LGBT

I figured I would write about the LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender) panel that came to our class the other day. I thought it was interesting to hear their point of view on how students here at James Madison University view them as members of the LGBT. I really enjoyed the panel because I think it takes a lot of courage to stand up to a group of people who belong to the same community as they do, JMU, and explain to us about how it is hard sometimes being labeled as part of that group.
It was influential to see them stand up for what they believe in. I thought it was surprising to know that when one of the girls went shopping they would be reprimanded for buying boys and girls clothes than for being a lesbian. This relates to our class because not only do women get discriminated against for their gender, but when you are a part of the LGBT club you automatically get the stereotype that you are gay. One of the girls on the panel explained that some gay men or women do not like the label of gay or lesbian. This dislike for labels is due to the fact that some women or men are just starting their coming out process and may still not want to hear that they are gay or lesbian. I thought this was interesting because someone who is not afraid to consider themselves gay may have a sense of worry that comes with the coming out process.
This LGBT really opened my eyes to the measures this group takes in order to get their voices heard. Just like women in the first and second wave of feminism, they have to fight for their rights in society. The group also has to deal with the hardships that may occur when finding a relationship. LGBT groups are usually the minority on campuses or even in a community so it is hard to find someone that fits who they desire. There are many groups who face discrimination, but it is up to those groups and societies willingness to be open to different view points (even if the viewpoints don’t fit the social norms) to allow for such a variety of groups. Groups that do not fit the social norms of society will continue to be made, but those groups should not be discriminated because of their differences.

Privilege

On aspect of my identity that I believe I am privileged is that fact that I am able-bodied. Being able to have a healthy and strong body allows me to participate in activities that I would not be able to if my body was not strong. When I was young I had the ability to participate in sports such as basketball, softball, soccer, lacrosse, and field hockey. Being able to play all of these sports allowed me to go through high school playing field hockey and lacrosse. It also gave me the advantage to play at a division one school.
I am able to have this privilege as part of my identity because I was not diagnosed with any disabilities that some people are. It is also a privilege because people need to be shape or have that tone, healthy body in order to survive in the real world. It is easy for me to get to and from my classes by walking but it may be hard for someone with disabilities to do the same. Having a healthy body also gives me an advantage in obtaining jobs. Though my only jobs have been coaching field hockey camps here at JMU and back home in New Jersey, if I was not able-bodied I would not have been hired to work at these camps. Keeping up with my able-bodied also allows me to maintain a relationship. I am not saying that you have to be perfect to have an attraction for someone, but it gives you an advantage. If I was in an unhealthy state or disabled I would be at a disadvantage to attract a man and I would have low self-esteem about myself. Ultimately, being able-bodied gives me advantages that wouldn’t come if I was disabled.

Romance and Relationships

Growing up I never really understood the meaning of romance or what it meant to be in a relationship. I understood that my mom and dad were married and they loved each other, but I didn’t understand what that meant when I was younger. On the other hand, I believe that my mother was the one who truly taught me about romance and relationships.
Middle school was when I knew what a relationship was but it was the kind of relationship that didn’t really mean much. I would get into relationships in middle school but to me, they were just relationships with friends; they weren’t romantic ones. When I entered high school I was more excited about relationships because I was older. I had my first real relationship when I was a junior with a guy who was a year younger than I was. I believe he shaped my view of a romance and relationships because he was not. My mom told me that in order for me to understand romance I would have to explore it. I started to understand the sexual schemas that are associated with me when I left my first relationship experience. Later, when I was a sophomore in college, I had the opportunity to see many romance incidents and relationships. I began my next relationship at this time and I am still in it today. My mother was the one who told me that relationships will come and go and one day I would stay in one for the rest of my life.
I really look up to my mother because my father and she are high school sweethearts. They act like brother and sister but one can tell by looking at them that they love each other so much. I believe their relationship has taught me about romance and what it should look like. I also feel that they developed their own sexual scripts, guidelines for sexual behavior, through their relationship. I now feel that I have a better understanding of what a romantic relationship should look like.