Gender Identity in Modern Society
In 2021, it is not uncommon for someone to be open about their struggle with gender identity, at least when compared to past years. However, that does not mean that it is easy for individuals to identify their true gender identity or come out publicly, by any means. As a straight, cisgender female, I will likely never fully understand the struggles that transgender and gender nonconforming individuals face, but I do feel that it is part of my duty to always continue learning, growing, and supporting others. I have seen many around me, both in my personal life and on social media, re-identify themselves as they learn more about themselves and accept themselves for who they are meant to be instead of how they are told they should be.
In Nevada, we saw multiple characters within the LGBT+ community at varying levels of comfort in their identity. Steph was an out lesbian, but it is relatively easy to keep your sexuality private from strangers, Maria was a transgender woman who was cis passing but still showed some fear when questioned, and James falls somewhere on the identity spectrum but was too closed off from his emotions to define where. Obviously, nobody owes their identity to anyone else, but I do feel that if people do what James did and suppress themselves, they will go down a spiral of unhealthy decisions that can only end in self-destructive behavior. From my perspective, it seems like the straightforward choice to display your true self for the sake of your own well being, but there are still many factors that prevent many from doing this. For starters, organized religion often works against the LGBT+ community and their rights. The phrase, “No hate quite like christian love,” has been circulating recently, and the more I see it, the truer it feels. While churches preach unconditional love and acceptance of those different from yourself, many are actively protesting groups like the LGBT+ because of their differing beliefs. It is one thing to disagree with someone's life choices, but it is another to threaten strangers with death because they don't subscribe to your religion or conform to its traditions. Additionally, many are afraid of how those close to them will react. Will they hate you for coming out? Will they treat you like a stranger because of who you love or what pronouns you use? Will they deny you respect and continue to pretend you are straight/cis? Society has evolved too far to force people into the closet. Nobody should feel alienated by their loved ones for being open with their identity, but sadly, many still refuse to love those different from themselves.
Gender identity and sexual orientation are not choices. While society as a whole has grown tremendously in terms of acceptance, there is still much work to be done. As a whole, we need to continue to work towards acceptance and equality for all so that nobody has to live in fear because of who they are.