“All young people, regardless of sexual orientation or identity, deserve a fulfilling and supportive environment in which to realize their full potential.” This quote was said by Harvey Milk, the first openly gay state official in California history. Harvey Milk made history by overcoming the many obstacles faced by an openly LGBTQ+ person in 1960s America. He and many others dreamed of a world where all human beings were equal, a world where the LGBTQ+ community was free to express themselves, free to be themselves, without prejudice or hatred. In that world, the LGBTQ+ community would finally be free to live as they wish. In that world, people wouldn't care about race, sexual orientation, gender, the only thing that would matter would be the contents of their minds, the life in their souls. In that world they would be equal. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay The world they dreamed of wasn't even ideal: it was just a world where people had decency, a world where they could show a little compassion, a little empathy. How difficult is it to achieve? Why haven't we achieved it? We need to build a world where children can be open, a world with much less bullying. LGBTQ+ youth are four times more likely to attempt suicide than others in their age group. 90% of lesbian, bisexual and gay students have experienced harassment and bullying from their peers. Over half of transgender students have attempted suicide, and about 75% say they feel unsafe at school. We've come a long way when it comes to LGBTQ+ awareness and rights, but issues of acceptance still prevail. Imagine if our children had to go to school every day in this harsh environment, if they came home from school every day crying about bullying, and that it didn't stop there. To be tortured by the cruel words, the harsh pushes, only for them to come home and see the cyberbullying begin, watch as the text messages arrive. Perhaps, they even return home to be taunted and tormented by their parents who do not accept them. Having to constantly listen to them say that their identity is invalid, that they, as a person, are worthless. Why are we so afraid of equality? Are you afraid that people will feel safe? What's so terrible about people feeling confident in themselves, sure they're worth something? There is no reason to fear change, to fear people based on who they love, how they love. We may have come a long way, but there is still a long way to go.