How LGBT Individuals Negotiate Intersecting Cultural, Historical, And Social Expectations
LGBT stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender. These individuals experience discrimination from various sectors of society due to their different sexual orientation. They are subjected to prejudice and hatred based on what they believe in and who they love. In such a situation, they try to negotiate cultural, historical, and social expectations to fit into their new environment as well as establish their identity. This negotiation shapes community, activism, and identity among them. This article will discuss how LGBT individuals negotiate intersecting cultural, historical, and social expectations and its consequences on their community, identity, and activism.
Negotiating Intersecting Cultural, Historical, And Social Expectations
In most cases, when LGBT individuals migrate to other countries, they have no choice but to adopt the new culture. They must learn to fit into it so that they can live without being discriminated against or persecuted.
The gay community in South Africa is relatively large because the country recognizes same-sex marriages and offers legal protection for gays and lesbians. In such an environment, LGBT individuals do not feel stigmatized because they are accepted by their society.
The case is different for those living in Islamic countries where the law is very strict on homosexuality. The Quran explicitly prohibits same-sex relationships and marriage between people of the same sex. Any person found engaging in such activities is liable to be killed, which makes life unbearable for LGBT individuals. It forces them to hide their identity to avoid victimization. They have to live with the fear of being exposed and persecuted every day.
LGBT individuals also experience problems when they move from a western country to an African one. Most African countries criminalize same-sex relationships and punish the offenders harshly. It creates a problem as LGBT individuals try to hide their identities while trying to establish themselves in such places.
Some individuals pretend to be straight and marry members of opposite sexes to save themselves from prosecution.
This may lead to conflicts within families due to deception.
Community, Identity, And Activism
Negotiating cultural, historical, and social expectations affects the LGBT community in various ways.
In countries where homosexuality is illegal, LGBT individuals cannot openly establish communities or participate in activism against discrimination. This situation leads to isolation and loneliness among these people, making it challenging to fight for their rights. Some of the affected individuals end up committing suicide out of despair and frustration.
When LGBT individuals are forced to conform to different societal expectations, they lose their identity. It becomes difficult for them to express who they are without putting themselves at risk. Many choose to remain silent about their sexual orientation because they do not want to suffer repercussions. In such cases, their sexual identity is suppressed and hidden away forever.
In countries that recognize same-sex marriages, LGBT individuals have to fight for their rights through various means. They can join associations that advocate for equal treatment of all human beings regardless of their gender and sexual orientation. Such groups help in establishing a sense of belonging, which boosts confidence and self-esteem. The collective effort allows them to push for legal changes regarding marriage laws and other areas affecting their lives.
LGBT activists also use their creativity to spread awareness on gay rights.
Some create videos showing how prejudice affects their sexual orientation. Others paint pictures depicting what happens when gays and lesbians live in fear and hiding. Their artwork helps to change mindsets within society and attract more supporters to the movement.
Negotiating intersecting cultural, historical, and social expectations is a challenge for LGBT individuals living in foreign countries. They must find ways to fit into the new culture while maintaining their identity. When this happens, it leads to the establishment of strong communities and activism.
When negotiation fails due to strict laws or lack of support from others, it may lead to frustration and even suicide among affected people.
How do LGBT individuals in diaspora negotiate intersecting cultural, historical, and social expectations, and how does this negotiation shape community, identity, and activism?
LGBT individuals in diaspora face challenges from multiple sources, such as their new home country's laws and attitudes towards sexuality, their families' traditional values that may be at odds with them coming out, and the desire to fit into the host culture while also maintaining their identity. These factors can create tension and confusion for many LGBT people who struggle to reconcile these different identities.