When I travel, I often spend those hours on the plane and sitting in airport terminals reading LGBTQ-themed novels. A fascinating book I just completed (ideal for long trips) is the 750-page novel “Maxym” by Patrick C. Notchtree. The story follows an orphaned boy in Russia who grows into a trained hired assassin, yet at the same time is a very sensitive kid dealing with his sexual orientation as gay. Actually, I learned quite a bit about Russian culture, geography and recent history by reading this book.
During the time Maxym was going through his military training as a late teen, he disclosed his sexual orientation to his closest friend Stepan, who was a very strong straight ally. On page 567 where several of the characters were discussing the growing hatred toward LGBTQ people in Russia, Stepan remarked:
“Homophobes are insecure, inadequate people and so they project their self loathing onto a scapegoat to make themselves feel superior to at least one group. Of course they spout religion and family values and so on to make it socially acceptable, but they just want everybody to be like them because then their world view seems safe.”
I totally agree! If someone is totally satisfied with their own selves, there is no need to put down or hate another group. I do feel that much of the growing hatred and division is our country around LGBTQ equality is perpetrated by those who do not feel good about themselves. Also looking for others to scapegoat is a convenient way to avoid working on your own self-growth and actualization. Someone who continually cuts down other people can then avoid self-examination and improving themselves.
Two main points to make – avoiding the negative around diversity and leverage the positive around it.
Avoiding the negative. It is so sad that much of American (and even increasing global politics) revolves around the politics of hate – that is finding some group to hate on and causing division among citizens. In the past, one particular unnamed American political party has over time focused hate on LGBTQ+ people, African-Americans, Muslims and immigrants. Instead of focusing on uniting all people together to achieve optimal national success, too much energy is spent on minimizing, dividing, hating and even propagating false narratives. See my 2019 blog “Why So Much Hate?”
One of the most horrific results of this hateful rhetoric has been the increasing violence targeted toward Black and LGBTQ+ Americans. (Buffalo NY supermarket, El Paso WalMart, Jacksonville FL Dollar Store, Pulse Nightclub, Murder of LGBTQ supportive storeowner in CA….)
A diverse team working together is so much better than a focus on hate and division.
Leveraging the Positive. Instead of propagating hate and fear toward others who are different, we should celebrate the great diversity of our country. Bringing diverse people together will lead to innovation, better business results and an overall boost in our economy as everyone works to their full potential instead of wasting energy fighting the hate hurled at them. See 2019 blog, “Diversity and Inclusion – Should It Divide Or Unify Us?”
My call to action – individual and corporation: Reject all forms of hate and division, and refuse to vote for or support with corporate dollars all politicians and leaders who foster hate and division.