Anti-LGBTQ Bills Stirring Both Controversy and Panic in 14 States

 

At the beginning of this year 2021, lawmakers passed a series of laws that were clearly restricting the activities of LGBT people. About 14 states passed laws to prevent transgender youth from exercising what is considered a public and a human right.

To illustrate more, LGBTQ refers to LGBT people, whether they are gay, intersex, or transvestite. The state of Alabama initially prohibited doctors from prescribing drugs to transgender children that would confirm the gender of these children.

Oklahoma has banned psychotherapy for transgender people and has passed several laws on the subject. Mississippi has enacted laws that hear companies refuse to provide services to gay and transgender people if they have religious objections to doing so.

Several states’ legislators have passed similar laws that ban gay and transgender people from participating in school sports and even revoking their right to health care, as a result of which these young people have felt the insecurity and turmoil of not being protected by their state.

At the same time, several states have strengthened protection, and a large number of their citizens have signed a petition calling for the amendment of anti-discrimination legislation.

Lawmakers began targeting gays and transgender people almost five years ago in 2016 when a law was passed requiring them to use public bathrooms that are compatible with their gender.

They have also enacted laws that challenge states that prohibit gender correction on a card, which, as put forward during the debate, has not been constitutionally proven.

Gays and transsexuals face discrimination in their daily lives while some states fight for their protection, as well as legislation in other states that limits their ability to access a part of services that are available to all people.

It's even more likely that thisyouth will feel scared and anxious aboutbullying and lack of support from the government. They feel like they were betrayed or neglected.

 

Actions of LGBTQ’s Supporters

As this legislation restricts the LGBTQ community, a few steps have been taken, especially for transgender people, who are the most affected.

Some organizations have made a public statement that they believe in the freedom and dignity of the LGBTQ community.

Organizations such as Gill Foundation and Arcus Foundation made many campaigns to spread awareness of the community's equality and dignity.

Several foundations have donated to the work of such campaigns, such as Elton John's AIDS Foundation and Groundswell Foundation.

 

History of LGBTQ

The LGBTQ community started in 1977 when singer Anita Bryant launched the anti-gay, save our children group, which attracted public attention.

One year later, a gay activist named Harvard Milk had been assassinated by a Yemeni zealot and the unhappy guy book was published.

In 1980, psychology teacher Paul published pamphlets stating that gays commit homicides, pedophiles, and diseases among society, and during 1981, the U.S. Congress, under the Family Act, banned the grant of funds to any organization referring to homosexuality as an unacceptable alternative to a lifestyle.

In 1982, the United States Department of Defense ruled that homosexuality was unsuitable for military service, and a large number of officers were discharged from the military during that period.

Many campaigns continued over the years, and during 1993, a fight over same-sex marriage erupted in the Supreme Court over its refusal to grant same-sex marriage licenses for violating fundamental human rights.

In the early 2000s, it was revealed that the character of the popular television series named TinkyWinky is gay, because the color purple is the color of gay pride, prompting parents not to let their children watch this type of program.

In 2004, same-sex marriage licenses were allowed after many campaigns calling for it.

 

LGBTQ Related Suicide

The LGBTQ community has an increasing suicide rate.

This group of young people is committing suicide with rate over three times than other young people of the same age.

Studies show that many laws discriminating against the LGBTQ community have had a negative impact on the physical and psychological health of the LGBTQ community, resulting in increased suicide rates for the LGBTQ community.

Disparagement of the social environment and lack of government for LGBT youth has led them to flee to suicide after suffering from depression and anxiety. Other factors that increased the suicidal rate of this group include social neglect, lack of support from the family, and bullying.

 

Stories From Reality

Leelah Alcorn, a transsexual girl from a boy who committed suicide, and, as stated in her life story that she came under great pressure from her family and isolated her from the world because they felt shame.

Jadin Bell, a young gay man who was being subjected to bullying and sexual abuse at a young age committed suicide by hanging.

Alan Turing is a gay mathematician who made many achievements but wasn't recognized for the prevalence of homophobia at the time, and he committed suicide with a cyanide overdose.

 

Written by - Aya Salah

Edited by - Adrija Saha