LGBT HISTORY IN BRIEF

History is an important part of any community, culture or movement. The following links can provide information that may be useful in your research:

www.glbthistorymonth.com
www.lgbthistory.org
www.glbthistory.org
Wikipedia - Global
Wikipedia – United States

DISCRIMINATION TODAY

LGBT people continue to face extreme prejudice and discrimination in the United States. The following are just a few examples of how LGBT people face discrimination in both institutional and social contexts:

Institutional:

• In many States, LGBT people can be fired from their jobs simply for being LGBT
• In many States, LGBT people can be kicked out of their apartments, restaurants, hotels and other places of public accommodation simply for being LGBT.
• LGBT people are prohibited from serving openly in the United States Armed Forces.
• LGBT people are generally prohibited from legally marrying their partners, and in some states, are prohibited from adopting children (even children of their partners).
• Gay men are prohibited from donating blood, and the health insurance industry generally discriminates against transgender people specifically.

Social:

• Due to misinformation and fear, LGBT people are often estranged from their religion or their families, two of the most important structures in American Culture.
• LGBT youth face extreme harassment and bullying in schools, often condoned by administration.
• Due to the social environment, LGBT people face greater disparities in health care, substance use, suicide and hate crimes.
• Often LGBT people live in cities or neighborhoods in which there is fear that coming out could lead to violence or death.
• Media often portrays LGBT people as political issues, as opposed to human beings, leading to greater oppression in the overall environment.

MYTHS & CULTURE

Discrimination, oppression and disparities in relation to the LGBT community are commonly fueled by myths, stereotypes, misinformation and misconceptions. These two sites provide a general framework for addressing many of these topics:

Answers to Questions for a Better Understanding of Sexual Orientation
Answers to Questions for a Better Understanding of Gender Identity

When reviewing the culture of the LGBT community, it’s important to note the LGBT community itself is multi-cultural in nature with far ranges of gender, race, religion, abilities, gender identities, gender expressions, sexual identities, political affiliations, socioeconomic status, familial structures, etc. The following sites may provide general information for understanding the LGBT collective culture, but should be reviewed as introductory-only and within the context of a broader framework.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gay_community
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBT_culture
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sexuality_and_gender_identity-based_cultures

Also check out links such as www.glbtq.com, www.mombian.com and QPOC Heroes, among others, to learn more about the many cultures that are encompassed in the LGBT community.

NOTE: The LGBTRC, UCCS, MOSAIC nor PPGLCC endorse the content of any links on these pages unless specifically noted.

HOW TO HELP: Creating an LGBT-Inclusive and Affirming Environment

Organizations like the LGBT Resource Center strive to promote and nurture an environment in which all people can reach their full potential as human beings. Of course, we also encourage others to do the same. Here are a few things you can do to help advance a more LGBT-inclusive and affirming UCCS and Colorado Springs:

• Vote
  When issues that affect LGBT people are on the ballot, make sure your voice and your vote are counted.
• Come Out/Speak Out
  Come out as a supporter of LGBT people and issues, and be sure to interrupt and challenge anti-LGBT remarks or actions.
• Volunteer
  Volunteer with an LGBT group or organization, and learn as much as you can about issues that impact LGBT individuals, families and communities
• Write One Letter
  Write a letter to respond to media that involves the GLBT community.
• Send One Email
  Send an email to your elected officials letting them know you and your family and friends deserve equality and inclusion.

You can also check out important links for additional opportunities such as: www.pflag.org, www.straightforequality.org and www.ppglcc.org

Last Updated: 11/22/2011