LGBTQ Rights Matter: Understanding the Role of Allies in the fight against Discrimination

Racism and discrimination towards members of the LGBTQ community is a significant problem that still exists in many parts of the world. Here are a few examples of incidents of discrimination against LGBTQ people:

• In the United States, transgender individuals, particularly those who are Black, are disproportionately likely to experience violence and discrimination. In 2020, at least 44 transgender or gender non-conforming people were killed in the US, the majority of whom were Black transgender women.
• In many countries, same-sex relationships are still criminalized, and individuals who are openly gay, lesbian, or bisexual can face harassment, imprisonment, and even violence. For example, in Tanzania, police have been known to arrest and detain individuals suspected of being gay, and in some cases, they have been subjected to forced anal examinations to "prove" their homosexuality.
• In some countries, individuals who are intersex (born with physical characteristics that do not fit typical definitions of male or female) also face discrimination and mistreatment. For example, it is not uncommon for intersex infants and children to be subjected to invasive and irreversible surgical procedures in an attempt to make their bodies conform to binary gender norms.

Being LGBTQ wasn't an option

Role of Strong Men to Protect them

A strong man can play an important role in protecting members of the LGBTQ community from discrimination and violence by using their privilege and platform to speak out against such injustices. For example, they can:

• Educate themselves about LGBTQ issues and become an ally for the community
• Support LGBTQ-led organizations and initiatives
• Use their influence to advocate for policies and laws that protect the rights of LGBTQ people
• Speak out against discrimination and violence against LGBTQ individuals
• Be a visible role model for acceptance and equality

It's important that, as strong man, they should strive to be a positive force for change and work to create a more inclusive and equitable society for everyone.