Ashley Marshall p.2 LGBT Equality Being lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender in this society is not exactly seen as “normal.” Though the Declaration of Independence states that, “all men are created equal,” equality is something these individuals struggle with, and have yet to achieve. LGBT discrimination comes in many forms. It can vary from something as minor as an unfriendly glance to a major issue like the refusal of employment. Discrimination towards those who are LGBT causes many to live unsatisfactory lives, for a reason they have no control over. Although discrimination is a constant problem for the LGBT community, the progress of LGBT acceptance from society in these past years shows that equality for these individuals is highly attainable, possibly in the near future. Coming Out Having a different sexual preference than what is considered “ordinary” can be an extremely difficult thing to admit, even to yourself. People will often question their sexuality, or even lie about it to keep from feeling alienated or unaccepted by society. In a survey of LGBT adults it is said that, “About 39 percent said that at some point in their lives, they were rejected by a family member or close friend because of their sexual orientation or gender identity”. Situations like this can cause prolonged emotional devastation, which make the dream of equality seem almost unreachable. Many do not even come out with their sexuality, due to this fear of being unaccepted. In that same survey it states, “Just 56 percent said they had told their mother about their sexual orientation or gender identity, and less than 40 percent said they had told their father”. The fact that these individuals struggled to tell their own parents about their sexuality suggests that they would probably have a much more difficult time being open about it in public. This emphasizes the main concern on whether or not LGBT individuals can achieve equality. Discrimination LGBT discrimination is a massive concern when it comes to the pursuing of equality. For people who are, or questioning if they are homosexual, discrimination is a fear that they have no choice but to overcome. In today’s world, one who is openly gay cannot express it without receiving negative stares or remarks towards their sexuality. It is a topic many are uncomfortable with, let alone accepting. Organizations like the ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union) believe, “that sexual orientation and gender identity discrimination is wrong” . The ACLU raises awareness about this issue, and how it can affect a person’s employment, housing, business, social environment, and other aspects of daily life. LGBT discrimination isn’t just an internal problem; it has a real affect on the outside world as well. With this in mind, it is clear to see why equality and acceptance for the LGBT community is a slow, controversial process. Acceptance A survey was taken online by LGBT adults and about 90 percent of them said they felt society has been more accepting in the past decade. They also feel that acceptance will grow in the next decade. This can be put into perspective as evidence, proving that equality is still possible. Although society has been progressing as far as further acceptance, this progress is being made very slowly. Gary J. Gates, a Williams Institute scholar at the UCLA School of Law who served as an adviser on the survey explains,” There's an interesting juxtaposition between people saying they've experienced such substantial change and greater acceptance, and yet there are still sufficient amounts of stigma out there that many people are not comfortable being entirely open”. This “substantial change” and “greater acceptance” is a result of the evolution of LGBT equality. However, there are always individuals who will refuse to embrace this kind of equality. This is where the “sufficient amounts of stigma” comes in. With more LGBT acceptance comes more people being open about their sexual preferences. Those who find this situation unpleasant or wrong, such as homophobes will often take a stand against it. This goes to show that LGBT equality and acceptance is steadily growing and progressing, but is still limited. What Lies Ahead Though factors of various types of LGBT discrimination come into play, LGBT equality is still very much attainable. As society continues to progress, so will this topic. A little over a hundred years ago, it was considered acceptable to marry into your own family. Now, that would be considered an abomination. The definition of “normal” is constantly changing, and the molding of what is considered ordinary is inevitable. Perhaps one day topics like gay marriage, LGBT equality, and LGBT acceptance will not even be considered major issues. Through slow progression into the near future, sexual diversity may not even be a controversial matter anymore. It is shown through surveys that acceptance is growing, and is predicted to branch out even farther in the near future. It may not happen right away, but LGBT equality is highly achievable.