We live in a heteronormative society that neglects the existence of homosexuals. A heteronormative society is a society that forces the ideas of heterosexuality on us from birth. We grew up consuming media that is focused on straight couples. This makes people believe that heterosexuality is the only preferred sexual orientation. Heterosexuality is the attraction to the opposite sex, the sexuality which is easily assumed. Denying the existence of other sexualities and genders that fail to match what has been considered a norm is dangerous. It is problematic and affects the mental health of many such kids who grew up in a society that's not relatable. Being straight is not a default and homosexuality is not a choice, if it was a choice why would anyone choose to be gay in a society which only celebrates heterosexuality?
Whether it's a trans person or someone who experiences same-sex attraction not only are they excluded from society but they're also looked down at. We all are human beings and we all deserve the same rights. Someone's sexuality and gender shouldn't describe them and most importantly it's not something to discriminate over.
Everyone should have the right to be in an educational institution and a workplace that is supportive.
But our society has failed to provide that. Lack of support and forcing heterosexuality will impact one's mental health severely. Criticism and stress from homophobia are a threat to overall health and it affects one's personality majorly. Nobody should have to play a character in order to fit into society. LGBTQ+ individuals are prone to suicide not because of their sexual orientation or gender identity but because of their ill-treatment and the stigma around them.
We can't change society but we can change ourselves.
Here are a few things you could do to help someone who's feeling isolated from the society:
Normalize: We don't have to celebrate one's sexuality but we can start by normalizing it. You don't have to honor or celebrate them to be supportive, all you have to do is not differentiate them and learn to accept the existence of different sexualities and gender identities.
Create a safe workplace: Understand that in a company, one's skills and abilities are important not who they go out with. Avoid homophobic jokes because casual homophobic jokes are harmful and show discrimination, creating an uneasy work environment.
Acceptance: Accept them even if it goes against the rules of society. We all have the right to live with our significant other. Parents often send their children to conversion therapy forcing them to be something they're not. It's not worth living a forever unhappy life because of societal problems. Forcing heterosexuality might lead them to take their own life. The best way to show support is not to see them differently and accept them for who they are.
Growing up being secluded has created a feeling of hopelessness and when people lose hope they also lose their will to live. There are many instances of same-sex couples taking their lives due to their exposure to violence and discrimination, transgenders who never had an opportunity to work or to go to school, and all the kids who never came out of the closet because of the fear of being shamed. While we're worrying about not getting a seat on the train, there is a person with a different gender identity not knowing which train compartment to enter Not being able to go out in public places because of judgment, and being scared of using restrooms because society fails to acknowledge the necessities of someone who is trans.
Conclusion
Let's not shame people for feeling differently, for loving who they want, and for being themself. Let's work on building a society that is worth living in.