Echo (they/them)

they/them

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  • 10 Comments
Joined 1 year ago
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Cake day: July 1st, 2023

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  • As a nonbinary person in the middle of transition, I understand the point you are making but disagree. Yes the LGBTQ+ spaces were formed by a culture of exclusion - at many times and in many places this was absolutely needed for many to survive. Assuming you are talking about the States, we are at a place where the general culture is starting to focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion more than ever. Yes there are still times and places where queer-only might be needed, for example I am in an exclusive trans support group, it’s goal is to provide a place to discuss such topics, for therapies, support groups, resource provisions, etc - not for daily and social life. When it comes to general hangouts, we still might band together due to our similarities and natural friendships, but we go out into the general population, we immerse ourselves with society, we invite everyone and anyone to join us. This is in Alabama by the way.

    In order to get to a point where queer people are no longer forced to hide, we must stop choosing to do so. Our social lives need to push into and knock down the remaining barriers that exist. This isn’t to say to remove Gay bars and the like, but to accept that as the general theme or atmosphere and to remain inclusive to all. Diversity, equity, and inclusion is precisely this. Additionally, both sexuality and gender are spectrums, and presentation does not dictate identity. Due to this, it would be ignorant to disallow certain people’s - you can never truly know another’s identity.

    I am sorry if you, or someone you know, no longer feel as if your social hangout is a safe place, but I don’t believe they should act as an exclusive club in order to maintain that feeling. Society is changing, and the goal is complete immersion and acceptance. Other societies do it, and we can too.