(LGBT) 'Respectfully Disagreeing' Doesn't Work When It Comes to Human Rights Opinion

Politics have always been a topic that most people shy away from, especially when they know that others in the room may have contrasting viewpoints. The idea of arguing over a policy issue is certainly not worth ruining a relationship. Yet today, we live in a society where hateful politics have been amplified and people's voices have become louder—for better and for worse.

Over the past few years, we have seen a major shift in the political landscape. "Opposing views'' now means that some believe that certain groups of people do not deserve the same respect and rights as others. Although we have seen progress for certain marginalized communities, like the recent passing of the Respect for Marriage Act (RFMA), we have also witnessed social media amplify politicians whose platforms are fueled by hate, bigotry, and oppression. Friendly political disagreements about taxes have transformed into disagreements over whether or not people in the LGBTQ community should be allowed to marry who they love. Americans are forced to choose between supporting equality, or standing against human rights for the purpose of political gain. There is no longer a middle ground that promotes civility.

We, the queer community, want effective policy and protective change as "thoughts and prayers" no longer suffice. It was moments after the Club Q shooting that every politician jumped to Twitter to post their "prayers," and then the following week voted against the Respect for Marriage Act. Actions speak louder than any tweet or press conference, and the louder we can stand together and resist, the stronger we are able to push back and demand equal rights for all.

According to NBC News, over 240 anti-LGBTQ bills have been introduced in the last 18 months, where LGBTQ members are caught in the crossfire between religion and politics. From schools introducing anti-LGBTQ policies because they are "woke" and will "brainwash" our children, to the blatant attack on transgenders' access to health care, there is not one aspect of the queer community that is not demonized (calling us "groomers&quot , and targeted with acts of violence. From Pulse, to Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas' remarks on Obergefell v. Hodges, to book bans (including one in my hometown), to the so called Don't Say Gay bill being proposed nationally, it is clear that some care about one thing: hate.

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