Posted on

After gun scare at Pride Parade, officials look ahead to celebrate event’s 45th year

Officials with Capital Pride Alliance are considering what to do at next year’s Capital Pride Parade as attendees at this year’s event said they experienced sadness and shock after a gun scare.

Ryan Bos, executive director of Capital Pride Alliance, said he plans to work with the community and district leaders to make sure next year’s parade–the 45th anniversary one–is safe.

“We will take this opportunity to learn from our experiences this past year,” Bos said in a phone interview. “And, think about those organizations that were not able to participate because of the parade not being able to finish.”

The Capital Pride Parade has a long-standing tradition of celebrating the district’s LGBTQ community every June.

At 7:20 p.m. on June 8, police officers responded to a report of a “man with a gun,” according to a Metropolitan Police Department briefing posted on Twitter.

Although police said there was no evidence of gun shots, they did recover a gun at the scene and one man was arrested. Spotting the gun led a crowd of people to run in panic, and seven people were transported by D.C. Fire and EMS, the officer said. 

A crowd celebrates Washington, D.C.’s Pride parade June 8. (Photo by Dylan Wooters via Creative Commons)_

Bos emphasizes the importance of acknowledging everyone’s voice in the LGBTQ community, noting he hopes to help those who experienced fear and want to march again while also taking this opportunity to recognize the spirit of the Parade.

“Nothing discounts the fact that the situation at the parade was unfortunate,” Bos said. “It is not something that we want anyone to experience again.”

Olyvia Mugweh, 20, a rising junior at American University, attended this year’s parade. Mugweh recalled walking towards the crowd, looking for her friend and then all of a sudden, everyone was running in a panic. She remembers thinking that no one really knew what was going on.

“Somebody said ‘They’re shooting, they’re shooting!’ It was chaos,” Mugweh said. “It was supposed to be a celebration of love. The atmosphere changed from love to hate.”

The gun scare lead attendees like Mugweh and Roman Habibzai to wonder how long it is going to take for society to accept LGBTQ people, even though LGBTQ people were not targeted by the man, according to news sources.

Research from Pew Research shows that Americans are becoming more accepting of LGBTQ Americans. According to a 2013 Pew Research study, 92% of adults identifying as LGBTQ said society had become more accepting of them in the past decade.

Jane Palmer, 40, has been going to Pride since 1997. She did not go to the district’s Pride parade this month, but she did go to the one in New Orleans, which she said felt “more like a party.”

Palmer said her wife attended the Pride Parade in Washington, D.C. with the couple’s 2-year-old son.

“She said it was terrifying,” Palmer said.

Pride means different things to different people.

Habibzai, 19, an American University student, said, “Pride, to me, means the ability to just set everything aside for once and have it be okay to be a normal human being.”

Habibzai went with some friends from American University. He left before the gun scare. He notes how a huge chain of fearful events can affect a whole community.

 “It is really scary to think that anyone could become a victim,” Habibzai said. “Attacking one person is like attacking a community.”

 Bos has a similar definition of Pride.

“Our goal for Pride is to be seen and to be heard,” Bos said. “It shows the importance of us coming together, making sure that we aren’t just doing this in June, but that we are speaking out and supporting each other every day of the year.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Posted on

Acceptance of LGBTQ people declining among those aged 18 to 34: GLAAD

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

A person protests against the Westboro Baptist Church. (Photo by andendquote courtesy of Creative Commons)

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.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Posted on

Four years after legalized same-sex marriage, greater LGBTQ acceptance

same sex marriage

People in Washington, D.C. interviewed this month agreed that acceptance of same sex marriage has been on the rise in the United States in the four years since the U.S. Supreme Court’s landmark ruling on the subject.

same sex marriage
Marriage equality activists outside the U.S. Supreme Court. (Photo by Stephen Luke courtesy of Creative Commons)

Brittany Proudfoot-Ginder, 30, an employee at American University, thinks the culture has become more aware and will continue to change toward acceptance in the years to come. Ginder explained opposition is dependent on geographic location and socioeconomic status.

Despite groups who disagree with same sex marriage, Ginder says people feel more comfortable speaking about it and there has been more visibility for the LGBTQ community.

