A journey to equality, the status quo not an option
The journey through life is filled with memories – those we celebrate, and those we rather push aside into the background.
We make choices on the way that do not always suit us, but at the time seemed the right decisions, and so we proceed to go on our way, preparing for the future. That future, even with what we determined as perhaps the middle road, the status quo, was not a guarantee to a satisfying existence. At the time it seemed correct and we made decisions that would suit our families, friends, teachers, and others who we deemed as great influences on our future. Perhaps so, but then we discovered that our principles may have differed from what historically worked for our fellow citizens.
Through the years, many have attempted not to live by the status quo, just give up and face whatever decisions are made for us. Humans, as other living creatures, tend to be followers, adjusting to whatever fate lies ahead. This is the easiest and some say, the most peaceful existence. But wait, what about the millions of us who, looking into the future, suddenly discover that changes must come forward to accommodate those who do not fit the so-called ‘norm’. Historically rejected, those who were not part of the Caucasian race, those viewed as sinners by most religious factions for simply being who they are such as, members of the LGBTQ+ community and the countless folks who may not possess the same intelligence due to circumstances beyond their control. We think of countless others who were, and are deemed not equals and are lost along the way.
In recent years people started to be heard and demanded to be treated equal to all others, those who spoke of themselves to be perfect examples of how one should behave, and had better conform to what they considered as proper. Religious influences have dictated for years how we must live our lives. Many within our society have learned to stand firm and be counted.
My columns deal mainly with the LGBTQ+ citizens of this world, but I also include all those who have felt the stings of discrimination. Many ideas we bring forth are not in agreement with the population at large, making it difficult, if not impossible, to take positive action. In order to make change, we cannot possibly take the middle road and truly believe that eventually, “I may be equal to all others around the globe.”
We stand up, determined to live our lives as they are meant to be lived, that we are indeed equal, and we fight for equal rights and we shall succeed. This is the positive attitude that will take us on the road to recovery and the journey to end discrimination. The middle road, the belief in the status quo, no longer has value in this century, and indeed should never have been part of our society. We tend to lie back and be satisfied that all will be well without too much fuss. This, my dear readers, will not change the world, but will indeed make our existence more intolerable.
Many are desperately afraid to make waves in fear of retaliation. The majority however, are feeling the need to be a complete part of society, and not be counted as a minority, because that in itself indicates discrimination. Choices are difficult to make and that is completely understandable, but if we are to succeed we must not give in, but initiate action to make positive change. Many obstacles are in our way, making it seemingly impossible to forge ahead. No other option exists and the LGBTQ+ citizens, as many others in our society, must act. The status quo is not an option, as equality is for all.