Today is International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia.

Regardless of your sexual orientation, or whether or not you identify as transgender, it is vital that society recognizes the human rights violations that stem from hatred and ignorance.

In my view, everyone can be who they want to be and love whomever they wish to love.

I think it is important that people share their stories. People in the spotlight certainly have extended reach; Ellen DeGeneres recently celebrated 20 years of coming out as a gay woman (Oprah Winfrey and Ellen DeGeneres reminisce in this clip).

Many, many people have come forward to thank Ellen for coming out, as her courage to share her story on primetime television, in such a public fashion, helped them come out to their families and loved ones, and/or accept themselves. I am always touched by such stories, and I hope that as we continue to progress as a society (in regards to gay rights, human rights, etc.), we have the foresight to remember that times change and we evolve; the things that we (as a society) may think of as taboo, may not be so polarizing in another 20 years. If we continue to talk about those topics that some think of as difficult/taboo, individuals suffering as outsiders may not feel so alone.

I celebrate Laverne Cox’s celebrity alongside the LGBTQ community. Laverne Cox is a wonderful actress and LGBTQ advocate (I am most familiar with her work in Netflix’s Orange is the New Black). She is the first openly transgender person to be nominated for a Primetime Emmy award  in the acting category.

Caitlyn Jenner (formally Bruce Jenner) has been criticized as being out of touch with the transgender community, but she certainly encouraged dialogue on transgender issues.

On this, the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia & Biphobia, I hope that we can continue to progress and stand up for any one being bullied or singled out when such individuals are demonstrating courage and strength of character for being who they are. I hope that we can create a future in which hatred and ignorance will not hinder compassion displayed towards any member of society, regardless of the differences (and many similarities) all of us share.

I’ve heard terrible and frightening statistics of increased suicide rates within the LGBTQ community. Life is hard enough without feeling like an outsider, without fighting to gain acceptance of those around you (family and not) in regards to who you are.

“I am me” and “Love is too beautiful to be hidden in the closet”.  Be who you are; love whomever you wish.

Give your life the green light. It’s A Go!

Amber Green

© 2018 Amber Green

Art © 2018 Dixie Foxton