OKAY SO. This topic is more than just Race and LGBT+

-EDIT-please don’t relocate this to Race and LGBT+. This is a community problem that requires attention. Recognizing this language is paramount to reducing homophobic etc dialogue.

Thank you admin for dealing with the abrasive language used that I discussed prior to this edit. That’s really awesome and thank you so much for valuing the input given on this personal subject. -End edit-

The topic for discussion.

•What is it to make someone out as “other”?

••How is this done?

•••What does it do to those who are “other”?

••Are you guilty of doing this?

•How have you changed to avoid doing this if you have before?

Othering is using distancing expression to separate yourself from well, the “other”. This is commonly used to create a sense of sides, to demean and dehumanize, as well as remove individuality from the group being “othered”. It commonly reduces the group to an object. Not recognizing them as people, equal to all other people and therefore deserving of the same rights and freedoms.

•••What are some examples of this?

Incredibly common is reference to POC as “the blacks”, to other religions who face discrimination “the Muslims” (US), and as we see today on multiple different topics “the gays”/“the trans” etc.

•••Why is this harmful? What does this mean for the communities being pigeonholed into a circle?

What this causes is dehumanization. By referring to a group of people, especially marginalized groups of people, as “the ____s” you reduce them to one sole trait. It strips them of their humanity and their individuality and makes it easier to attack and oppress them as a whole. It ignores that among LGBT+ people there are a VARIETY of different thoughts and opinions just like among straight/cis people. By ignoring that individuality it’s far easier to demonize the group as a whole and institute measures that oppress them further.

Someone everyone knows is Trump, the US president, and his repeat use of “othering” tactics in his shit speeches.

"People don't know how well we're doing with the Hispanics, the Latinos."

"I have a great relationship with the blacks. I've always had a great relationship with the blacks."

"I love the Muslims. I think they're great people."

"Ask the gays what they think and what they do."

The use of this othering has undoubtedly bolstered his following by white, male (and female according to the voting polls) Christian people. It’s not mistake that the group most notably idolizing trump (don’t get defensive. If you don’t idolize the Orange turd this clearly is not geared towards yourself) feels a sense of comradeship with him. Because in their minds, and in trumps mind, anyone else is the “other”, the “other” who is unequal to themselves. This encourages discriminatory laws and actions because the “other” are not people deserving of equal treatment. They’re not first class citizens.

•••How to avoid “othering”?

The most notable and easiest method is people first language. Before any characteristics they are people. You are a ___ person. A is a ____ person. This combats the idea that before being a person they’re a label.

Have you called out othering before?

Are you a part of a marginalized group who has been, or still is, othered?

How has this affected your life as well as your rights as a human?

How does this make you feel?

And most importantly to our community members of all different races, sexes, and sexual orientations, you do matter. You deserve all of the opportunity in this world provided to anyone else. Much love from my bi ass and I hope to continue seeing and supporting your voices for equality!:)