community of people and ensure they receive the justice they deserve.

In the USA, not only protest for George Floyd towards the equality for blacks is ongoing but also the equal rights towards the LGBTQ community is also ongoing. Due to these protests, changes are being made such that from now on it is illegal to fire someone just because they are part of the LGBTQ community. Furthermore, the Supreme Court is now known as the landmark for the LGBTQ community so that they can protect workers from getting fired. On the other hand, there are still countries in which choose not to accept these group of people. According to Independent News, there is a total of 74 countries that have banned LGBTQ in which 13 of these countries are punishable by death. Some examples of these countries are Iran, Sudan and Pakistan. On June 15 2020, a woman was arrested for waving the LGBTQ flag but she ended up taking her life away. Therefore, there are places in which things are improving for this group of people but in some places, they are just becoming worst by the day and it is our job as humans to care and help one other.

It is important to care for one other even if we are from different communities, after all we are all humans. Therefore, to help this community of people, locally we can start by doing a few things. Firstly, we can wave out pink lights, sign up and join the online link to Pinkdot this year.  Secondly, we should definitely not judge and respect each and every one in and out of the community to share a mutual understanding with one another. Lastly, we can be supportive and encouraging towards this group of people as they would definitely want the love and support. Whereas globally, we can all work together and help by spreading the news around so that we can raise awareness and make the world a better place for each and every one to live.

In conclusion, it is important for this community of people to get the equal rights they deserve and not be judged as after all we are all human. This is just a specialty of them such that it makes them unique and we should be happy for them since the have come out and are embracing it. To those who are struggling to come out, it is okay to take time and realize who you really are but just remember whatever your sexuality you may be, there will be people who will still care and love you for who you really are. Once again to those celebrating, Happy Pride month!!