Today marks 20 years since the first official International Day Against Homophobia
and Transphobia (IDAHOT) and LGBT representation is as important as it was 20
years ago. Bias-motivated violence is increasing and polarizing, and violent language
has been louder especially from politicians and media sources.
We must not let fearmongering shape the future of LGBT children and youth. We
need to stand together as a community against the scare tactics of extremists. LGBT
representation matters and factual information about LGBT issues matters. Disney
made a huge positive leap last year, when it introduced its first non-binary character
in the movie Elemental. This is the representation we need to have so every LGBT
child could grow up in a world, where they see characters and people like
themselves. LGBT representation is not an agenda, it is real life for so many people.
The most amazing time of the year, Pride season, is almost starting and we need to
make sure to stand together. We will face challenges and have to overcome
obstacles, but we have to face those together. No matter what political family you
belong in, when it comes to human rights, we are in this fight together. No one, adult
or a child, should be forced to hide their identity in fear of rejection or violence.
Let us not only celebrate the work our communities have achieved in these past 20
years but let’s look into the future and visualize what kind of world we want to live in
20 years from now. That is the world we leave for future generations and that is what
we need to fight for.
