Milk

As discussed in class, there has been a significant increase in the acceptance of LGBTQ+ individuals in the United States since the 1970s. However, with that increase in acceptance, there has been significant pushback against the inclusion of LGBTQ+ individuals.

The societal acceptance of gay individuals is a great change that can be seen. In 1996, according to polls, 68% percent of Americans opposed gay marriage. In 2018, that flipped. 67% of Americans supported gay marriage. Although these numbers are still on the lower side, it is a significant change. In Milk, we see a version of the United States that forced gay individuals to remain private with their love lives. Supervisor Milk fought against this privacy stance greatly. Two quotes from Harvey Milk that illustrate this point are, “we will not win our rights by staying quietly in our closets,” and “We are coming out to tell the truths about gays, for I am tired of the conspiracy of silence, so I'm going to talk about it. And I want you to talk about it." Now, on a large scale, gay people are no longer needing to remain “private” with that part of their life. 

           However, as there is societal change, there is also pushback. In many states, there has been an increase in anti-LGBTQ+ legislation. In education, Florida recently passed the infamous “Don’t Say Gay” legislation. Anti-trans legislation has also taken form against their participation in sporting activities, using bathroom facilities, and accessing medical assistance and care. There has also been censoring of books and performances that contain LQBTQ+ content like drag shows.

            Overall, while there has been a great change for good, there is also a great push against LGBTQ+ rights. It is important to remember the progress that has been made but also not lose ground in the present.


 

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