Let us live! 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

written by Dr. Mark Long

An anti-homosexuality bill passed in Uganda in March 2023. Persons can be sentenced to death or serve a life sentence without release. I’m proud to be a queer Black American because apparently being gay is a crime elsewhere. However, now there’s over 200 anti-LGBTQ policies being introduced all over the U.S. Regardless, this hatred has to change overseas and nationwide. LEAVE US ALONE! We just want to live and be.

“Separation between church and state.” We hear that all the time but does the separation between church and state really exist? With the new legislation that has been introduced in southern states, such as Arkansas and Tennessee, we see that there has been an increase in discrimination targeting LGBTQ+ people. There’s so much more work that needs to be done!

I often ask myself... What can we tell parents that feel that their kid has been set up for failure due to their identity? What can we do for those who don't have guardians to support them? How can we uplift youth that do not have anywhere to turn to?

LGBTQ+ folks are often in survival mode as we are resilient due to the constant struggle of acceptance. We have to often remember that oppression in this country is only a setback for progress. Drag queens are seen as a threat to conservatives that believe drag entertainers are dangerous, harmful, disgusting, and perverted. The anti-LGBTQ+ policies are actually the threat here. Drag is a art form. It gives us the ability to express ourselves on stage. Some even get the chance to be on global and national platforms allowing fearless representation. Drag is the art that allows LGBTQ+ people to escape the harsh reality of a world filled with hatred and people that want us dead. Marginalized communities should feel safe. We want to feel seen, heard, and feel a sense of belonging. We want hope. We want to live and be free.

We’re here to stay. Spread love not hate.

Donate:

The Trevor Project, GLAAD, GLSEN, UPSWING Fund

Uganda parliament passes bill criminalizing identifying as LGBTQ, imposes death penalty for some offenses