Challenges to the LGBTQ community are numerous and include negative public perceptions and misinformation. Another challenge is political, for example the need to enact legislation that protects civil rights in both the public sphere and in private employment.
Highlighting the problem of both public perception and political obstacles is the fact that 38 states have actually created constitutional amendments banning gay marriage (2012, NCSL).
Unfortunately, far the greatest challenge to the LGBTQ community is the risk of dying for simply wanting to be who they are and wishing to live full lives.
For example:
Gay-Targeted Murder Spree Feared After Eighth Victim Falls in South Africa
And just in case you think these stories are from the past here's an example from just last month from one of the countries that is considered to be one of the more gay friendly areas on the planet. Gay Murders on the Rise in Brazil
And just in case you think these stories are from the past here's an example from just last month from one of the countries that is considered to be one of the more gay friendly areas on the planet. Gay Murders on the Rise in Brazil
Fact: there is actually a defense called "gay panic" that is used to rationalize violent crimes against members of the LGBTQ community.
One of the most notorious cases in recent memory is that of Matthew Shepard the young man in Wyoming who was brutally murdered. Matthew Shepard Trial
Outsiders from this community may not be aware of the seriousness of the challenges that this community faces, but with the social and political forces currently at work the ignorance should be turned to understanding.
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