Support LGBTQ+ people every day
During LGBTQ+ Pride Month, I was saddened to see governments, corporations and organizations quibble over how much of a burden it is to support LGBTQ+ people in truly meaningful ways.
We've seen corporations apply rainbows to their logos while donating thousands of dollars to anti-LGBTQ+ politicians and groups - giving nothing to LGBTQ+ people in need. We've seen companies use rainbows for their profit while taking them down July 1.
We've seen local governments such as Buffalo Grove, Palatine and Arlington Heights object to simply flying a flag on village grounds, all for trivial reasons.
But we LGBTQ+ people deserve true support every day. We still face harassment, bigotry, discrimination and hardships. We still have people trying to regulate our lives, and we deserve support beyond trivial symbolic victories. Here's how you can support us:
Corporations: Stop donating to anti-LGBTQ+ politicians, parties, PACs and organizations. Give the money to LGBTQ+ people in need. Local governments: Ensure facilities support gender-nonconforming people. Provide resources for LGBTQ+ mental health. Fly the flag on village property.
Leaders: Incorporate LGBTQ+ acceptance and anti-harassment/discrimination training. Have LGBTQ+ liaisons.
Everyday citizens: Donate to and support LGBTQ+ people in need. Support local to global organizations. Vote for those who support LGBTQ+ people. Call out discrimination. Treat us with dignity and respect.
We need your support now more than ever.
Tyler Katz
Buffalo Grove