Unveiling the Ongoing Struggle: Mixed Responses and Long Road Ahead for LGBTQ+ Equality in America

 Unveiling the Ongoing Struggle: Mixed Responses and Long Road Ahead for LGBTQ+ Equality in America

Road Ahead for LGBTQ+ Equality in America(Getty)

The Stonewall movement has been going on for almost 60 years, and even now in America, there are mixed responses regarding the situation of LGBTQ+ individuals. Every June, Pride Month is celebrated in America and around the world. However, how much importance and recognition the people of this community receive in the eyes of the general public and the administration is still a matter of question. The answers obtained from these questions are mixed and sometimes even disheartening. This does not necessarily mean that hope has been lost in all areas.

This year's Pride Month in America was eventful. The White House hosted extensive celebrations under President Biden's patronage. Biden stated, "To the entire LGBTQ+ community, especially the transgender individuals who have undergone a struggle for transformation, I want to say that you have our respect and love. You are an integral part of our society." The passing of bills in various states of the country has increased the problems faced by LGBTQ+ and transgender individuals. While the President's words offer some consolation, there is still much work to be done.

In June, a debate arose over the hanging of a 'Pride Flag' in a school in New York, leading the school authorities to remove it due to the controversy. In Los Angeles, during an event related to Pride Month in a school, some parents showed their opposition, which resulted in multiple conflicts. These incidents indicate that there is still discomfort and disagreement surrounding the issue of gender equality in schools.

The demands of multiple people in this community are now being met with consecutive bills in Republican-controlled states, making their livelihoods even more difficult. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has issued a ban on "gender-affirming medical care," which prohibits certain medical procedures sought by transgender individuals through a bill. In North Dakota schools, transgender students have been prohibited from using gender-affirming language such as "they" or "them." It is worth noting that many transgender individuals prefer to use the gender-neutral pronouns "they" or "them" instead of traditional pronouns like "he" or "she."

However, there is hope. This year, an LGBTQ+ advocacy organization has been reviewing the possibility of a voluntary service to ensure the safety of transgender students in all communities, which 96 percent of LGBTQ+ Americans believe is necessary. 91 percent believe that the LGBTQ+ community has the right to live authentically.

In this proud month, a popular coffee chain employee union began a protest and strike at their 150 stores. One of the reasons was that the organization had removed rainbow pride flags from some of their stores without bringing any changes to their policies. The protest started right after that. The organization has issued a statement stating that they do not tolerate any form of discrimination, including discrimination based on gender. A major retail organization in the United States created some materials to distribute during Pride month, but due to some customer complaints, they removed all of those materials from their stores. Despite the organization's efforts, public opinion has risen against this step.

It is evident that multiple American organizations have been supporting the LGBTQ+ community for a long time. However, even during Pride month, when we hear various stories of discrimination, one must question when President Biden's statement of truly considering them "a part of society" will come true. It seems that the battle that began with the Stonewall uprising in 1969 still has a long way to go and much remains to be done.