From the days of the Stonewall Riots to the current battle for
marriage equality across the United States, the struggle for lesbian,
gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) rights has a rich history -- and is
far from over.
However, social and political victories over the past several decades
have seen LGBT individuals make gains in society that would have been
considered virtually unthinkable only a generation ago.
As we move forward from LGBT History Month and into Transgender
Awareness Month, we're taking a look back on some of these landmark
moments throughout the course of the modern LGBT movement -- as well
some of the many things that have yet to be accomplished.
Here are eight things LGBT people couldn't do in 1985 -- and seven things they still can't do.
In 1985, LGBT individuals couldn't:
1. Serve Openly In The Military
President Barack Obama signed the repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" in September 2011, reversing President Bill Clinton's 1993 legislation.
President Barack Obama signed the repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" in September 2011, reversing President Bill Clinton's 1993 legislation.
2. Have Sex Without The Risk Of Being Arrested
The landmark case Lawrence v. Texas set a precedent that criminalizing two consenting adults of the same sex for engaging in sexual or intimate conduct violates their liberty under the Due Process Clause.
The landmark case Lawrence v. Texas set a precedent that criminalizing two consenting adults of the same sex for engaging in sexual or intimate conduct violates their liberty under the Due Process Clause.
3. Be Protected Under Hate Crime LegislationThe Matthew Shepard & James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act expanded federal hate crime protection to cover assault based on sexual orientation, gender and gender identity.
4. Get Married
...in any state in the country.
...in any state in the country.
5. Be Protected As A Transgender Child
California Gov. Jerry Brown signed a groundbreaking bill in August 2013 that enabled transgender youth to both use the bathroom and play on the sports teams that corresponds with their gender identity (cue right wing freak out).
California Gov. Jerry Brown signed a groundbreaking bill in August 2013 that enabled transgender youth to both use the bathroom and play on the sports teams that corresponds with their gender identity (cue right wing freak out).
6. Visit A Same-Sex Spouse In The Hospital
In 2010, President Obama ordered that hospitals receiving Medicare and Medicaid payments must grant patients the right to designate whom can visit and consult with them, enabling hospital visitation rights for same-sex couples.
In 2010, President Obama ordered that hospitals receiving Medicare and Medicaid payments must grant patients the right to designate whom can visit and consult with them, enabling hospital visitation rights for same-sex couples.
7. Come Out As A Celebrity Without BacklashWhile coming out is framed by a different set of identities and experiences for all individuals, it is arguably much easier for famous people to come out in 2013 than it was 30 years ago.
8. Identify As Transgender Without Being Classified As Having A Mental Disorder
The American Psychiatric Association announced in December 2012 that identifying as transgender is no longer considered a disorder.
The American Psychiatric Association announced in December 2012 that identifying as transgender is no longer considered a disorder.
In 2013, LGBT individuals still can't:
1. Be Safe From Being Fired Simply Because They're Gay Or Transgender
While legislators are currently debating the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, it is still not institutionalized as law.
While legislators are currently debating the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, it is still not institutionalized as law.
2. Get Married
...in 36 states.
...in 36 states.
3. Be Parents In Many States
While it varies from state to state, many don't allow joint adoption or co-adoption by same-sex parents. There are no laws protecting transgender parents wishing to adopt.
While it varies from state to state, many don't allow joint adoption or co-adoption by same-sex parents. There are no laws protecting transgender parents wishing to adopt.
4. Donate BloodDue to fears concerning HIV/AIDS, gay and bisexual men have not been able to donate blood for over 30 years.
5. Serve In The Military As Transgender
Gender identity is still taboo in the ranks of the United States military.
Gender identity is still taboo in the ranks of the United States military.
6. Have Same-Sex Conjugal Visits
...unless you're imprisoned in New York or California.
...unless you're imprisoned in New York or California.
7. Be Served By All Businesses
It is still legal in many states for a business to refuse service to LGBT people because of a lack of laws protecting against discrimination in public accommodations, including housing.
It is still legal in many states for a business to refuse service to LGBT people because of a lack of laws protecting against discrimination in public accommodations, including housing.
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