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Faith
Unfortunately, some faiths use their doctrines and sacred texts to condemn and discriminate against gay and transgender people, who have been forced to leave the religions they love because of it.
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Family Connections
For most of us, our families provide the one place where we can be ourselves and know that we will be loved and accepted, no matter what. Our families are our support system, our source of strength, our home.
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Hate Crimes
Hate crimes can happen anywhere, at any time. In the U.S., one violent act of hate takes place almost every hour of every single day and 1 out of every 6 hate crimes is committed on the basis of sexual orientation.
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Health Care
Our health is one of the most important things in life. But when it comes to gay and transgender Americans, our nation’s health care system can involve little “health” and even less “care.”
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Immigration
Because our country’s immigration system does not allow gay Americans to sponsor their partners for U.S. residency, many couples are forced to split or consider drastic life changes.
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International
In more than 70 countries, the oppression and mistreatment of gay and transgender people is common, tolerated and accepted. All people deserve to be treated with equality, dignity and fairness.
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Marriage
Right now, more than 8 million people in this country are denied the freedom to marry because they are gay. Many have been in committed, stable relationships with the same person for 10, 20, even 50 years.
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Military
Sexual orientation has nothing to do with how well a service member performs his or her job. Despite the ground gained by the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” many transgender service members fear not only discharge, but also verbal, physical, and sexual abuse.
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Older Adults
Gay and transgender older adults face with a multitude of unique issues, making them even more marginalized, more isolated and more vulnerable than older adults who are straight.
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Parenthood
More than 120,000 children languish in the public child welfare system—all while responsible, nurturing adults are prevented from adopting them because they are gay or lesbian.
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Sports
Expectations regarding sexual orientation, gender, and gender identity can make the sports world an unwelcoming and even hostile place for gay and transgender athletes.
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Workplace Discrimination
Despite the strides we have made in this country to ensure equal opportunities, equal treatment and equal pay for all, “all” doesn’t necessarily include someone who is gay or transgender.
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Youth: Homelessness
Gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender youth make up an estimated 3% to 5% of the U.S. population. Yet they make possibly up to 40%—of the homeless youth population.
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Youth: School
Hatred. Derision. Insults. Threats. Harassment. Assault. It’s estimated nearly 90% of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender youth have been verbally or physically harassed at school.
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Youth: Suicide Prevention
Gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender youth are at a much greater risk for suicide than the average adolescent. More than 2 out of 5 think about suicide often, and 1 in 3 have attempted it.
