LGBT Community

Religious groups and old school families disapprove of homosexuality because the bible states that god did not approve of same sex relationships. Man and women were meant to procreate and create families. They strongly believe these actions will not take them to heaven or paradise, and therefore you will go to hell.

My relationship with the stigma is that I fall under three categories, which are being women, a person of color and a lesbian. I have had many challenges being a homosexual woman in the Hispanic community, because the expectation is to get married and have children for the family to embrace. It has been difficult disappointing my religious mother, because she strongly believes my actions wont take me to paradise, which translates into not having everlasting life. The fear of being disowned has been big amongst many of the LGBT (lesbian gay Bisexual and transgender) community, whether it’s with family members or friends. It is a struggle when your partner feels the pressure of choosing their family over you, because they are threatened to be disowned if they continue dating you, solely because of your orientation.

I also know that many members disclose their sexuality, because they don’t want to make limit their opportunities by making people who disapprove of their sexuality uncomfortable. Keep in mind that lesbian women have types and standards just the way a straight woman would.

Media has contributed in the approval as well as the disapproval of homosexual relationships and at some point in between. The gay community is often targeted for not being able to raise a family, because they are expected to have a male and female role model, which in turn will bring up a confused and unstable child. They continue to ignore a child needs love, shelter and food, and not a conventional picture. They also fail to bring up the dysfunctional heterosexual households. A stable home has nothing to do with gender; it has to do with the quality of love and dedication. In recent year there has been more acceptance of the gay community, due to famous artist who stand for the people and the constant fight for acceptance.  It has been difficult getting certain people to understand that being gay is not a phase, like men who continue to ignore the partnership of two women, by trying to win them over.

Religion has and will continue to ostracize the gay community, due to their strong belief of what is considered a norm. In the Bay Area, especially in the San Francisco we have many LGBT members hold events, protest and find ways to bring us together in order to fight off the stigmas surrounding us. My way of standing up for myself along with the community is by finding the appropriate time to share it with others.