Support LGBTQIA+ Rights
All sexual minorities should be treated fairly and without discrimination.
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6.4% of females and 4.9 % of males identify as LGBT in the U.S.
The LGBT movement (a movement of lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgender people) deals with the issue of social minorities who have a non-majority sexual orientation. LGBT is the acronym for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender. Sometimes the widespread acronym LGBTQIA is also used, which also includes Queer, Intersex and Asexual people.
While ancient cultures mostly tolerated these minorities, in the Middle Ages, lesbians and gays were often persecuted. A major turnaround came in the 20th century. Since the 1960s, people have become much more aware of the way of life and the rights of homosexuals and other people of different sexual orientation.
The decision of the World Health Organization testifies to the gradual change in the perception of people of a minority sexual orientation. In May 1992, it officially excluded homosexuality from the International Classification of Diseases.
The most common feature of the LGBT community is the Rainbow Flag. It was designed by the American artist Gilbert Baker in 1978.
Individual colours represent: pink = sexuality, red = life, orange = healing, yellow = the sun, green = Nature, blue = art, indigo = harmony and violet = spirit
However, there are many different groups within the LGBTQIA movement:
LGBT flags. Source: viaGood
It was not until the 1990s that gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people gained equal respect and the acronym LGBT, together with the Rainbow Flag, became positive symbols of inclusion.
Basic terms: Sexual Orientation Sexual Orientation refers to a person’s sense of identity based on attraction, related behavior and membership in a community of others who share those attractions.
Gay Gays are males who are attracted to other men. Although the word ‘gay’ can be used to refer generally to lesbian, gay and bisexual people, women prefer to be called ‘lesbian’.
Bisexual A bisexual person is someone who is attracted to people both of the same and different genders to his/her own.
Transgender or Trans People whose gender identity - internal feeling of being male, female or non-binary - and/or gender expression, differs from the gender they were assigned at birth. They live or wish to live as members of a gender other than the one they were born as. They often undergo a social transition, which may involve changing their name and appearance, even including medical interventions, such as hormone therapy or surgery.
Gender Identity Gender identity refers to whether one feels male, female or non-binary (regardless of one’s biological sex).
Coming Out Coming Out is the term used by lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people to describe the experience of discovery, self-acceptance, openness and honesty to others about their LGBT identity.
Gay Pride Gay Pride is an annual celebration to celebrate lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) identity. Gay Pride commemorates the **Stonewall Riots **of June 28, 1969, when Police raided the Stonewall Inn bar in New York City’s Greenwich Village. The event galvanized the gay community and sparked greater political activism.
Today, in cities such as Amsterdam, Chicago, London, Mexico City, New York, Paris, San Francisco, and São Paulo, Gay Pride attracts thousands or even millions annually.
How many LGBT are there? In a recent survey conducted among Americans, 6.4 percent of females and 4.9 percent of males identified themselves as part of the LGBT community. In Canada, 1.7 % are gay or lesbian. 1.3 % are bisexual. In Japan, 8.9 % of the population is LGBT. In England, there are 2.0 % LGBT.
27 US states have no explicit laws protecting LGBT from discrimination.
People with different sexual orientations form a minority in all societies. Unfortunately, there are still adverse reactions to people who are different, including homophobia and discrimination.
The most common reactions LGBT people face are: Homophobia Homophobia refers to fear of or prejudice and discrimination against lesbian, gay and bisexual people. It is also the dislike of same-sex attraction and love or the hatred of people who have those feelings.
Transphobia Transphobia refers to fear of or prejudice and discrimination against people who are transgender, or who are perceived to transgress the norms of gender, gender identity or gender expression.
Biphobia Biphobia refers to the intolerance, hatred or erasure of bisexual people. The term describes an aversion to bisexuality and is fueled by negative attitudes, prejudice and myths surrounding bisexuality.
Homelessness 110 000 LGBTQ youth in the US are homeless. This is one of the most vulnerable of homeless groups. A significant number of young people who identify themselves as LGBTQ claim to live in a community that does not accept LGBTQ. LGBTQ young people make up 20 % of refugee children nationwide.
Persecution and Discrimination Same-sex is illegal in 70 countries. In Bangladesh, Barbados, Guyana, Sierra Leone, Qatar, Uganda and Zambia, the sentence is life imprisonment for sex with a same-sex partner. Nine countries punish homosexuality with death: Afghanistan, Brunei, Iran, Iraq, Mauritania, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Sudan and Yemen.
Legal status of homosexuality around the world (2019): Blue – legal, red – illegal. Source: Wikipedia
74 countries prohibit discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation, including Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Mexico, the Netherlands, Switzerland and England.
Workplace Discrimination Despite recent progress in acceptance of LGBT, many countries still lack explicit statutory nondiscriminatory laws protecting people on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. Almost 30 % of LGBT employees in the USA report being fired or denied a promotion. About 20 % of LGBTQ Americans have experienced discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity when applying for a job. 80 % of the employed transgender population in the USA has experienced harassment or ill-treatment at work, including offensive jokes based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
There is no federal law in the United States that protects employees from discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. In 27 of the 50 US states, there is no state-level protection of sexual orientation or gender identity (2021). This means that employees can be fired for being LGBT.
LGBT People of Color Colored LGBTQs (32 %) are more likely to be discriminated against than white LGBTQs. As a result, LGBT people of color are particularly likely to hide their sexual orientation and gender identity from employers.
Public Sphere Discrimination, harassment and violence against LGBT people often occur in places of accommodation, such as hotels and restaurants. As a result, one-fourth of LGBT people avoid public places such as stores and restaurants, and make specific decisions about where to shop, with many even avoiding public transport. This behavior reveals ongoing discrimination in public.
Healthcare Despite progress, LGBT people remain vulnerable to healthcare discrimination and they experience negative attitudes, e.g. are refused treatment or even are physically assaulted. Transgender people of color and people with disabilities report particularly high rates of discrimination from healthcare providers. As a result, over 20 % avoid doctors’ offices, and postpone preventative and necessary medical care.
How can we ensure real equality for all? Read the Solution!
Let’s protect the historic progress we’ve made toward full LGBT equality.
The LGBT community still faces discrimination in the workplace, accommodation and other public areas worldwide.
How can YOU help? Be a role model. Manifest kindness and inclusion. Do not tolerate any kind of hateful speech. Speak up if you hear any anti-LGBT comments from others around you.
Stand up for LGBT people, and ensure that they are treated with respect . Fight against homophobia, transphobia and anti-LGBTQ harassment and discrimination.
Call your LGBT friend, family member or acquaintance and tell them how much they matter to you and that you love them for exactly who they are.
End bullying. LGBT youth and teens are often bullied and more likely to attempt suicide. No one should feel unsafe because of their sexual orientation.
Allow LGBT people to be authentic around you. Support friends in their decision to take a same-sex date to social events.
Create safe spaces at the local level. Make your classroom or workplace a safe space where anti-LGBT comments are not tolerated. If you witness anti-LGBT harassment or discrimination, report it.
Apply pressure on responsible authorities to adopt a non-discrimination policy. Thank them if they support LGBT rights, or remind them that these issues must be improved.
Listen to LGBT people. Let them know that you care. Be supportive of anyone who chooses to come out. Take time to educate others and use your resources to make a difference.
Raise awareness. Stay informed and share information. Read, learn about and discuss LGBT issues and the rights of LGBT people. Share information on social media about these issues.
Attend LGBT events, or help to organize them.
Buy from companies that support LGBT equality. As always, you vote with your money.
Make a donation to an LGBT-rights non-profit organization.
