The Existence of LGBT in The World
The Existence of LGBT in The World
The Existence of LGBT in The World
LGBT in the
World
1. Introduction
Us humans are born as social animals (homo socius), where one could never
live on their own. This builds the sense of togetherness, and formation of
relationships, whether it is between family or friends. As a kid, I watched all the
Disney princesses whom in the end meet their prince charming, making me think that
I’d meet my own someday.
In some lucky cases, relationships between friends may develop into
something more. This could be due to the feeling of comfort and pure affectionate
towards one another, that could no longer be ignored. Then there comes love, which
could either be beautiful, or completely destroy a being themselves.
When I was younger, I grew up knowing that dating can only occur between
opposite sexes who have feelings for each other. So it quite came as a shock when I
was watching a show on TV, and saw the two male characters kiss and profess their
love towards one other. At that age, it was strange for me, but as I got older, and the
society continued to grow and change along with me, my curiosity got the best of me,
resulting in my decision to analyze and observe the occurrence of LGBT in the world.
LGBT stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender. Only until recently
was the addition of Q , as in queer. It has been a topic that has been widely discussed,
and the reaction towards it varies in many ways. To some people, we as humans
deserve to be loved, and that love is love, therefore we can love whoever we want to.
These are the reactions that you would expect from those that are open minded.
However, there are some people who aren’t open to the fact that there are
people whom are different from them. These are therefore, the reactions you would
expect from those who are in the other hand, close minded.
Starting from the basic information of each element of LGBT , as well as the
causes and reasons as to why they belong to the society, the different reactions from
people to the society and the reasons behind it, its legalization in different countries
and much more are going to be discussed in this essay. And therefore , its is hoped
that whoever is going to read this essay, will gain more information regarding the
LGBT community, not only that but also learn about how the society is responding to
it. I therefore hope this will lead to a stepping stone to further human understanding.
2. Research Questions
From the background research and all the information that I have collected,
there are several questions that I hope would find the answers to
1. How did LGBT came to be, and how has its existence affected different
societies in different parts of the world ?
LGBT stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender, only until recently
was it LGBTQ, with the addition of queer. The following information that I am about
to note down are basic information regarding all those terms.
The LGBT community uses the rainbow flag, in order to symbolize gay pride,
as well as LGBT pride flag, in order to promote all lesbian, gay, bisexual and
transgender social movements and pride, as show in the picture :
Fig 4.1
However, bisexual and transgender have their own respective flags. The
bisexual flag is shown as below :
Fig 4.2
The pink represents the attraction towards females, and the blue represents the
attraction towards men. The mixture of pink and blue resulted in this shade of purple,
representing the attraction towards both male and female, hence symbolizing
bisexuality. 1
The transgender flag is shown as below :
Fig 4.3
The blue stripes represent men, as baby blue is traditionally used as the color
for a baby boy, while pink stripes represent women, as pink is traditionally used as the
color for a baby girl , while the white stripes represent those who don’t belong to any
specific gender , as well as representing the crossover between genders. 2
When talking about LGBT, it is closely associated with the sexual orientation
of one person, which is the type of sexual attraction that someone feels towards
1 http://readvitality.tumblr.com/post/115608034348/why-are-the-colors-pink-purple-and-blue
( 27/11/16)
2http://gender.wikia.com/wiki/Pride_Flags (27/11/16)
another. However, when it comes to LGBT, it doesn’t necessarily mean physical
attraction towards another, but instead is closely associated with humans’ basic needs
of acquiring love. 3
It is, however, different when it comes to talking about gender identity, and
people sometimes mistaken them as something quite similar, while in reality they are
both very different terms from each other. Sexual orientation talks more about who a
person is attracted towards, while gender identity talks more about a person’s internal
sense of being a man or woman. 4
Based on the information above, I believe that it is true that LGBT isn’t just about
what humans are sexually attracted towards, or who they desire to be, but also about
their need to obtain love as a basic requirement, as well as living their lives based on
what satisfies them the most.
From dealing with trying to understand their true identity, to having to face the
different reactions from the society, it could be concluded that the life of those in the
LGBT community isn’t an easy one. As a person in quest to gain further
understanding of LGBT, I got the chance to interview the person from inside the
community herself.
