LGBTQIA+ Rights Movement

Written and Presented by: Shashank Ganesh

Introduction

The LGBTQIA+ Movement is the movement that aids in protecting the rights of people who are part of the LGBTQIA+ community. The movement is also about giving equal opportunities to this community. They are judged based on their diverse sexual and gender identities. It is relevant to civics because the Constitution states that all people have rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Different kinds of people in this community did not have the right to freedom due to social rejection from other Americans. Civics plays a role in the LGBTQIA+ Movement because it helps the community obtain equal rights that they deserve.

What is the LGBTQIA+ Movement?

LGTBQIA+ is an evolving acronym that stands for different kinds of people including lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transgenders, queers, asexuals, and more. Those terms describe people based on their unique physical appearance and diverse sexuality/gender. This acronym serves an important purpose by showing people how diverse the group is based on their gender and sexuality. This acronym shows the whole society about inclusivity which could be an apt theme in humanity. The LGTBQIA+ Movement includes several protests that advocate for equal rights. Those movements created a change for this community to obtain equal rights and to gain acceptance from people for who they are.

History

Back in the 20th century, LGBTQIA+ individuals have long been victims of public hostility and legal prosecution. They weren’t allowed protection against discrimination in employment, housing, military service, and private/public services. In the years after the Second World War, activists across America formed organizations such as the Mattachine Society and the Daughters of Bilitis to campaign for the civil rights of gays and lesbians. Early movement leaders included Frank Kameny who spent decades fighting against the federal government’s anti-LGBTQ employment policies. Lilli Vincenz, published newsletters and columns, protested at the White House, and made films documenting key moments in this movement. In June 1969, the police raided the Stonewall Inn, a famous gay bar in New York. The bar’s patrons who were part of this community fought back, sparking several days of protests. In the ensuing decades, the LGBTQ+ community fought for equality and civil rights, including rights to employment, military service, and marriage. Now going forth in the present, non-LGTBQ people support equality and constitutional rights for LGBTQ+ communities and support for their rights and protection.

Obergefell vs. Hodges Case

Key moments in this movement include the Stonewall Rights and most importantly, the Obergefell vs. Hodges case. Jim Obergefell and the other individuals filed a lawsuit for recalling same-sex marriages which were legal in some states but illegal in different states. Ban on marriage does not allow many legal rights such as adoptions, parental rights, and property transfer. Before, the court long held that marriage is a basic right. The court held that it should allow and recognize same-sex marriages as stated in the Due Process and Equal Protection Clauses of the 14th Amendment. At the end of the Obergefell vs. Hodges case, the Supreme Court ruled that same-sex couples are promised the right to marry, which expanded the legal marriage identification to same-sex partners in the United States. This ruling changed the rights of gays who were part of the LGBTQIA+ community. It sparked change for them to have legal same-sex marriage and still be accepted as equal citizens.

Conclusion

This topic is significant to know about because we realize that back in the 20th century, the LGBTQIA+ community did not have equal rights and they were discriminated for their diverse gender and varied sexualities. They fought for equality and rights including rights for same-sex marriages, employment, military service, and private/public services. It is relevant to civics because the Constitution deems that all citizens have rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. This community fought for liberty from the consistent discrimination from non-LGBTQ communities. To increase their civics engagement participation, they should learn about how the community advocated for themselves despite the struggle. Advocacy for permanent justice and liberty is the hallmark of civics. With this information, those individuals should start supporting other minor groups that need support for their rights and equality for all.