It's amazing how far that we've come and the strides we've made

In the grand arc of human history, the struggle for acceptance and equality has been a timeless endeavor, one that speaks to the very core of what it means to be human. Shangela’s words, “It’s amazing how far that we’ve come and the strides we’ve made in the LGBTQIA community with regard to acceptance and equality and really honoring ourselves and who we are,” carry within them a profound acknowledgment of progress and an unyielding hope for the future. Her reflection is not just a celebration of victories won, but a call to continue the struggle for true honor and dignity—the fundamental rights of every individual to live authentically, without fear, and in full recognition of their worth.

The ancients were no strangers to the struggles of those who existed outside societal norms. In Ancient Greece, the idea of love and partnership was far more fluid than what we often encounter in modern times. Socrates himself, revered as a philosopher and teacher, spoke openly of his affection for younger male students, a relationship considered integral to their intellectual and personal development. This acceptance of same-sex love, however, existed within a context that was limited by its own cultural and social constraints. While some aspects of Greek society were progressive, the overall idea of equality was still bound by rigid definitions of gender, class, and citizenship. The progress of the LGBTQIA community today is far more expansive, embracing the diversity of gender and sexual identities that the ancients could not yet fully comprehend or accept.

In a sense, Shangela’s statement echoes the ancient longing for honor and recognition of one's true self. Consider the story of Alexander the Great, who, in his conquests, often defied the norms of his time by establishing cities and communities that blended cultures and embraced individual difference. His close relationship with Hephaestion was one of profound love, yet their bond was viewed through a military and political lens rather than an open societal one. Shangela’s celebration of the strides made by the LGBTQIA community reflects a shift from hidden identities to open honoring of self, a step away from secrecy toward the courageous embrace of one's true identity.

The LGBTQIA community, for centuries, has been forced into silence, their love and identity suppressed or criminalized, yet in recent decades, the story has shifted. The Stonewall Uprising of 1969 is often considered the pivotal moment when the LGBTQIA community rose up to demand equality, freedom, and justice. The courage of those who fought during the Stonewall riots inspired an entire generation, and today, their legacy is seen in the global celebration of Pride and the ongoing fight for the rights of queer individuals. Just as Shangela acknowledges, the strides made by the LGBTQIA community in terms of acceptance have been nothing short of miraculous, transforming society’s understanding of identity and love.

In ancient Rome, emperor Hadrian’s relationship with Antinous was similarly a reflection of a love that defied the traditional notions of Roman masculinity. Hadrian’s deep affection for Antinous was immortalized in statues and art, making it one of the first openly celebrated expressions of same-sex love in recorded history. However, Hadrian's love for Antinous, despite being public, was still limited in the extent of its societal acceptance. The community and its leadership did not offer equal recognition to such relationships in the way Shangela speaks of today, where honoring one's self and one's identity has become a central part of the social fabric.

The lesson that Shangela’s words impart is one of celebration and honor, for those who have fought for their right to exist openly, authentically, and without fear. The path to acceptance and equality is long and often painful, but the strides that have been made—whether through activism, art, or public advocacy—serve as a testament to the power of resilience and community. These strides represent not just the victory of individuals but the victory of human dignity over the forces that seek to define and confine who we are and how we express love.

In our own time, let us take inspiration from Shangela and the journey of the LGBTQIA community. Let us recognize the strides that have been made, but also remember that the fight for equality is far from over. Each of us must work to create spaces of acceptance where all people, regardless of their identity, can stand proudly and live their truth. Whether through advocacy, art, or simply living as our authentic selves, we each have a role to play in ensuring that future generations are born into a world where they are honored for who they are. The ancients may have begun the journey, but it is in our hands today to ensure that acceptance, equality, and honor are not distant ideals but lived realities for all.