The term "lesbian", gay, bisexual, and transgender" (LGBT) refers to people who identify as non-heterosexual, meaning they do not exclusively prefer members of the opposite gender for romantic and/or sexual partners. In recent years, there has been an increasing awareness and acceptance of LGBT individuals in society.
Despite progress made towards achieving social equality, prejudices against LGBT couples still exist. One area where this is particularly evident is during crises. During times of crisis such as natural disasters or pandemics, societal perceptions of LGBT couples can change significantly, impacting their unit cohesion. This essay will explore how social perception of LGBT couples changes during crises and discuss its effects on unit cohesion.
One way that social perception of LGBT couples changes during crises is through increased visibility. In normal circumstances, LGBT couples may be less visible than heterosexual couples due to cultural norms surrounding public displays of affection or family structures.
During crises when communities are forced to come together to help one another, LGBT couples become more visible as they seek assistance or offer support.
During Hurricane Katrina, many LGBT couples were forced out of their homes and sought refuge in shelters alongside other residents. This led to increased exposure to non-LGBT individuals and changed perceptions about the community.
Another way that social perception of LGBT couples changes during crises is through media coverage. During crises, news outlets often cover stories of heroism and tragedy, highlighting the bravery and resilience of those affected. As a result, the media spotlight can also turn to LGBT individuals and couples who have been impacted by the crisis. This can lead to positive or negative attention depending on the story being told.
During COVID-19, some news outlets reported on the struggles of same-sex couples unable to meet due to lockdown restrictions while others focused on the challenges faced by single parents trying to work and care for children simultaneously.
The changes in social perception during crises can significantly affect the cohesion of LGBT units. When societal attitudes shift towards acceptance, it can create a sense of belonging and inclusion for LGBT couples, leading to greater unit cohesion within the broader community. On the other hand, when prejudices against LGBT couples are reinforced during crises, it can lead to feelings of isolation and exclusion, potentially damaging the unit's cohesion.
Negative press coverage of LGBT couples can further marginalize them from their communities, worsening the situation.
To address these issues, there needs to be an intentional effort made to foster inclusivity and support LGBT individuals and families during crises. This could include providing specific resources and support services tailored to their needs and promoting positive representation in media coverage. By doing so, we can ensure that all members of our society feel supported and included during times of crisis.
How does social perception of LGBT couples change during crises, and how does this affect unit cohesion?
The way society perceives same-sex relationships changes dramatically during times of crisis. During such situations, people tend to revert to their core values and beliefs, which often result in discrimination against minority groups like LGBTQ+ individuals. This can lead to increased isolation and separation within LGBTQ+ communities, leading to decreased unity and cohesion between partners.