Introduction
The topic of anti-LGBT discrimination, bullying, and violence has been a serious concern for quite a long time. This community has struggled with multiple injustices, such as the murder of Matthew Shepard, the suicide of Tyler Clementi, the increased likelihood of discrimination during the pandemic, and the Hays Code. The acronym encapsulates identities, such as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and many others. For this text, I will review the group and the topic’s effect on their lives, choose an interdisciplinary lens, and write a thesis statement.
Anti-LGBT Discrimination, Bullying, and Violence
It is essential to mention some aspects of the LGBT community. Currently, it has been estimated that 7.2% of the adult population in America belongs to this group (Gallup & Jones, 2023). Some of the problems these people struggle with include conversion therapy still being legal in certain parts of the country, risks of homelessness, and poverty. It has been revealed that black, Asian, and Latino individuals are more likely to identify as LGBT than white people (Movement Advancement Project et al., 2019). This background highlights the need to examine various instances of injustice and implement measures.
Discrimination and Persistent Biases
One notable, albeit upsetting, case occurred during the pandemic. A study has revealed that identifying as gay or queer increased the probability of experiencing discrimination at the hands of healthcare providers and government officials (Adamson et al., 2022). This case has shown that policymakers and other impactful individuals have failed to take the necessary actions to decrease anti-LGBT violence and discrimination.
Another issue is that while same-sex marriage laws improve the livelihoods of non-heterosexual individuals, the previously concealed implicit biases may be discovered. This can be explained by the irrational and unjustifiable beliefs that such legislations endanger the institution of marriage (Nikolaou, 2021). These two problems illustrate the challenges the community faces in its daily lives.
Using a Social Sciences Lens to Analyze the Problem
For this assignment, I have chosen to review my topic through a social sciences lens. I believe that it can appropriately depict the injustices it mentions and provide some possible explanations and appropriate solutions. For example, the current unconscious bias training is marred by the inaccurate belief that merely being aware of it is sufficient for reducing it (Gino & Hoffman, 2021).
Another aspect that can help approach my topic is intersectionality. As an analytical tool, it can provide people with better access to understanding their complexity and the world (Butler, 2017). Thus, this is why I believe that a social sciences lens is the most appropriate one for the subject. This leads me to my thesis: Anti-LGBT violence, bullying, and discrimination are to be reviewed from the perspective of social sciences by assessing intersectionality and unconscious biases.
Conclusion
In conclusion, I have chosen to write about anti-LGBT violence, discrimination, and bullying through a social sciences lens. Currently, less than 10 percent of the US population identifies as LGBT, with people of color being more likely to have this identity. Some of the struggles this community faces include conversion therapy being legal and high risks of homelessness and poverty. It has been discovered that identifying as gay or queer increased the chances of violence and discrimination from doctors and government officials.
Another problem is the risk of higher implicit bias rates after same-sex marriage laws. This bias is explained by the irrational belief that such legislations threaten the institution of marriage. Thus, anti-LGBT violence, discrimination, and bullying are to be examined via a social sciences lens using a review of intersectionality and unconscious biases.
References
Adamson, T., Lett, E., Glick, J., Garrison-Desany, H. M., & Restar, A. (2022). Experiences of violence and discrimination among LGBTQ+ individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic: A global cross-sectional analysis. BMJ Global Health, 7(9), e009400. Web.
Butler, J. E. (2017). Intersectionality and Liberal Education. Liberal Education. pp. 38-45
Gallup & Jones, J. M. (2023). U.S. LGBT identification is steady at 7.2%. Gallup.com. Web.
Gino, F., & Hoffman, K. (2021). Unconscious Bias Training That Works. pp. 114-123
Movement Advancement Project, Center for American Progress, GLAAD, & Human Rights Campaign. (2019). Understanding issues facing LGBT people in the U.S. Web.
Nikolaou, D. (2021). Same‐sex marriage laws, LGBT hate crimes, and employment discrimination charges. Southern Economic Journal, 88(3), 869-905. Web.