Much research on origins, development, psychology, and other sexual and gender characteristics has been conducted in recent years. However, the features of the LGBTQ+ community itself seem to be considered so well-known that they acquire little attention. Parmenter et al. (2020) attempted to address the issue with a survey of the community members on their perceptions of LGBTQ+ culture. Consequently, they placed acceptance and inclusion, liberation and pride, and equality and social action among the most important community features.
Being de-facto the central theme of the LGBTQ+ movement, overarching acceptance stands in front of the community’s distinguishing features. It contraposes the historical alienation, prosecution, and discrimination and creates a safe space for all previously marginalized sexual groups (Parmenter et al., 2020). In addition to aiding sexual minorities, acceptance promotes and supports inclusivity for other social groups based, for example, on age, race, or ethnicity.
When people feel accepted, they slowly start to foster a feeling of freedom. In many ways, acceptance can be compared to the actual “hard-won” liberation – freedom to finally be whoever they want to be. It bolsters self-confidence and allows people to be proud of themselves and the community that managed to overthrow societal limitations and create a new way of life.
However, despite current achievements, there is still significant room for improvement. That is why the community strives for further social action and the promotion of equality in society (Parmenter et al., 2020). Not only does it broaden and secure space for the LGBTQ+ community in a “heterosexual society, but” it also serves as a tool for resistance and social reforms. In this context, the LGBTQ+ movement is intertwined with the concept of social justice because of historical hardships and oppression.
Acceptance, liberation, and striving for equality represent the main features of the LGBTQ+ community. Acceptance provides the unifying kernel for marginalized strugglers; a sense of liberation supplies them with faith and strength to believe in themselves again; striving for equality allows the machine of change to triumphantly march through modern society. LGBTQ+ people have seen much despair previously and do not wish anyone to repeat that experience ever again.
Reference
Parmenter, J. G., Galliher, R. V., & Maughan, A. D. (2020). An exploration of LGBTQ+ community members’ positive perceptions of LGBTQ+ culture. The Counseling Psychologist, 48(7), 1016-1047.