LGBT+ Representation at MGA 2018. By: Dylan Zito

LGBT Representation At MGA 2018

 By: Dylan Zito

    Here at MGA, you will find an incredibly diverse groups of people represented all with different views on a wide variety of topics such as abortion and gun control laws. One of the groups here is people who identify on the LGBTQ spectrum or are LGBTQ allies.

        Three years after the legalization of gay marriage in the United States Of America and after many other LGBTQ rights cases, the matter of LGBTQ rights is still heavily debated here at MGA. Davis believes that “it’s a matter of acceptance instead of tolerance now,” when asked why she belives LGBTQ rights is still a heavily debated topic. Davis also believes society is now working towards more acceptance based things and making sure than more than basic respect is given to members of the LGBTQ community who are part of society.  

    Currently, while there are bills ranging from abortion laws to what subjects should be taught to elementary school aged children, there are zero bills that relate to LGBTQ rights present this year at MGA. Ms. Taylor Davis, a college alumni attending MGA this year, believes that this is an interesting fact because her junior year of high school, there was a bill designed to rectify the Virginia code to include marriage equality in which it was not stated even though gay marriage was legal in the United States Of America. This was in the year 2016.

    Regarding LGBTQ representaion here at MGA, it is more seen than discussed, much like an elephant in the room. Davis believes that “people understand it, but need to be even more understanding and welcoming to LGBTQ kids, especially transgender kids,” She states that LGBTQ kids need to know that they are being heard, taken care of, and looked out for at MGA.

    There is still a long way to go regarding LGBTQ rights and represention at MGA and all across America. In Davis’s opinion, the biggest concern regarding these topics is transgender issues. People are beginning to understand, but need to be educated more. “Lots of people are like, gay marriage is legalized, what more do you want?!,” states Davis when asked about what needs to be done about LGBTQ rights.

    In conclusion, while a variety of topics have their own bills, there are no bills regarding the subject of LGBTQ rights here at MGA this year, although there is an increasing number of people who identify on the LGBTQ spectrum present at MGA.

Above is a picture of Ms. Taylor Davis, a college alumni for MGA 2018 and a member of the LGBT community