More and more people feel comfortable coming out and living openly as gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender. Unlike before, they no longer try to hide their orientation or gender identity. The LGBT community has made great strides in recent years, making it easier for individuals to live their lives while being true to themselves.
However, the LGBT community still faces many challenges despite the progress made through the years. Here are examples of the biggest challenges the LGBT community still faces in the modern world:
Discrimination
Sure, more LGBT individuals are now more vocal about their rights, and many countries have legalized same-sex marriage. However, discrimination against LGBT individuals is still rampant in many parts of the world.
In many parts of the world, gay people are not legally protected from discrimination in employment, education, housing, and other areas of life. This makes it difficult for LGBT people to feel like they belong and can be open about their sexuality without fear of losing their job or being mistreated.
For instance, in the U.S., many individuals part of the LGBT community still worry about getting fired simply for being who they are. According to reports, nearly one in 10 LGBT employees lost jobs because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Even if they have no other option, some individuals stay in the closet at work for fear of losing their job.
Another example is LGBT discrimination in housing. The government does not offer any safeguard against housing discrimination based on gender identity or sexual orientation. This means it is perfectly legal for landlords to discriminate against LGBT renters. They can deny a rental property or evict LGBT renters simply because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
Violence and Hate Crimes
Unfortunately, violence and hate crimes against LGBT individuals are still too common. In the U.S., LGBT people are more than twice as likely to be the victim of a hate crime than any other minority group. These hate crimes range from verbal abuse and harassment to physical assault and murder.
For instance, a gay couple was violently attacked by three young men earlier this year while they were cuddling to stay warm. The alleged attackers live close by, so now the couple is too afraid to leave their own home. Even if they did nothing to provoke the attack, the perpetrator targeted them simply because of their sexual orientation.
The same goes for transgender individuals. In 2020, 44 transgender people were murdered in the U.S., making it the deadliest year for this group. The majority of these victims were black and Latinx transgender women.
Hate and bigotry often fuel the violence and hate crimes against LGBT individuals. Even if the victims are basically minding their own business, others feel the need to attack them simply because of who they are.
Divorce and Custody Issues
While many states and countries now allow same-sex marriage, the LGBT community still faces some challenges when it comes to divorce and custody issues.
For instance, in the U.S., federal law does not currently recognize same-sex marriage. This means that if a couple gets married in one state but then moves to another state that does not recognize same-sex marriage, they may not be able to get a divorce.
This can cause many problems, such as one spouse being unable to receive spousal support or child custody rights. It can also complicate the division of assets since some states may not recognize same-sex marriage when dividing up property.
These issues are even more complicated if the couple has children. In some states, courts have been unwilling to grant custody or visitation rights to a non-biological parent in a same-sex relationship. This can cause all sorts of problems for the couple and their children.
Overcoming Discrimination, Violence, and Hate Crimes
Even though the LGBT community faces many challenges, more people are working to help overcome these issues.
For instance, the Human Rights Campaign is the largest LGBT civil rights organization in the United States. They work to end discrimination and violence against LGBT people through education, advocacy, and activism.
You can help spread awareness about how LGBT individuals are just like everyone else and should be treated with respect and understanding. Through education, people will become more tolerant and accepting of the LGBT community.
Many organizations work specifically on ending hate crimes and violence against LGBT individuals. These include the Anti-Violence Project, the Matthew Shepard Foundation, and the Trevor Project. By joining and supporting these organizations, you can help make a difference in the lives of LGBT people worldwide.
In addition, many countries and states are working to pass laws protecting LGBT people from discrimination, violence, and hate crimes. For instance, in June 2020, the United States Supreme Court ruled that it is illegal to fire someone simply because they are gay or transgender. This is a huge step forward in the fight against discrimination.
Possible Solutions To LGBT Divorce and Custody Issues
There are a few possible solutions to the divorce and custody issues that the LGBT community faces. One solution is for the federal government to pass a law recognizing same-sex marriage. These days, more and more countries are taking this step, so it is possible that the United States will eventually follow suit.
Another solution is for states to pass laws that would protect the rights of LGBT people when it comes to divorce and custody issues. These laws would help ensure that LGBT people have the same rights as everyone else regarding these issues.
Suppose you know an LGBT couple having a hard time getting a divorce. In that case, you can help them find a reliable lawyer specializing in same-sex divorce. The same goes for couples having a hard time getting child custody and support. The right lawyer understands that even couples from the LGBT community deserve the same rights as any other normal couple, and will have the right knowledge and experience needed to represent them. Help them find a lawyer with a good track record and already managed to win many LGBT divorce cases.
While there is still a lot of work to be done, things are slowly starting to change for the better for LGBT people all over the world. With your help, we can continue to progress in overcoming the challenges this community faces.
The challenges faced by LGBT people can seem insurmountable at times. However, there are organizations and individuals working to make the world a more accepting place for all. Hopefully, the situation will improve for LGBT people all over the globe with time and effort.
