Rights of LGBTQ Individuals

By Jessica Mahmoud on August 19, 2015

So when I first thought about this topic, I thought I’d go into the legal rights of LGBTQ individuals. But then, however, I thought I’d just be a little more casual and upbeat about it and advertise the simple rights that I think LGBTQ individuals feel they may not have, but certainly do.

Here’s a list of rights of LGBTQ individuals, to remind those who identify and also those who don’t.

1. First off, marriage.

As of June 26, 2015, same-sex marriage is legal nationwide. I know I said I wouldn’t talk about legal rights, but this one is so big, I had to add it. Marriage equality was a huge step in equal rights for LGBTQ individuals. Love won!

2. Holding hands.

Holding hands is often looked at as a sign of affection, so LGBTQ individuals may choose not to do this in public. Know that while it is a personal decision, there is absolutely nothing wrong with it.

If you feel you may be harassed, and if you are looked at in a mean way, I hope you can own your identity or choice to show this bond with the other person.

3. Coming out.

Coming out is an everyday process, and an extremely personal decision. While it is not always necessary to be public about your sexual or gender identity, if you feel you want to be, go for it.

Certain places, like the workplace, may be a little more risky to come out in, so I suggest being a little more careful in professional settings. While there are discrimination laws out there, you do take a risk when you come out in terms of who may not accept you.

However, if you feel comfortable, by all means, be open about this big part of your identity.

4. Correcting others.

There are many things about the LGBTQ Community that can be confusing to people, such as pronouns. If you don’t go by the binary pronouns, you absolutely have the right to correct people, if you have shared your pronouns with them.

This also goes along when referring to gender. You may choose to correct people when they say “Hi guys” or “How are you ladies?” when you don’t know how someone identifies. Again, correcting people on things like terminology is really a place where you have to pick and chose your battles.

5. Wearing LGBTQ-themed clothing.

Because we live in a society where gaydar is often “set off” by one’s appearance, one may fear that wearing LGBTQ-themed clothing will make them look like they are part of the community.

Whether you want this or not, there is nothing wrong with wearing your pride tshirt, LGBTQ pins, or rainbow bracelets to any place you go. It can really be an indication of your support for the community, regardless of how you identify.

6. Kissing your partner.

Just like everyone else, kissing your partner, regardless of their sex and gender identity, is totally legal, in most places. Of course be careful where you are located, and it obviously depends on the state, unfortunately. Being part of the LGBTQ Community brings a struggle of being careful when you show affection. Even if it’s totally fine in the area, there is a fear of dealing with those who witness it, leaving most individuals to save it for behind closed doors.

LGBTQ individuals face struggles that not everyone has to face. It’s important, though, to remember that LGBTQ individuals do have a lot of the same rights, but they oftentimes feel nervous about taking advantage of them.

I hope this reminds you of your freedoms if you identify, and if you don’t, I hope this serves as a reminder that LGBTQ individuals are allowed to do these things.

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