---

Equality and Difference: Why Modernism, Feminism, and LGBTQ Rights Make Society Stronger

Introduction

Modern society must be based on fairness, respect, and human dignity. But many communities still suffer from old traditions that give men more power than women, or that exclude LGBTQ people. This harms not only individuals but the whole community.

This article argues that modernism, feminism, and LGBTQ inclusion are three parts of the same vision:

1. Men and women are equal in rights, even if they are different in traits.
2. People should be free in their gender and sexuality without fear.
3. A diverse and equal society is more balanced, stable, and strong.

---

Modernism: Moving Beyond Old Hierarchies

Modernism means progress: using reason, science, and human rights to build better societies. It rejects old systems that gave men power over women and treated difference as weakness.

Patriarchal systems often lead to violence, inequality, and injustice (Walby, 1990). Modern societies must go beyond these primitive hierarchies and ensure that all people are respected.

---

Feminism: Equal Rights, Different Traits

Feminism is the belief that women and men deserve equal rights, opportunities, and protections (hooks, 2000). But feminism does not mean men and women are “the same.”

• Equality feminism says men and women should be treated exactly alike (Tong, 2013).
• Difference feminism says men and women are often different, but these differences should not mean inequality (Gilligan, 1982).

The point is simple: a woman is a woman, a man is a man — they are different, but their value and rights are equal. For example, women give birth. That difference must be respected with protections like maternity leave, but it should not mean women are forced into domestic roles (Okin, 1989).

So, feminism means equal rights with respect for differences.

---

Gender Ratios and Violence

In some parts of the world, families prefer sons over daughters. This has led to sex-selective abortion and female infanticide, creating too many men compared to women (Sen, 1990; UNFPA, 2020).

Research shows that male-heavy societies are often less stable, with more violence and competition for women (Hudson & den Boer, 2004). From the very start of life, patriarchy damages balance and equality.

---

LGBTQ Inclusion: Balance and Stability

Beyond the Binary

Societies often expect only one model: man + woman. But real life is more diverse. People can be gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, or queer. Excluding them causes harm:

• Higher rates of depression and suicide (Meyer, 2003).
• Economic loss from wasted talent (Badgett, 2014).
• Less trust in communities (Herek, 2009).

Benefits of Inclusion

Inclusive policies bring benefits to everyone:

• Economy: Countries with LGBTQ rights see more growth (World Bank, 2014).
• Workplaces: Inclusive companies attract talent and innovate more (HRC, 2021).
• Democracy: Equal rights improve trust in government (Flores & Barclay, 2016).

From a social view, LGBTQ inclusion also reduces destructive competition. If society only allows man + woman, men compete strongly for women. This creates tension. If people are free to form relationships — man with man, woman with woman, man with trans woman — the pressure is less. Society becomes more balanced and cooperative.

Security

It is also essential to recognize that modernism, feminism, and LGBTQ inclusion strengthen not only civilian society but also its protective institutions. When security forces embrace equality and diversity, they become more representative, resilient, and capable of protecting the whole community. An inclusive security system is not weaker than a male-dominated, chauvinistic  model — in fact, it fosters trust, cooperation, and social stability, which are themselves pillars of national security.

---

Why Feminism and LGBTQ Rights Go Together

Both feminism and LGBTQ movements challenge patriarchy, which says: men are dominant, women are subordinate, heterosexuality is compulsory.

• Feminism fights for equal rights between genders.
• LGBTQ rights fight for freedom of identity and love.
• Modernism gives the tools: reason, human rights, and progress.

Together, they create a society that is equal in rights, diverse in life, and united in dignity.

---

Common Objections

• “Difference means stereotypes.”
  → No. Difference means diversity, not inequality. Every person is unique.

• “LGBTQ weakens family.”
  → No. Studies show LGBTQ families raise children just as well (APA, 2004). What matters is love and stability, not gender.

• “Identity politics divides society.”
  → Exclusion divides. Inclusion unites. Giving all people respect creates stronger solidarity.

---

Conclusion

A modern society should:

• Give men and women equal rights while respecting differences.
• Welcome LGBTQ people fully.
• Build institutions on human rights and progress.

This vision creates stability, reduces harmful conflict, and unlocks the talent of all people.

Equality, diversity, and respect are not threats. They are the foundations of a strong, balanced, and modern society.

---

References

• American Psychological Association. (2004). Lesbian & Gay Parenting.
• Badgett, M.V. Lee. (2014). The Economic Cost of Homophobia. World Bank.
• Flores, A.R., & Barclay, S. (2016). Backlash, Consensus, and Developments in LGBT Rights.
• Gilligan, C. (1982). In a Different Voice. Harvard University Press.
• Herek, G. (2009). Sexual stigma and prejudice. In Contemporary Perspectives.
• hooks, bell. (2000). Feminism is for Everybody.
• Hudson, V., & den Boer, A. (2004). Bare Branches. MIT Press.
• Meyer, I.H. (2003). Prejudice, social stress, and mental health. Psych Bulletin.
• Okin, S. (1989). Justice, Gender, and the Family.
• Sen, A. (1990). More Than 100 Million Women Are Missing. NY Review of Books.
• UNFPA. (2020). Sex Imbalances at Birth.
• Walby, S. (1990). Theorizing Patriarchy.
• World Bank. (2014). The Economic Cost of Homophobia.

---