Her name is Camryn Permann, age 17, and is a highschool student. Not by any
means am I trying to label her or anything , but when interviewed, she has claimed to
be bisexual. When asked how she came to realize that she was bisexual , she simply
claimed that she has never once in her life became bisexual, as she quoted :
“There was never a point in my life where I ‘became’ bisexual. Literally, for
as LONG as I can remember, I’ve been attracted to both boys and girls. Even as far
as first grade I remember I had a massive crush on a girl in my class, and since I was
young, I didn’t think anything of it. That seemed completely normal to me because I
didn’t have a concept of sexuality or even know what lgbt was. I just knew that I was
a girl who liked another guy, but also liked a guy as well. However, as I grew up and
came to understand that there’s a name for people who like the same sex, I started to
understand what exactly I am . I always knew I liked girls and I liked boys, but I
didn’t realized that there was a name for it until later”
3
http://www.belongto.org/service.aspx?contentid=2160 (10/09/16)
4
https://www.glaad.org/transgender/transfaq (10/09/16)
and regarding labeling herself as being bisexual, she then claimed :
“ I didn’t just wake up one day and decided that I was. I don’t think
it’s a choice for anyone honestly. “
“So it’s not really a point of “becoming” anything, it’s a point of
understanding what you always were.”
Based on the research that I carried , I learned that people whom are in the
LGBT community not only would have to deal with understanding their identities, but
the society’s reaction towards them as well. When asked whether it was true , she said
:
“There are definitely downs to being bi. A lot of people outside the lgbt community
see you as someone who’s just “ going through a phase” especially if you’re a bi
female because females are just typically outwardly affectionate, so people assume
them being “ bi” is just an experimental phase they’re going through. A lot of people
don’t take bi individuals seriously because “ we cant make a choice”.
However, when I started this research, I expected them to only face difficulties
from dealing with discrimination from the outside party. What I didn’t expect was
them having to deal with discrimination within the community itself, if for instance
the person is bisexual. Regarding this, Camryn said :
“However, we face discrimination within our own lgbt community. A lot of lesbian
and gay people discriminate against bisexual people who are in heterosexual
relationships.Like a bi female who’s with a guy or a bi male who’s with a female.
They discriminate against those people because they’re “not really gay if they’re in a
hetero relationship” and they just write them off as being privileged because they can
still be in a “normal” relationship. We can’t help who we love, but people get almost
offended when bi people are in hetero relationships, like it you’re bi you have to be
with the same and its just not the way it is. That’s why we have our own letter in the
LGBT + acronym, because we’re not quite gay and we’re not quite lesbian. We’re in
between so we can be with boys OR girls. But if you’re with the opposite gender,
you’re not taken seriously in the community.”
However, we all know that there is always beauty behind the madness. There
are of course, the down rights from being in the LGBT community. They would be
able to live the rest of their lives from realizing who they really are , and from there
comes happiness. When asked, Camryn said :
“I think there are definetly ups and downs. One of the ups is that, you have the
opportunity to try everything. If you end up having multiple sexual partners of
both genders, you get to experience all kinds of sexual experiences. I also think
being bisexual allows you to appreciate the attractive qualities of both genders,
especially for bisexual males. Males are so discouraged from showing any intimacy
or outward affection for other males because its “not masculine” to hug you bro or
cry infront of your bro, showing emotion towards males cripples your manliness. But
for males who have accepted themselves as bi are able to be more openly affectionate
with other males. I think being discouraged from being vulnerable with other males
is really a detriment to ALL males, lgbt or not. Its important to be comfortable
being vulnerable and emotional with your friends and its suffocating when you
fell like you can’t because its “not manly” you know?”
Based on the information, what concerns me the most is the fact that the people in
the LGBT community (in this case) bisexual people, experience discrimination within
their community is horrifying because, I thought that even just by discrimination from
the society, they would unite even more. In my opinion, it should’ve been better for
them to not degrade each other just because one is different from the other.
