LGBTIQ+ movement and cannabis

In a world in constant evolution, the cannabis and the LGBTIQ+ movements have emerged as two forces that challenge stigmas, marginalization, and the historical and social context in which they have lived. At first glance, it might seem that these two issues have little to do with each other, but as we delve into their analysis you will discover a surprising connection with a series of common points that are difficult to ignore.

Let's be clear: historically, both cannabis growers and users as well as the LGBTIQ+ community have been victims of deeply rooted prejudices in society. For a long time, the members of these collectives have been judged (and prejudged!), stigmatized, and excluded, facing the intolerance and discrimination of a society fearful of anything other than "the norm". However, despite these adversities and thanks to a spirit of struggle fueled by values such as freedom, equality, or tolerance, both groups have shown laudable resistance and an unwavering determination to claim their place in society.

LGBTIQ+ and cannabis movements: more in common than you think

The modern LGBTIQ+ movement, as we know it today, has its roots in a long history of struggle and resistance. Although it is difficult to pinpoint a specific point of origin or a specific moment, we can trace the first vestiges of this movement back to events that occurred in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Indeed, at that time the first organizations and groups arose that sought the visibility and emancipation of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex people. One of the important milestones in this regard was the formation of the German Society for Sexual Science in 1897, led by Magnus Hirschfeld. This organization was a pioneer in promoting the acceptance of sexual diversity and in the fight against persecution and discrimination.

As the 20th century progressed, more movements and organizations arose globally, promoting equality and the rights of LGBTIQ+ people. The fight for the decriminalization of homosexuality, the abolition of discriminatory laws, and the elimination of the pathologization of homosexuality were key objectives in this fight, which as you can imagine permeated in different ways in different areas of the planet.

The LGBTIQ+ movement was also influenced by other social and civil rights movements, such as feminism and the fight for civil rights for people of African descent. These struggles shared a common vision of equality, justice, and respect for diversity, values that the cannabis community also used to (and still does) defend, and among which it feels much more comfortable than with values defended by others, such as discrimination, marginalization or, directly, persecution.

In recent decades, and in the same way as the movement in defense of marijuana, the LGBTIQ+ movement has gained greater visibility and has made significant progress in terms of legal and social rights. The decriminalization of homosexuality, the legalization of equal marriage, and the adoption of anti-discrimination laws are some examples of the achievements obtained by the LGBTIQ+ community, while the increasing legalization of cannabis in medicinal and recreational terms in several countries has meant a breath of fresh air for the cannabis community.

However, it is important to recognize that the fight for full equality and respect continues. Despite advances, LGBTIQ+ people still face discrimination, violence, and stigma in many parts of the world, just as many marijuana users do. Much progress has been made, but there is still an enormous task to be done in frameworks as important for the development of the person as the social or legal.

Parallel steps of the LGBTIQ+ movement and cannabis

Throughout their long struggle for respect and recognition from the rest of society, both groups have formed support networks, finding solace and understanding in safe spaces of their own making. They have forged a brotherhood based on empathy and solidarity, facing similar challenges as they fight for acceptance and equality. On their way to liberation, they have shared experiences, knowledge, and strategies for social change, something that in recent years has gained special relevance with the appearance first of the Internet and then of forums and social media.

Furthermore, both cannabis growers and the LGBTIQ+ movement have been strongly influenced by the historical context in which they have developed. They have experienced periods of repression and prohibition, but have also witnessed significant progress towards legalization and recognition of their rights. These achievements have not only transformed their reality but have also generated a change of perception in society in general, representing very important advances towards its normalization and towards a fairer and more authentically representative image of society.

However, unfortunately, there have also been periods in which it seemed that everything that had been won thanks to years of struggle was going to be lost due to the intolerant drift of certain governments and sectors of the population. Fortunately, the perseverance and resolution of both movements have been able to overcome these obstacles and continue their evolution (very slow for our taste) toward a situation of total normality. Undoubtedly, the "coming out" of celebrities has greatly helped both movements, as well as different treatment by certain media. In addition, and as we have already commented before, social media and Internet forums have allowed unprecedented cohesion and dissemination work.

Let's not pop the champagne just yet though; Even today, as pathetic as it may seem, both the LGBTIQ+ community and cannabis growers and users are still looked at sideways and singled out by broad sectors of society. We are labeled as "weird" and we are put in a drawer full of prejudices, falsehoods and, why not say it, a pinch of hatred. Yes, incredible as it may seem to you, people are persecuted for professing certain sexual or botanical desires, something that from a rational point of view is as childish as petty. And we are not talking about more or less fortunate comments from the neighbors, no...we're talking about social discrimination, verbal and physical attacks, and legal persecution...serious stuff. Honestly, the very thought of chasing someone down - and wanting to lock them up! - for loving another person or for cultivating a plant seems to us like an emetic and obtuse attitude and, above all, very insecure with its environment, unable to fully understand it.

As you have seen, the relationship between the world of cannabis cultivation and the LGBTIQ+ movement goes beyond the obvious. They share a path marked by the fight against stigmas, marginalization and a social and historical context full of ups and downs. As we explore these connections, we discover a powerful synergy between two movements seeking transformative change in society and in its understanding and acceptance of itself. As a very wise person once said, "The only tolerable intolerance should be towards intolerance itself."

Cheers to this change, to diversity, and to the freedom to grow plants and love people!