Reasons To Be Proud Of Being LGBT In 2015!

We're nowhere near being done yet in the great fight for full LGBT equality across the globe. But, it's important to stand still and be thankful for where we are right now. So, here are just a few examples of reasons to be proud of being LGBT in 2015!

#LoveWins

Via s.bsd.net

Take a look at this world map and see how many countries recognise same sex marriage. We have a way to go, but a massive milestone was passed this year when the American Supreme Court voted in support of full marriage equality in every state.
It was a great feeling felt throughout the community worldwide, not just in the USA.
Oh, how we celebrated!

LGBT Movies & Characters

Various

Whether or not you appreciate the WAY that these stories are being told by Hollywood. Can we at least take a moment to celebrate the fact that they ARE being told. In recent years we have seen actors, directors and screenwriters take him golden Oscar statues, amongst other great accolades, for their works in portraying the LGBT community and telling our stories. The above are just some examples of the great work that is being done.

Tom Daley & Dustin Lance Blank

FameFlynet / Via dailymail.co.uk

Sure we must of course finish mourning that two of the most eligible gay bachelors out there are now off the market.

But once we get over that (any day now), we must celebrate that when news broke this week of the couples engagement it was embraced by the worldwide media with positivity. Tom is an Olympic diver, who has Rio 2016 ahead of him and DLB is an Oscar winning screenwriter and LGBT activist, who is 20 years Daley's senior. So it was a sign of our times when the press rejoiced with them in their celebration, rather than looked for a way to bring them down.

Made even more heartwarming when it was revealed by a gushing Dustin, that Tom in fact was the one that did the proposing.

Umm, can you say relationship AND career goals??

LGBT Issues In World Politics

Pink News / Via pinknews.co.uk

We are now in a position where the rights and issues of LGBT people across the world are at the forefront of any great political campaign. In 2015 Hilary Clinton has stated in her race for US Presidency that she will continue to support the community. This month the democratic presidential front runner had this to say at a speech given to the HRC (Human Right Campaign) in Washington, DC:
"You know the obstacles that remain better than I do, but I want you to know that I get it. I see the injustices and the dangers that you and and your families still face, and I'm running for president to end them once and for all."

In the UK this year, Scottish Nationalist Party leader Nicola Sturgeon spoke at Scotland's first Scottish LGBTI awards ceremony, organised by The Equality Network. And she had this to say:
"If I can do one thing above all else in politics, I want to play a part in making Scotland a more equal country. I’m proud of how far we’ve come, but we still see surveys like we did recently, saying that the majority of LGBT people still suffer discrimination and prejudice. We've still got to tackle that. I think there is more we need to do for the transgender communities – so it’s a big agenda and I’m determined that we keep moving in the right direction,"

Progress.

LGBT Popstars

Via unrecorded.mu

In the past we largely had to depend on the females of the music industry to speak for us. The Cyndi's and Madonna's and later the Gaga's and Kesha's, amongst many others, did more for our community than we could ever have time to thank them for. They stood with us, in support of us. Saying the things we could never say ourselves.

That is until now.

The last few years have seen Frank Ocean and Sam Smith come out, both admitting at the peak of their careers, that their critically successful albums were in fact about unrequited love for other men. We have seen Steve Grand become one of the most successful independent artists of the last few years.

And now trailblazers like Troye Sivan and Olly Alexander from 'Years & Years' have shown up on the music scene, bringing LGBT issues and imagery to the stage and screen in their live shows and music videos.

Caitlyn Jenner

Image Group La / ABC / Via billboard.com

Trans issues in my humble opinion have always been slightly forgotten about in the mix of the LGBT world. Many people believe that the T should not be a part of LGBT because rather than being a sexual issue, like the others, it is a gender issue.

Regardless of that, there is no denying that in 2015 one woman has created more awareness and more social dialogue for the transgender community, than anyone else ever has. And she has done so on a worldwide stage.

That woman is Caitlyn Jenner.

Already an Olympic Gold medalist and well known figure in the reality TV world, thanks to her very famous family and kids. Caitlyn transitioned quietly and with grace, revealing her struggles in a TV interview with Diane Sawyer that saw millions tune in across the world. Caitlyn's story was met with empathy and warmth and it feels great that the world is finally ready to face up to and discuss the many issues that face the trans community.

Bisexual Or Pansexual, Just be You!

I learnt something new in 2015. I heard the word pansexual in a discussion with some *cough* younger people and I nodded along, as though I knew exactly what it meant.
I had NO idea.
I ducked to the loo and googled furiously...

Pansexual: (Adj.) means: not limited in sexual choice with regard to biological sex, gender, or gender identity.

Party.

What I take from this and bisexuality is that you're willing to love the person, regardless of the label.

That's good enough for me. Miley's pansexual, Demi's bisexual - who cares right?! Just enjoy life!

LGBT Supporters! You Are All Awesome!

Via jezebel.com

I don't like the term ally. I prefer supporter.

And we have so many. We are very lucky.

It is heartwarming to see parents opening up to their kids. Telling them that they can be whatever and whoever they want to be. That they can grow up to love whoever they want to love and it's not an issue. (Yes Kate Winslet i'm looking at you! Bravo!)

These days, people are much more willing to speak up when they see LGBT people being treated unfairly in society and that is due to LGBT people and our supporters sharing their stories with people.

If someone knows that they know an LGBT person (even just one), they are less likely to discriminate against another. And so, we create another supporter.

That is the most effective way that we are going to break down the walls of prejudice that surround our community.

So keep sharing your stories!

The New Normal AKA Your Life!

In short...it's whatever you want it to be.

Love. Marriage. Children. Family. Activist. Teacher. Actor. Musician.

You CAN have it all.

We are in a position now where we can create our own lives. We still have a long way to go in the world fight for full LGBT equality, but we are getting there.

As the late great Harvey Milk himself once hinted. Until that happens, you can choose from two paths. You can choose to move somewhere that you will be accepted and hope that one day things will change. Or, you can stay where you are and fight for the change you want to see.

Either option is completely valid.

Just know that whatever you choose, you have a place in this world. That people love you and that your future possibilities are endless.

HERE'S TO WHAT'S TO COME IN 2016!!!