Impact of Anti-LGBTQ Legislation on Queer Culture

In places such as Montana, Virginia, and Florida, a crippling wave of LGBTQ policy has swept across states in an attempt to deter the perceived LGBTQ movement from gaining more national appeal than it already has. From standup comedians such as Dave Chappelle to state governors such as Ron DeSantis, it’s clear that culture wars focused on anti-queer policies are being leaned on to fuel political movements nationwide.
When we think about homophobia and anti-LGBTQ rhetoric as a whole, the entire idea relies on the premise that equality and civil liberties for gay men and women would adversely impact the liberation movements of other oppressed parties. For the Black community especially, feelings of our own cultural struggles being delegitimized are a core reason for many not being vocally supportive of LGBTQ movements.
Understanding how intersectionality impacts all members of oppressed communities is crucial in countering the previous notion, as there are Black men and women who exist in all forms throughout the sexual spectrum. In short, while Black and gay issues may not seem to be linked at first glance, oppression experienced by any minority group is a threat to any and every historically oppressed group in that national community.
Similarly, anti-LGBTQ pundits repeat misleading narratives such as gay agendas being forcibly passed down to children in schools or trans men and women being groomers who want to corrupt the next generation as a means of stoking fear amongst traditional religious voters. However, as newer generations shift further away from theology and seek more substantive explanations and solutions to their problems, policies such as Florida’s ‘Don’t Say Gay’ bill will serve as catalysts to push the pro-liberation movement forward.
To stigmatize marginalized groups such as the LGBTQ community as criminals when they actively seek acknowledgment and equality is an affront to any movement that truly represents freedom and liberty. We all have opinions on what’s right and wrong, and that’s fine, but when it comes to culture and politics, instituting legislation that actively oppresses already oppressed groups is nothing short of authoritarian in nature. To fight against such a proposed status quo is, for me, synonymous with fighting for my rights and freedom as a Black man; because just like all national authoritarian movements in our world’s history, the one on our doorstep likely won’t stop until all of their enemies are destroyed.