Valentine’s Day has historically been a heteronormative holiday that exploits human intimacy in order to sell commodities. Allowing LGBT people to openly celebrate this holiday has not radically changed its function – keeping chocolate companies and Hallmark afloat until Easter – but within the confines of our social and economic order, Valentine’s Day has given joy to many couples who were not permitted to openly celebrate without fears of repercussions.
For many LGBT people, however, these difficulties still exist, and expressing love on a holiday dedicated to love’s celebration is still a distant dream.
Valentine’s Day can be especially difficult for couples who have to live in the closet, whether for familial unity, job security or housing protection.
In Tennessee, for instance, sexual orientation is not protected under workplace anti-discrimination laws. It was not until 2018 that employment discrimination on the grounds of gender identity was outlawed under R.G. & G.R. Harris Funeral Homes Inc. v. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Housing discrimination on these bases are also legal according to Tennessee law.
Living out and proud have direct and quite dire consequences for many living in our region. Though many legal and cultural battles have been won on behalf of the LGBT community, there is still a long way to go until that love can be truly recognized.
Love, romantic or otherwise, is an incredible force in our world. It is a testament to the beauty of humanity. We should not allow it to be warped by consumerism or petty systems of power. Instead, we need to unite in our shared humanity to end discrimination. Advocating for someone you don’t know is the greatest act of love.
This Valentine’s Day, no matter your sexual orientation, celebrate by showing love in a meaningful way to those around you, rather than spending money on empty trinkets. Candy will be on sale by Friday, anyway.
