We launched an initiative inviting Steemians to contribute a post related to a current event, issue, or topic related to the LGBT+ community.

I was surprised at the response and the quality of the posts contributed. I still stand by the need for awareness for the reasons you all share in your articles (discrimination, hate, and hiding). It’s often hard to understand the plight of others when you are simply not offered a concrete picture to understand and relate to. You all have made closed the gap for those that feel too distant from relating to our community.

With that said, let’s announce the winners!

The Rights of the LGBTQ+ Individuals: A Deeper Look Into Maltese Equality Laws. by @poetrybjeremy

This post is guaranteed to be eye opening. So excellently written, the author invites you into life as an LGBT member on the small island of Malta, nestled in between Sicily and Tunisia in the Mediterranean Sea. By this assessment, Malta should be regarded as a beacon and social aspiration for other societies to model as they grow to accept LGBT+, particularly Trans* persons. The author’s familiarity, sensitivity and confidence in writing are refreshing.

Thanks for contributing a quality post, @poetrybyjeremy.

I’m Here, I’m Queer, In Malaysia by @kathtea

This author is sharing from Malaysia, Southeast Asia. As they so sweetly share, the Steemit community is still so niche, we are given the confidence to be vulnerable and share our stories without the backlash that might come from social sites like Facebook. @kathtea highlights identifying as asexual, and often unhighlighted group of the LGBT+ community. They also share so much more!

@kathtea, thanks for joining Steem with such passion and fervor. We look forward to reading more of your journey!

Transgender 101: Episode 1; What does it mean to be Transgender? by @steampunk-penny

This is a must read series that is ahead for anyone that has any misunderstanding as to what the term transgender means, and what it means to live as a transgender person. The author, @steampunk-penny, holds a very direct, clear tone as she demystifies misconceptions about the Trans community (such as mental health disorders).

Thanks for consistently giving voice to the cause, @steampunk-penny.

Why I Fight, Chapter 2004 by @ancapbarbie

TRIGGER WARNING: This is a difficult read, as she shares her story enduring a brutal for being a transgender woman. This story underscores once again why awareness is necessary, because 2004 was yesterday. We must take ownership of how this will not be our tomorrow.

@ancapbarbie, I am in aware of your courage and your hell bent ambition to unite the LGBT community against hate. Thank you!

“How do we win this battle?” by @atravelers.life

This article get to the heart of the recent flag wars that have spawned here on Steemit as result of the recent attacks on Transgender people in Aceh, Indonesia.

@atravelers.life, thanks for an insightful challenge on how to soberly handle these encounters.

misgendering trans people and the special place in hell for those that do. by @sapphic

This author takes an erudite, passionate tone as she strongly opposes MISGENDERING trans persons. I have personally witnessed this in my own work place, as people hold their own personal biases for why they will insist to use the wrong pronouns. These objectives are without regard for the persons’ desires. While I certainly do not believe in a hell to condemn people to, it certainly communicates the depth and imperative that it is to call people by their desired, appropriate gender!!!

@sapphic, thanks for applying your scholarly research skillset to this post!

Your 5 STEEM have been transferred and should appear in your wallet. Thanks for participating! I look forward to hearing more of your stories. Stay tuned for more initiatives under the LGBT tag!

Enormous and special thanks to @sykochica for the 30 STEEM donation that made this initiative possible!

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Love and Steem On

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