Acceptance of LGBTQ people in the United States is on the decline among people aged 18 to 34, according to a 2019 GLAAD report.
That means many young people who identify as lesbian, gay, transgender or gender non-binary are dealing with the consequences of that homophobia. Many also face racism.
“GLAAD announced the findings of its fifth annual Accelerating Acceptance Index, a national survey among U.S. adults conducted on GLAAD’s behalf by The Harris Poll,” according to GLAAD’s website.
“Importantly, however, this year’s Index found the number of young Americans ages 18-34 who are comfortable across all seven scenarios dropped from 53% to 45%, the second consecutive year that this age group has shown a drop,” GLAAD’s
website says.
Fear is born of ignorance, ignorance is born from lack of education, and discrimination is born from fear, according to citizens of Washington, D.C. interviewed this month in the Tenleytown neighborhood and on American University’s campus.
“I think the cause of discrimination is fear and lack of understanding that leads to unnecessary hatred,” said Brianna Fowler, who was interviewed about discrimination at a Starbucks in the Tenleytown neighborhood of northwest Washington, D.C.
Many factors tie into causing discrimination, and fear and lack of education seem to be the largest ones, especially regarding homophobia and racism because LGBTQ and race are both things that can be blatantly seen. Discrimination is psychological—when you don’t understand something, you often develop fear, and then act on that fear through fight, flight, or freeze, according to “Exploring Your Mind.”
That resonated with Megan Eigsti, who sat reading at a cafe in Tenleytown.
“Discrimination is caused by fear of people who are different and fear of losing your place in the social system,” Eigsti said. “It’s a misplaced fear.”
Homophobia and xenophobia are both anxiety disorders, according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America.
However, there are actions that can be taken to improve, to help to stop and prevent discrimination, according to those interviewed.
“Discrimination comes from ignorance,” said Marley Brookes, who was on American University’s campus. “If people understood others and put themselves in their shoes, it would go a long way.”
Some D.C. citizens say that discrimination is on the rise, while others say that it’s steadily getting better. Something many of them agree about is that it absolutely can and needs to stop as much as possible.
“If I had the power to do anything, I would make sure to not discriminate,” said Gabby Bennet, 14. “And I would educate them so that they could no longer be ignorant.”