The conversation we cannot ignore
As part of the recent general election, a friend shared with me a dialogue he had with his parents. She, worried about the increase in hate speech advocated by the far right, urged them not to support any party that endangered the rights of LGTBIQA+people. His parents’ response was bewildering: ‘Don’t worry, what they say will not, it’s just marketing.’
The reality of the words
However, the marketing argument is superficial to the tangible repercussions that political rhetoric may have. The cuts to the Autonomous Trans Law, the legalization of conversion therapies and the increase in LGTBIQFobic aggressions are realities that cannot be ignored. Even posters are an act that, despite seemingly insignificative, symbolizes greater violence.
Constant surveillance: a need
At a time when it seemed that society was moving towards tolerance, the people of the LGTBIQA+ collective continue to live with a constant alert feeling. We are always on the lookout for hostile eyes, derogatory comments and gestures that may indicate danger. Among us, we use the term ‘gay walk’ to describe the way of walking quickly to feel safe, a similar experience to what many women live when they return home alone.
More than pride: a permanent struggle
The LGTBIQ+ collective is characterized by relentless struggle, a pride that is accompanied by the scars of the past. Aggressions, however small, may have a deep symbolic impact. The removal of visibility campaign posters, such as those of the inverted, can be only a small episode, but if these actions will not be stopped, they can soon become insults and, worse, physical violence.
Unexpectedly acceptance
The question of sexual orientation and gender identity should not be a subject that causes rejection. It is as if the bald, myopic or tall is a controversy. There is no reason for intolerance to LGBTBIQA+people, as their existence does not affect the lives of others. The question is: Why should someone live their life truly?
The need to reflect
The truth is that diversity should not be a reason for conflict. If the neighbor decides to live his life as a woman or a friend he decides to love whoever he wants, this does not affect our everyday life. Acceptance does not require deep knowledge of differences, only the will to respect them. And this is how we can build a more inclusive and empathetic society.