Today, on International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia, where do we really stand in our fight for LGBTQ+ acceptance? Despite various initiatives, workshops and awareness campaigns, are we really doing enough to protect and support our own community?
The numbers don't lie. Mental health issues are skyrocketing and the rates of discrimination and hate crimes targeting the LGBTQ+ community are off the charts. It's clear that our current approach is not working. We're falling short when it comes to safeguarding our community. We can't keep hiding behind surface-level gestures of inclusivity while the underlying systemic issues persist.
We need to step up our game. At Across Rainbows, we're done with the idea that acceptance should be on society's terms alone. We deserve acceptance on our own terms—the terms that honour our identities, experiences and stories. We will not settle for anything less. We refuse to stay silent.
10 Ten things we're doing to protect, support and celebrate our community
Our goal is to create a future where being queer is celebrated in our own unique ways, embracing who we truly are.
We're determined to change how people think about queerness, breaking old rules and redefining what it means to be queer.
We're reshaping society's ideas about queerness, making it more inclusive and diverse by rewriting the rules.
Every day, we work towards a world where love is love, and everyone can live authentically, proudly and without apology.
We're taking back our power, raising our voices and sharing our stories.
We proudly embrace our unique experiences and stand tall, refusing to conform to societal expectations.
We're smashing stereotypes and creating room for self-expression.
Our commitment involves speaking up, challenging the norms and creating safe spaces for LGBTQ+ individuals to thrive.
We create inclusive spaces where we can freely be ourselves, with no need to compromise or apologize.
Every day we celebrate the amazing and wonderful people we are, staying true to ourselves without conforming to societal pressures.
Our community is strongest when we unite.
Together, we have the power to create a lasting impact and construct a world where every LGBTQ+ individual is not only seen and heard but genuinely valued.
If you're tired of the same old rhetoric and frustrated with trying to be your true self in a world that tells you how to look, act, speak, and love, then let's connect. We live in a world that often only tolerates us if we conform, but who wants mere tolerance?
Across Rainbows stands for representation, holding space for the many LGBTQ+ perspectives and experiences that have been suppressed. We are here to amplify voices that have been silenced for too long, creating a vibrant and diverse community where everyone's story is valued.
We are dedicated to creating a world where we can live without fear. We believe that everyone deserves to feel safe and supported, and we will continue to work towards making that a reality for LGBTQ+ individuals everywhere.
We need to take time to celebrate us. It's time to quit playing small, pretending we do not matter, canceling ourselves! We refuse to live the watered-down version of what the world and society have told us to be. Our dreams and ambitions must not be interfered with, stifled or silenced by those around us! It's time to take back our sense of self, to let our voices be heard and seen! We are the ones we've been waiting for! We are the change! . Luciana Cousin