LIFE

Though we don't know what will happen under the new adminstration, it's safe to say that the LGBTQ+ community has reached numerous milestones in recent years. The Employment Non-Discrimination Act was passed, a law that makes it illegal for employers to discriminate against their employees or those they're hiring based on their sexual orientation or gender identity. In 2015, a landmark Supreme Court ruling was made that finally gave same-sex couples nationwide the right to marry. Last year, former President Barack Obama sent out letters to school districts across the country, announcing that under federal law students have the right to use the bathroom that corresponds to their self-identified gender.

Now, according to Vox, a recent survey from Gallup shows that approximately 1.75 million more people are identifying as LGBTQ+ since 2012.

Many might think this is simply due to population growth, but that's likely not the case. The number has increased because more people are comfortable openly identifying as LGBTQ+. Since the LGBTQ+ community has become much more accepted in society throughout the years (likely thanks to those milestones reached), people are more willing to be open and comfortable about their identities. This near 2 million increase implies that an estimated 10 million people identify as LGBTQ+ in the U.S. today, and that's a number that will only continue to grow.

Despite this good news, there is still plenty that can be done that can make the world a more welcoming places for LGBTQ+, especially schools, as they still keep tight-lipped on the subject. According to Education Week, "The most recent National School Climate Survey by the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network found that fewer than one in five students heard any positive mention of LGBT issues in any of their classes; fewer than half had access to LGBT-related library resources and roughly half still said their schools didn’t have gay-straight alliances."

What does this mean? There needs to be more outreach and opportunities for LGBT people to express themselves and feel safe around their classmates. Silence is never the answer, so increasing communication and awareness in schools is just one step in advancing equality for all.

Even still, the survey result has likely inspired hope and validation in the LGBTQ+ community and reminds us that love will always conquer hate.

How do you support your LGBTQ+ classmates and friends? Share in the comments down below.

by Cecelia Yost | 1/31/2017