Policy and Laws Affect LGBTQ Population
June is National Pride month for the LGBTQ population. In the last two decades prior to the current administration, we have seen significant positive changes regarding the legal rights of the LGBTQ population. Positive strides have included:
Changing from “don’t ask, don’t tell” to open acceptance in the military
Marriage rights that began in the states that are now a national policy of marriage rights
Prior to marriage rights, it was estimated that there were over 10,000 rights that were given to heterosexuals that were not given to the LGBTQ population
Other rights of inclusion including housing, property laws, partnership laws requiring the rights of the partner for medical reasons (visitation, power-of-attorney, etc.), employment, tax rights, protections for hiring and from firing, and many other positive changes
Increased understanding of the medical community of the special needs of this population
Increased services for mental health issues
Seeing the detrimental effects of so-called conversion therapy (therapy which is unethical and harmful in the attempt to try to convert someone gay or transgender into becoming heterosexual and status quo of gender identity), often with inappropriate negative and destructive therapy techniques (please note that ethical therapists would never offer this type of therapy)
Adoption rights by both parents
Significant increase in visibility of the population and being out and proud
Significant increase in the number of people supporting equal rights as well as gay marriage
Increased acceptance from religious institutions
Recent Attacks On LGBTQ Population Affect Acceptance
However, what rights that have been gained in the last 20 years are currently under attack. While gay marriage is a federal right, there are many states, where people who identify as part of the LGBTQ population can still be fired, denied specific services where owners refuse to serve us such as in restaurants and shops, and refused housing or face eviction based solely on our status.
Also at this time, the Human Rights Campaign (www.hrc.org) relates that 31 states still have laws where we can be fired, evicted, and or deny services based solely on LGBTQ status. Likewise, many states do not have co-adoption rights of an LGBTQ couple. Also, there has been an increase in hate crimes in the past year due to the political climate which makes violence more acceptable, especially against minorities.
What Can Be Done To Protect LGBTQ Rights
Get educated about the issues
Honor those who are LGBTQ
Work within the community and with those who are LGBTQ allies (heterosexual/cisgender persons)
Take legal action if you have been discriminated against
Take legal action if you have been the target of a hate crime
Support the young people who are demonstrating political savvy
Demonstrate and protest
Frequent service providers who are LGBTQ friendly
Boycott those providers who aren’t supportive or are anti-gay rights such as Chick Fil-A and Hobby Lobby as well as local establishments
Display the rainbow, transgender, and HRC flags at home and at work
Fight for inclusive policies at the local, state, and federal level
Boycott cities and states who are not LGBTQ friendly- do not vacation or shop there
Fight for sane gun laws and hate-crime laws
Help spiritual/religious leaders and congregations focus on acceptance
Don’t give up
We must protect and regain those rights that are quickly ebbing away and whether you are LGBTQ or an ally, take part in whatever you can do bring us back to hope and acceptance.
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