“Yaa mereka sama sama orang just like straight ppl, and gaada yg perlu di
jijiin about them liking/ have affection towards the same gender because love kan ga
mandang siapa orangnya. Mereka juga ga decide to be one of the lgbts, cause its
based on what they feel. Mungkin faktornya (for lesbian and gay)karna mereka keeps
on getting hurt by the opposite gender,trs they dont want to open up to anyone,
especially parents, jadinya mereka coba buat suka the same gender and they like it.
Kalo transgender probably karna faktor lingkungannya yang selalu main sama
opposite gender trs behaviournya jadi kebawa and then they doubt themselves” -
Ghina Salma (16)
The negative reactions however, its effects seems to have overpowered the
positives. There are people in this society whom are not as open-minded as others.
These people are otherwise known as the homophobes, whom are very anti towards
the LGBT, especially gay and lesbian community. This could be due to those people
having strong religion beliefs. It has always been said that religion and homosexuality
are two aspects of culture that continuously clash. 6
5
http://www.ibtimes.com/how-lovewins-twitter-became-most-viral-hashtag-same-sex-marriage-ruling-
1986279 (10/09/16)
6
http://www.soc.ucsb.edu/sexinfo/article/homosexuality-and-religion (10/09/16)
However, some people, were still able to respect its existence, yet still
believing their religion as through what my peers have claimed :
“I act as a neutral party because although I support lgbt, that
doesn't necessarily mean I disrespect religion's point of view”
- Reiko Iesha (16)
“With religion out of the way, i suppose my belief of everybody
deserving love in any form factors into my decision. there's
somebody for everybody out there, so why can't they be members
of the same gender? so yes, i would indeed support them.” – Arya
Yudha (16)
There are countries whom its LGBT rights are worsening, such as Iran, and
that there are 76 countries in the world including Asia, whom made homosexuality
illegal. Discrimination towards the LGBT community is also very high, including
7
them experience torture and violence.
Fig 6.1
An example of this was the Orlando shooting in the night club, which became
the most violent act towards the LGBT community. The appointed gunman shot and
took the lives of 50 people in the LGBT night club.
The existence of myths and stereotypes also resulted in the discrimination of
gay men, such as :
Gay men are all feminine
Gay men are into fashion, enjoy having tidy homes, and are also fans
of Madonna
Gay men are all attracted to men and they are not able to control their
sexual desires
Gay men are sexually deviant and are obsessed with sex
7
http://hrc-assets.s3-website-us-east-
1.amazonaws.com//files/assets/resources/Hatecrimesandviolenceagainstlgbtpeople (10/09/16)
Gay men are into copying male-female sexual activities during their
own
HIV/AIDS is a common disease between gay men
Gay men are not relationship-based
Men are usually gay due to a dark childhood, such as abusive parents
Gay men shouldn’t be around male youth
Gay couples cannot raise children well
8
Fig 6.2
It is especially difficult for the LGBT youth, whom are teenagers that belong
in the LGBT community, as they would have to face bullying, teasing and harassment
by their peers at school. This proves to effect those teenagers psychologically,
resulting in them to be depressed and at worst cases, suicidal. 10
However, there are several people who seem to not take this LGBT matter to
either very positive or negative. Instead, they did not think much about it. This was
proven through the primary research that I carried out. When asking my several of my
peers on what they think about the LGBT community as well as how they would react
8 http://www.huffingtonpost.com/murray-lipp/gay-men-myths-stereotypes_b_3463172.html (27/11/16)
9
http://hrc-assets.s3-website-us-east-1.amazonaws.com//files/assets/resources/Hatecrime (10/09/16)
10 http://www.cdc.gov/lgbthealth/youth.htm (11/09/16)
if their friend ever came out to them as a part of the LGBT community, here are
several of their responses :
“It’s a part of the development of this society, and theres no way of preventing it“
“I don't think about them that much, but I don't exactly support them either.”
“ Im neutral, i have my own life, they have theirs. If they decided to be like that ya its
not a problem. It's their right to be what they want cause everyone deserves it.
Bayangin kalo lo disuruh2 buat jadi apa yg orang lain inginin, you'll be annoyed and
uncomfortable kan, same like them. If ppl thinks that they should change to fit in
with the society, means that mereka egois cause they dont wanna fit in other ppl's
shoes.”
