LGBT discrimination and rights in American politics and society

LGBT Equality/Community

The Theme of LGBT

LGBT is an acronym for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender. This umbrella term emphasizes a range of gender identity/sexuality-based cultures. Non-cis-genders or non-heterosexuals are also occasionally referred to using this word (as LGBTQ), with the addition of the alphabet 'Q' to denote queer people or those questioning or unsure of their gender identity. Their public declaration of their gender identity hinges on their surrounding environment (whether discriminatory or not), and LGBT rights in the place where they reside (Subhrajit).

According to Subhrajit, LGBTs are continually subject to immense challenges living in communities that consider only heterosexuality as acceptable and normal, and homosexuality as an abnormality. They are discriminated and excluded worldwide in every domain of life. Homophobia-linked abuse and violence targeted at LGBTs is witnessed regularly. Very few governments grant LGBT couples safeguards and rights equal to those enjoyed by conventional, opposite-sex ones. Hence, LGBT couples are disadvantaged when it comes to accessing healthcare services, pensions and other social protections. Most LGBTs thus tend to conceal their true identity or simply bear persecution patiently because they are afraid they will go jobless. Especially vulnerable are LGBT youth estranged from their friends and families, and facing invisibility and persecution at school. This contributes to their underachievement in academics, homelessness, drop-out, and mental ailments. Such bias denies them equality of access to important social goods including education, housing, healthcare and jobs, in addition to subjecting them to social marginalization and exclusion.

The aforementioned LGBT-related problem is seen in American politics as well. US President Trump's campaign revealed his active opposition to marriage equality. Trump argued that he was conventional and supported domestic partnership assistance. Subsequently, he reversed, claiming he was against civil unions as well. He accepted the North Carolinian anti-LGBTQ legislation "HB2", and chose Mike Pence as his candidate for Vice President. Vice President Pence is the biggest campaigner of American anti-LGBT discrimination; he signed a bill permitting companies to discriminate against, and refuse to provide services to, LGBTQs. Trump also asserted that federal regulation ought to safeguard citizens against sexual orientation-centered discrimination but adopted aggressive anti-equality stands when formally nominated. He voiced his intention to repeal the previous government's regulation which required treatment of transgenders with dignity and permitting them entry into restrooms based on their gender orientation. Trump, after taking the helm, decided upon not unilaterally undoing all executive orders passed by Obama. The Trump government's press secretary, upon being questioned during his foremost Washington Blade daily briefing about the potential repealing of LGBT protections, claimed he had no idea. A few hours later, the government reversed its decision in the face of increasing outrage against Trump, issuing a statement that Trump still supports and respects LGBTQ rights (Grindley).

Expressions and Representations of LGBT in the Humanities Field

All humanities courses/subjects address the LGBTQ question, discussing it in subjects like love, acceptance and struggling.

Love for the LGBT in Music

LGBT equality is the defining modern-day civil rights subject. However, the music industry has forever contributed positively to LGBT progress. Ryan Lewis and Macklemore sang Same Love (a hit gay anthem which grabbed the No. 11 spot on the chart "Hot 100") for thirty-three straight and LGBT couples married live by rapper, Queen Latifah, during the 2014 Grammy Awards. The event became a merry live, nationwide-broadcasted celebration of love and marriage equality for all. This event also featured Madonna (who sang "Open Your Heart"), Trombone Shorty (horn player) and Mary Lambert (vocalist). Latifah claimed the song was a love tune for all. GLAAD, as reported to The Hollywood Reporter, labeled this event the most recent in an expanding list of indications that America is now accepting and embracing same-sex couples' commitment and love (Billboard Staff).

Acceptance of the LGBT in Film

The two landmark films which portray gay characters, namely, Boys in the Band (1970) and Brokeback Mountain (2005) provide evidence of the US's progress in accepting LGBTs. The older film's characters (Harold, Michael, etc.) depict appreciably more self-blame and hatred as compared to the 2005 film's Ennis and Jack. While Ennis and Jack do experience struggles with regard to their sexual orientation, the movie has scenes of longing, compassion, joy and contentment. Both men refer to their dangerous society, but rebelliously maintain their relationship despite the associated risks. The film reflects the two men's love which is great enough to not allow society to dictate and curb it. The setting of the 1970 movie, on the other hand, is a stifling apartment belonging to Michael which represents the characters' psychological restriction and appears to isolate them from the world. This apartment is their "closet" or a fixated rigidity of personality. The characters express self-loathing by visiting psychological pain upon one another. Ennis and Jack, however, strive to support one another even during times of disagreement (Bruns).

According to Bruns, unlike Boys in the Band, Brokeback Mountain won several accolades ("Best Picture" Golden Globe and 3 Oscars) and grossed USD 83 million in America in 2006. While financial success and accolades suggest acceptance, the movie was unable to escape unscathed from the impacts of persistent homophobia in modern US society. The movie proved 21st-century America is more tolerant towards LGBTs as compared to 1970s America; however, subtle homophobia continues to exist. But Brokeback was perhaps accepted by all partly because Ennis and Jack were undoubtedly masculine. This has complex implications: Firstly, in contradiction of conservative complaints that the two characters were "unbelievable" because of their perfect apparent masculinity, gays might be very similar to these two men. Also, what can one say about America's opinions regarding gender if a gay love affair is accepted just because neither man appears "feminine" in any respect? Although Brokeback may be considered revolutionary as it is the most truthful depiction of gays thus far, gender conformity issues continue to pose problems. Brokeback's financial and critical successes, but its high-profile loss at the Oscars, suggest both an improvement in the opinions of American society and remnants of resistance to fully accepting LGBTs.