The ability to feel for others is crucial in building better societies that value all life forms. It promotes harmony, peaceful coexistence, equitable resource distribution, justice, fairness, and love. Empathy can be developed from various sources but witnessing queer sufferings might be one of the most effective ways to build it. This essay explains how this is possible.
Queerness, which is the experience of being different from the status quo, has historically been characterized by abuse and suffering.
LGBTQ+ individuals have suffered discrimination, bullying, rejection, violence, marginalization, torture, and even death just because they are different. Some countries still execute them while many governments criminalize their rights and freedoms. This brutal treatment has affected the emotional and psychological state of these people leading to stress, anxiety, depression, loneliness, suicidal tendencies, and other mental health issues. In addition to self-hatred, some have resorted to substance abuse as coping mechanisms.
Witnessing such suffering creates empathy in the observer, who now understands how terrible it feels to be rejected and hated based on sexuality or gender identity. The observer's mind becomes open to accepting everyone regardless of sex, sexuality, race, religion, culture, ethnicity, social class, or any other factor. They start seeing every person as human with feelings, desires, dreams, and hopes. Their hearts soften towards others, and they become less judgmental, more forgiving, and compassionate.
The broader moral awareness that results from empathy created through queer suffering means treating everyone like an equal human. The observer will treat all people fairly without prejudice, bigotry, or bias. They will not judge or discriminate but support inclusivity, tolerance, diversity, and equity. A society where everyone is treated with love, respect, and dignity is a peaceful and productive one.
Witnessing queer sufferings can foster empathy which promotes broader moral awareness. It makes observers treat people equally regardless of sex, sexuality, race, religion, culture, ethnicity, social class, or any other factor. This leads to harmony, peaceful coexistence, equitable resource distribution, justice, fairness, and love among members of society.
Can empathy cultivated through witnessing queer suffering foster broader moral awareness?
One's experience of another's suffering can evoke empathy, which is an essential component of morality. Empathy enables individuals to feel what others are going through, enabling them to understand their perspectives, feelings, and needs better. This can lead to increased sensitivity towards the needs of others, making it easier for them to perceive and respond to different situations with greater compassion and understanding.