Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) relationships are common in modern society compared to the ancient days. Based on history, it is evident that LGBTQ relationships existed in every recognized culture whether people communicated internally or externally about the acceptance of them or not (Thoreson, 2014).
For instance, some Israelites practiced homosexuality in ancient days because it is outlawed in the Bible. Additionally, the practice was among the Greece people and many other communities.
According to the America Psychological Association, people got information about homosexuality and transgenderism activities from reports released by medical anthropologists and missionaries’ records since there were no media agencies. Because of persecution by church and medical authorities, groups practicing Homosexuality developed some social movements to ask acceptance from the society (America psychological association, 2018).
In the 18th and 19th centuries, persons practicing homosexuality faced discrimination and condemnation from the medical authorities, the church as well as state. In response to negative perception from identified groups, a movement of gays and lesbians started in the 21st century where its members wanted to show their concerns.
This paper discusses LGBTQ conflicts, challenges and growth of the relationships. Challenges Faced by LGBT People LGBTQ young adults are continuously at a higher risk of facing anguish and abuse especially in educational institutions. Friedman et al. (2011) reported that LGBTQ adolescents face victimization, harassment, and bullying by the heterosexual peers. Consequently, other reports indicate high rates of suicidal and mental illness cases.
Friedman et al. findings young active homosexual adults are likely to attempt suicide five times more compared to heterosexual peers. In addition, most medical schools do not appreciate the communication of disparities in gender and sexual orientation. Nama et al. report indicated that there was inequality regarding healthcare provision to LGBTQ persons. Medical students and health practitioners discriminate persons with transsexual status as well as offering them poor health facilities.
As a result, LGBTQ persons shun away from seeking medical facilities hence they are at a higher risk of developing diseases such as cancer, mental health illnesses, and substance abuse, among others (Braun HM, 2017) . Often medical practitioners view LGBTQ as a medical disorder.
Challenges faced by LGBTQ persons are a clear indication that there are still unclear tensions concerning the place of gender disparities in the medical profession among other areas. Based on studies, several medical schools refuse to admit LGBTQ students and make many students not reveal their identity to avoid rejection (Nama, 2017). Besides, medical physicians are discouraged to participate in professional activities linked to LGBTQ health issues as their participation may result in professional intimidations.
LGBTQ Conflict There are two types of conflicts experienced by LGBTQ which are internal and external. Internal conflict is contributed by several factors such as religious beliefs, power, and responsibilities in cases of same-sex marriages. Within same-sex marriages, couples may be involved in a conflict for several reasons. First, some couples may fail to share household responsibilities as well as power issues for instance who will lead the family.
Furthermore, couples may fail to satisfy each other. These are only a few examples of internal conflicts. On the other hand, LGBTQ people experience discouragements from different religions. Over the decades, there have been conflicts between religious beliefs and LGBTQ activities. For instance, homosexuality has become a conflict-ridden issue in many religious communities.
As a result, individuals experiencing same-sex attractions in those communities experience a difficult time. Due to the internal conflict of the learned experiences and religious beliefs, LGBTQ religious families may end up leaving religious groups.
Often LGBTQ people find religious teachings conflicting with what they consider their biological sexual orientation and gender identity. According to some scholars, religion interprets texts from the Bible and Quran to argue that being in LGBTQ is a sin hence discouraging members who practice it. The interpretations also aim at justifying the inferior status of the minority group(s).
However, the Bible and Quran may provide many communication opportunities for potentially controversial explanations. Additionally, Islamic law provides the death penalty to those who practice homosexuality which is against human rights. Some of the countries which give a death penalty for same-sex relationships include Sudan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Yemen, parts of Somalia among others (Fenton, 2016).
Moreover, the conservative Islamic nations may provide severe punishments to those who practice same-sex relationships. In a nutshell, almost all religions are against LGBTQ relationships. Whether internal or external, conflicts have severe results such as depressions, drug and alcohol dependencies, etc.
Growth of LGBTQ Relationships In this century, there is been more societal acceptance of issues related to LGBTQ evidenced by a decline in discrimination and negative attitude towards disparities in sex and gender. Nevertheless, medical personnel have implied bias especially the physicians and trainees. The inherent bias in the medical field is due to unaddressed medical curriculum concerning disparities in sex and gender. In most developed nations such as Ireland, the United States, etc.
LGBTQ relationships are no longer illegal. However, in some 74 countries same-sex relationships are outlawed leaving their rights remain unprotected (Fenton, 2016). The United States is among some countries in the world which are encouraging by communication LGBTQ equality by changing public attitude towards trans-status. LGBTQ persons obtained legal protections after the Supreme Court’s verdict on Obergefell’s case which acknowledged same-sex marriage.
Further, the court stated that same-sex couples had a legal right to marry. In addition to the said, Obama’s Administration addressed explicit bias particularly on transgender people in institutions such as healthcare. Later, the US government has undertaken several steps to eliminated discrimination of LGBTQ people. In 2014, the department of justice in the United States prohibited employment discrimination based on sex. Furthermore, other policies have been put in place to prevent discrimination based on sex.
For instance, in 2016 department of defense started allowing transgender people to serve in the military. Over the past few years, the LGBTQ gains have received a hostile response from opponents. In 2017, the Trump Administration reversed advances protecting transgender. Besides, Trump announced transgender would not serve in the military; however, this ban is still under review.
Conclusion Despite cases several cases of discrimination against LGBTQ persons especially in medical and health care centers, modern society has changed its attitude towards the homosexuality and transgender. Different nations argue that LGBTQ has their constitutional rights to practice same-sex relationships. Regarding areas of conflicts whether internal or external, proper policies should be formulated to protect the rights of minorities in schools and healthcare centers.
However, it is evidence that some nations such as Ireland and the United States have been in the front line to protect the rights of LGBTQ. By making advances on LGBTQ minimal conflicts and growth will be evident. In summary, some leaders have been formulating policies to promote LGBTQ equality while others are backlashing those policies.
