In today's society, where technology has become an integral part of people's lives, there are many instances where one's personal space is invaded and their privacy violated. This applies to everyone, regardless of gender, age, race, religion, or any other factor.
For individuals from the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) community, this issue takes on added significance since they face unique challenges related to visibility and acceptance. LGBTQ individuals often feel pressured to conceal their true identity in public, digital, and professional spaces to avoid discrimination or violence. The ethical considerations of privacy and visibility can have significant effects on the lived experiences of these individuals. This article will explore how these factors shape the daily lives of LGBTQ individuals and the impact they may have on them.
The first aspect that needs to be addressed is public visibility. For LGBTQ individuals, being seen as 'other,' whether it be due to their gender expression, clothing, or mannerisms, can put them at risk of harassment, physical assault, or even murder. According to a study conducted by the National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs (NCAVP), 53% of all hate crimes reported against LGBTQ individuals in 2017 were motivated by sexual orientation or gender identity/expression (National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs, 2018).
The same report found that Black transgender women experience higher rates of violence than any other group within the LGBTQ community, with over half of all homicides against trans people being committed against black trans women (National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs, 2018). These statistics underscore the urgent need for greater visibility for LGBTQ individuals and the importance of creating safe spaces where they can express themselves without fear of reprisal.
Another factor that shapes the lived experiences of LGBTQ individuals is their online presence. With social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram increasingly popular, many feel pressured to present an image of themselves that is acceptable to society.
This often means hiding their true selves or only sharing parts of who they are for fear of backlash from friends, family, or employers. A survey conducted by GLAAD found that nearly half of LGBTQ respondents felt uncomfortable posting about their sexuality on social media due to concerns about how it would be received by others (GLAAD, 2016). This may lead to a sense of isolation and loneliness since these individuals cannot share their authentic self with those around them.
Professional spaces can also pose challenges for LGBTQ individuals when it comes to privacy and visibility. In some industries, such as healthcare or education, employees may feel pressure to conceal their identity to avoid discrimination or harassment.
A study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that nearly two-thirds of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and questioning youth reported experiencing some form of bullying at school (Duncan et al., 2017). Similarly, transgender individuals may face difficulties finding employment if potential employers believe they will not fit into the company's culture (National Center for Transgender Equality, 2015). These factors create barriers to success in one's career and can limit opportunities for advancement.
Ethical considerations related to privacy and visibility shape the lived experiences of LGBTQ individuals in public, digital, and professional spaces. By creating safe spaces where people can express themselves freely without fear of reprisal, we can begin to address this issue and provide greater support for our LGBTQ community members.
More work needs to be done to ensure equality and acceptance for all.
How do ethical considerations of privacy and visibility shape the lived experiences of LGBT individuals in public, digital, and professional spaces?
Ethical considerations of privacy and visibility have profound impacts on the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people in their various spheres including the physical world, online platforms, and workplace environments. The interplay between these two concepts influences how they interact with others and engage in different activities.