Diversity is a ‘new’ concept in our culture that should have never been new in the first place. It should have been normal. We should celebrate life and acceptance all year round. After all the struggles and hardships the LGBTQ+ community have faced and conquered, I think it’s important that we put our hands together in awe.
Now in lockdown, there doesn’t seem like there’s much to do but there is plenty that you can take initiative in. You can donate to charities, sign petitions, and continue to support the community. Just because you might not identify as a member of the LGBTQ+ community doesn’t mean you can’t be an ally.
- 1. If you’re a bookworm then diversify that reading list you have handy. There is such a wide range of incredible LGBT books to read. Take a look at different genres, jump into an entirely different world of narratives.
You can even start a book club with your friends. Just because we’re stuck inside doesn’t mean we have to be sitting by idly. There is so much LGBTQ+ friendly literature to devour: from fantasies about bisexual princesses to non-fiction literature about the Stonewall riots.
A great way to find some? Surprisingly, Buzzfeed has many lists.
2. If you’re not a reader then be a listener and keep yourself entertained with a podcast. LGBTQ+ podcasts are vast in content, there’s funny, there’s educational and there’s deep content. Spotify has some incredible content when it comes to podcasts, Tony Award-winning actor Alan Cumming and co-creator Chris Sweeney host their own called Homo Sapiens.
They’ve had guests like MJ Rodriguez and Jamila Jamil, and discuss important topics within the LGBTQ+ community.
3. You don’t need to break lockdown rules to celebrate and learn. There are so many ways to do that from the comfort of your own home. Even your own bed. Fire up a streaming service and watch some of the latest LGBTQ+ friendly shows.
There have been so many new hit series breaking out of societies’ heterosexual shell. Watch gender become non-binary and celebrate the so-called ‘rules’ being broken. Host an online film night with your friends and then gossip about the storyline after, realise how relatable all life is in some form or another.
All you have to do is type ‘LGBTQ’ into Netflix and there’s an abundance of content to gorge on. You might think this is doing nothing but you’re learning by watching these things. Seeing the LGBTQ+ community fight for acceptance and against intolerance is a massive part of history.
4. Stream music from different artists, explore your tastes. Some of the best ways to learn about someone and their experiences is through their music. Take a moment to listen and dance to a sound that comes from freedom and understanding.
Vibe to Hayley Kiyoko, listen to the lyrics of Years and Years. Pay tribute to trailblazers like Freddie Mercury and Elton John.
5. And finally, reach out to your LGBTQ+ community, show your support and let them know you’re there. This has been a hard time for everyone. Despite how far we’ve come there will always be more to fight against, but we’ve survived our worst days so far.
Look back to see the significance of our progress so far. This month celebrates the pivotal moments in history that have led to times like these; where gender is fluid, love is undefinable, and the closet doors are being busted open.
Extend your hand by educating yourself. The only way we, as a society, can grow is by trying to understand each other and being an ally.
Featured Image Credit: Hornet.com
Deputy Editor of Brig Newspaper. Fourth year journalism and English student at the University of Stirling. Lover of covering social issues and creator of 'The Talk' column for everyone who needs to hear it.
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