Existing in the world as a member of the LGBTQ+ community is an exercise in patience. When you’re queer, every episode of Schitt’s Creek you watch is an opportunity to see yourself represented on screen. Every time you walk into a store and see an LGBTQ+-themed flag or t-shirt or Pride Month celebration, it feels like a victory. Whenever your friends tag you in a funny meme about being gay, you feel like someone finally gets it.

Of course, we shouldn’t have to be patient for those things, and we shouldn’t have to wait for visibility; we deserve to be seen. But for now, we’ll take what we can get.

Inclusion and visibility are important to the LGBTQ+ community because they give them a sense of belonging. When we talk about inclusion, it’s more than just being represented in media and accepted by a group. It’s about making sure someone doesn’t feel like an outsider. That’s important because it can make people feel isolated like they can’t be their authentic selves around others.

Inclusion is more than just seeing the LGBTQ+ community on a piece of artwork—it’s about being able to exist unapologetically in public spaces and not having that existence be questioned by others. It’s about being able to go out with our partners and families and not have people wonder why two women are holding hands. Because of inclusion, we don’t have to explain why two men are kissing, how two trans women can be sisters, or how two non-binary folks could identify as such if they don’t look stereotypically masculine or feminine.

Sense of Belonging

On the other hand, visibility alludes to seeing someone who looks like you, represented in a way that makes you feel acknowledged and understood. It’s about feeling valued by society. When we see celebrities or politicians that identify as LGBTQ+, or when we see allies speaking out about what inclusion means to them, it helps us feel seen and validated.

Both inclusion and visibility can create change that benefits everyone. They give a sense of belonging to members of the LGBTQ+ community—and both are important for showing allies what it means to be inclusive and how they can support their LGBTQ+ friends, family, and coworkers.

Neither of these things was possible for LGBTQ+ people for a long time. In fact, before the Stonewall Riots in 1969, there was no public space where queer people could feel free to be themselves among others like them. When they experienced discrimination or prejudices against them based on their identity, there was no one to stand up for them.

And in the media? Forget it. 

There were no queer characters on TV in the 1950s or ’60s (and most certainly not any openly gay ones). Even today, LGBTQ+ characters represent a meagre 12% of all characters on television — and that’s even with shows like Queer Eye and Pose ushering in an era of increased diversity and representation. With the popularity of such shows, it can feel like the LGBTQ+ community is finally reaching its full potential for inclusion and visibility. But there’s still a long way to go.

How to Play a Part in LGBTQ Inclusion and Visibility

What does this mean for us today? Well, we don’t want to relive 50 years of oppression, right? We want to create a world where everyone is accepted and represented. And we can.

The first step is to be an ally. It’s vital that you use your voice when you see someone being marginalized, whether they’re present or not. Don’t stay silent when you hear someone making fun of a queer person or saying something ignorant, as it reinforces their idea that it’s okay to think and talk like that. You can also write letters of support to LGBTQ+ people who are fighting for their rights (just remember not to make it about yourself).

The second step is not to assume that everyone you know fits into the gender binary or is straight. No, seriously, it’s so easy to forget this. If you’re unsure if someone identifies as queer or trans, just ask! It never hurts to ask, and it might help someone feel more comfortable opening up about their identity.

Another way is by engaging in activism whenever possible. Activism doesn’t have to be complicated or take up a lot of your time. You could protest an unjust law; educate others about LGBTQ+ acceptance; donate money or other resources; organize a fundraiser or volunteer with an LGBTQ+ organization.

One can also support artists who are boldly creating art that challenges what it means to live as an LGBTQ+ person in the modern world. Go see a play or a show you’ve never heard of. You can also support local pride events and parades.

Final Thoughts

All in all, the LGBTQ+ community has a long, rich history of fighting for their visibility and inclusion. It is only by continuing to celebrate, honor, and respect their efforts that we can ensure they continue to feel welcome and included in all aspects of life.

As Pride Month nears, it’s important to remember that we must do more than celebrate one month out of the year. We must think of ways to positively impact the LGBTQ+ community year-round so they can feel included and visible 365 days of the year.