Sexual Tolerance

Bridging Perspectives: The Impact of Joel Burns' "It Gets Better" Speech Your Name Subject and Section Professor’s Name January 21, 2024 Understanding the realities of gender perception and discrimination in society is essential for any individual. It allows him to appreciate better that discrimination still exists in society and help, even in small ways, to reduce this effect. Accordingly, in the diverse tapestry of American society, attitudes towards sexual and gender orientation vary widely, influencing various demographics. In line with this, I feel that Joel Burns' "It Gets Better" speech, presented at a Ft. Worth City Council meeting, is a powerful testament to the challenges faced by LGBTQ individuals. In the following sections of this essay, I will delve into the possible effects of Burns' speech on two distinct demographics: a vulnerable LGBTQ youth and an adult harboring intolerant views. By comparing their experiences, we explore how such a message might instigate a shift in beliefs and attitudes bolstered by external references to enhance understanding. Impact on LGBTQ Youth As I have mentioned earlier, Burns' speech was a compelling wake-up call, not only for heterosexual individuals but also for members of the LGBTQ society. One of the most notable things that I learned from his speech was about how discrimination, whether apparent or not, can affect the lives of minorities significantly. Burns talked about how some committed suicide because of the harassment and assault that they received from others. This is not surprising, nonetheless, as reports say that “gay and lesbian youths are 3.71 times more likely to attempt suicide” as compared to their heterosexual counterparts (NewportAcademy.Com, 2022). For someone who has a lot of LGBTQ friends who are battling insecurity and societal marginalization, Burns' speech could be a lifeline of hope and affirmation. His journey from adversity to a respected public figure may resonate profoundly with young individuals in similar strife. Impact on an Intolerant Adult On the other hand, Burns' w...