LGBTQ is a popular abbreviation for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer community. The phrase LGBTQ refers to both sexual orientation (LGB) and gender identity (T). However, it is occasionally used as an umbrella word for anyone who does not identify as straight (heterosexual) or cisgender.

Key Takeaways

• LGBTQ includes people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer.
• They deserve equal rights and treatment.
• LGBTQ individuals should be free from discrimination and prejudice.
• Their identities are valid and should be always respected.
• LGBTQ rights advocate for acceptance and inclusion in society.

What is LGBTQ?

LGBT is an initialism for “lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender.” It can refer to anyone who is not heterosexual, heteroromantic, or cisgender, rather than only lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender persons. The LGBTQ+ variant includes a plus sign to encompass individuals who are part of the community but don’t feel accurately represented by the LGBTQ acronym. There are several more versions of the abbreviation, including LGBT+ (simplified to include the Q notion within the plus sign), LGBTQIA+ (adding intersex, asexual, aromantic, and agender), and 2SLGBTQ+ (adding two-spirit for an Indigenous North American phrase).

Full Form of LGBTQ

The Full form of LGBTQ is Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer community.

The following people are included under the term LGBTQ:

• Lesbian: A woman’s physical and mental attraction to other women to be recognized as a lesbian.
• Gay: This term refers to a person’s emotional or physical attraction towards someone of the same gender. The phrase can be used by men and women.
• Bisexual: Defines an individual who is attracted to both men and women.
• Transgender: A person’s gender identity or expression differs from their given sex at birth. Transgender people can identify as straight, lesbian, gay, bisexual, or queer.
• Queer: An adjective used by certain people, particularly younger people, whose sexual orientation is not solely heterosexual.

Rights of LGBTQ

States have essential legal duties to defend the human rights of LGBTQ individuals, including commitments to the following:

1. Access to Healthcare: Ensure access to non-discriminatory healthcare services that are sensitive to the needs of LGBTQ individuals, including hormone therapy, mental health support, and HIV prevention and treatment.

2. Legal Recognition: Establish legal recognition of gender identity, including the ability to change legal documents such as identification cards and birth certificates, without unnecessary barriers or requirements.

3. Education and Awareness: Promote LGBTQ-inclusive education in schools and public awareness campaigns to combat stigma, prejudice, and discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and sex characteristics.

4. Employment Rights: Enact anti-discrimination laws that protect LGBTQ individuals from being unfairly treated or discriminated against in the workplace based on their sexual orientation or gender identity.

5. Family Rights: Recognize and protect LGBTQ families, including rights to adoption, parenting, and recognition of same-sex relationships through civil unions or marriage.

6. Refugee and Asylum Protections: Ensure that LGBTQ individuals fleeing persecution based on their sexual orientation or gender identity have access to fair and effective refugee and asylum procedures, including protection from deportation to countries where they face harm.

Advancements in LGBTQ Rights: Progress in U.S. Legislation

1. Decriminalizing Same-Sex Relationships: Several states have repealed laws criminalizing consensual same-sex relationships and have abolished statutes targeting transgender individuals.

2. Anti-Discrimination Legislation: Numerous states have enacted laws expressly prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and sex characteristics in areas such as employment, housing, and public accommodations.

3. Hate Crime Laws: Many states have implemented laws that enhance penalties for crimes motivated by bias against LGBTQ individuals.

4. Ban on Harmful Practices: Some states have banned harmful practices such as “conversion therapy” and non-consensual surgeries on intersex children, safeguarding the rights and bodily autonomy of LGBTQ individuals.

5. Recognition of Same-Sex Partnerships: Several states legally recognize same-sex partnerships, granting them rights and responsibilities similar to those of heterosexual couples.

6. Gender Identity Documentation: Certain states have streamlined processes for transgender individuals to obtain identity documents that accurately reflect their gender identity, based on self-determination and without undue obstacles.

7. Training Programs: Initiatives have been introduced to provide training to law enforcement officers, educators, social workers, and other professionals to ensure fair and equitable treatment of LGBTQ individuals.

8. Anti-Bullying Measures: Many states have implemented anti-bullying policies in schools to protect LGBTQ students from harassment and discrimination.

Conclusion

In the United States, public opinion and jurisprudence on lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) rights have evolved dramatically since the late 1980s, with the Supreme Court making the majority of national advances. It is critical that we work for laws and policies that respect the dignity of all people. However, not all states have enforced these rights, and the LBGTQ population is still searching for its identity in society and fighting for its rights.

LGBTQ-FAQs

Does LGBTQ community have the right to free speech?

LGBTQ community exercise protected First Amendment speech and expression by saying or acting in ways that confirm their identities. The First Amendment not only protects that speech, but it also prohibits the government from enacting laws or regulations that may “chill” that speech, i.e., policies that cause LGBT people to self-censor their speech and expression about their sexual orientation or gender identity in order to avoid negative treatment.

Can an employer discriminate against me based on my sexual orientation or gender identity?

Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act prohibits employers with 15 or more workers from discriminating based on sex. Some courts have determined that Title VII prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. The Supreme Court has declared that it will take up this issue in three instances. In addition, many states and towns have laws prohibiting this type of discrimination.

Can my landlord refuse to rent to me?

Most landlords are prohibited from discriminating against women under the federal Fair Housing Act, and the Supreme Court ruled in 2020 (Bostock v. Clayton County) that discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity constituted sex discrimination as well. Thus, the Fair Housing Act forbids discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.

Are LGBTQ people protected from discrimination in public places, like stores and restaurants?

There is no federal legislation prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity in public places such as restaurants, theaters, and other enterprises. However, the state and municipal laws where you reside may prohibit this type of discrimination.

Are LGBTQ pupils safe from prejudice in school?

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 prohibits public schools from discriminating on the basis of sex, and the Supreme Court ruled in 2020 (Bostock v. Clayton County) that discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity constitutes sex discrimination. Thus, Title IX outlaws discrimination against students based on their sexual orientation or gender identity.

Reference:

• U.S Department of State
• U.S Department of Labor

Note: The information provided is sourced from various websites and collected data; if discrepancies are identified, kindly reach out to us through comments for prompt correction.