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Lesbians, Gays, Bisexual and Transgender people face a lot of discrimination throughout the world as do many other minority groups. They face challenges in areas such as the workplace, housing, healthcare and other areas of their lives. While the constitution guarantees the freedom to every citizen, this is not always the case. Laws and provisions should be put in place to allow the LGBTs to live their lives as freely as other people, and to be the versions of themselves that they feel most comfortable with (Weeks 17).
There are many challenges that the LGBT s face. The first of this is health issues that stem from discrimination. When a member of the LGBT community comes out for the first time, those around them like the family members may not be accepting. lack of support leads to issues such as anxiety, depression and even suicide. LGBT are also at risk of other health issues. Many organizations have been formed to champion the rights of LGBTs, and such organizations have led to advancements regarding ensuring that LGBTs have equal rights. Such organizations include the National Center for Transgender Equality, Human Rights Campaign and the Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders.
There has been some advancement in the laws that seek to grant equal rights to LGBTs. The Supreme Court has made some landmark rulings including legalizing same-sex marriages nationwide, striking sodomy laws throughout the country and banning discrimination based on sexual orientation. Same-sex couples are also now allowed to adopt children, a critical step for those who want children but cannot have them biologically (Ball 53). When it comes to employment, the 2015 decision made by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission was important. It banned discrimination in the workplace based on sexual orientation which was another win for the LGBT community.
Works Cited
Ball, Carlos A. The Right to Be Parents : LGBT Families and the Transformation of Parenthood. New York University Press, 2012.
International Association for Study of Sexuality, Culture Society. “Culture, Health &Amp; Sexuality.” Culture, Health &Amp; Sexuality., 1999.
Weeks, Jeffrey. Sexuality. 2nd ed., Taylor and Francis, 2013.
