What is equality, and how does it affect people?

Equality is treating everyone the same no matter how they look,

what color they are,

if they walk or not,

what weight they are,

if they have bad mental health,

if they are a woman,

if we love the same gender or identify as a different one.

We should all be able to have equality.

People take for granted what they have and how they are treated,

while some aren’t so lucky.

In history, people have been told that difference is bad

and that anyone who is different from what is considered “normal”

should be shunned or kept away from society.

Some may think that we’ve changed,

but I disagree.

Every day I see someone somewhere being treated horribly

just because they are different.

Whether it’s because of the color of their skin

or they way they talk

or walk

or think.

So many times I’ve had to witness

the terror of inequality

and all the pain that it causes.

The misery of calling a cab

and being told that you cannot ride in it

because you have a service dog.

Or the pain when you walk into a room with your girlfriend

and get told that you’re not welcome there

simple because you are gay.

The sorrow of being shamed

because you’re too skinny

or too fat.

The problem you cause by having a panic attack

 or by just being sad.

The burden that is created when you show who you truly are.

The beliefs that are taken away

because someone can’t understand.

The hope that is lost

when you walk through that door into the judging crowd.

This is inequality

and this is what needs to be changed.