The document discusses American gay rights and key figures who advocated for them. It outlines that gays have worked to achieve equal rights as heterosexuals. Gay rights include marriage, adoption, and equality under the law. However, some oppose gay rights for religious or moral reasons. The document also highlights Harvey Milk and Gavin Newsom as prominent gay rights advocates who helped legalize gay marriage in some states. It concludes that continuing progress by passing pro-gay rights legislation would be a solution.

1. American Gay Rights Micah Wu Stephen Wong Yong Ng Gay. Adj. having or showing a merry, lively mood N. a homosexual person Rights. N. a just claim or title, whether legal, prescriptive, or moral

2. Background Gays have worked hard to achieve the right to equality as heterosexuals have. Before, homosexuality was considered to be a disease. Thus, some societies admire homosexuality while others condemn it. Since the 1950s, a trend occurred where gays are more comfortable to come out of the closet, reveal their sexuality, and seek both acceptance in their societies and civil rights.

3. What are gay rights? The set of rights which uphold equality among homosexual people. They include gay marriage, gay adoption, gay other things. Opposition exists to gay rights from republicans and conservatives. They believe homosexuality is biblically and morally wrong and thus advocate against gay rights.

4. Why does social injustice exist? The US Constitution states that each and every individual is given the right to life, property, and the pursuit of happiness. This is the foundation for equality. When homosexuals are denied the right to something, for example marriage, and heterosexuals are allowed to something, it is unequal and contradicts the Constitution. Thus socially, there is injustice among homosexuals and heterosexuals.

5. Who is involved? Mainly homosexuals are concerned as they both aim to gain rights and are denied rights. In terms of gay marriage, heterosexuals are involved as well because the definition of marriage is altered.

6. Gay rights advocate: Spotlight Harvey Milk. 1930-1978, assassinated “ Mayor of Castro District” First gay man to be elected into public office. Worked hard to promote gay rights in the 1970s. Led rallies, campaigns, protests. Considered a martyr for gay rights. Film. “Milk” (2008)

7. Gay rights advocate: Spotlight Gavin Newsom Mayor of San Francisco, CA. Issued to legalize gay marriage in 2004 Famous Quote: “The door’s wide open. It’s going to happen, whether you like it or not.”

8. Progress We currently have an openly gay man in the California Assembly, John Perez. We have a young, gay mayor of Campbell, CA, Evan Low. Same-Sex marriage is legal in Massachusetts, Connecticut, Iowa, Vermont, and soon New Hampshire.

9. Solutions? Simple! Pass legislation allowing gay rights. Continue the progress recently achieved. We are currently on a good path so continue it.