Let’s Take a Step Forward

Women’s Day- A day to internationally commemorate women’s rights.

Right. Now that’s a Wikipedia definition.

Let’s see what Women’s Day actually is. A day for writers (like me) to write cheesy lines on impact of women on society and exaggerating the role of feminism with the same terms that have been in use since the beginning of time. A day for leaders to deliver long speeches on women’s rights and suffragette movements. The only day when women receive texts praising their sacrifices and dedication.

The mere fact that Women’s Day is celebrated ONCE a year leads to the understanding that rest of the 364 days are ‘Men’s Days’. I am not criticizing the concept of Women’s Day, just its existence. My real question is, do we really need an International Awareness day to spread cognizance about a simple idea like equality? Emma Watson did not wait for March 8^th to start the HeForShe campaign or to deliver that iconic speech at the UN. Oprah Winfrey’s words at the Golden Globe were felt by millions of young women across the countries even though the world was not officially commemorating women.

“If you believe in equality, you are a feminist.” Disagreed. There is so much more to equality than just women. Women’s Day itself is sexist. Male and Female are NOT the only two genders which constitute human race. If you believe in equality, you are a Humanist. We have come a long way with women’s rights but there are over SEVENTY known genders. And Women’s Day advocates ONE of them. When we talk about Humanism or Egalitarianism, there are many more than these seventy who are scrimmaging for representation and rights. The entire LGBTQ+ community along with every human lacking opportunities and freedom is a part of this struggle. Struggle against? Misogynists, sexists, transphobes, homophobes, biphobes, islamophobes. In short, narrow minded bigots.

I agree that the idea of queer is new to people. But aren’t we all about change? Doesn’t it make you curious to think about what could’ve been or what can be? We all are driven by our desires. If Eve hadn’t succumbed her temptation to eat the forbidden fruit, we wouldn’t even be here. I agree that we do celebrate the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia. But how much of a change has it made? People still have to ‘come out’ to be accepted by others and most of all, accept themselves. Ever heard of a straight person say that they ‘came out’? No right? Because being straight is kind of obvious.

This Women’s Day, let’s take a step forward (and keep taking them for the rest of the year) toward humanity. Don’t go, “Gross!” when you hear about a gay couple (how can you?! I mean, have you seen Solangelo and Malec? *Percy Jackson and Mortal Instruments Reference*). Help out a friend if they are confused. Educate your children from a young age because they do not become LGBT overnight when they turn 16. Respect all.

Most of all, remember, different is not bad. Accept a human, because the only choice that actually lies with them is their choice to be happy and who is another equal to take it away from them?