Gay
Gay, which is the term represented by the letter “G” in the LGBTQIA2+ acronym, can be defined as anyone who is sexually attracted to people of the same gender. Sometimes, people will only associate the word gay with male couples; however, this word can also be applicable to any and all same-sex relationships.
Prior to today’s meaning of gay in everyday language, the word actually had another definition. Dating back to the 19th century, the term meant “lighthearted and carefree.” The word is now the preferred term in the gay community as opposed to “homosexual.” Because of the fact that the word homosexual was linked to the idea that same-sex attraction was considered a psychological disorder until recent years, the LGBTQIA2+ community adopted the term gay as its own.
Unfortunately, not only has homosexual been used in a derogatory way, but so has the term gay, especially in school settings. At times, you might hear people in the halls offensively calling each other “homo” or “gay,” using the words derogatorily. All is not lost however, as protests and activism have played a critical role in advocating for gay and LGBTQ+ rights. In 2003, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of decriminalizing same-sex sexual conduct in the case of Lawrence v. Texas. Same sex marriage is also now legal, and despite an uphill battle, strides continue to be made for equality.
A COVID-19 Christmas
COVID-19 ruined a lot of things this year. Christmas wasn’t an exception. For many people around the world, they had to spend the holidays alone to self-isolate and social-distance themselves to prevent the spread of the coronavirus (rightfully so).
My COVID-19 edition of Christmas wasn’t as bad as others since my family spent it the way we usually do: with our grandparents. We opened our presents early in the day, and we finished the gift-opening with a time of worship. After that, we ate tons of food and spent time with our Christmas gifts. Overall, all the fundamentals were there for a normal, happy Christmas. But it just felt different this year. Of course, my neighbors and my family all had the Christmas trees, lights, and decorations up this year. However, Christmas didn’t feel like the Christmas of previous years.
For me, I speculate it was down to multiple factors. The first obviously being COVID-19. The whole year has just been a period of isolation, so it didn’t feel natural. Secondly, I just felt that I had a lot of school homework, so everything felt rushed. Another reason could be that I’m just getting older, so Christmas isn’t as enjoyable as it was when a younger James celebrated it. At least that’s what my mom told me. The final reason is also COVID-19 related: I couldn’t go out to places. Usually, around Christmas time, my family goes out to restaurants in different towns, or we go to the mall to window shop or just hang out. Also, I couldn’t go to my church for Christmas Eve service this year. I think those are the times that really make Christmas the amazing holiday that everyone sees it as.
During Christmas, everyone can be united and together even during the freezing cold weather. It’s a time to celebrate and rejoice with everyone, not just your family. It’s sad that COVID-19 ruined that this year. Hopefully, the Christmas that we all know and love returns next year.