Agender

For thousands of years and in every corner of the world, long before the term LGBTQIA+ even existed, people loved and lived in ways that not only gained the acceptance of their societies and communities but also honoured them for it. Today, many so-called conservative nations, including numerous across Africa and Asia, were once among the most inclusive societies on Earth, with millennia-old same-sex traditions and notable individuals from history who helped shape their modern societies. Yet that history has been buried, replaced by a false narrative that portrays queerness as foreign, modern, and even Western in some regions. Same-sex attraction transcends race, class, and era, as seen in the lives of ancient rulers and pioneers of human civilisation alike. Recognising this history shifts the conversation, emphasising that, ultimately, the persecution of LGBTQIA+ people is not a moral stance rooted in tradition; it is a political strategy, as old as power itself, designed to divide and distract.

In an era where digital platforms influence public debate and opinion, social media has become both a lifeline and a battleground, especially for LGBTQIA+ and other minority groups. As online spaces amplify voices and support movements, they also expose users to harassment, misinformation, targeted attacks, and increasing online and real-life risks. As discussions about free speech and accountability grow more complex, we face a crucial question: how can we protect the right to express oneself without compromising safety and the fundamental rights of others?

In history, much of what we know comes from books, written accounts, and all that we are taught at school. A type of collection narration that is frequently repeated and perpetuated in society, one that often changes, even ignores specific groups, whether in a bid to protect the legacies of historical figures or to shift the narrative to suit a particular perspective or worldview. Much of what we know is influenced by those who tell the stories, those who share the facts, and those who pass down heritage through the generations. Many cultures have long portrayed an image of heteronormative, white and male-centric history; however, thousands of years of cultures, countries and civilisations have meant that the stories and accomplishments are often being ignored or overlooked, facts are being omitted about important figures, or they are simply becoming forgotten in history. Let us explore how history has been rebranded in some cases, why representation is important, and how it has changed over the years.