Not only did the LGBTQ+ community lose a true trailblazer for equality, all of America lost a hero upon hearing the news that Ruth Bader Ginsburg passed away at 87 after battling through five stints with cancer. Nonetheless, the LGBTQ+ community must keep fighting to ensure themselves equal rights, just like Ginsburg did and especially within the current political climate.
Throughout her career, Ginsburg was relentless in her pursuit of women’s and equality. Her death does not signify the end of the battle for equality. It fuels the movement going forward.
Since taking office Trump has rolled back policies protecting transgender rights and eliminated healthcare discrimination regulations, once again allowing providers to refuse access based on sexual orientation. Last year, he implemented a ban barring transgender people from serving in the military.
Another term for Trump would be disastrous for the LGBTQ+ community. The community cannot keep living in fear that their rights will be taken away. The Republican party, including Byron Donalds shows little sympathy for those they leave behind.
It is disheartening to see basic human rights still being a source of controversy in 2020, but that is the unfortunate reality facing America today. It is long past due for members of the LGBTQ+ community to be treated equally, but we are losing ground every day while Trump is president.
This November, casting a vote for president means so much more. It means ensuring that future generations can be free to be themselves without fear of prejudice. That is the future that Dr. Cindy Banyai knows we can achieve, but only if we join her in the fight.