LGBT Americans Face Unfair Laws and Stigma

A report commissioned by the Human Rights Campaign, Log Cabin Republicans, National Stonewall Democrats, Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund, and Movement Advancement Project found that LGBT Americans still face a heavy stigma and unfair laws regarding sexual orientation and gender identity.

"Most LGBT Americans live in a two-tier system where they must navigate conflicting state laws with the federal government's refusal to offer the most basic securities, such as employment non-discrimination and anti-bullying protections," said a press release announcing the report.

An Ally's Guide to Issues Facing LGBT Americans (PDF) offers an overview of the inequality faced on a daily basis by LGBT people thanks to a patchwork of often-conflicting federal and state laws. The report's opening paragraph describes what LGBT Americans are seeking.

"LGBT Americans want the same chance as everyone else to pursue health and happiness, earn a living, be safe in their communities, serve their country, and take care of the ones they love," according to the report.

The report highlights that federal legislation does not protect LGBT people from discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodations, or lending. It also points out that most LGBT workers cannot add their partner or children to a company insurance plan, and similarly cannot receive survivor benefits from an employer or Social Secutrity when a spouse dies.

Trending stories

'9-1-1' star Ryan Guzman spills some tea on fans shipping Eddie & Buck

Discover why chic Costa Navarino is Europe's luxury getaway

Pride journey Walla Walla: An LGBTQ+ wine, food, and adventure getaway

Kori King is exactly that girl you thought she was

All 6 rogue Mississippi cops got long prison sentences in 'Goon Squad' torture of 2 Black men

Here's why this Mediterranean Virgin Voyages cruise belongs on your bucket list

Arrietty dishes on that roast sabotage shocker: 'Oh, it felt great'

Lexi Love goes public with HIV status after Trump wipes resources from federal website

Exclusive: Mike Maimone honors late husband Howard Bragman in new single “On My Way”

Celebrating Black History Month with our annual African American issue

Trump's orders prompt CDC to erase HIV resources

SFAF's Dr. Tyler TerMeer says he'll continue to fight for health care for all

Karla Sofía Gascón apologizes 'to all I have offended' in latest post

How climate disasters hurt mental health in young people

Orville Peck and The Wiggles are 'Friends of Dorothy' in new song

Luigi Mangione's rumored 20 sex tapes have the internet going feral

France becomes world’s first country to enshrine abortion rights in constitution

Watch Gabby Windey's viral chainsaw takedown of 'toddler' Elon Musk

Joe Biden has tied the record for most LGBTQ+ judges confirmed in federal courts

Wisconsin's oldest gay bar, co-owned by Trixie Mattel, has now closed

Plus nominated for 2025 GLAAD Media Award alongside industry giants like Vogue, People, and Variety

Luxury and community in South of France at Cinq & Sept

MAGA Elon Musk's bizarre 'Hitler' haircut is so bad the internet can't stop roasting him

Jennifer Tilly says there's 'fireworks' at the 'RHOBH' season 14 reunion

Elon Musk uses burner accounts on X, doesn’t fact-check: report

• 0
• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• 5
• 6
• 7
• 8

"With all of the media and political attention on marriage, very few Americans understand the full extent of the inequality LGBT Americans face every day," Jerame Davis, executive director of National Stonewall Democrats, said in the press release. "Kids in foster care are denied loving and qualified parents for no other reason than because those parents are gay or lesbian. Older LGBT Americans live in poverty because they're denied access to Social Security Survivor Benefits. This resource highlights all of these issues and more in an accessible and easy to read manner."

Read the whole report here.