In the ever-evolving landscape of the modern world, one thing remains constant – the celebration of diversity and progress. A key factor leading to social progress is social inclusion, the process of improving the terms on which individuals and groups take part in society—improving the ability, opportunity, and dignity of those disadvantaged on the basis of their identity.
Social inclusion means each and every member of a society should have equal access to opportunities and services regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Although how things stand is not so exciting, people who identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex or Questioning (LGBTQI+) are among the most marginalized and excluded members of society. They are particularly vulnerable to stigma, violence and discrimination, due to their real or perceived sexual orientation and gender identity.
Twelve UN entities expressed concern about these issues in a joint statement released in 2015: “Discrimination and violence contribute to the marginalization of LGBTI people and their vulnerability to ill health including HIV infection, yet they face denial of care, discriminatory attitudes and pathologization in medical and other settings… The exclusion of LGBTI people from the design, implementation and monitoring of laws and policies that affect them perpetuates their social and economic marginalization.” (United Nations Human right Office of the high commissioner 2018)
In this article, we will delve into the significant milestones achieved by the LGBTQ movement. By examining the struggles, triumphs, and ongoing challenges faced by the LGBTQ community, we aim to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation for the journey towards acceptance and celebration of love in all its forms. This brief history explores the key moments, figures, and milestones that have shaped the struggle for LGBTQ rights from Stonewall to today.
Join us as we explore the colourful and inspiring world of LGBTQ Pride and the remarkable progress made in the face of adversity.
Stonewall Riots - The Beginning of the Movement
The path to LGBTQ equality has been riddled with difficulties, but it has also been characterised by important turning points that have influenced the cause. One of the oldest landmarks can be traced back to the Stonewall Riots in 1969, which sparked a wave of action and marked the beginning of the current LGBTQ rights movement.
The Stonewall riots in 1969 were a response to a police raid on the Stonewall Inn in Greenwich Village, where LGBTQ people fought back and demanded an end to harassment and brutality. This event sparked the establishment of LGBTQ activist groups and ushered in a new age of LGBTQ rights campaigning.
From stonewall to today : The fight for visibility, same sex marriage and The AIDS Crisis
The Supreme Court gave a historic verdict in 2020 that discrimination against LGBTQ employees is illegal under federal law, and numerous states have implemented legislation prohibiting conversion therapy.
In the 1970s and 1980s, the LGBTQ rights movement was mostly focused on increasing visibility and achieving legal protection and for this purpose several LGBTQ organizations were formed including the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force and the Human Rights Campaign (Human right watch 2014).
The 1973 declassification of homosexuality as a mental disorder by the American Psychiatric Association helped reduce the stigma associated with LGBTQ.
The AIDS crisis is considered as a turning point in the history of LGBTQ movement. The 1980s saw the emergence of the HIV/AIDS crisis, which resulted in the deaths of thousands of LGBTQ people because of the government’s slow response, but also galvanized the LGBTQ community and led to increased advocacy and support.
ACT UP used direct action and civil disobedience to draw attention to the crisis and pressure the government and pharmaceutical companies. “Government was failing our community at the time, and the community actually said ‘no, we are going to take care of each other, we are going to be there for each other, and we are going to curtail the spread of this disease in really amazing and creative ways,’” says Roberto Ordeñana the Deputy Executive Director at the SF LGBT Center. (Latham 2018).
The LGBTQ rights movement in the 1990s and 2000s focused on achieving legal recognition and protections for same-sex couples. This included the fight for same-sex marriage, which gained momentum in 2003 when the Supreme Court of USA struck down sodomy laws that affirmed the right of LGBTQ individuals to engage in consensual sexual activity without fear of prosecution.
In 2013, the Supreme Court overturned the Defense of Marriage Act, a federal law that defined marriage as a union between a man and a woman. The fight for employment protections was also a key issue, with advocates pushing for federal non-discrimination laws that would protect LGBTQ individuals from discrimination in the workplace. In 2009, President Obama signed an executive order prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in federal employment.
The Supreme Court legalised same-sex marriage nationally in 2015, but there have been delays and disputes along the way. The Pulse nightclub tragedy in Orlando, Florida, which killed 49 people in 2016, emphasized the persistent threat of violence and prejudice (Latham 2018, #). During its tenure, the Trump administration also repealed various LGBTQ protections, including a prohibition on transgender people serving in the military.
The Supreme Court gave a historic verdict in 2020 that discrimination against LGBTQ employees is illegal under federal law, and numerous states have implemented legislation prohibiting conversion therapy.
How the Current Political Climate is Affecting LGBTQ Rights in America
Legislation is instrumental in promoting social inclusion by establishing legal protections, ensuring equal opportunities, raising awareness, holding individuals accountable, providing a policy framework, and fulfilling national and international obligations. By enacting inclusive laws, societies can strive towards greater equality, diversity, and social cohesion.
Unfortunately in recent years, the United States has witnessed a disheartening trend: a rise in anti-LGBTQ legislation. This alarming development has sparked conversations and debates across the nation, as advocates and allies rally together to defend the principles of inclusion and acceptance.
Pride month, 2023 arrives as a wave of anti-LGBTQ bills make many states less equitable towards LGBTQ rights. A tracker managed by Erin Reed, a transgender journalist and activist who provides daily updates on LGBTQ-focused legislation (both negative and positive bills), found that more than 530 anti-LGBTQ bills have been drafted and proposed in state legislatures and in Congress. Of those bills, which were submitted between January 1 and May 31, 68 have been enacted into law, with only 122 officially failing so far. The rest of the bills are either in legislative limbo or still being considered (Walker et al. 2023) (As on 2nd JUne, 2023). So far this year, 24 bills that restrict LGBTQ rights in the United States have passed in 11 states.
So far in 2023, state legislatures have submitted four times as many anti-LGBTQ health-care laws and twice as many education-related proposals than they did in all of 2022. Drag performances are also being scrutinized for the first time (Choi 2023).
Number of anti LGBTQ bill introduced in state legislative session by category:
Nearly 300 education-related anti-LGBTQ bills have been introduced so far this year. Along with a surge in curriculum censorship bills, which would restrict instruction around gender and sexuality in public schools, a new category of bills referred to as “forced outing” bills cropped up.
This new wave of anti-LGBTQ legislation, many directly targeting the nearly 2 million transgender people living in the United States, comes at a time when 1 in 4 transgender adults say they have been physically attacked, according to a Kaiser Family Foundation/Washington Post survey conducted at the end of 2022.
Conclusion and Way forward
The rise of anti-LGBTQ legislation in the USA is a sobering reminder that progress is not linear. It is a call to action for advocates and allies to redouble their efforts in defending and expanding LGBTQ rights. Despite the setbacks, there is hope. History has shown that societal attitudes can evolve, and change is possible. By continuing to challenge discriminatory laws, engaging in open dialogue, and fostering inclusivity, we can create a future where LGBTQ individuals are truly equal. The path ahead may be fraught with challenges, but the resilience and determination of the LGBTQ community and its allies serve as a beacon of hope. Together, we can build a more inclusive and accepting society, where the rights and dignity of all individuals are protected and celebrated
