The document discusses the history of the American gay rights movement from the 1920s to the 2000s, including key events and organizations. It also covers current laws regarding same-sex marriage and "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." Additionally, it touches on issues like hate crimes, bullying, and teen suicide related to sexuality. Finally, it provides information on LGBT communities and resources for awareness and support.
2. Stereotypes -Looks -The way they dresses -How they speak -Their friends -What they like to do
3. American Gay Rights Movement 1924 The Society for Human Rights in Chicago becomes the country's earliest known gay rights organization. 1951 The Mattachine Society, the first national gay rights organization, is formed by Harry Hay, considered by many to be the founder of the gay rights movement. 1962 Illinois becomes the first state in the U.S. to decriminalize homosexual acts between consenting adults in private. 1973 The American Psychiatric Association removes homosexuality from its official list of mental disorders. 1993 The “Don't Ask, Don't Tell” policy is instituted for the U.S. military, permitting gays to serve in the military but banning homosexual activity. President Clinton's original intention to revoke the prohibition against gays in the military was met with stiff opposition; this compromise, which has led to the discharge of thousands of men and women in the armed forces, was the result. 2000 Vermont becomes the first state in the country to legally recognize civil unionsbetween gay or lesbian couples. The law states that these “couples would be entitled to the same benefits, privileges, and responsibilities as spouses.” It stops short of referring to same-sex unions as marriage, which the state defines as heterosexual. 2003 In November, the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court ruled that barring gays and lesbians from marrying violates the state constitution. 2004 On May 17, same-sex marriages become legal in Massachusetts
14. “It gets better” -A campaign that was started in the recent news of Tyler Clementi’s death -Many celebrities participated in this by making videos to share with the public to tell teens that “It Gets Better”
15. Awareness and Help -LGBT Youth Community -Human Rights Campaign -PFLAG (Parent, Familys and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) -GLSEN (Gay, Lesbian, Straight Network) -Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender Hotline
Editor's Notes
How can you tell a person’s sexual orientation? The fact is you can’t discriminate between heterosexuals and homosexuals just by looking at them.
All people define their individuality in several ways which can include, their looks, whattheywear, the way they speak, the friends they surround themselves with, and the activities, such as football or dance, that they take part in. People define themselves based upon these things whether you are gay , straight or bi. However, gays are particularly stereotyped by the community for these certain things. However, just because a person dresses or acts a certain way does not make them gay.. A guy can be part of a drama club, or play and this does not mean they are gay. And if they are these are not the only things that define them. They form their identitiy based off these certain factors, but end up altereing it based on the hate and criticism found amoung the communitiy.
Throughout history the gay community has began to bond together to form themselves as individuals.. People with these alike interests and similarities form together to hold and sustain a community
In today’s society people are responding to these so called tensions in a new way. Where people used to be strictly judgemental and bias towards homosexuals, they are beginning to become more leniant and accepting of these communities. Connecticut, iowa, massachusetts, new hampshire, vermont, and washington dc are just a few of the states which go as far as allowing people to marry in these states
The don’t ask don’t tell policy has been a controversial topic that clearly limits the rights of the gay community. It affects the community, because even though these people are gay does not restrict them from being able to protect and serve our country. With or without knowing someones sexual orientation should not be the determinging factor if someone is capable of serving in the army. This also forms a new type of community among those who are gay because they have to hide who they are and change their individuality just to fit into a certain group with a certain type of people Thousands of discharges under this policy
Hate crimes are very vicious
This community, based on common interest is formed and sustained around the way people feel and act. They can feel like they belong with other people that they know are accepting of the way they are
Recently the suicides of five college aged students , tylerclementi, billylucus, sethwalsh,raymond chase, and asher brown have spurred a movement across the country to reduce the bullying of the gay community
This movement is known as the “It gets better” compaign.. This starts with a pledge sayingTHE PLEDGE: Everyone deserves to be respected for who they are. I pledge to spread this message to my friends, family and neighbors. I'll speak up against hate and Intolerance whenever I see it, at school and at work. I'll provide hope for lesbian, gay, bi, trans and other bullied teens by letting them know that "It Gets Better.”On the itgetsbetter website you can watch videos of many celebraties, and over 5000 other people, who participated in the campaign by letting people know that everything gets better in time, and temporary pain is not worth your life, they show people that its okay to be gay and to live a happy life surrounded with people who support your discisionsTalk show hosts such as ellendegeneress have even held episodes focused around the campaign, in hopes of spreading a better knowledge, and gaining more respect for the gay community
There are many places where you can get help and support for bullying Campaigns , hotlines, networks, that can help you form a community around people who share your similar interests and values and to show that even if a few people don’t accept you, there are many more that do
