Opinion | Stop harassing queer youth
Angelina Hicks, Politics Editor
Rights for the LGBTQIA+ community have come a long way over the years. While the world isn’t perfect, it’s been nearly six years since same-sex marriage was legalized in all 50 states, and there are plenty of laws in place to protect queer people in the workplace and their everyday lives. President Joe Biden’s administration lifted former President Donald Trump’s ban on transgender people in the military, which feels like a step in the right direction, and I can’t wait to see what the new presidency does next to aid LGBTQIA+ Americans in need.
But, honestly, it’s not enough.
As a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, I know there’s still a long way to go. Approximately 38% of Black transgender women face homelessness and 45% of Black transgender women have attempted suicide, per the National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy. Because of this violence and hate thrown at transgender people, the life expectancy for a Black transgender woman is only 35 years old. Hate crimes against LGBTQIA+ people have been on the rise over the past years, according to FBI data. Of those crimes, a majority targeted gay men.
It’s 2021, and people are still being targeted, harassed and killed just for being queer.
For example, Jojo Siwa — a dancer, singer, actress and online personality — recently came out on social media after posting a TikTok of her dancing and lip-syncing to Lady Gaga’s “Born This Way.” Additionally, Siwa addressed her sexuality on Instagram Live, expressing that she’s never been happier.
This is a huge deal. Since Siwa has signed with Nickelodeon, her content is largely aimed toward children. She’s still 17 years old, a child herself, and her strength and willingness to be so open about her sexuality will only help queer youth and LGBTQIA+ individuals in the public spotlight.
I’m so happy Siwa was able to make that public statement on her own terms and live her truth. Authenticity is so important and valuable, and the response to Siwa’s identity was mostly overwhelmingly positive. It warms my heart.
However, just hours after Siwa’s Instagram Live, she was harassed after police were called to her home for no reason.
In another Instagram Live, Siwa claimed her house was “swatted,” meaning someone called the police on her address under false pretenses in order to lure her and her family out of her home. Siwa explained that after she exited her home, in order to obey the police that had arrived, paparazzi appeared and began taking pictures of her and her family. A spokesperson for the Los Angeles Police Department confirmed that officers found no evidence of trouble. Thankfully no one was hurt in the swatting incident, and Siwa remains optimistic and cheerful in her online presence.
Siwa is a child. She told the world she was queer only hours before a federal crime was committed against her. That doesn’t seem like a coincidence to me. What happened to her is ridiculous, and it shows how queer youth, and other members of the LGBTQIA+ community, are still at risk.
It’s 2021. There are approximately 9 million Americans who identify within the LGBTQIA+ community, a figure roughly equivalent to the population of New Jersey. We’re regular people, but we’re still being harassed. Attacked. Killed.
I recognize the progress that’s been made throughout history. I’m thankful for the countless people that have come before me and paved the way for my rights and my ability to get married. But we’re just not where we need to be yet.