Based on the information above, I could see that within the society, every one has
different opinions towards the existence of LGBT. Although I do respect all their
opinions, it would be better however if they didn’t discriminate nor act violent
towards the members of the community.
Europe :
Before the 19th century, there was very little study regarding the existence of
the homosexual community. Several European doctors and scientists tried to
understand different types of sexual behavior. They include Sigmund Freud and
Magnus Hirschfield , whom took the concept of the occurrence of homosexuality and
bisexuality naturally in the society into account , and that they did not consider its
existence to be a disease. However, this attempt backlashed as during the times of
Hitler’s Third Reich, where Hirschfield’s library was burnt to flames by the Nazis on
the 10th of May 1993.
b) United States :
In the United States, there were already several attempts in creating support
groups for the homosexual community moments after the second world war, as during
the that era, gay men and women were not allowed to be soldiers, war workers, or and
other volunteers, which were posted worldwide. However, there were several
successful pre war urban centers such as Greenwich Village and Harlem. Due to
greater awareness, the Senator Joseph McCarty decided to investigate regarding
whether or not there were any homosexuals working in the public sector (Government
Jobs), resulted in America’s political demands for fair treatment towards each and
everyone’s health, policies, as well as in terms of employment.
11 http://www.apa.org/pi/lgbt/resources/history.aspx (11/09/16)
12
http://www.apa.org/pi/lgbt/resources/history.aspx
as gaining support from mainstream feminist groups such as the National
Organization for Women .
There were also rising supports from religious perspective, including the
building of more churches and large assemblies . In the political perspective, it
exploded through the election of gay and lesbian representatives, as well as the march
for Washington gay rights. 13
Based on the information above, it could be seen that during the old days,
LGBT was considered unimportant and disgraceful, which could be seen through
discrimination within the workplace, or the society in terms of unequal rights .
Therefore, it is refreshing to see that LGBT are acquiring the rights they need as years
past by.
8. Gay Marriage
13
http://www.apa.org/pi/lgbt/resources/history.aspx
14
http://www.apa.org/pi/lgbt/resources/history.aspx
As said in the paragraph above, the legalization of gay marriage has recently
been spread worldwide. It was only recently was the legalization of gay marriage by
the US supreme court in all of its 50 states 15
“ They ask for equal dignity in the eyes of law. The Constution grants them
that right “
- Anthony Kennedy
Beside the US, here are the list of other countries whom have also legalized
same-sex marriage , and the years in which it occurred : 16
There are also reasons for the legalization of same sex marriage, which the
obvious countries above have achieved. The reasons behind why countries should
permit the legalization of same sex marriage are :
15
http://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo- way/2015/06/26/417717613/supreme-court-rules-all-states-
must-allow-same-sex-marriages (11/09/16)
16
http://time.com/3937766/us-supreme-court-countries-same-sex-gay-marriage-legal/ (11/09/16)
legalizing same-sex marriage, it increases the amount of children adopted, and for
them to experience loving parents and families.
