Scan barcode
A review by connorgirvan
We Can Do Better Than This: 35 Voices on the Future of LGBTQ+ Rights by Amelia Abraham
4.0
4 / 5
Safety -
Tom Rasmussen, Mazharul Islam, Pabllo Vittar, Shura, and Vincent Desmond.
Prominent theme throughout this section is a lack of safety for LGBT+ individuals in every day life. While there is increasing representation for the queer community, this is not translating to blanket safety. There is a discrepancy between the image presented to the world, whether it be legally, politically, or socially compared to the everyday lived experience of queer communities.
However, as noted in Vittar's essay, it is important for high-profile politicians and figures to celebrate queer culture and encourage equality. Similarly, visible allyship from everyone within the community - queer or not - is important in creating social change and ensuring everyone feels safe.
Visibility
Beth Ditto, Holland, Mykki Blanco, Yasmin Benoit, Juliet Jacques and Shon Faye
Whilst representation for queer individuals is increasing, there is often a specific kind of individual that is given a platform. The authors within this section argue for more visibility for those living with HIV, those whose bodies don't conform to the 'norm' portrayed by mainstream media, those who identify as asexual and other minority sexualities.
Similarly there needs to be more visiblity with regards to the topics discussed. Jacqus provides an overview of the struggle trans individuals have suffered in the UK with arguing for basic rights. There has been a focus on issues such as the bathroom debate despite the fact that queer individuals suffer high levels of mental health problems, issues with employment, healthcare etc.
Dating
Naoise Dolan, Amrou Al-Kadhi, Peppermint, Andrew Gurza and Levi Hord
One of the topics spoken about revolves around ableism in the queer dating scene both online and in person. Often, queer bars are not accessible to disabled individuals and this, effectively, cuts them off from meeting other potential romantic suitors. Additionally, there is not enough awareness of different disabilities and how these affect individuals leading to ignorance and failed attempts at dating.
Similarly, there are high levels of transphobia and biphobia within the community. Bisexuality is often passed off as a phase, and often trans women find that cisgender people are less likely to date them as they may view their attraction as them being gay. Trans individuals who choose to take part in the act of pregnancy also suffer from medical ignorance and in some countries, are denied the choice due to forced sterilisation as part of their transition.
Beyond the Binary
Jonathan Anderson, Amelia Abraham, Bobbi Salvor Menuez, Kate Bornstein and Travis Alabanza
The topic of trans individuals partaking in sporting competitions is discussed here, with alternative classifications based around height and weight being offered as solutions. The harmful impacts of the current rules on both trans and cis athletes are highlighted, showcase that the current rules work for no one. Similarly, the current gender divisions leave no space for non-binary individuals to partake unless they force themselves to subscribe to a particular gender for the purpose of competing.
Bornstein discusses the Buddhist notion that there are two truths; definitive truth and arguable truth. They say that gender is an arguable truth and whatever you believe is correct, however, others are entitled to their own belief also - whatever that may be. Instead of the internal fighting within the community about gender, it is argued that everyone should accept that gender is specific to the individual and that whatever their lived reality is, is the truth to them.
Community and organising
Wolfgang Tillmans, Matthew Riemer, Riyadh Khalaf, madison moore, Leticia Opio, Phyll Opoku-Gyimah and Adam Eli.
Riyadh Khalaf provides a step-by-step guide on how to be an effective ally by educating yourself, spreading good intentions, and creating space for others to thrive (amongst other things).
The importance of community is brought up with regards to queer spaces and specifically the loss of queer spaces. When a hetereosexual space closes down, it is unfortunate but they have a multitude of alternatives waiting for them but often the queer spaces are scarce and when one shuts down it leaves the individual with very limited options. Often, gentrification is responsible for the closure of many queer spaces and erases much of queer history. Additionally, as previously discussed, many queer spaces need to work on their inclusion with PoC and disabled individuals.
Money is a key issue in community and organising of any nature. People need to be willing to help financially or offer other assistance such as time or expertise so that community spaces can be created and maintained as well as organising made possible to improve the lives of other queers.
