Here’s a quick summary of the way things are for the LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender) community in the US, and some of the issues that they are facing that a “normal” straight person doesn’t have to deal with. Before moving to DC to film MTV’s Real World 23, I wasn’t aware of most of these things. I’m guessing some of you aren’t as well. These are the main 3…
1. In 29 states people can be fired from their jobs just for being gay. Yes, even in this economy. That means that in many cases, the American workers that are best suited for the job are being fired or denied employment because of their “private lives,” harming the company/economy as a whole.
2. Gay people cannot serve openly in the military. That means that they live a life of lies while serving and risking their lives for our country, or they fail to join – depriving our troops of willing soldiers. Over 13,000 soldiers have been dishonorably/honorably discharged under this law, and an estimated 64,000 are serving in “hiding.” Also, many that were kicked out for being gay were highly skilled and trained (using millions of U.S. taxpayer’s money) like Arabic Linguists, etc.
3. Gay people cannot be married in all but 5 states. (New Hampshire, Connecticut, Iowa, Massachusetts, Vermont, and the District of Columbia (Washington, D.C.)). This ban not only denies marriage, but denies these couples over 1,001 Federal benefits that come with a Federally-recognized marriage (taxes, visiting in hospitals, medicare, inheritance, adoption, housing, etc.) The “opposition” doesn’t want the government regulating laws concerning business practices, guns, healthcare… but they have no problem telling others who they can and cannot love.
These are the laws pertaining to each unfair scenario:
1. Passing ENDA (the employment non discrimination act)
2. Repealing DADT (Don’t Ask Don’t Tell)
3. Repealing DOMA (Defense of Marriage Act)
If you are a straight person reading this, put yourself in the position of someone who is directly affected by the aforementioned laws. If you are a member of the LGBT community, THESE are the things that you have been faced with or will be faced with. If we are going to see a change in this country, everyone needs to do his or her part to ensure that the LGBT community is not treated as a “second class” group. It IS unfair, and with enough people, we CAN change it. Now you have the information… let’s use it.
Thanks for reading!!
I think each generation has its period where it discriminates against something. From Race/Ethnic Issues to HIV/AIDS to today where we know its wrong to discriminate against.
We too are now going through the period where the LGBT community is now having its revolution of acceptance. Chanllenging the norm is very difficult, for if it weren’t it would be the norm.
So the hope lies in that we know that our next generation would not have to go through what we now go through. And very soon there would not be something called “LBGT Issues” because it would no longer be an ‘Issue’ but an accepted way of life.
Like normal. As easy as breathing in and out.
My hope lies in knowing that one day my friends will know the truth and not make remarks like: “Thats so gay”.
USA has come a long way and change is coming soon for the country. And I hope too that change will come in my region; the Caribbean.
By the way you inspired me to come out and I already did to my bf and my mum.
Thanks a lot
I agree with Tina. Each generation will have it’s discrimination, but it will be over soon. It’s just another one of those things where people can’t even fathom or think about the idea that two people of the same sex, can love each other, or share happiness with each other. They automatically think of sex. I have been out for 2 years now. I lost friends and gained even more, but the ones I lost came back. I gave it time, and they saw the idiocy in not being my friend, because they thought I was two different people, when I am the same person I have been before I came out. I just think that you are an inspiration to many gays and bi’s across America. I wish you could come to my school one day to talk to the gays at my school.
My name’s Anton, 19yo and I’m from Amsterdam, the Netherlands. I agree with Stefon that you Mike, are a real inspiration to many gays and bi’s who are having a hard time with their sexuality.
Because of your many interviews, this site and the realworld DC episodes (which are also broadcasted in some european countries) people can read or hear so much of your youth and your experiences. Some of those experiences could be very stimulating, for people who are dealing with the same, like me. So thank you for that.
I think the American gay rights and politics are way behind with the European. Before I visited this site, it was absolutely unthinkable for me, that in America you can get fired because of your sexual orientation, and that you can’t serve your army. In the Netherlands gays may marry together, serve the army and love whoever they want to love.
President Obama, and also the conservative Americans have a lot to think about and change!
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