At Miami High, there’s a colorful world with different kinds of people, but there’s one group that is different from the rest—the LGBTQ+ community, which represents happiness and sadness at the same time.

Many people at Miami High have no problems with the LGBTQ+ community. “I do not judge anyone based on race, sexual orientation, religion, or political party,” said Mr. Ortiz, foreign language department chairperson.

Others, however, believe that people at Miami High could be more accepting. “We are still having homophobic problems in the school because there’s people who don’t accept new things. Also, homophobic people are ignorant because there is nothing wrong with the LGBTQ+ community. Homophobic people judge gays without meeting that person,” said senior Tiffany Cortez.

Due to religious points of view, people are influenced into homophobia. Those kinds of people think that same-sex relationships are morally wrong and automatically label them as sinners. For example, a security monitor who wished to remain anonymous, said, “I don’t like their life style, but I respect them. God made man and woman to procreate new life.”

But not everyone thinks negatively. “Gay people are beautiful, honest, and unique, but the most beautiful thing about them is their personality,” said sophomore Daniela Garcia.

The gay life is not easy for LGBTQ+ members in Miami High, or just in general. We experience bullying, discrimination, and judgment daily from people that see gay as more of a label than as a normal human who just loves differently. “Some people say that I should kill myself for being gay,’’ said senior Jonathan Diaz.

Our country should become more accepting of the LGBTQ+ community, just as in the past, it granted equality and acceptance to African- Americans and to women. We are living in a new era when everyone deserves the same rights.