I first started to write LGBTQA columns this summer when I went to Portland Pride. Being Queer was a piece of myself that I was nervous about sharing but felt great writing about. After Portland Pride, I started to cover more queer events in Moscow and elaborated on what being queer meant to me.
Writing about my identity comes with a lot of benefits and disadvantages.
I can normalize and create representation for my community. I am also opening myself up for criticism in a sensitive state. Critical comments have let me understand how vulnerable writing about my queer identity makes me.
Although backlash on columns may be hurtful in the short term, it doesn’t discourage me from writing more. One of the reasons I continue to write about being LGBTQA is because queer representation is important.
Normalization is one of the first steps to reduce discrimination. The more representation something gets, the more normal it becomes. Representation is critical for the acceptance of the LGBTQA community as well as other communities too.
Queer discrimination still exists, which is horrible. However, it has been improving.
Another reason why representation is important is that it provides a sense of community. Reading articles about being queer gives people a sense of belonging. Especially in media, seeing alike people can be empowering. Having a sense of community makes one feel like they are accepted, and that they are not an outcast. Unity is important to our social needs and validation we need as people. The more people who feel like they are not alone makes all the difference.
Journalism also acts as an equal platform for all voices, which is very powerful. Especially when people don’t feel like they have a voice, giving them that platform can be very influential.
When I first started writing columns, having a voice empowered me. I felt confident that people were reading my stories critically. I know what it feels like reading about someone similar to me and having a similar experience. Writing about queer representation gives me that opportunity which I am so grateful for.
Suppressing a part of who I am feels like sacrificing my authentic self. It is so important for my community to have representation and feel valued. Being queer is a part of who I am, and it is something I won’t be quiet about.
Emily Pearce can be reached at [email protected].