Being LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer and more) can sometimes be a challenge. It seems like every day you hear about another hate crime that has occurred, or you get slurs thrown at you personally on the street. It can be difficult to be confident in your sexual or gender identity when the world is still full of so much dislike for people who are different.
However, in spite of the negativity associated with LGBTQ+ people, there are some awesome things that come from being different from the majority of the straight, cisgender population. Here are just a few of the reasons that, in my opinion, make being LGBTQ+ great.
1. The Village
Most big cities have some form of a gay/queer village. The village is the part of a city where there is a hub of LGBTQ+ activities, shops, community centres, and overall just places where LGBTQ+ people come to spend time with others like them. The village is great because the atmosphere is usually very friendly and people radiate acceptance. The Village in Ottawa is located on Bank Street, right in the heart of downtown. Here can you find clubs, cafes, and lots of businesses that proudly wave the rainbow flag. In addition to The Village, gay clubs such as The Lookout located in the Byward Market bring LGBTQ+ people together to dance, drink and have a good time.
2. Pride Week
Pride Week is basically just a week long party in the summer! Ottawa hosts a variety of events during Pride Week (usually occuring in August) which will make you feel proud to be part of this wonderful group of people. Whatever you like to do for fun, Pride Week has you covered. From bike rides to picnics, boat cruises to art galleries, the week is packed with things to do. Let’s not forget the much-anticipated Pride Parade which usually draws an enormous crowd and is always a blast!
3. Meeting Interesting People
By being part of the LGBTQ+ community, you tend to meet lots of interesting people who you turn out to have a lot in common with. There are so many aspects of being LGBTQ+ (social, political, cultural etc.) that community members can easily start a conservation with one another and find a topic to discuss, which they are both interested in. Some community members may have gone through similar experiences, which can be a bonding experience. It’s always exciting to meet LGBTQ+ people around the world and compare how being LGBTQ+ is different or the same in different places.
4. LGBTQ+ Celebrities
Isn’t it great to know that you have something major in common with some famous people? More and more celebrities are coming out of the closet, and people often find comfort in knowing some of their favourite celebrities have been through similar experiences to them. There’s also an abundance of icons in the community which encourage empowerment and self-acceptance (Lady Gag-Born this Way, anyone?).
5. Growing Acceptance
Despite what may be shown or experienced in our daily encounters, there is a growing tolerance and acceptance for LGBTQ+ people around the world. Countless countries have begun celebrating same-sex marriage and pride-themed events, demonstrating that the world is changing in a positive way. LGBTQ+ representation in the media is on the rise, which is a step in the right direction.
Being a minority in a world full of straight, cis-gendered people can be challenging. However, there are many reasons to be happy in your own skin and to feel proud to be LGBTQ+!
Picture Credits
Cover Picture, 1, 2