From above, it stated that one of the reasons why same-sex marriage should be
legalized is due to higher rates of child adoption. And through the adoption by an
LGBT family , it possesses several advantages such as : 18
17 https://infogr.am/10-reasons-why-gay-marriage-should-be-legalized (11/09/16)
18
http://www.lifelongadoptions.com/lgbt-adoption/lgbt-adoption-advantages (11/09/16)
Many gay couples tend to maintain more stable relationships, which provide
the children with a more secure home
By choosing and having to work hard as parents, gay couples are motivated to
work hard and be more committed than any heterosexual parents
Children that grow up within homosexual parents based families tend to be
more sympathetic and open-minded towards differences and believe the
importance of equality
Children that grow up within homosexual parents based families tend to be
more open minded to different lifestyles
There are shortages in the amount of adoptive families. So by the existence of
homosexual gay adoptive families, it increases adoption rates
As gay parents have experienced hardships and discrimination within their
lives, they becoming more understanding when it comes to their child’s
problems
Gay parents would be more open-minded towards the lifestyle that their
children choose
Children within raised within the family would be stronger when facing
obstacles within their lives, as well as make decisions based on their feelings
and emotions, not only based on facts or information19
However there are several disadvantages of same sex marriage such as:
1. Marriage is a Religious Sanction : Same sex marriage is contradictory to
what the bible teaches
2. May be confusing for Children : The legalization would give children
the mindset that homosexuality is alright, and that it may also confuse
them on how the reproductive process works
3. Reduces Procreation : Within marriages, it allows the procreation of
more children, for future generations, which require opposite sex
individuals. So, children cannot be reproduced within homosexual
relationships
19 http://www.lifelongadoptions.com/lgbt-adoption/lgbt-adoption-advantages (11/09/16)
4. It is A Slippery Slope : By legalizing same sex marriage, it would give
couples the mindset that they are allowed to carry out underage marriage
and etc 20
20 http://thenextgalaxy.com/disadvantages-and-advantages-of-same-sex-marriage/ (28/11/16)
21 https://internationalspectrum.umich.edu/life/definitions (10/09/16)
There are several causes as to why a person could be transgender, which could
be developed through 3 factors, chemical/hormonal, genetic and environmental. Turns
out, when it comes to the development of the brain there several tiny differences
between those of a male’s and female’s. So if for instance a male were to gain the
brain structure of a female brain, they would most likely be a female transsexual in
the future. The change is due to several variances with several wrong hormones. 22
Genetics are also an important cause, which is also related to the hormonal
imbalances within the baby born, and are also effected by several external factors
such as pollution, stress, medicines and diseases. And lastly, people could also be
transgender due to the environment which they grow up in. 23
22
https://www.quora.com/What-causes-a-person-to-be-transgender (11/09/16)
23
https://www.quora.com/What-causes-a-person-to-be-transgender
24
https://www.quora.com/Can-a-transgender-person-transition-back-to-their-previous-gender-after-
gender-reassignment-surgery
25
https://www.quora.com/Can-a-transgender-person-transition-back-to-their-previous-gender-after-
gender-reassignment-surgery
her outside was a guy. Ever since she became a transsexual female, she has never
been the happiest girl alive.
26
http://www.academia.edu/2205669/Translating_Ketuhanan_Yang_Maha_Esa_ (28/11/16)
27
https://www.hrw.org/report/2016/08/10/these-political-games-ruin-our-lives/indonesias-lgbt-
community-under-threat (28/11/16)
28
https://www.hrw.org/report/2016/08/10/these-political-games-ruin-our-lives/indonesias-lgbt-
community-under-threat (28/11/16)
he is the country’s only hope to reduce discrimination and physical attack towards the
LGBT community in Indonesia. 29
Based on the information above, it could be seen that LGBT wasn’t that accepted
in Indonesia back then, and was continuously discriminated. However, as time goes
by, I think it is amazing that the president of Indonesia is willing to serve equal rights
to everyone, regardless of the rules presented by religion. Although in some way,
people may believe it is sinning, however if we do not see it from the religious
perspective, I think that it is fair that people are receiving the rights they deserve, and
I think this without going against my religion in any way.
11. Conclusion
And my adventure circulating the different aspects of LGBT world. It could be
seen that LGBT is world phenomena, in which its existence could no longer
be neglected nor ignored. Despite it being considered different or may be
against my religious beliefs, I have chosen to respect those within the
community. I now believe that every single person has every right to be in
loved with whoever they want to, or who they want to be , should they rather
be male or female.
I also learned that the LGBT community is more than what it seems. However
, as you get deeper into it, it doesn’t just become an identity or sexuality, but
also a world full of complex relationships and struggle towards the
achievement of equal rights like their heterosexual peers. All in all, the LGBT
community is a complex aspect of the society, in which everyone must learn
more about, and which I hope through reading this essay, people would be
able to gain a better understanding regarding this global phenomena.
