What does it mean to become visible when visibility itself carries the risk of violence?
Visibility is defined as "the state of being seen." In this context, becoming visible means that someone or something is openly acknowledged or made known to others. It could also be said to refer to making oneself known or exposing one's identity.
There is always a risk involved when coming out into the open because there are those who may react negatively to what they see or hear. This article will explore how this can lead to violence against individuals who identify as LGBTQ+.
One of the main risks associated with visibility for LGBTQ+ people is discrimination and violence. Homophobia and transphobia have been present throughout history, but they continue today despite some progress towards acceptance. Many countries around the world still criminalize homosexuality and punish same-sex relationships with imprisonment or even death. Transgender people face similar challenges due to their gender identities often being misunderstood or ignored by society. Some religious groups believe that these identities go against God's plan and teachings, leading them to actively oppose equality rights for LGBTQ+ individuals.
Public opinion plays an important role in shaping attitudes towards sexual minorities. Negative stereotypes persist about LGBTQ+ people, such as the belief that they are promiscuous or immoral. When these stereotypes are reinforced through media portrayals or political rhetoric, it can create hostile environments where prejudice flourishes.
Studies have shown that hate crimes against LGBTQ+ people often occur after periods of increased media attention on the community.
Another risk associated with visibility is economic exclusion from jobs or housing opportunities. In many places, employers may refuse to hire applicants based on their sexual orientation or gender identity because of fears about how customers would react. Landlords also sometimes deny rentals or evict tenants who identify as LGBTQ+ for reasons that seem unrelated to their behavior. This leads to financial instability and makes it difficult for LGBTQ+ people to thrive in a capitalist system designed to reward those who fit into traditional gender roles.
Even within families, coming out can be met with rejection and violence. Parents, siblings, grandparents, and other relatives may struggle to accept someone close to them who identifies differently than expected. This can result in emotional abuse, physical violence, or even disownment from loved ones who don't understand what it means to be queer or transgendered. It is not uncommon for family members to use religious beliefs or cultural norms as justifications for rejecting their child or sibling.
There is always the danger of being targeted by extremists simply for existing publicly as an LGBTQ+ person. Far-right groups like the Proud Boys or neo-Nazis have been known to harass, assault, and murder individuals who identify as anything but cisgender heterosexual. Even so-called "straight allies" have been attacked when they are seen as "defending" LGBTQ+ rights. These attacks often happen without warning and can lead to permanent injuries or death.
Visibility carries its own risks when one belongs to a minority group such as sexual and gender minorities. Coming out publicly can expose individuals to discrimination, economic hardship, familial conflict, and even violence from hate groups that oppose their very existence. While some progress has been made towards acceptance over time, much more work needs to be done before all people feel safe expressing themselves authentically without fear of retribution.
What does it mean to become visible when visibility itself carries the risk of violence?
Visibility is often associated with safety and acceptance, but for many individuals from marginalized groups such as women, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and persons with disabilities, it can be accompanied by discrimination and even physical harm. Visibility means being seen and recognized, yet some communities are not only invisible but actively erased due to stereotypes and oppressive systems that perpetuate inequality.