This article contains explicit language.
I have always been a naive person. I still find myself feeling surprised when I find out something I read online isn't true. So it does come as a shock to me when I see people viciously attacking each other on social media sites for their beliefs.
America is a country that encourages debate. I personally love to watch two sides argue their point, fighting to persuade me. But, and especially during this election, I have seen hateful language towards each other. I have seen people say they hate each other because they support a different candidate. I have even seen people tell others to kill themselves based on a difference of opinions (for those of you who have been reading my articles, I'm sure you know how strongly I oppose this).
The LGBTQ community is one that has been shunned for as long as I can remember. Those who love who they love are hated and demeaned worldwide. I recently came out as pansexual. For a few years, I felt that something was, well, I don't know how to describe it. Sort of like you have a whole puzzle minus one piece. And once I came out, I felt that the puzzle was whole. I was extremely lucky to have such a wonderful support system when I came out (this is where the naivety comes in). I never knew how bad it hurt to be called horrible things just because of who you are. Until I was. By someone I considered a best friend.I knew he was not a fan of the LGBTQ community, but he came out on social media saying that he outright hated gays. He then called me "gross as fuck" for being pansexual. That hurt more than if he would have hit me. And I know that so many people have been through so much worse than I have. But I felt that hurt, that pain for the first time and I think that finally helped me to see just how badly we need this change.
I am okay with others having a differing opinion, as I have said. If you don't agree with the LGBTQ community, that's your business. However, what gives anyone the right to tear people down and to call them names just based on a disagreement? Absolutely nothing.
It is up to us to stop this hate speech. These dehumanizing words have no place in this world. We have every right to our opinions, but we have no right to damage someone else. Too many people kill themselves because of bullying. It is disgusting and cowardly to belittle someone else. What happened to humanity? We have to be kind. We have to stop the pain.
