Day 17 - A picture of something that has made a huge impact on your life recently

This is obviously not a picture, but a video. I saw it about 2 months ago, and it had a huge impact on me. It was made for Pink Dot 2011 in Singapore. Before I moved to Taiwan, I didn't really know much about the Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender (LGBT) community. I wasn't exposed to it in my life back in South Africa, and I just didn't think about it that much. 

Things changed here in Taiwan. Suddenly I had many gay friends and I learned all about the struggles that most of them have had throughout their lives because of their sexual orientation. It broke my heart every time someone told me of how they were bullied, or the nerve wracking experience they had when having to come out to family and friends.

I just don't understand why some people can't accept the LGBT community. Who are we to judge who someone can love or not, or how they want to live their life? I mean, I didn't wake up one day and decided that I like boys. It just happened, and it was easy for me because I'm a girl and that's how it's "supposed" to be. But what if you are a boy and realize that you like other boys? It's not a choice. Why would anyone make that choice knowing that most of society will reject that decision. 

After watching this video, I just realized that I need to do more to support my gay friends, and stand up for them. I hope when watching this video, or reading this post, that people can open their minds and their hearts. Everyone deserves the right to love, and be loved, no matter what.