In a world fraught with division and political threats, it is my unwavering commitment to dedicate my life to social work, working tirelessly to uplift the LGBTQIA+ community through compassion, promote peace, and fight for justice. Particularly in the face of political figures like Donald Trump and Ron DeSantis, who perpetuate hostility, my mission burns brighter than ever, serving as a beacon of hope for marginalized individuals yearning for acceptance and equality.
Compassion as My Guiding Light:
From an early age, I have been blessed with an innate sense of empathy and compassion. Witnessing the struggles faced by the LGBTQIA+ community, marginalized and subjected to discrimination, my heart ached, igniting rediscovered calling within me to make a difference. I have fought for LGBT rights before, and now I feel the need to to it again. It is this profound sense of compassion that propels me forward in the field of social work, driven to touch the lives of those in need, offering solace and support to the LGBTQIA+ community.
The increased bias against LGBTQIA+ people has been my catalst to begin my journey with Spalding University and get my BSSW. There were more than 350 incidents of anti-L.G.B.T.Q. harassment, vandalism or assault in the United States from June 2022 through April 2023, according to a new report, reflecting a climate in which bias against gay and especially transgender people has become widespread. (New York Times, 2023)
Promoting Peace and Acceptance:
In a world marred by hostility and division, I firmly believe that peace and acceptance can be achieved through education, dialogue, and fostering understanding. Through my work, I tirelessly desitre to advocate for inclusive policies, challenging societal norms that perpetuate discrimination. By engaging in open conversations, I strive to encourage individuals to confront their biases and embrace the diversity that enriches our communities. I firmly believe that through peaceful means, we can dismantle barriers and create a society that celebrates every individual, irrespective of their sexual orientation or gender identity. I am deeply inspired by the late Harvey Milk who I see as a pioneer for the rights of LGBT people. In 1973 Milk ran for a seat on San Francisco’s Board of Supervisors but was defeated. After another unsuccessful bid in 1976, he was elected in 1977, becoming one of the first openly gay elected officials in U.S. history. (New York Times, 2023) I believe that barriers like Ron Desantis and other bigot political figures are in comparison to Milk’s “Anita Bryant,” obstacles of his day.
The Threat of Political Figures:
In recent years, the LGBTQIA+ community has faced a resurgence of threats posed by political figures like Donald Trump and Ron DeSantis. His actions by signing the “Don’t Say Gay” bill in Florida concerns me. The Parental Rights in Education Act (HB 1557), commonly referred to as the "Don't Say Gay" law, is a Florida state law passed in 2022 that regulates public schools in Florida. (Wikipedia [Wiki], n.d.) Their policies and rhetoric seek to undermine the hard-fought progress made towards equality, leaving many feeling vulnerable and marginalized. Advocates say that because Florida’s K-3 curriculum does not currently include discussions of sexual orientation or gender identity, the law would not mandate an update to the state’s curriculum. But LGBTQ advocates warn that the law would make classrooms unsafe spaces for children who are LGBTQ or whose family members are LGBTQ. Such children often already face increased rates of stigma and isolation. (Time.com, 2023)
I refuse to succumb to despair. Instead, I stand as a defiant force as I have many times in my life, unwavering in my commitment to uplift and protect the LGBTQIA+ community. I will not let fear and hatred dictate the course of society. Instead, I will tirelessly advocate for justice and equal rights. I feel this profession is more than a calling, it was something I was born to accomplish.
A Beacon of Hope:
In the face of adversities, I strive to personify the resilience and unwavering spirit of those who fight for justice and equality. I remain resolute, recognizing that the work I will do is more critical than ever. My compassion, coupled with my unwavering dedication, has become a beacon of hope for countless individuals who have been marginalized and silenced. Through my efforts, I send a powerful message: that love, compassion, and justice will prevail, even in the face of the most formidable challenges.
In a world increasingly plagued by division and political threats, my mission to work in the social work field, supporting the LGBTQIA+ community through compassion, promoting peace, and fighting for justice, serves as a testament to the indomitable human spirit. As I navigate the turbulent present, my commitment to uplifting others and fostering acceptance shines brightly, inspiring us all to join the fight for a world where equality and love triumph over discrimination and hate. Through my unwavering dedication, I am determined to transform lives, shape a better future, and remind us all that even in the darkest times, hope will always endure.
References:
New York Times. (2023, June 22). NYTimes.com [html]. NYTimes.com. Retrieved October 16, 2023, from https://www.nytimes.com/2023/06/22/us/politics/anti-lgbtq-report-adl-glaad.html
Time.com. (2023, October 16). Florida Just Passed the "Don't Say Gay" Bill. Here’s What It Means for Kids [html]. Retrieved October 16, 2023, from https://time.com/6155905/florida-dont-say-gay-passed/
Wikipedia. (n.d.). [wikipedia.org] [html].
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florida_Parental_Rights_in_Education_Act. Retrieved October 16, 2023, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florida_Parental_Rights_in_Education_Act
www.britannica.com. (2023, October 4).
Harvey Milk [html]. Retrieved October 16, 2023, from https://www.britannica.com/biography/Harvey-Milk
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