“Apparently men aren’t allowed to be called ‘dames’ in pantomimes anymore because of transexuals,” says the disgruntled woman sat in front of me on the bus, as she points out a news story to the person sat next to her. “The world’s gone mad.”
‘The world’s gone mad’.
Allow me to give you an example: the full LGBT+ acronym is LGBTQQIP2SAA. The swift evolution of what was previously just Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans (LGBT) has been quite a trigger for conversation around how the world has, most famously, ‘gone mad’.
Now, people that know me are fully aware that I’m very outspoken and can be quite controversial. If I have something to say, which I usually do, then I say it – because that’s what our generation does, isn’t it? I’m a thirty-year-old millennial and I live in what’s got to be the most extroverted and opinionated version of our world that’s ever existed. If you don’t speak your mind then… what do you do?
I’m pro LGBT+. I think it’s vital that sexuality and diversity are finally being thoroughly explored and respected – because let’s face it, it’s not as simple as being gay or straight.
For those that think pansexuality is a load of tosh, or that being two-spirited doesn’t deserve acknowledgement, my response is: open your mind. Look at religion – it’s not just Christianity, is it? No. You’ve got Catholic, Protestant and Orthodox – and then the many denominations that fall under those. Do we slag Quakers off for being ‘unnecessary’, or ‘attention-seeking’? No.
So, why am I opening up a debate about the LGBT+ community? Well, it was recently in the news that the country was divided over the introduction of a rainbow poppy, remembering the fallen soldiers and those who played a part in the war – but that also sat within the LGBT+ bracket. It’s important to remember that back then, homosexuality was illegal in the UK.
Many people have been arguing over the interweb that this LGBT+ poppy is a load of poppycock. One Twitter user argued: “There is a whole month dedicated to the LGBT community […] the heroes that fought for our country have the ONE day”. Another agreed, saying: “The RED poppy is in memory of ALL soldiers during the war”.
Okay. But hang on.
First of all, it’s not like there’s only the classic red poppy, and the LGBT+ community are trying to introduce something new. There’s also a purple poppy for the fallen animals, such as the horses and dogs that died in the war. There’s a black poppy to represent the contributions made by the African, Black, Caribbean and Pacific Islands’ communities in war since the 16th century. There’s a white poppy to represent peace, and all victims of war.
So is there not room for another one? One that acknowledges the thousands of people who were forced to hide their sexuality whilst at war, or were brutally punished for loving another person? One that acknowledges people like Alan Turing – a gay mathematician and cryptanalyst that played a pivotal role in winning the war, who was chemically castrated for ‘engaging in homosexual acts’ and later died from cyanide poisoning?
My opinion is that the poppy itself is the symbol of remembrance. What colour it is shouldn’t matter – surely it’s everyone’s prerogative how they wish to pay their respects? My poppy is a special gold and red-gemmed badge – does that mean it doesn’t ‘count’ because I’ve chosen one that looks a little more stylish than the normal paper and pin? Actually, the real reason is because I can’t ever get the bloody things to stay on. I reckon you need a physics degree for the perfect balance.
The other argument is over where the profits from selling these various poppies go. We all know that the profits from any official red poppy product goes to the Royal British Legion, which cares and campaigns for the Armed Forces and their families. Profits from white poppies help towards promoting peaceful alternatives to war, via the Peace Pledge Union. The purple poppy appeal supports various animal charities, including War Horse Memorial and Blue Cross.
What about the black poppies and the infamous LGBT+ poppy? Well no, it’s not obvious that proceeds from either of these support any charities. But does that mean they shouldn’t exist?
Ultimately, my view is that – and this applies to anything in life – you need to have your facts straight and do your research before you inflict a strong opinion. When I first caught a glimpse of the rainbow poppy, do you know what my first thought was? “Oh, for goodness’ sake, what’s this now?” But then I actually thought about it, and did my research – and I think it’s a bloody great idea. In a way, it’s also recognising how far we’ve come as a country from the days of the war to today, where sexual orientation and preferences are concerned.
Here’s to a bright and colourful future.
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