Why Should You Care?
When the Supreme Court legalized same-sex marriage across the United States in 2015, many LGBTQ+ supporters thought the fight for equality had been won. But that could not be further from the truth.
7 years have passed since the landmark Obergefell v. Hodges decision, and LGBTQ+ people now confront more discrimination than ever before. As reported by GLAAD’s annual Accelerating Acceptance study, an alarming 70% of the community says there has been a stark increase in intolerance over the last two years. Today, more than 1 in 3 LGBTQ+ adults feel unsafe at work, on social media, at the local grocery store, or even when walking around their own neighborhoods.
How can we blame them for their fear when a whopping 27 states do not offer ANY form of discrimination protection? Plus, it is still federally legal for private businesses and citizens to refuse service to same-sex couples on the basis of “religious freedom”.
What’s even more tragic is that adults are not the only ones to experience this discrimination; our LGBTQ+ youth are suffering.
It has been widely reported that more Gen Z members have come out of the closet than any other generation before. Yet, in an alarming 60% of states, parents are still legally allowed to force their LGBTQ+ children into so-called “conversion therapy” despite the practice being widely condemned for over 25 years (GLAAD-ConversionTherapy).
And laws like those proposed by the notorious “Don’t Say Gay” bill —formally called the Parental Rights in Education bill— are being introduced around the country to harm our children further. These laws aim to make it illegal for educators to teach anything regarding LGBTQ+ people, sexuality, gender identity, and same-sex families. Without access to this information, young LBGTQ+ students lack the necessary resources to discover their identities, find affirming care, learn of their community, and ultimately feel the unconditional love and acceptance they deserve.
Our Stance
We believe that every American, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, deserves to live a life free from discrimination. LGBTQ+ people have the right to feel safe in their neighborhoods and see themselves represented in the educational system. We also believe LGBTQ+ youth should feel free to express their sexuality without fear that they can be forced against their will into highly damaging and widely condemned “conversion therapy” programs.
What Can We Do?
- Overturn DOMA (The Defence of Marriage Act)
- Codify Gay Marriage protections
- Pass The Equality Act
- Ban so-called “conversion therapy” in all 50 states
- Outlaw LGBTQ+ discrimination federally
- Overturn the “Don’t Say Gay” law and similar legislation
- Increase funding to protect our LGBTQ+ youth