The LGBTQ + community has its own stories, music, and histories that bind us together as one community. And for those of us who didn't always feel accepted growing up, it really is a second family in many ways, to a community that reminds us that we are not alone, and that there was - and is - pride and power in simply being us.

This is why change matters! Each time we speak up, show support, stand up for one another, and make our community better, we work toward creating a safer, more inclusive and prideful world!

It's not all about laws either; but can you live your life as yourself with the fear of repercussions. This kind of inequality just adds to the slowdown of broad social progress and shows how much more needs to be done around the world.

On the bad side, globalization has presented difficulties too. In some places, unfriendly outside influence has led to hatred or stricter laws against LGBTQ+ people. And although, occasionally, we hear about a country making progress in different areas at the same time toward inclusion and equality, there are always people that are not included. So, while there is no doubt globalization has helped us push some of the social change agenda, I think it has shown that we have a long way to go.

Personally, I believe that the environment - the natural world - has an impact on how often the LGBTQ+ community achieves change in society. Climate change, natural disaster and safe housing can have different impacts on our community. For example, in a time of extreme weather, LGBTQ+ people who are already possibly housing insecure or homeless will have less opportunity and less resources to access a safe space. Environmental policies / protections are important because they impact our health, safety, and housing. To me, it is a good reminder that social change is not just about social change but also about figuring out ways to safer the physical world we live in, which supports people.