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Within society, there exists a persisting belief among some individuals that being homosexual is a conscious choice, either an act of rebellion or a perversion. Despite these misconceptions, it is imperative that the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) community is afforded the same rights as their heterosexual counterparts. These fundamental rights include the freedom to marry across all states and the ability to serve openly in the military without the looming threat of discharge.
In recent years, numerous news stories have emerged that underscore the challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community.
Among these, the most heart-wrenching are the tales of teenagers who took their own lives due to relentless bullying in schools or online harassment. Such narratives compel us to contemplate whether there will ever come a day when society fully embraces the LGBTQ+ community or, at the very least, allows them to live their lives without unwarranted persecution. It is particularly disheartening to note that many individuals, including experienced officers, have been discharged from the military solely due to their sexual orientation, a situation that must no longer be tolerated.
These brave men and women have dedicated years of their lives to safeguarding their nation, often putting their lives on the line.
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Yet, they have been dismissed from service simply because of their sexual identity. This essay primarily focuses on the issue of gay rights in the United States, where the LGBTQ+ community's struggle for equal rights continues. It is crucial to recognize that this struggle extends beyond U.S.
borders, with LGBTQ+ individuals advocating for their rights worldwide.
The history of LGBTQ+ rights in the United States is marked by a series of significant milestones and challenges. In 1779, Thomas Jefferson proposed a law that threatened castration for gay men and mutilation of the nose cartilage for gay women (Head, 2010). Shockingly, such punitive laws persisted for 224 years before the U.S. Supreme Court finally intervened to halt them (Head, 2010).
Progress towards LGBTQ+ rights was gradual but marked by resilience. In 1951, the first national gay rights organization was established, albeit operating clandestinely due to the era's societal and legal restrictions (Head, 2010). The turning point came in 1969 with the Stonewall riots, which erupted following a police raid on a gay bar in Greenwich Village. This event galvanized the LGBTQ+ community, leading to a significant acceleration of the gay rights movement.
Over the years, several U.S. presidents and businesses have publicly declared their support for gay rights. Some states have allowed same-sex marriage, while others have witnessed the temporary withdrawal of such rights, as seen recently in California. Despite these advancements, the right to openly serve in the military remains elusive for many LGBTQ+ individuals.
The issue of LGBTQ+ individuals serving in the military has undergone various policy shifts throughout American history. Before World War II, there were no explicit policies against homosexuals serving in the military, although sodomy was considered a crime under military law since the Revolutionary War era (Powers, 2010).
During World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War, homosexuality was pathologized as a mental defect, leading to the exclusion of all LGBTQ+ individuals from service based on purported medical problems (Powers, 2010). In 1982, the Department of Defense declared that homosexuality was incompatible with military service, resulting in the discharge of nearly 17,000 LGBTQ+ personnel during the 1980s (Powers, 2010).
However, by the early 1990s, LGBTQ+ service members began challenging their discharges through the legal system. In 1993, President Clinton and Senator Sam Nunn reached a compromise known as "Don't Ask, Don't Tell, Don't Pursue." This policy prohibited military personnel from inquiring about a service member's sexual orientation but deemed any homosexual conduct as grounds for involuntary discharge (Powers, 2010).
Despite progress in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights, "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" remained in effect for many years. President Obama eventually addressed the issue but deferred its resolution for a later date (Powers, 2010).
It is hopeful that in the future, the LGBTQ+ community will secure the rights they rightfully deserve as free Americans, although this change may not occur in the current generation or lifetime. This essay primarily delves into the battle for gay rights in the United States, but it is essential to recognize that LGBTQ+ individuals are fighting for their rights globally.
While the struggle for LGBTQ+ rights is a prevalent issue in the United States, it is also a worldwide concern. Countries across the globe have witnessed significant advancements in LGBTQ+ rights. For instance, Spain, historically a stronghold of Christian conservatism, recently initiated reforms that grant gays and lesbians the right to marry and adopt (Graff, 2004).
Denmark was an early advocate of LGBTQ+ rights, introducing registered partnerships for homosexual couples in 1989 (Graff, 2004). The Netherlands made history by legalizing same-sex marriage in 2001 (Graff, 2004).
However, the struggle for LGBTQ+ rights is far from uniform, with nations like Italy enacting stringent laws against assisted fertility treatments for homosexual couples (Graff, 2004). The United States itself only legalized same-sex marriage in several states in 2004, and the nation remains divided on the issue, as evidenced by various state bans and legal battles.
Currently, the United States grapples with the issue of same-sex marriage. While some progress has been made, significant challenges persist. In 2008, the California Supreme Court approved Proposition 8, a voter-approved ban on same-sex marriage, but it allowed the 18,000 same-sex couples who had married before the ban to retain their legal marital status (Vestal, 2009).
Furthermore, 29 states have implemented voter-approved prohibitions on same-sex marriage in their state constitutions, aiming to prevent judicial overturns of such bans. Public opinion on equal marriage rights for LGBTQ+ individuals remains divided but is gradually shifting in favor of greater acceptance (Vestal, 2009).
In conclusion, the LGBTQ+ community's struggle for equal rights continues both in the United States and across the globe. While significant progress has been made over the years, disparities persist, particularly concerning LGBTQ+ service members and marriage equality.
It is essential to recognize that LGBTQ+ rights are a global issue, with different nations pursuing distinct paths towards equality. The struggle may be ongoing, but it is fueled by the determination of LGBTQ+ individuals and their allies who advocate for equal rights and acceptance. As we move forward, it is crucial to embrace the principles of equality, compassion, and understanding, ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation, are afforded the same rights and privileges enjoyed by the broader society.
Advancing LGBTQ+ Rights: A Global Perspective. (2018, Sep 07). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/final-expository-lgbt-essay
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