Gay, lesbian, devils, disgusting, pretentious, confused, faggots, dykes.

These are just some of the words people use to

wrongfully describe and discriminate people who are in the LGBTQ+ community. From vile degrading words into
destructive actions that harm people that are not seen as the “default” someone that loves and celebrates sexuality more
than what is known as normal.

I remember the time when I’m teasing and joking my mother. I will tell her that I’m Lesbian and I don’t want to get
married. She will give me her ‘words of wisdom’ again like; you shouldn’t be like that because it’s bad and unacceptable
to everyone.

Imagine having a life that your parents will tell you that dialogue every day.

LGBTQQIAAP- stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning, Intersexual, Asexual, Allies, and
Pansexual.

This is the community of people where they are forced to live in their shadows, not because they are not proud of their
sexual preferences, identity, or sexuality. But, because they are afraid to be judged, hurt; make fun of, harassed, and not be
accepted.

2015 national Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS),of surveyed LGB students:

10% were threatened or injured with a weapon on school property

34% were bullied on school property

28% were bullied electronically

23% of LGB students who had dated or went out with someone during the 12 months before the survey had experienced
sexual dating violence in the prior year

18% of LGB students had experienced physical dating violence

18% of LGB students had been forced to have sexual intercourse at some point in their lives.

Can you ever imagine these people’s problems in life? Can you imagine a student being harassed at a very young age?
Because what, because they are part of LGBTQ+ Community. Isn’t unfair for them? They should be treated normally,
equally.

Schools, Families, and Friends should be every student and people save haven, but for them it’s like living in a hellhole. A
life trying their best just to be accepted, respected, and loved. But what do they get? They end up being name called, hurt
physically, and emotionally.

Close your eyes, and put yourselves in their shoes. Imagine a life living like them. Easily judged, misunderstand, hurt, and
abused.

‘Straight Peoples’ lives are a lot easier and happier than them, because unlike them, we don’t experience this kind of
things or events every day.

If you can’t accept, just respect them, because everyone deserved to be treated and judged equally and fairly.

Before ending this 2MT, I would like to leave a quote from Mandy Hale to people, who are still living in their shadows,

“Just be yourself. Let people see the real, imperfect, flawed, quirky, weird, beautiful, and magical person that you are”