Safety -
Tom Rasmussen, Mazharul Islam, Pabllo Vittar, Shura, and Vincent Desmond.
Prominent theme throughout this section is a lack of safety for LGBT+ individuals in every day life. While there is increasing representation for the queer community, this is not translating to blanket safety. There is a discrepancy between the image presented to the world, whether it be legally, politically, or socially compared to the everyday lived experience of queer communities.
However, as noted in Vittar's essay, it is important for high-profile politicians and figures to celebrate queer culture and encourage equality. Similarly, visible allyship from everyone within the community - queer or not - is important in creating social change and ensuring everyone feels safe.
Visibility
Beth Ditto, Holland, Mykki Blanco, Yasmin Benoit, Juliet Jacques and Shon Faye
Whilst representation for queer individuals is increasing, there is often a specific kind of individual that is given a platform. The authors within this section argue for more visibility for those living with HIV, those whose bodies don't conform to the 'norm' portrayed by mainstream media, those who identify as asexual and other minority sexualities.
Similarly there needs to be more visiblity with regards to the topics discussed. Jacqus provides an overview of the struggle trans individuals have suffered in the UK with arguing for basic rights. There has been a focus on issues such as the bathroom debate despite the fact that queer individuals suffer high levels of mental health problems, issues with employment, healthcare etc.
Dating
Naoise Dolan, Amrou Al-Kadhi, Peppermint, Andrew Gurza and Levi Hord
One of the topics spoken about revolves around ableism in the queer dating scene both online and in person. Often, queer bars are not accessible to disabled individuals and this, effectively, cuts them off from meeting other potential romantic suitors. Additionally, there is not enough awareness of different disabilities and how these affect individuals leading to ignorance and failed attempts at dating.
Similarly, there are high levels of transphobia and biphobia within the community. Bisexuality is often passed off as a phase, and often trans women find that cisgender people are less likely to date them as they may view their attraction as them being gay. Trans individuals who choose to take part in the act of pregnancy also suffer from medical ignorance and in some countries, are denied the choice due to forced sterilisation as part of their transition.
Beyond the Binary
Jonathan Anderson, Amelia Abraham, Bobbi Salvor Menuez, Kate Bornstein and Travis Alabanza
The topic of trans individuals partaking in sporting competitions is discussed here, with alternative classifications based around height and weight being offered as solutions. The harmful impacts of the current rules on both trans and cis athletes are highlighted, showcase that the current rules work for no one. Similarly, the current gender divisions leave no space for non-binary individuals to partake unless they force themselves to subscribe to a particular gender for the purpose of competing.
Bornstein discusses the Buddhist notion that there are two truths; definitive truth and arguable truth. They say that gender is an arguable truth and whatever you believe is correct, however, others are entitled to their own belief also - whatever that may be. Instead of the internal fighting within the community about gender, it is argued that everyone should accept that gender is specific to the individual and that whatever their lived reality is, is the truth to them.
Community and organising
Wolfgang Tillmans, Matthew Riemer, Riyadh Khalaf, madison moore, Leticia Opio, Phyll Opoku-Gyimah and Adam Eli.
Riyadh Khalaf provides a step-by-step guide on how to be an effective ally by educating yourself, spreading good intentions, and creating space for others to thrive (amongst other things).
The importance of community is brought up with regards to queer spaces and specifically the loss of queer spaces. When a hetereosexual space closes down, it is unfortunate but they have a multitude of alternatives waiting for them but often the queer spaces are scarce and when one shuts down it leaves the individual with very limited options. Often, gentrification is responsible for the closure of many queer spaces and erases much of queer history. Additionally, as previously discussed, many queer spaces need to work on their inclusion with PoC and disabled individuals.
Money is a key issue in community and organising of any nature. People need to be willing to help financially or offer other assistance such as time or expertise so that community spaces can be created and maintained as well as organising made possible to improve the lives of other queers.