The opposition is “fairly similar to how it’s always been, but now there is more of a community fighting back,” said Ginder, whose sister identifies as lesbian and is getting married later this year.

Ginder spoke passionately about the benefits of marriage, such as filing taxes together, sharing a health insurance plan, and being able to visit them in the hospital.

A May 2019 report from Pew Research Center found the opinions of same sex marriage have remained largely unchanged since 2017. While opposition is slowly declining, it remains a part of the culture in the United States.

Jack Sullivan, 66, sat on a bench on the American University campus on a recent day in June. He believes marriage being held as a constitutional right has only helped create acceptance and education.

“Acceptance provoked the legalization of marriage,” Sullivan said.

Aubrey Amos,16, has seen a lot more about LGBTQ groups on social media, but has also seen opposition more frequently, too.

“They are speaking their minds,” Amos said of those still opposed to same-sex marriage.

Jabriela Calderon, 30, thinks opposition groups have become more verbal and occasionally violent. She attributed this to same sex marriage and the LGBTQ community being normalized after years of marginalization.

“There seems to be more of an understanding towards same sex couples,” Calderon said.

According to a Pew Research report from May 2013, people are more open to same sex marriage after being exposed to someone from the LGBTQ community.

For Tyler Massias, 19, same-sex marriage has meant larger acceptance for others, too, including people of color who identify as transgender. He says that in the four years since that Supreme Court ruling, it has “generated a permissive culture.”

On June 26, 2015, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in the case Obergefell v. Hodges, “requiring all states to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples,” according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.

Hannah Ruth Wellons, who worked at the American University library, said she believes that the issue now goes beyond marriage. It means that ignorance also is being taken away.

 

 

Posted on

Americans weigh in on Trump…so far

If Gary Bochner could go back in time, he’d do November differently.

Bochner, 58, who voted for Donald Trump says that he would vote for another candidate. Bochner says that seeing that President Trump has not done any of the things he promised and has even made enemies with many world leaders, he is rethinking his vote.

“At the time, I was unemployed and the idea that he was going to ‘Make America Great Again’ and give jobs back to Americans really appealed to me,” Bochner said.

Sarah Yu said she is feeling frustrated and angry about the Trump Administration. By Vicky Tan

As President Trump nears the six month mark of his time in office, his approval ratings continue to drop, even those like Bochner who voted for him in the 2016 election are unhappy with how he has used his power so far.

According to the Gallup Daily, only 39 percent of Americans support the Trump Administration.

Among other District of Columbia residents, many believe that the Trump Administration is actually hurting the country.

Interviews done this week at American University and in Dupont Circle showed that many people had a range of issues they said were important. Those included: the environment, tax reform, relations with other nations, immigration policy reform and improving healthcare.

Eric Pullman, 17, said that Trump has disappointed the country in how he’s handled all of those substantial issues. And, Pullman said, he thinks racism also has gotten worse.

“His drastic actions hurt us all as Americans,” Pullman said. “This is not what we stand for. If Trump is to win a second term in office, I am not sure the county will be able to bounce back from it. The United States has become a laughing stock.”

As a Jewish-American living in the Bible Belt of the United States, Pullman has grown accustomed to weird looks.

“I am proud of my religion,” said Pullman, who is from Alabama, and was visiting Washington, D.C. to visit colleges. “Their stares cannot hurt me. I will not be ashamed of who I am.”

However, for Pullman’s Muslim neighbors, it is not just stares. He says that since Trump has taken office, discrimination has gotten worse.

“Their eldest daughter and I will sometimes walk to school together. One morning, somebody rode by on a bike and pulled off her hijab while yelling about how Trump would make America great again. As a Jewish-American, I feel the need to stand against actions like this,” Pullman said.

