Response And Synthesis Essay

What I found significant about this historical chronicle was that of how powerless this community felt. As Jim Kepner explains his experience he talks about how whenever he asked individuals to take action, the response was always negative. The community of LGBTQ felt as if there was no point in organizing a group because they started to believe what others were saying about them. Things such as they are going to hell, they’re immature, they’re sinners, etc. Despite having an entire community of similar individuals, they still felt lower than a heterosexual being. As if they mattered less in society. Even today, they are not accepted. Have you ever seen LGBTQ couples or families strolling around in suburbs fitting in? It is surprising that after ten years of this article being written, these types of feelings still exist. The hate and discrimination continue to grow. In my perspective, as important as this issue is to the government and society, they are the ones letting this discrimination continue. LGBTQ people struggle with their identity because they are not accepted

into society. They are feared of what other people will say or think.

A significant issue in/for the LGBTQ community that helped inform and shape activism and the community was creating a group that had a similar, positive mindset.

This shaped their community because now there was a group of individuals who were standing up for their rights. They were spreading awareness among society. Another was the movement the group had started. The movement helped people raise their opinions on the rights they wanted. Some wanted sexual freedom, identity or a good education program that would spread awareness. Another issue that has helped is the study programs that exist in post-secondary. People are now able to educate themselves on current issues and see the history of it. All these issues have helped shape the community to what it is today. This was done by acknowledging their own personal matters and putting it out there in society. They have done everything to be

accepted.

A quote that stood out to me was Martin Duberman said, “for many gays and lesbians, the struggle just to come to themselves sexually – and then the next step, to friends, families, coworkers, employers – seems to fully drain their energy, at least temporarily. Coming out seems all most people are able to do because life, for most people is a difficult daily struggle; there just isn’t much energy left beyond that”. I was not aware of hard it is to stay hidden and not be accepted. First off, you’re hiding your identity because you are not comfortable with showing it in society or you are feared of the consequences that will occur with the truth. Then when you move past that stage, you must deal with the cost every day because discrimination occurs to every extent. Finally, from dealing with all that they are not motivated to stand for themselves or their rights. These people go through so much because of others. Life is already a struggle for everyone, but additional issues for them just make the worse of it. Therefore, many individuals end their lives due to these struggles. Society and everyone not a part of this community must stand up for them and acknowledge them. Differences do not mean anything until you put a value on it.

Canada’s current form of government is liberal, as well as Ontario’s. Have they informed and shaped the LGBTQ community in Canada today?