A sad fact about life in America is that about 42% of people who are LGBT report living in an unwelcoming environment, and 80% of gay and lesbian youth report severe social isolation. Many children experience harassment due to their sexuality. Did you know that 150,000 youth aged 13-17 in the U.S. are transgender? Out of this number, 27% feel unsafe going to school, 35% have experienced bullying, and 35% have attempted suicide. The LQBTQ+ community is considered a joke, and it is unacceptable.
When people make jokes about the LQBTQ+ community, they may not be trying to be hurtful, but they still are. Try to think about how this can be hurtful to people who are LGBTQ+. It's not fair to us, and it certainly is not kind. Anyone can be an ally, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Allies are people who support and accept members of the LGBT community and advocate for equal rights and fair treatment. We need to stop the overwhelming mistreatment of LGBTQ+ people and help to support them instead.
In my school, people have harassed me for being a boy and wearing "girly clothes," and using make-up. It adds so much stress and is just generally exhausting. We are people and deserve treatment as such.