"The United States rank among the most advanced in the world, with public opinion and jurisprudence changing significantly since the late 1980s."
Understanding the types of discrimination LGBTQ+ individuals face, including employment discrimination, housing discrimination, and medical discrimination.
LGBTQ+ terminology: Understanding the language and terminology used by the LGBTQ+ community is crucial to ensure respectful and accurate communication.
History of LGBTQ+ rights: This topic covers the struggle for LGBTQ+ rights over time, including key events and milestones.
Forms of discrimination: Understanding the different forms of discrimination that members of the LGBTQ+ community face, such as employment discrimination or housing discrimination.
Legal protections: Recognizing the legal protections that exist for LGBTQ+ individuals, including anti-discrimination laws and marriage equality rights.
Healthcare: Exploring the unique healthcare needs of LGBTQ+ individuals, as well as healthcare barriers they may face.
Intersectionality: Recognizing that the experiences of discrimination faced by LGBTQ+ individuals are often compounded by other factors such as race, gender, or disability.
Stereotyping and prejudice: Examining negative attitudes and stereotypes that contribute to discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community.
Coming out: Understanding the process of coming out as LGBTQ+ and the potential effects it can have on an individual’s personal and professional life.
Mental health: Discussing the mental health challenges that LGBTQ+ individuals may face due to discrimination and societal pressures.
Resources and support: Identifying resources and support systems available to the LGBTQ+ community, including organizations, support groups, and social networks.
Homophobia: Prejudice or negative attitudes towards individuals who are attracted to individuals of the same sex.
Transphobia: Prejudice or negative attitudes towards individuals whose gender identity/expression differs from their assigned sex at birth.
Biphobia: Prejudice or negative attitudes towards individuals who are attracted to both sexes.
Heterosexism: The belief that heterosexuality is the only “normal” or “natural” orientation, and that homosexuality, bisexuality, etc. are abnormal or deviant.
Intersexism: Prejudice or negative attitudes towards individuals who are born with ambiguous sexual characteristics or reproductive anatomy.
Cisgenderism: The belief that cisgender (gender identity aligns with sex assigned at birth) people are superior or more correct than transgender or non-binary people.
Social stigmatization: Treating individuals differently, negatively, or unfairly because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
Employment discrimination: Denial of employment opportunities or firing an employee because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
Housing discrimination: Denial of housing opportunities, or unequal treatment of tenants because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
Healthcare discrimination: Providing unequal or inadequate healthcare for individuals who are LGBTQ+.
Violence/Hate crimes: Acts of violence or aggression committed against individuals who are LGBTQ+, often fueled by hate and prejudice.
Conversion therapy: The practice of trying to change an individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity, often through abusive and harmful methods.
Exclusionary policies: Policies or laws that exclude LGBTQ+ individuals from certain rights or benefits, like the right to marry, adopt children, or access certain public services.
Family and relationship discrimination: The denial of adoption, visitation rights, or legal recognition of LGBTQ+ individuals in relationships or families.
"In 1961, beginning with Illinois, states began to decriminalize same-sex sexual activity."
"In 2003, through Lawrence v. Texas, all remaining laws against same-sex sexual activity were invalidated."
"In 2004, beginning with Massachusetts, states began to offer same-sex marriage."
"Through Obergefell v. Hodges, all states were required to offer same-sex marriage."
"LGBT Americans are explicitly protected from discrimination in employment, housing, and access to public accommodations."
"Many LGBT rights in the United States have been established by the United States Supreme Court."
"The Supreme Court struck down sodomy laws nationwide."
"The Supreme Court... made same-sex marriage legal nationwide."
"Twenty-three states plus Washington, D.C., Guam, and Puerto Rico outlaw discrimination based on sexual orientation."
"Twenty-two states plus Washington, D.C. outlaw discrimination based on gender identity or expression."
"The Supreme Court... prohibited employment discrimination against gay and transgender employees."
"LGBT-related anti-discrimination law regarding housing and private and public services varies by state."
"Hate crimes based on sexual orientation or gender identity are punishable by federal law under the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2009."
"Hate speech laws, including those that relate to sexual orientation or gender identity, are unconstitutional."
"A 2022 Grinnell College National Poll found that 74% of Americans agree that same-sex marriage should be a guaranteed right."
"A majority of Americans believe that expressed gender should be the same as biological sex, that transgender women and girls should not be able to compete in sports with other women, and oppose puberty-blocking medication for transgender youth."
"Support for same-sex marriage among 18-34 year olds is near-universal."
"Adoption of children by same-sex married couples is legal nationwide since Obergefell v. Hodges."
"Some states allow adoption by all couples, while others ban all unmarried couples from adoption."