29 https://www.hrw.org/news/2016/10/20/indonesia-president-jokowi-defends-lgbt-rights (28/11/16)
12.References
http://readvitality.tumblr.com/post/115608034348/why-are-the-colors-pink-purple-and-blue
http://gender.wikia.com/wiki/Pride_Flags
http://www.belongto.org/service.aspx?contentid=2160
http://www.ibtimes.com/how-lovewins-twitter-became-most-viral-hashtag-same-sex-marriage-
ruling-1986279
http://www.soc.ucsb.edu/sexinfo/article/homosexuality-and-religion
http://hrc-assets.s3-website-us-east
1.amazonaws.com//files/assets/resources/Hatecrimesandviolenceagainstlgbtpeoplehttps://www.gla
ad.org/transgender/transfaq
http://www.ibtimes.com/how-lovewins-twitter-became-most-viral-hashtag-same-sex-marriage-
ruling-1986279
http://www.soc.ucsb.edu/sexinfo/article/homosexuality-and-religion
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/murray-lipp/gay-men-myths-stereotypes_b_3463172.html
http://hrc-assets.s3-website-us-east-1.amazonaws.com//files/assets/resources/Hatecrime
http://www.cdc.gov/lgbthealth/youth.htm
http://www.apa.org/pi/lgbt/resources/history.aspx
http://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo- way/2015/06/26/417717613/supreme-court-rules-all-states-
must-allow-same-sex-marriages
http://time.com/3937766/us-supreme-court-countries-same-sex-gay-marriage-legal/
https://infogr.am/10-reasons-why-gay-marriage-should-be-legalized
http://www.lifelongadoptions.com/lgbt-adoption/lgbt-adoption-advantages
http://thenextgalaxy.com/disadvantages-and-advantages-of-same-sex-marriage/
https://www.quora.com/What-causes-a-person-to-be-transgender
https://www.quora.com/Can-a-transgender-person-transition-back-to-their-previous-gender-after-
gender-reassignment-surgery
http://www.academia.edu/2205669/Translating_Ketuhanan_Yang_Maha_Esa_
https://www.hrw.org/report/2016/08/10/these-political-games-ruin-our-lives/indonesias-lgbt-
community-under-threat
https://www.hrw.org/news/2016/10/20/indonesia-president-jokowi-defends-lgbt-rights
Primary Research
Method : Interview
Q : Hello there, my name is Kezhia and I would like to ask you a series of
questions for an essay. Is that okay?
A : Of course
Q : Okay. Sorry for being so direct but what is your sexuality? I think I saw you
talk about it on twitter a few months ago
A : Bisexual :)
Q : Ohh, that’s nice :) I was wondering, as well as my teacher, how did you
become bisexual? Did you think you were just born with it and you knew all
along you were attracted to both sexes or were you influenced by the media? Or
do you have your reason?
A : I’ll try to keep it brief. There was never a point in my life where I ‘became’
bisexual. Literally, for as LONG as I can remember, I’ve been attracted to both boys
and girls. Even as far as first grade I remember I had a massive crush on a girl in my
class, and since I was young, I didn’t think anything of it. That seemed completely
normal to me because I didn’t have a concept of sexuality or even know what lgbt
was. I just knew that I was a girl who liked another guy, but also liked a guy as well.
However, as I grew up and came to understand that there’s a name for people who
like the same sex, I started to understand what exactly I qA. I always knew I liked
girls and I liked boys, but I didn’t realized that there was a name for it until later
Q : Tbh, just type for as long as you like, its beneficial for me haha. Oh I see, so
you didn’t just go one day “ oh wow I’m bisexual” You just knew all along and
went with it?
A : Yes exactly. I didn’t just wake up one day and decided that I was. I don’t think it’s
a choice for anyone honestly. I think people are born with their sexualities by the
balance of their chromosomes. I learned that in biology that them makeup of you
chromosomes can determine which sex ( or sexes ) you’re attracted to. So it’s not
really a point of “becoming” anything, it’s a point of understanding what you always
were.
Q : Hmm you do have a point there. But, do you think being bisexual feels
different? I just feel like being bisexual is so strange to some people
A : Feel different? Hmm no haha. It just feels like me, but I think it might be a hard
concept to grasp because a lot of people feel bisexuality is just ‘confusion’ and
people need to ‘pick a side’. I also think the common misconception is that people
who are bisexual are 50% attracted to females and 50% attracted to males, which
could not be FURTHER from the truth. In fact, very rarely is it that black and white.
