Lgbt Rights In America Essay

Our society has been advancing in almost every way possible the past couple decades. Whether it be technology, lifespan, equality or even energy efficiency, the world is moving faster than ever before. America is at the pinnacle of progression when looking at the world. One of the biggest and most controversial issues that is brought up more and more is the rights of the LGBT community in the United States. This LGBT movement has been growing exponentially for the past few decades and they have finally made their mark and stood their ground here in the US. Marriage is now legal and they are more accepted overall. Though they are accepted much more today, there is still some very big issues that arise from the American population, more exclusively, the Christian population. This paper will discuss what it will take for the Christian faith to accept the LGBT community in America.

The history of the gay rights movement goes as far back as the late 19th century. More accurately, the quest by gays to search out others like themselves and foster a feeling of identity has been around since then. It is an innovative movement that seeks to change existing norms and gain acceptance within our culture. By 1915, one gay person said that the gay world was a "community, distinctly organized" (Milestones 1991), but kept mostly out of view because of social hostility. According to the Milestones article, after World War II, around 1940, many cities saw their first gay bars open as many homosexuals began to start a networking system. However, their newfound visibility only backfired on them, as

The massive amount of people who believe and support LGBT should have the same human rights and equality say, “it's only fair they receive the same liberty to love who they love.” (Texas, Democratic Party, 1) Throughout the years, same sex marriage supporters have been increasing; “81% of adults under 30 now support marriage equality.”(Texas Democratic Party, 1). People have been making an effort to fight this case even since the beginning of the gay rights movement in the 1960s-1970s. Even before that though, homosexuals have tried to be seen equal, and of course, have an aspiration to be able to obtain the same rights as everyone else, which is to win over the Defense of Marriage Act, which was signed in 1996 by Presidential Clinton to be able to marry the person they love regardless of what their gender

Americans are often seen as a beacon of freedom but are the people truly free? The citizens of America are entitled to their rights, such as freedom of speech and freedom of choice but when it comes to their sexuality or gender identity, their freedoms are limited whether by law or by a person’s opinion. Although there are rights that are law, it does not mean the people would obey the laws accordingly. Discrimination and harassment against transgender and people of a different sexuality is common among people under the age of 25. Studies shows that about 49 percent of transgender people under the age of 25 have attempted suicide because they were harassed (Ford). Transgender people are allowed the same basic rights as other citizens, but

United States of America. The United States of America. When you hear that, what do you think of? Home perhaps? A land of great opportunity? Freedom? Equality? Perhaps for some of you, this is the case. For many, it is not. For many, freedom and equality are nothing more than empty promises. Thankfully, many brave individuals are now speaking up and demanding these promises be fulfilled. They are signing petitions, organizing rallies, and protesting in the streets, all just to be heard. I hear you, and I stand with you.

he status of the LGBTQ community in each decade, starting in the early 1900s, held many key leaders,

America’s foundation is built upon the words of the Declaration of Independence. This document states “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights; that among these are Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.” Since the writing of these words, America has had to overcome slavery, child labor, voting rights, women’s rights, civil rights, and LGBT rights. We have come a long way but there is still work to be done. The LGBT equality movement is relatively young compared to other social movements, but is no less important.

The New world was of great wonders discovered by the Vikings, inhabited by the natives ,and stolen by a bitter elite, that punches the great world with an iron fist; the explorer, Columbus starting the brick of colonization, an open path for Europeans to take the land and call it their own to grasp a new life, a dream that is to be savored and fulfilled as growth and prosperity continues to emerges out of the westernmost winds, and south of the Mediterranean sea, dominating the land, free to do whatever they please.

Gay rights and marriage equality has always been a major issue. Not only in the United States, but all throughout various cultures in the world. One of the main reasons why it is not widely accepted is due to religious or cultural reasons. Thankfully, more people have become more accepting of it and keeping an open mind about it. As of June 26th, 2015, gay marriage has has finally been legalized in all 50 states. However, there are still people who do not agree with it and still try to vote against it. Some Americans even want laws made to ban same-sex marriage and relations again. Although the legalization of same-sex marriage has been accomplished, most people continue to fight against those who still discriminate against the LGBT community.

"You robbed me of something very precious and I will never forgive you for that. Mr. McKinney, I give you life in the memory of one who no longer lives. May you have a long life and may you thank Matthew every day for it." Those were the words said by Dennis Shepard at the sentencing of Aaron McKinney, one of the men who tortured, robbed, and murdered his son Matthew Shepard. He was given a life sentence. States must inflict a harsher punishment for people who commit gay violence crimes because over the years hate crimes based on sexual orientation have become the third highest category reported.

The 20th century was a period of mass change, from technology to the ideals that people put forth to the reformation movements that occurred. A major, but not well known movement that took place was the gay and trans rights movement. This centered around the idea of those of the queer (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender+, or LGBT+) community that sought to be understood during a time of extreme prejudice against them. This led to incidents like the Stonewall Inn riots led by Marsha P. Johnson and to political figures like José Sarria and Harvey Milk, who worked tirelessly to help reform social views to make America a safer place.

Thesis Statement: The Gay Rights Movement dates back to the 19th century. By 1970 gay and lesbian organizations existed all over the United States and in other countries all over the world. Some supporters of the movement would say that our society as a whole has made great strides towards acceptance of homosexuality. However, gays and lesbians are still fighting for equality in 2009. The issues are vast and widespread, with same-sex marriage at the top of the list. In the world that we live in today one might be surprised to learn how many countries are accepting of gay and lesbians, as well as how many are not. The world has made progress within the last decade regarding this issue, but definitely not enough. We need to take steps

LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender) people are discriminated against, terrorized, and protested against. They have barely any laws guarding their rights. All Americans are supposed to have all the rights needed for their pursuit of happiness, yet LGBTQ+ citizens do not. This needs to stop. And the U.S., while still quite far away, is slowly on its way to equity for all of its citizens. But good LGBT Americans are mostly treated unfairly.

Ask any American what values founded this country and you will get very similar responses: Liberty, Freedom, or justice. These values are instilled in each American and come as naturally to us as the air we breath, or do they? Just as women fought for suffrage, and African Americans in the civil rights movement, homosexuals battle for the right to marry. This issue is affecting Americans on several levels.

One of the leading political debates in our country today is the legalization of same-sex marriages. The very image of marriage is evolving on an on-going basis due to society and the major changes between society defined unions. The definition of marriage, as defined by Webster’s Dictionary, states “Marriage, n., (1) the state of being united to a person of the opposite sex as husband or wife in a consensual and contractual relationship recognized by law (2) the state of being united to a person of the same sex in a relationship like that of a traditional marriage <same-sex marriage>.” The change was not made until 2003. Marriage, as per society, is a special event in