We live in a time where deadly viruses like COVID-19 exist, where Black lives don’t matter enough, and where the LGBTQ+ community battles for equality. With this, trying times have risen. The need for protection is at an all-time high. For our world to rejoice, we need to protect each other.    

COVID-19: Whether you believe the coronavirus is a conspiracy or not, it still is alive. It affects every person on this planet. So you think you’re the lucky one who isn’t affected by this and don’t take the proper precautions? You should reconsider your actions. There are people at high risk who’s life may depend on you.   

When the world is being affected by something as large scale as COVID-19 it’s important to not let politics and your own pride to get in the way. This is a universal issue, not a left or right. 

You say it’s your freedom to not wear a mask; but take a look at it from a different perspective. Even before this pandemic, surgeons wore masks for hours on end while performing surgeries. Soldiers wore masks while fighting for their country.   

The fact is, if people can do it while risking their lives, then why can’t you?

Black Lives Matter: When people say “All Lives Matter,” and ask why all of a sudden are Black lives the main focus…I’m almost speechless. That is like saying, “You know, why are you walking in support for breast cancer, doesn’t all cancer matter? You shouldn’t just focus on breast cancer.” Black Lives Matter is not about all lives. It’s about Black lives. 

It’s 2020 and we find ourselves amongst yet another civil rights movement.  Discrimination, hate, and abuse on race is not something we should be debating, especially after all these years. There is right and there is wrong. I would hope we all know the difference.   

We are all breathing humans just trying to get by in this world. There is no room for hate. There is only room for love. So during this time of fighting for the equality of Black lives, we need to take care of each other and become a shield for one another.     

Here are some ways to help: protest, sign petitions, donate, vote in the next election, and support locally owned Black businesses. 

LGBTQ+: The LGBTQ+ community has illuminated our country with pride, dignity, individualism, and endless love for years. Though, it was never always like this for members of this family. From the Stonewall Riots, to conversion therapy, to discrimination in the workplace, LGBTQ+ individuals have faced high levels of inequality.

Nobody should feel shunned from the rest of the world just because of who they are and who they love. The LGBTQ+ community has come a long way. From legalizing gay marriage in all fifty states, to just recently making it illegal for work-place discrimination based off sexual orientation and identification.

Even though there have been great improvements for this community, there needs to be continuous added support to the LGBTQ+ movement. Next time there is a pride parade, join in! When you witness anti-gay harassment be sure to speak up. Always be a support system to those around you who come out.   

Unity is a crucial step for things to change. It is time for us to come together and to protect one another not because we have to, but because it is the right thing to do.