okay. so for school, we had to write an essay called "this i believe" about something we strongly believe in. naturally, i chose equality and open-mindedness. hope you enjoy it:

One of the worst things you can do to a human being is make them feel like less than a human being. Minority groups are discriminated against because they are different from the "ideal" or the "norm." Many non-minorities have trouble adjusting to what is new and unconventional, so they isolate those people for being different. Instead of having empathy and respecting them, they shun them. Or worse, they attack them; these people become bombarded with slurs and discrimination and ridiculous laws (passed by even more ridiculous politicians, of course). How can anyone live happily or have self-respect when the world disrespects them? Why does society force people to pretend and hide their identity, just to attempt to fit into the "social norm?" We have to acknowledge everyone and their struggle; nobody deserves to feel broken or alone. I believe that being open-minded and accepting is crucial. This I believe.
    When I was eight years old, my uncle came to visit. I was upstairs in my room, probably playing with Polly Pockets, when he rang the doorbell. I yelled to my mom that he was here, and then thundered down the stairs to the front door. I grabbed the knob, twisted, and flung the door open. I looked up at my Uncle Alex and beamed. Only after glancing next to him did I realize he wasn't alone. Startled, I vaguely remembered my mother telling me that he was going to bring his partner, but she hadn't specified beyond that. I squinted up at the person next to Alex and blinked. My mom had said my uncle would be bringing his partner, but this was a man. Could men date other men? The thought had never crossed my mind before.
    My mom appeared behind me and greeted Alex and his company, who introduced himself as Matthew and smiled. I said my name and we did the whole "nice to meet you" routine. Despite myself, I couldn't stop wondering if that strange thought held some truth in it. My parents had never explained that there was more than just heterosexuality and I'd never heard it mentioned anywhere else; it had just never come up. I didn't understand this seemingly brand new concept, but I welcomed and acknowledged it. Sometime during Alex and Matthew's visit, I think I truly realized that they were dating. They were very affectionate and acted like the other couples I had seen in my life, just as two guys instead of a guy and a girl. Although the memory is hazy, I distinctly remember thinking, a boy can date a boy and a girl can date a girl? Cool.
    That was my one of my first moments of learning how to be open-minded. At some point, I discovered the internet, which exposed me to so many different types of people. These people either defied the stereotypes or fit right in with them. It was a whole new look at the world. So many people complain that the internet is corrupting this generation, but to me, it is the reason that (most of) my generation is so accepting and different. We have seen that there is more than just where we live or what we have been told. I've watched people in my grade who have been taught to be close-minded; taught to not accept the people who are different from them. Sometimes parents teach this, sometimes it's their peers and friends, and sometimes a mix of the two. When people are given the chance and opportunity to have a new perspective on something, their views expand and their minds open.
    Being open-minded means that new ideas or concepts will be acknowledged, considered, and attempted to be understood. Being accepting means that even if you decide you don't particularly agree with the idea, you still respect it. If you do agree, you embrace it. While this essay focuses largely on LGBTQ+ matters, it is intended to speak for all other matters of discrimination and social injustice. These subjects are often put under the title of "equality," meaning, in this case, that all people deserve an equal chance at happiness and life. If everyone was just a little more open-minded and accepting, the world would be just that much happier. If an eight-year-old can do it, everyone else can at least try. While this experience is my very first memory of accepting a new concept, it is not the only moment that taught me to be open-minded; I think I've learned that over time. Gender, race, ethnicity, sexuality, size, religion, economic status, whatever: it's irrelevant. Treat everyone with respect and approach every situation with an open mind.