Today is Harvey Milk day. Harvey Milk was a trailblazer in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights and visibility. As the first openly gay elected official in California, he used his platform to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and worked tirelessly to make sure that the LGBTQ+ community was seen and heard. His work laid the foundation for the progress we see today, but there is still much more to be done.
Visibility is a critical component of normalising the LGBTQ+ community in the world. When people can see LGBTQ+ individuals living their lives, working, and contributing to society, it becomes harder to deny their existence or deny them equal rights. When we are visible, we can help people understand that being LGBTQ+ is just one aspect of who we are, and that we deserve the same rights, respect, and opportunities as anyone else. This is precisely why wearing an RCREW bracelet carries so much weight.
There are many ways that we can increase visibility in the LGBTQ+ community. One way is to simply live our lives openly and proudly. This can mean coming out to friends and family members, wearing LGBTQ+ pride gear, such as RCREW bracelets, or participating in LGBTQ+ events and organisations.
By being visible, we show others that we are part of the community and that we are not afraid to be who we are.
We can also increase visibility through media representation. This means advocating for more LGBTQ+ characters in movies, TV shows, and books. It means supporting LGBTQ+ media outlets and journalists and sharing their stories on social media. When we see ourselves represented in media, it helps us feel seen and heard, and it helps others understand who we are and what we stand for.
It's important to remember that increasing visibility can be scary. For many LGBTQ+ individuals, being visible can mean facing discrimination, harassment, or even violence. It's essential to prioritise safety and to only be as visible as feels comfortable. It's also important to remember that visibility is just one piece of the puzzle in achieving full equality. We must continue to advocate for legal protections, fight against discrimination, and work towards a world where LGBTQ+ individuals are truly equal.
Harvey Milk's legacy lives on in the fight for visibility and LGBTQ+ rights. By being visible and fighting for our rights, we can honour his memory and work towards a better future for all LGBTQ+ individuals.