Steven LaChance Blog

How do you trigger a homophobe during Pride month? Post a picture of two men kissing at their gay wedding. Maybe someday photos like this will be looked at without hate and given no more thought than what a lovely couple. But that is not the world we currently live in. Yes, this photo will trigger the hateful, and that is why we should post images like these over and over again. Hate is driven by fear. Those who like to control others understand this. The best weapon against their hate is our visibility in everyday life. So let this trigger the hate repeatedly as it’s supposed to. That is its purpose, because with each triggered moment, the hate will diminish until images like this are just a part of everyday life.

But there is also a flip side to this, which is much more critical than bothering and triggering the hateful. Images like these show a possible future for the scared queer kid out there, afraid of being who they are. We need to show them there is a future for them because there is a whole lot in this world telling them there is not. So let this trigger the homophobes because it also calms, inspires, and gives hope to our queer youth who need to imagine themselves as part of a future of possibilities instead of one of hate. It could be something that saves a young person’s life. It really is that critical. Our voices must not be silenced; we must share our lives and be visible to and for them.

If you are heterosexual, this picture and post are not for you. It does not require you to make a statement of acceptance. To show support, you should share positive images and stories like this on your own social media. Chances are, there is a young person you know who is out there living in fear for their future and the idea of expressing their truth to those around them. Your acceptance through your own social media will provide more support for them than you could ever imagine. So no, this is not for you. This is for them. But if you really want to make a difference, you now know how. At least, a good place to start.