The Camp Site

In honor of Pride Month, I would like to address why it is more important that ever to be an ally to the LGBTQQIAP+ community.

In case you have been living under a rock for the past six months, the current political climate is such that increasingly, minority populations are under attack. Immigrants, people of color, women… basically if you aren’t a straight cis gender rich white male, you are fucked.

Recently, the Southern Baptist community voted to actively try to overturn Obergefell vs. Hodges (the SC ruling that legalized same-sex marriage). This is not just opposing same-sex marriage. The Southern Baptist churches are now encouraging their members to actively try to overturn this Supreme Court ruling. The New York Times has a great article about what this means.

Same-sex marriage (between consenting adults) hurts no one. It is more harmful to force people to adhere to conventions which they don’t identify with than to accept that adults can decide for themselves who they want to be in a relationship with. For those in the back, let me say it loud and clear for you: SAME-SEX MARRIAGE DOES NOT HURT ANYONE!

The Supreme Court also ruled to uphold a Tennessee law that bans gender affirming care for transgender youth. In states that have anti-transgender laws, there are higher rates of teen suicide. These laws are often passed under the guise of “protecting children”. Again, it causes more harm to force people into one category than to just simply LET THEM BE.

I could continue to cite statistics and reasons why the LGBTQQIAAP community is one of love, but this post would be way too long.

Being an ally is important! We have to stand up to oppressors, even if we aren’t the ones being directly oppressed. The LGBTQQIAAP community is one that is about love. Loving others and yourself. And if there is one thing this world needs more of, it is love.

Here are a few ways you can support the LGBTQQIAP community all year around:

• Frequent/shop independent queer owned businesses
• Read queer literature (I have a great list I’m working on that you can check out here or on my insta)
• Add your pronouns to your email signature or social media profiles
• Say your pronouns when you introduce yourself to someone new
• Put a supportive sign, flag, symbol on your lawn, car, lapel, window, water bottle, phone case, etc.

And most important….

SPEAK UP WHEN YOU HEAR ANTI LGBTQQIAP RHETORIC!!!!!!!!

Being an ally doesn’t stop at the end of June. It is so important we are allies 365, 24/7.