 

 

Posted on

Immigration, equality top political issues at Pier 39

SAN FRANCISCO — The Teen Observer asked people at Pier 39 in San Francisco on Monday to write down the most important issue to them in the 2016 Presidential Election. Answers ranged from education to immigration and the war on drugs.

environment
Bay area resident Chris Whitlock prioritizes the environment. He said, “some people are saying that it’s too late, but if our lives are in jeopardy, it’s the most important thing.” Photo by Victoria Shirley

 

 

 

 

 

equal rights
Dani Whitlock spoke to how equality is important for all, mentioning the LGBT community, women and minorities. She said, “We should be leveling the playing field, not sweeping this under the rug.” Photo by Victoria Shirley

 

Alper Sengul, a Turkish airline pilot, is not an American citizen but he keeps track of the election by "following the stupid things 'The Donald' is doing." He is passionate about foreign relations and education. Photo by Victoria Shirley
Alper Sengul, a Turkish airline pilot, is not an American citizen but he keeps track of the election by “following the stupid things ‘The Donald’ is doing.” He is passionate about foreign relations and education. Photo by Victoria Shirley

 

Pheobe Marsh, 18, feels strongly about the war on drugs and is a proponent of legalizing recreational drugs. She said, "I believe it should be legal...What they're doing is ridiculous." Photo by Victoria Shirley
Pheobe Marsh, 18, feels strongly about the war on drugs and is a proponent of legalizing recreational drugs. She said, “I believe it should be legal…What they’re doing is ridiculous.” Photo by Victoria Shirley

 

Danica Sheets says that immigration rights is the most important issue to her. She said, "Immigration into society is important. It shouldn't be a 'you're in the shadows' kind of thing." Photo by Victoria Shirley
Danica Sheets says that immigration rights are the most important issue to her. She said, “Integration into society is important. It shouldn’t be a ‘you’re in the shadows’ kind of thing.” Photo by Victoria Shirley

 

 

Posted on

Tenleytown residents hail downfall of Mississippi LGBT law

Courtesy of http://cleoinc.org/
Image of U.S. District Judge Carlton Reeves (photo from cleoinc.org)

Tenleytown citizens on Friday showed their support for U.S. District Judge Carlton Reeves’ blocking of a Mississippi law that would have made religious beliefs an acceptable reason to deny LGBT persons in that state basic services.

Reeves ruled on June 30–the day before it was to take effect–that the law, House Bill 1523, violates lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender citizens’ rights.

“It’s not right to deny people services because they are gay or transgender,” said Tracy Watson, 47. “It’s a basic human condition. It’s fundamental to who we are. There’s no reason except for age-old prejudices for such discrimination.”

The bill would have allowed landlords to evict LGBT people, companies to fire them, businesses to refuse services, doctors to refuse help and clerks to deny marriage licenses.

“Being denied services makes them feel like their sexuality or gender identity alienates them from the rest of human life,” said Emma Wallenbrock, a 15-year-old eating lunch in Tenleytown. “This goes against the ideals that our nation was founded.

Sofia Baneth, a 21-year-old American University student, agreed.

“Services are a 100% unalienable right. It isn’t harming anyone else,” Baneth said.

Reeves said in his 60-page opinion that the Mississippi law violates the 14th Amendment, although lawmakers who favored the bill claimed it promoted religious liberty and protected patrons who are anti-LGBT due to their religious beliefs.

Bretton Caws, 21, who attends American University, said separation of Church and State is a fundamental American issue.

“You can’t pick and choose who gets rights and who doesn’t,” Caws said.

 

 

 

 

Posted on

Transgender movement gathers awareness and supporters

Washington D.C. residents and students expressed varying viewpoints about the transgender movement, which has gathered momentum in the last couple of years in the wake of several high-profile celebrity advocates and television shows.

This week in Tenleytown, a half dozen interviewees leaned toward a more accepting and liberal standpoint of transgender icons, people and the movement in general.

Michelle Nowak, 19, is involved in the Human Rights Campaign, which fights for LGBTQ equality in the workplace. She identifies as “liberal” from a social standpoint but conservative from an economic perspective.

Nowak supports the transgender movement wholeheartedly. She was especially concerned with allowing not just transgender people–but any person–to enjoy the life they live and to be comfortable.

“If that’s how they find happiness, then I’m not going to get in the way of that,” Nowak said.

Alison Jones, 20, an American University student, includes transgender friends in her group and openly supports LGBTQ rights and the community.

Jones said the experience of her transgender friends is predominantly negative and says they sometimes face discrimination from others even in places often identified as liberal.

“It’s a process of talking to them about their experience,” Jones said. She added, “It’s definitely eye-opening.”

Photo by Lenny Ignelzi, Associated Press.
Photo by Lenny Ignelzi, Associated Press.

