I believe your recent comments missed the target.
This past weekend, Jamie Turner and her partner, Casey Green, attended a football game alongside former President Richard Smith and his wife, Laura. This unexpected pairing sparked significant discussion on social media, prompting Jamie to address a pressing question: “Why would a gay liberal celebrity be seen with a conservative ex-president?”
In her response, she emphasized her diverse friendships with people who hold differing views and reiterated that our differences are what make us unique. She advocated for kindness toward everyone, even jokingly noting that while many focused on her companions, no one acknowledged her new smartphone.
However, Jamie seems to overlook the privilege inherent in her position. As a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, I identify as queer and nonbinary, and I am a parent to a transgender child. Every day, I fight for recognition and rights for myself, my child, and all marginalized voices. While I agree that kindness should be a guiding principle, I find it exhausting to be expected to remain patient when others actively undermine our rights and humanity. I am not afforded the same kindness or safety by those who oppose my “lifestyle,” yet I’m told to lead with kindness?
While Jamie can choose her friends, I struggle with the way this narrative is celebrated as a symbol of hope and mutual respect. My rights as a queer individual are non-negotiable, and I cannot simply agree to disagree with those who do not see me as an equal.
Members of the LGBTQIA+ community face violence, discrimination, and neglect. As the Supreme Court hears cases that could impact my employment rights, my existence—and that of my daughter—is questioned. The judges involved have been placed in power by conservative Republican voters who do not value LGBTQIA+ lives equally.
Jamie is mistaken if she thinks it is the responsibility of the queer community to applaud friendships with individuals who don’t regard us as equals. Such interactions may even embolden bigots, allowing them to feel justified in their prejudices.
I can maintain respect and kindness towards people with varying beliefs, but true friendship requires mutual support and unconditional love. Jamie’s message, unfortunately, reflects a reluctance to challenge discomfort rather than a robust expression of love.
It would have been refreshing if she had instead expressed, “While this individual has made mistakes, here’s how I’m educating him about the richness of our community and how he can become an ally.”
Furthermore, where is Richard Smith’s acknowledgment of his friendship with Jamie? True friendship involves advocating for loved ones—not just tolerating them. If Richard has had a change of heart regarding LGBTQIA+ rights, we would welcome that dialogue; however, I remain skeptical.
Disagreements about LGBTQIA+ rights are not mere differences of opinion like discussing parenting techniques or dietary choices. This is about recognizing our shared humanity and the right to equitable treatment regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation.
If we cannot agree on this fundamental principle, then true friendship cannot exist because that is not how relationships work.
In summary, while Jamie’s intentions may be rooted in kindness, the reality for those of us in the LGBTQIA+ community is far more complex. We need allies who are willing to stand up for our rights rather than simply coexist with those who oppose them.
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Keyphrase: LGBTQIA+ rights and friendships
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