The stories that were discussed in class from everyone's experience, what they have witness and maybe not witnessed were very interesting to hear. The whole sense of how media portrays the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer (LGBTQ) community is very intriguing as well. Yes, we all know that the media is a big influence in how we perceive things and it reflects what mainstream society believes. Of course people are going to have misconceptions of what a transgender really looks like if all you see on TV shows are transgenders being promiscuous with their dress and actions. Of course, people are going to believe that gay men are supposed to be flimsy and weak and not masculine and muscly (hence, the ignorant comment my significant other made). Of course, those young children, adolescents, teenagers and even grown adults struggle with their self identity and self worth because media has allowed them to believe that it is NOT okay to express yourself freely. Media has this enormous yet disgusting influence how our mainstream society views many aspects of life and it is just saddening.
Like discussed in class, in this generation you see the younger population more open to maybe "coming out" or more open to the idea of homosexuality. Could we possibly be slowly creeping up to the idea that heterosexuality is no longer the norm? That it could possibly be okay for a teenager to not fear his sexual orientation and "come out" freely to the world? I really do hope that one day this is possible. Call be optimistic or liberal but in my mind this is where I would like to see the world reach. It would be a magical moment and pivot for our society. I understand that this may only maintain as a dream but as long as there is enough of "us" who believe it can happen and believe the LGBTQ deserves to be treated equally then there continues to be hope. If this pool of "us" who believe in this is all we have at least that community has a place to go and they are not alone.
Let's continue to share our stories and to portray the message that heterosexuality might not be the answer to this "normalness" that mainstream society believes in.
I leave you with your thoughts...
Irene, I am in with that decision too! I believe we should talk about sexuality more because it is often seen as taboo to even become sexually active no less be homosexual or bisexual or the latter. It's awful to have to hide who you truly are and I want to be part of the pool that is free to express sexuality freely and happy to be different. Great Post!
ReplyDeleteIrene,
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed your post! I feel as though society is very slowly moving towards a more open viewpoint on people's sexuality. But like with all change, first we have intense resistance. Our generation is far more excepting and I am sure the generation after us will finally that just because you have a different sexual preference that doesn't mean something is wrong with you. Again, awesome post.
Shelby