An impassioned critique of the younger generation's approach to identity within the LGBTQ+ community has surfaced in a post shared on Reddit, triggering a wave of discussion amongst users. The sentiments expressed by an older male contributor reflect a deep frustration with what he perceives as the re-emergence of social hierarchies and exclusivity that previous generations fought against.
In his post, the individual laments feeling “old” — not due to age, but because of the attitudes exhibited by some younger members of the LGBTQ+ community. He specifically denotes the valiant efforts of earlier activists who braved serious adversity including police violence, societal ostracism, and discrimination for the sake of achieving acceptance and diverse representation. Emphasising the struggles of past generations, he poignantly remarks, “You think your gay, bi and trans forefathers and grandmothers faced down police, skinheads, bombs in our pubs, hate preachers at our Pride marches... just so that you could set up a whole new set of fucking rules to judge each other by and tell other LGBT+ folk whether they were in or out?”
His comments point to a perceived fragmentation within the community, exemplified by terms like “masc vs femme,” “slut-shaming,” and discriminatory phrases such as “no blacks no Asians.” He dismisses the notion that such labels and distinctions contribute positively to the community, arguing instead for a more unified approach based solely on the shared experience of attraction to the same sex. The post underscores his belief that “the qualification for being gay is being sexually attracted to the same sex and not to the opposite sex. Nobody is more or less gay. Nobody is a better or worse gay.”
This reflection resonates with various commenters who engaged with the post, indicating a mix of agreement and contrasting perspectives on the state of the LGBTQ+ community today. Many supporters applauded the author for voicing concerns regarding the compartmentalisation they observe, while others offered a more optimistic view on identity expression within the community.
The discussion feed highlights a generational divide, as participants examine how far the LGBTQ+ movement has come, alongside the challenges that still exist. As society continues to evolve, the debate over inclusion, identity, and the meaning of acceptance within the community remains poignant and relevant.
Source: Noah Wire Services