General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsDo you want to personally contribute to the suicide rate of young LGBT people?
Then DON'T do anything to contribute to the homophobic culture they're growing up in, where the word "gay" is routinely hurled on the playground -- even in blue states -- and used to control and isolate.
And that means you shouldn't be condoning homophobic jokes in any context, including using them to attack hated people like Donald Trump.
Children HEAR and children LEARN from the behavior of their parents and other adults, and they pick up all kinds of messages adults might not be aware they're sending.
Find some other way to insult Donald Trump.
I can't believe so many "progressives" still don't get it.
http://www.revelandriot.com/resources/suicide-prevention/
Three in ten LGBTQ youth (40% of transgender youth) will contemplate or attempt suicide. Thats four times more than their heterosexual/cisgender counterparts. Of course, researchers and advocates agree that its not their sexuality and/or gender identity that leads them down this path; its the stigma and discrimination they face in heterosexist, transphobic world. More than half of LGBTQ youth have been verbally assaulted, almost a quarter threatened with physical violence, one in ten physically assaulted.
LGBTQ youth experience far greater social discrimination and isolation, depression, low self-esteem, negative family interactions and violence than many of their heterosexual/cisgender peers. These youth have to face many potential challenges: hostile or unsupportive families; unsympathetic friends; bullying; guilt; isolation; shame, a lack of control over their lives if they live at home or are not fully independent; as well as religious persecution. All of these factors contribute to a greater risk of depression and suicidal feelings.
That said, LGBTQ people are not doomed to live a life of loneliness and pain! There are so many healthy and proud LGBTQ people in the world leading fulfilling lives. Realizing that you are not alone and finding the support that you need whether its medical, psychological or community-based is absolutely essential to your survival, and to one day thrive.
If you are feeling depressed or if you are considering suicide call The Trevor Hotline, which is a 24-hour toll-free suicide prevention line aimed at gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered, and questioning youth: 1-866-4-U-TREVOR.
WhiskeyGrinder
(22,490 posts)Eliot Rosewater
(31,131 posts)and he keeps wanting to call them "Mexicans" and I keep saying "Latinos" hoping he will take note and learn.
Not gonna happen, though.
But language is important, especially when someone can be so terribly damaged by it.
Your point is necessary, important and anytime you need help DRIVING it home, let me know.