The ‘other’
The GLBTIQ community has achieved a lot in the past decades as a result of the hard work of many individuals and organisations that fight for equality.
In addition to this, public figures such as Hillary Clinton and Michelle Obama have expressed their support for GLBTIQ rights, especially on topics such as same-sex marriage, anti-bullying and anti-homophobia. It seems that more people have embraced sexuality, sex and gender diversity and embraced our community as an integral part of society. Does this mean that we have finally achieved equality?
The bitter reality is that, for many of us, experiencing stigma and discrimination is still part of our lived experiences. Subtle forms of discrimination, such as hearing people saying 鈥淭hat鈥檚 so gay!鈥� to violent physical attacks are a reminder that we are still being treated differently; we are still not seen as equal. We are often viewed as the 鈥榦ther鈥� who does not conform to the norm of heterosexuality. Continuing stigma and discrimination can be interpreted as a way to reinforce heterosexuality as the only acceptable, hence dominant, form of sexuality. The 鈥榦ther鈥� is to be treated as inferior.
Without doubt, being labelled as 鈥榦ther鈥� can have a negative effect on our overall health and wellbeing. Some GLBTIQs avoid walking alone in the dark, fearing that they will be physically attacked on the basis of their sexual and gender identity. At times, we feel that we have to alter our behaviour (such as 鈥榓cting straight鈥�) to avoid harm. Disapproving looks from strangers when we hold hands with our same-sex partner in public can make us feel 鈥榙ifferent鈥�.
As we continue to challenge the persistence of homophobia, biphobia and transphobia, it is also a good time to reflect on our very own community. This is because marginalisation also exists within the GLBTIQ community. Certain subgroups are continuously stereotyped, labelled, sidelined and made to feel inferior from the rest. These include (but are not limited to) those with physical and mental disabilities, ethnic and racial minorities, mature aged GLBTIQs, gender diverse individuals, as well as people living with HIV. Recreating the 鈥榦ther鈥� reinforces a standardised model that exists in our community, such as youth and able-bodied. Those who do not conform to this model become an outsider within.
As a community, we have a collective understanding of the negative impact of ongoing stigma and discrimination. Let鈥檚 use this awareness to prevent our community from recreating the very same ideologies that we are challenging. Instead of recreating the 鈥榦ther鈥�, let鈥檚 embrace diversity within our community. As we continue to be included as an integral part of society, let鈥檚 do the same to various subgroups within our community. Let鈥檚 make our community an inclusive place for all.
