LGBT Community Continues to Face Adversity

We live in a time that is more progressive than ever before. In 2015 law was passed to legalize same sex marriage in all 50 states of the United States. While this was certainly another step towards progress, homophobia still exists.

With homophobia comes harassment, negative comments, and even hate crime. There still exists stigmas and stereotypes surrounding homosexuality. All of these factors make it difficult for people in the LGBT community to feel comfortable being themselves.

Olivia Esposito, a bisexual 24 year old, told "When I do come out to people, I experience people who don't understand my sexuality and make biphobic comments, even if they don't mean it that way. And it's not like once you're out you're 'out'. You have to make the conscious decision each time your meet someone if you want them to know and you have to think about how they'll react."

According to a recent report made by the National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs, hate crimes based on the victims sexual preference have only increased in the past few years. The LGBT community, including Christopher and Olivia, hope that society becomes more educated on this issue and more aware of their actions.

Data retrieved from NCAVP.