On a similar note of women's rights, the issue of equality
for the LGBTQIA community is raised. Expanded, LGBTQIA stands for lesbian, gay,
bisexual, transgender, questioning, intersex, and asexual. The fight for
equality is not just for the right to marry, but for basic human rights that
include allowing transgendered people to use the restroom designated for the
gender they identify with without experiencing hate crimes or harassment,
joining the armed forces and not having sexual orientation be a factor due to
the repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell", and domestic partnership
benefits such as disability, family, medical, emergency leave and
long-term-care insurance for LGBT employees and their partners.
Coy Mathis, a transgendered six-year-old in Colorado, became the first case in which the Colorado Division of Civil Rights made a ruling in favor, and for the advancement, of transgendered student rights. Coy's parents had received a letter from school officials at Eagleside Elementary, informing them that Coy had to use the teacher's lounge or nurse's office restroom but not the girl's restroom, due to the possibility that Coy's future physical development might make the other girls uncomfortable. It was ruled that the solution of having her use the faculty restrooms was in line with the "separate but equal" stigma, and was a violation of her rights.
Another success for the LGBTQIA community came when the discriminatory policy, "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" was repealed on September 20th, 2011. Congressman Jared Polis said this, “The repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell is a victory for the cause of equality and our national defense. For too long, this wrongheaded policy prevented brave Americans from serving in our military and defending our country just because of who they love. It undermined our national security by forcing gays and lesbians out of military service at a time when America needs the most talented and the bravest protecting us, regardless of their sexual orientation."
Many successes have been made towards the advancement and equality of the LGBTQIA community. However, there is still much to be desired. Only fourteen states in the U.S. currently legalize marriage equality for gay couples. Discrimination and hate crimes are rampant among and against the community. The United States must change its approach to this long-lasting, legally permitted discrimination.
Coy Mathis, a transgendered six-year-old in Colorado, became the first case in which the Colorado Division of Civil Rights made a ruling in favor, and for the advancement, of transgendered student rights. Coy's parents had received a letter from school officials at Eagleside Elementary, informing them that Coy had to use the teacher's lounge or nurse's office restroom but not the girl's restroom, due to the possibility that Coy's future physical development might make the other girls uncomfortable. It was ruled that the solution of having her use the faculty restrooms was in line with the "separate but equal" stigma, and was a violation of her rights.
Another success for the LGBTQIA community came when the discriminatory policy, "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" was repealed on September 20th, 2011. Congressman Jared Polis said this, “The repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell is a victory for the cause of equality and our national defense. For too long, this wrongheaded policy prevented brave Americans from serving in our military and defending our country just because of who they love. It undermined our national security by forcing gays and lesbians out of military service at a time when America needs the most talented and the bravest protecting us, regardless of their sexual orientation."
Many successes have been made towards the advancement and equality of the LGBTQIA community. However, there is still much to be desired. Only fourteen states in the U.S. currently legalize marriage equality for gay couples. Discrimination and hate crimes are rampant among and against the community. The United States must change its approach to this long-lasting, legally permitted discrimination.
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