Transgender icons impact their community as well as the general LGBTQ community. Laverne Cox, a transgender woman famous for her role in the Netflix series Orange is the New Black, advocates for stronger acceptance.

The award-winning Amazon series Transparent won big at the Golden Globes this year. It features a transgender woman as its protagonist.

Caitlyn Jenner, too, brought the issue to the public’s attention with her cover story in Vanity Fair, and an interview with Diane Sawyer earlier this year.

Bryan Bauer, 19, said he didn’t have a strong opinion regarding the transgender community and didn’t think he was personally affected by it.

On the topic of Jenner, Bauer said that Jenner “was a good athlete at some point, but made his own decision, and it’s his decision, not mine.”

The issue of transgender people in the media has received attention from major advocacy groups like GLAAD, which has a media reference guide on transgender issues. Even though Bauer referred to Jenner with the male pronoun, GLAAD’s guidelines favor that the media use the transgender person’s preferred pronoun.

Emma Jackson, 31, mentioned that while she could not speak on behalf of the transgender community, she did approve of the fact that transgender icons such as Cox raised awareness, however she added that there were both upsides and downfalls.

“By opening themselves up to conversation, they allow that conversation to take place,” said Jackson, regarding transgender icons representing their community through the media.

Lee Martin, a college junior at Christopher Newport University and a liberal, believes that Cox is “awesome” and a strong figure of the LGBTQ and transgender community.

“She’s doing a great job at portraying the transgender community and that they aren’t something weird or unnatural,” said Martin, who is a teaching assistant this summer for a high school program at American University.

This week at Washington D.C.’s National Mall, interviewees were primarily indifferent toward topics relating to the transgender community but said advocacy is making its way through social media.

Emily Brown, 19, mentioned that social media in particular informed her view of the transgender community, and she stayed informed through the news, Facebook and Tumblr.

“Through the media coverage I’ve learned more of like, how to address transgender people,” said Brown, on the topic of transgender celebrities in the media.

 

Posted on

SCOTUS same-sex ruling brings diverse opinions

Students and residents in the Washington D.C. area offered diverse opinions regarding June’s historic U.S. Supreme Court same-sex marriage ruling, with many people’s views mirroring how they feel about homosexuality as more than just the right to marry.

On June 26, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled same sex marriage is a Constitutional right, prompting passionate response from dissenters but candid support from those who contend homosexuality is natural and the denial of rights misguided.

People celebrate the June 26 same-sex marriage decision by the U.S. Supreme Court decision. Associated Press photo by Jaquelyn Martin.
People celebrate the June 26 same-sex marriage decision by the U.S. Supreme Court decision. Associated Press photo by Jaquelyn Martin.

“It isn’t right to denigrate people for something that isn’t their fault,” said Cafoncelli Antonio, a 76-year-old professor at American University, who explained that revolutionary genetic studies have proven the genomes of a person determine their sexuality.

While Antonio cited scientific arguments about homosexuality’s origins, others interviewed cited personal relationships and religion as reasons to favor or oppose same-sex marriage.

Pro-gay sentiment however, was rather high amongst the majority of people interviewed in Northwest Washington D.C. as many believed that they were not affected by homosexuals getting more rights, so they said it made no sense to fight against same-sex marriage.

“Who am I to judge?” said Sarah Belson, dean of the American University’s School of Education.

However, on the opposite end of the spectrum, those who didn’t favor the ruling, were firm in their dissent.

“Family business is a woman’s business,” said Alex Medouni, a 50-year-old resident of Washington D.C. discussing his opposition the same-sex marriage ruling. “The victims are children.”

Four people interviewed this month who were against the ruling agreed children would not have a solid family foundation or moral compass under laws granting same-sex marriage.

But, Ned McFadden, 45, found the argument that children would be harmed unpersuasive. He noted children who grow up in a society that grants marriage rights to those regardless of sexual orientation will be better off.

“The family is changing,” McFadden said while discussing the ruling’s societal consequences.

Others interviewed this month said they were opposed to the ruling because the federal government had no business interfering in state and local self-rule.

That argument, however, didn’t sit well with American student Kara Suvada.

“Human rights take precedent over states’ rights,” Suvada.