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LGBT Youth Gear Up For Election Consequences
By: Brittany Irwin
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This election season has been unlike any other. From news coverage, to social media, to volunteers talking to voters on Court Street — the election is everywhere. And people are anxious. Ava Heller and Jacob Arno are both freshmen at Ohio University and both identify as members of the LGBT community. We wanted to know what their concerns were in this upcoming election — one of the biggest issues on their minds — what happens to them once they start working full-time.
“It’s definitely going to affect us as we get jobs and move into like the real working world. There will certainly be companies and people that don’t want to hire LGBT people.” said Ava Heller about her concerns for the future.
Ava’s concerns about workplace protections is a valid one. Here in Ohio only thirty cities and counties have anti-discrimination ordinances prohibiting employment and housing discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. 30 out of 88. And only 20 of the 50 states have laws in place that protect LGB individuals in the workforce.
“I’d be very anxious to see if Hillary makes it mandatory for those laws to be put in place versus what donald trump might say. Basically, discrimination in the workplace needs to be dealt with and it makes me a little anxious to see what parties stance would be.” said Jacob Arno. His worries for job discrimination reaches beyond the LGBT community as well.
“I think voting against laws that would prevent discrimination in the workforce, you’re almost saying that you’re okay with it. And that there’s nothing wrong with it. It’s not just LGBT people that are able to be discriminated against. It would be anyone, which is not fair to anyone.” Jacob said. “And I don’t want someone like that to be running a country that’s made up of everyone from different backgrounds.”
When asked if either student had anything else to say, their comments were all but excited.
“Very anxious to see how it turns out.” said Jacob Arno.
“I am definitely afraid for what the future might hold for me.” said Ava Heller.
When looking at the election, people often think of it in terms of the now. But it is important for the youth of America and the LGBT community to look at the lasting effects of their political choices.