My TED Talk

..if I had one.

Hello everyone,

Today, I want to talk to you about a topic that is controversial - the LGBTQ+ community. This community has been marginalized and misunderstood for far too long, and it's time for us to have an open and honest conversation about it.

First and foremost, let's address the elephant in the room - what does LGBTQ+ stand for? It stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, and the plus sign represents all the other identities and orientations that fall under this umbrella term. It's a diverse and vibrant community that deserves to be celebrated and supported.

But unfortunately, the reality is that the LGBTQ+ community has faced and continues to face discrimination, violence, and hate. This is unacceptable, and it's our responsibility as a society to stand up against it. We need to create a world where everyone feels safe and accepted, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

So why do we need to talk about the LGBTQ+ community? Because their stories need to be heard. The journey of self-discovery and acceptance for someone who identifies as LGBTQ+ is not easy. They face challenges every day, from coming out to their families and friends, to facing discrimination in schools and workplaces. These experiences shape them and make them resilient individuals.

But let's not forget that the LGBTQ+ community has also made significant contributions to our society. From the Stonewall Riots that sparked the modern-day LGBTQ+ rights movement to the iconic figures like Harvey Milk and Marsha P. Johnson, who fought fearlessly for equality, the LGBTQ+ community has played a vital role in shaping our world.

However, despite all the progress made, there is still a long way to go. Same-sex marriage may be legal in many countries, but there are still places where being gay is considered a crime. Transgender individuals face high rates of violence and discrimination, and their basic rights are constantly under threat. These issues need to be addressed, and we all have a role to play in creating a more inclusive and accepting society.

So, what can we do to support the LGBTQ+ community? The first step is education. We need to educate ourselves and others about the LGBTQ+ community, their struggles, and their contributions. We need to challenge our biases and prejudices and learn to embrace diversity. We also need to be allies - standing up for the LGBTQ+ community and advocating for their rights.

We also need to create safe spaces for the LGBTQ+ community. It can be as simple as respecting people's pronouns if specified, and creating an environment where everyone feels comfortable being their authentic selves. We should also support LGBTQ+ organizations and businesses, as they play a crucial role in providing resources and support to the community.

Lastly, we need to continue the conversation. We need to keep talking about the LGBTQ+ community and their issues, even when it's uncomfortable. We need to amplify their voices and listen to their stories. And most importantly, we need to spread love and acceptance, not hate and discrimination.

Let people be who they want as long as who they want to be isn't a murderer.

In conclusion, the LGBTQ+ community is a beautiful and diverse community that deserves our love, support, and acceptance. We need to create a world where everyone can live their truth without fear or judgment. As the late Harvey Milk once said, 'Hope will never be silent.' So let's continue to hope and strive for a better, more inclusive world for the LGBTQ+ community. Thank you.