Chapter 12 - Discrimination

Discrimination of Gays and Lesbians
I chose this topic from the chapter because it hits home for me. Many of my co-workers are gay and I have heard and seen stories of discrimination against gays and lesbians first hand. Discrimination against any minority is wrong. In the case of gays and lesbians, discrimination can turn extremely violent as the past has shown us, many gays are being bullied and physically harmed when they come out. Gays and lesbians face discrimination in employment and housing, for example, being disadvantaged because of their sexual orientation. As Western society is progressing and developing, it is a shame that people are still singled out because of their same sex partner preference. With recent military events, a step was taken into the direction of more tolerance and acceptance towards gays and lesbians in the US. I realize this is a sensitive subject and people have very different opinions about this. I chose this topic because I want to create awareness about it.


Link 1
This first link gives a good overview of the challenges that gays and lesbians face in the US today. Unlike race, gender, age, ethnicity, and religion, sexual orientation is not protected by federal civil rights law.  As some of the surveys show in this article, discrimination towards gays and lesbians is still widely spread among US citizens. It also shows some of the lawsuits based on sexual orientation discrimination that have made headlines.
http://www.civilrights.org/resources/civilrights101/sexualorientation.html

Photo

 

The rainbow flag, the gay and lesbian community symbol and an international symbol for inclusiveness, diversity, and hope.

Link 2

The repeal of the Don't Ask Don't Tell policy for gays in the military is still ongoing. This article talks about the difficulties of making it legal for gays and lesbians to serve in the US military. It might take up to a year until the law is passed and gay and lesbian service members are legally accepted by their military services. 

http://www.politicsdaily.com/2010/12/18/gays-in-the-military-still-illegal-for-time-being/ 

Link 3

Violence against gays happens every day all over the world. This New York Times article describes the face of violence against gays as it happened in New York City's district of Chelsea.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/05/nyregion/05stonewall.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=antigay%20attacks%20reported%20at%20stonewall%20and%20in%20chelsea&st=cse

Link 4

This letter to the New York Times by a reader reflects my thoughts on the issue of violence against gays. Why does it still happen? Because we let it happen! Laws won't change attitudes but we can all do something everyday to practice acceptance and tolerance.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/14/opinion/lweb14gay.html

Video 1

Below is an interesting and heated discussion of whether same sex marriage is right or wrong on the popular Dr. Phil show. 

Video 2
Just wanted to share this short video with you that sheds some light on which states in the US allow for same sex marriage, which ones don't, and which ones are in transition.

Song Lyrics

"Born this way"

by

Lada Gaga

It doesn't matter if you love him, or capital H-I-M

Just put your paws up

'Cause you were born this way, baby

My mama told me when I was young

We're all born superstars

She rolled my hair, put my lipstick on

In the glass of her boudoir

"There's nothin' wrong with lovin' who you are"

She said, "'Cause He made you perfect, babe"

"So hold your head up, girl and you'll go far,

Listen to me when I say"

I'm beautiful in my way,

'Cause God makes no mistakes

I'm on the right track, baby

I was born this way

Don't hide yourself in regret,

Just love yourself and you're set

I'm on the right track, baby

I was born this way

Give yourself prudence and love your friends

Subway kid, rejoice the truth

In the religion of the insecure

I must be myself, respect my youth

A different lover is not a sin

Believe capital H-I-M (hey, hey, hey)

I love my life, I love this record and

Mi amore vole fe yah

I'm beautiful in my way,

'Cause God makes no mistakes

I'm on the right track, baby

I was born this way

Don't hide yourself in regret,

Just love yourself and you're set

I'm on the right track, baby

I was born this way

Don't be a drag, just be a queen

Whether you're broke or evergreen

You're black, white, beige, chola descent

You're lebanese, you're orient

Whether life's disabilities

Left you outcast, bullied or teased

Rejoice and love yourself today

'Cause baby, you were born this way

No matter gay, straight or bi

lesbian, transgendered life

I'm on the right track, baby

I was born to survive

No matter black, white or beige

chola or orient made

I'm on the right track, baby

I was born to be brave

I'm beautiful in my way

'Cause God makes no mistakes

I'm on the right track, baby

I was born this way