simplebender

Systematic suppression is the intentional and structured ways in which specific marginalized communities are denied rights, opportunities, and resources, leading to their disenfranchisement and inequality with the intent of rendering them non-existent. We have a front-row seat to watch many acts of suppression, from voting rights, immigration, women’s rights, and self-determination. Unconscionable as it might be, we watch acts of suppression accelerate daily. But what is even more concerning is America’s silent crisis—the systematic marginalization and decimation of our LGBTQ community, a pressing issue that demands our immediate and unwavering attention.

You don’t have to engage in direct violence to cause harm to a community. The deliberate restriction of social, legal, and support structures can inflict pain, suffering, and even death to suppress a group. Like enabling discriminatory organizations, you don’t have to be directly involved. Quietly supporting or endorsing legislative intolerance and withholding services can be just as damaging. This community only wants to live with the same protections and rights that all of us should have and expect.

Throughout history, various institutions and organizations have used a cornucopia of justifications to discriminate against minority groups. We are witness to similar patterns in the treatment of the LGBTQ community, where personal beliefs are being used to justify discrimination and denial of fundamental rights.

You may not agree with or approve of the LGBTQ community’s identity or lifestyle. It might even be repulsive, and it’s your right to have those perspectives. But that doesn’t give anyone the authority or right to work toward their marginalization, neglect, and exclusion. There are many more pressing issues to deal with. But, we are easily distracted and misdirected, so we target minorities and create issues where they aren’t. Unfortunately, we are all a part of some minority which might be the next target. You can try to soften it, call it something else, or close your eyes, but there is a fine line between decimation and genocide. This is America’s silent crisis, our silent genocide. It is the systematic suppression of a community within our community, and people are suffering because of it. People’s social structures, personal rights, and medical options are being destroyed and restricted only because some have taken it upon themselves to impose their personal views on others. While currently, the acts of physical violence may be isolated they still exist and are horrible. In addition, people are still being harmed through isolation, discrimination, and denial of fundamental rights. The youth within this community is 4.3 times more likely to attempt suicide than there straight friends. A quarter of this community has tried to kill themselves as compared to 6% of heterosexuals. This group is not just part of our community; they are individuals with hopes, dreams, and rights. These are people and they are being pushed to the brink. These are your neighbors, and amongst many things they are parents, clergy, first responders, care-givers, spiritual leader, legislators, educators, business owners, engineers, artists, authors, farmers, students, industry leaders, and on and on. This group isn’t the enemy. It is an integral thread of our lives tapestry and a critical part of our future. This community should not be silenced or erased, and efforts to do so should not be tolerated or excused. Let people live their lives; maybe everyone will let you live yours with the same dignity and respect.