Personally, I’d say I’m more liked 98% girls and 2% guys ( and the guys I like are
male celebrities, not like real guys) so even I struggle with the term “bisexual”
because realistically, the only males I’m attracted to are impossible to be with. I’m
not really attracted to regular males my age so I have a tough time calling myself “
bisexual” because its just so… final. Like “ Oh You’re bi, you like boys and you like
girls” like..well.. BARELY haha. I barely like boys, but since I do in the slightest bit,
I’m labeled bisexual. I think that’s where people might get confused, because there’s
a spectrum of bisexuality and people think everyone is right in the middle between
both genders.
Q : Wow, I like how you’re very understanding, and that you have your own
view on how bisexuality is. Okay next question. Regarding of being bisexual,
what do you think are the ups and downs? As in are you afraid of being judged
or discriminated?
A : Haha I really try to be understanding because I know what its like to be
MISunderstood
Q : That’s true, but its great how independent and strong you are. Okay one last
question! How are people in America towards the LGBT community?
A : I think the treatment of gay people has obviously come really far even just within
the last two years of the legalization of gay marriage ( which was FAR too long of a
wait if you ask me) but it was a vast improvement nonetheless. At times, it seems like
things are going really well for our community, and then things like the Orlando
shooting happened and we’re getting killed and discriminated against left and right,
and its just a huge reminder that like, yes we’ve made improvements as a society, but
gay rights and the human treatment of lgbt+ people is so far from there it needs to be
SO far. But I am an optimist and I like to dwell on the positives asl well. I’ve seen a
lot of churches anging like gay pride flags outside and signs saying like “ God loves
us all, no matter who you are because a lot of people all religious people hate gays.I
myself am a Christian and I love Jesus and I trust the bible and what it says, but I cant
help the way I am. I think a lot of people believe the Christians especially want to
burn all the gays or whatever, but its just not true. So, seeing churches accepting my
community with open arms really mean a lot to me. And finally, even just with the
representation of gay couples on tv, and in media in general. Now, granted they’re
mostly gay white couples but its better than nothing. There are a few gay interracial
couples here and there, and that’s so great., amazing even. But I understand we kind
of have to introduce one thing at a time so we don’t overwhelm all the conservative
haha
Q : Sorry, but this is last question ( for real) What advice would you give to those
that are the same as you?
A : I would say never let people try to convince you that this was a choice, and that
you’re made the wrong choice. This is who you were born as, don’t try to hide that
from anyone. You should never be ashamed of who you love
Q : Okay. Thank you so much for taking your time to answer my questions.
Hope you have a great day.
A : of course
The next following people were asked the same series of questions :
1) State ur name, age and occupation
2) What are your views towards the LGBT community?
3) If you had a friend who told you he/she was gay/lesbian/bi/trans, how
would you react and what would you do as a friend
4) According to religion, LGBT is a sin. But if we just disregarded religion
for a second, do you still support the LGBT community , are you against
it or are you neutral (meaning you don’t think much, let them be what
they want to be)
5) “Keadilan Sosial Bagi Seluruh Rakyat Indonesia” Is one of the lines in
Pancasila. Do you think Indonesia has achieved that in terms of LGBT.
Explain why.
Answers :
2) It’s a part of the development of this society, and theres no way of
preventing it
3) I would be surprised at first of course, but will probably get used to it and let
me be whoever they want
4) I don’t actually support it, but I don’t really think much of it as well, so I
won’t do anything to stop it
5) No, because the govt. have not approved of the lgbt community which leads
them to not being fair to those who are a part of the community
Answers :
2) I think the lgbt community is something that people shouldn't view as a
negative thing, it is not easy for people to open up about their sexually and i
respect those who are able because I know it takes great courage
3) I would appreciate them for actually opening up to me because that shows
their trust in me, and if they start doubting whether it's good or not, I would
tell them that choosing to be someone they actually are instead of pretending
to be someone else just so they don't look bad in the society's eyes is good
4) I act as a neutral party because although I support lgbt, that doesn't
necessarily mean I disrespect religion's point of view
5) I don't think Indonesia has achieved that in terms of LGBT because the
Indonesian government hasn't made LGBT legal, and in terms of Indonesian
people, I think most people are very religious whereso they think LGBT is a
sin and aren't very open-minded towards this community.
