The Weaponization of Religion Against LGBTQ Youth and Emerging Adults

The Weaponization of Religion against LGBTQ Youth and Emerging Adults
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The Weaponization of Religion against LGBTQ Youth and Emerging Adults
Marginalization begins by ignoring, rejecting, harassing, or victimizing a particular group. This has occurred to black people, women, children, and the homeless. Today, it is happening to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) people. The reason behind the interest in black LGBTQ youth and white LGBTQ youth is the high level of discrimination and harassment against this group. LGBTQ is undoubtedly the most hated group in the world regardless of the factors that determine entry into the group. Some anti-gay, for instance, linked the practice to influence from peers and family whereas LGBTQ supporters have claimed that homosexuality has biological roots. These arguments are connected to social work practice as they inform a social worker to look deeply into the LGBTQ issue and advocate for the rights of these individuals to prevent discrimination. This action will play a significant role in helping these highly discriminated individuals to obtain essential services and feel comfortable in society. Currently, no LGBTQ member feels safe in society due to discrimination and oppression.
Whether white or Black, the LGBTQ community is highly vulnerable to discrimination and oppression. These people face discrimination every day by straight people. Statistics show that LGBT members are twice more likely to be physically and verbally assaulted than heterosexual individuals (Kau & Kau, 2019). Any form of abuse against LGBTQ member negatively impacts their physical, social, and psychological health. Despite progress in the legal landscape and the evolution of social opinions related to LGBTQ, reports indicate that the LGBTQ community still experiences blatant gender bias in nearly all public and private sectors, including employment, housing, education, religion, and homes where individuals live (Casey, et al., 2019). Studies show that over 41% of gay and lesbian adults suffer some form of harassment and hostility in their workplaces that culminates in their dismissal or being forced to quit due to their gender orientation. In over half of the United States, LGBTQ people are highly likely to be denied employment opportunities. If allowed, they may receive lower pay than straight people. A good example of this is YouTube. In 2018, the channel targeted LGBTQ members by demonizing their videos and adding an anti-LGBTQ campaign for viewers.
Additionally, discrimination is common in the homes of people who conform to this group. Coleman (2019) found that about 40% of LBTQ people live somewhere they are not accepted. In 2016, Rae’Lynn Thomas, a 28-year-old transgender woman from Ohio was shot dead by her mother’s ex-boyfriend because of her sexual orientation. Discrimination and harassment against this group are also rampant in schools. A study by Sabriet et al.(2014) indicated that 85% of LGBTQ students have experienced verbal harassment including name-calling. This comes despite efforts t...