Take a moment and observe the people around you. They probably look, think, and behave differently. However, diversity extends beyond one’s outer appearance. It arises from ethnicity, religion, social class, and sexual orientation (Gruman et al., 2017, p.384). These differences make us who we are.
Although diversity fosters creativity and new perspectives, it has its consequences. This happens when we are not willing to accept the differences of others. We develop negative attitudes, or become prejudiced, towards a social group. Oftentimes we learn these attitudes from family members and are exposed to them at a young age. This might make it difficult to change one’s beliefs. However, this is not an excuse to treat others poorly. When we act on these negative attitudes, we discriminate towards a group or its members based upon their categorization (PSU, 2022, L06).
Our society has constructed social norms that are guidelines for how individuals are expected to exist and behave. Failure to abide by these rules and adhere to these expectations leads to social inequality for the minority non-conformists. One of the existing factors that determines one’s position in society is their sexual orientation. In contemporary society, heterosexuality is considered the accepted norm, especially considering its roots in religious history. Members of the LGBTQ community are targeted and victimized by individuals from the dominant majority group. They face prejudice and discrimination in large institutional practices such as law enforcement, the military, churches, and the workforce. For example, presidents over the last twenty years have differing positions on the acceptance of gay and transgender individuals in the United States Military. According to Gruman et al. (2017), “there is always a bit of danger, however, in looking to large groups for explanations of differences in individual behavior…because they are never completely homogenous” (p.393).
Our legal system and law enforcement authorities have engaged in unfair lawmaking and discriminatory acts towards LGBTQ members. Some states created laws banning same-sex marriages and prohibited living arrangements amongst homosexual couples. Cohabitation is common among same-sex couples since they cannot be married legally. Homosexual couples are not granted the same marriage rights and benefits as heterosexual couples. Therefore, they lack federal benefits such as Social Security, inheritance of their partner, and the ability to jointly file tax returns. There have also been instances where public authorities, such as the police, have harassed them. Homosexuals have been taunted, mocked, beaten, and wrongfully accused by members of the police force.
Another institutional practice that unfairly treats LGBTQ individuals is churches. Religion plays a huge role in what is deemed morally right and acceptable. Certain churches believe it is sinful to be homosexual, often claiming it is the devil’s conquering of the soul that leads to this behavior. The Church teaches to hate the sin but love the sinner, implying that homosexual behavior is sinful. Some members of the church who are homosexual end up being rejected and banned from returning. The last institutional practice is the workforce. Many LGBTQ members feel that they need to keep their identity a secret so that they are not judged or discriminated against. Some fear that they may risk losing their jobs, receiving a lower salary, or being harassed if they reveal their identity. They are also unable to provide health insurance for their partners under many company provided insurance plans.
Although LGBTQ members are stigmatized for violating social norms and face serious consequences, they continue to fight for equality. There have been several acts of human agency aimed to bring about change. There have been LGBTQ movements, parades, and protests to try and bring awareness of the inequality of the treatment they receive. Memorial services and candle lit ceremonies are common to recognize the LGBTQ members who passed away from suicide or from being victims of violent acts against them. In recent decades, more and more LGBTQ members have been “coming out” to their peers, family, and society. Some people decide to be role models for those scared to “come out” and be advocates for change and equality. The more people that stand together to promote change, the greater the attention it will receive. Many LGBTQ movements have been aired on the news and have articles written about them. Social media is a great source to help spread awareness to this problem. I think these types of uprisings and events will bring about change and reform in society. I believe the key is educating people on the topic and making them aware of the mental, physical, and emotional harm it causes. The majority of people existing in the social “norm” need to realize that despite our differences, every one of us are human beings with feelings, and deserve the same rights, benefits, and freedoms as everyone else.
References
Gruman, J.A., Schneider, F.W., & Coutts, L.A. (2017). Applied Social Psychology: Understanding and Addressing Social and Practical Problems. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
The Pennsylvania State University. (2022). Lesson 06: Intergroup Relations and Diversity. In PSYCH 424: Applied Social Psychology. Course offered through The Pennsylvania State University’s World Campus.
Tags: #LGBTQ+, discrimination, Diversity, prejudice