Answers :
2)Yaa mereka sama sama orang just like straight ppl, and gaada yg perlu di
jijiin about them liking/ have affection towards the same gender because love
kan ga mandang siapa orangnya. Mereka juga ga decide to be one of the lgbts,
cause its based on what they feel. Mungkin faktornya (for lesbian and
gay)karna mereka keeps on getting hurt by the opposite gender,trs they dont
want to open up to anyone, especially parents, jadinya mereka coba buat suka
the same gender and they like it. Kalo transgender probably karna faktor
lingkungannya yang selalu main sama opposite gender trs behaviournya jadi
kebawa and then they doubt themselves
3) okay cool(?) yaaa honestly pasti ngerasa ada boundaries gtu awalnya,
cuman ya that doesnt make his/her true self change, ga ngerubah sifat dia yg
fun or something that makes us wants to be friends with them
4) Im neutral, i have my own life, they have theirs. If they decided to be like
that ya its not a problem. It's their right to be what they want cause everyone
deserves it. Bayangin kalo lo disuruh2 buat jadi apa yg orang lain inginin,
you'll be annoyed and uncomfortable kan, same like them. If ppl thinks that
they should change to fit in with the society, means that mereka egois cause
they dont wanna fit in other ppl's shoes.
5)In Indonesia, the govt ,even most of the ppl are anti-LGBT. Terbukti the law
doesnt accept gay marriage. Indonesia juga negara yg most of the population
has religion even the politics has religion sense and every religion taught that
LGBT is a sin, which probably makes them think that it is something
disgraceful and unacceptable, thus the word "keadilan" based on "adil" which
means equal is not achieved in Indonesia
Answers :
2)I don't think about them that much, but I don't exactly support them either.
3) I would be fine with it, I guess. I wouldn't really do much about it.
4)Neutral.
5)Um, maybe? I don't think there's much discrimination here against LGBT
people, or at least that's what it's like in my community.
Answers :
1) Sesuatu yang harus diberi perhatian khusus, khususnya bagi tumbuh
kembang anak remaja saat ini
2) Mengumpulan informasi tentang apa itu lgbt dan apa yang terjadi dari
anak khusus mereka, lalu mencari penyebabnya. Lalu mencari
solusi/pemecahan masalahnya sehingga mereka dapat menarik anaknya
dari permasalahan tersebut, serta mempertebal dasar agama
3) Kita merasa aneh, karena buat kita, LGBT adalah sesuatu yang
‘uncommon’
Secondary Research
No. Data/Information Category Scope References
1 Lesbian : women who Definition of International https://internationalspectrum.umich.edu/life/definitions
are attracted to other each letter in
women the LGBT
Gay : men attracted to
men only
Bisexual : attracted to
both men and women
Transgender : who do
not identity with their
gender from birth
2 Sexual Orientation : The Definition of International https://internationalspectrum.umich.edu/life/definitions
type of sexual attraction what Sexual
that someone feels Orientation is
towards another (which
hence results in the
existence of
lesbian,gay,bisexual and
pansexual)
3 Being LGBT isn’t only Brief International http://www.belongto.org/service.aspx?contentid=2160
about physical attraction, Information
but also how us human on how it
acquire the basic needs feels to be
of feeling loved. Also lesbian,gay,tra
states that the existence nsgender and
of LGBT people are bisexual
posed with limitations
4 Pansexuals are people Definition of International http://www.stop-homophobia.com/pansexuality.htm
that are capable of being Pansexuality
attracted to other
regardless of their gender
identities (open to all
sexualities)
5 Bisexual people are Explaination International http://www.stop-homophobia.com/pansexuality.htm
attracted to mainly both of the
men and women, but differences
pansexuals are open to between
more identities, such as bisexuality
ntersex, third-gender, and
androgynous, pansexuality
transsexual, or the many
other sexual and gender
identities.
6 The legalization of same News International http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-33290341
sex marriage nationwide http://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2015/06/26/417717613/supreme-
by the US supreme court court-rules-all-states-must-allow-same-sex-marriages
7 Lists of other countries Information International http://time.com/3937766/us-supreme-court-countries-same-sex-gay-
that legalized same sex marriage-legal/
marriage