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Center for American Progress

Discrimination and Barriers to Well-Being: The State of the LGBTQI+ Community in 2022

A comprehensive new CAP study finds that many LGBTQI+ people continue to face discrimination in their personal lives, employment, housing, and health care, as well as in the public sphere.

Restoring Social Trust in Democracy, LGBTQI+ Communities of Color, LGBTQI+ Health, LGBTQI+ Rights +1 More

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Julia cusick.

Vice President, Communications

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Government Affairs

Peter gordon.

Senior Director, Federal Affairs

Jerry Parshall

Senior Director, Safety and Justice Campaign; Director, State and Local Government Affairs

Part of a Series

CAP Survey Data on LGBTQI+ Experiences

In this article.

This report contains a correction.

Introduction and summary

LGBTQI+ people and other “sexual and gender diverse” 1 people experience structural and interpersonal discrimination that adversely affects their well-being and drives disparate outcomes across crucial areas of life. 2 The current patchwork of nondiscrimination laws in states across the country and existing gaps in federal civil rights laws leave millions of LGBTQI+ people without protection from discrimination. 3 The Biden-Harris administration, since the beginning of its tenure, has taken numerous actions across executive agencies to bolster nondiscrimination protections in federal regulations. 4 Simultaneously, state attacks explicitly targeting the rights of LGBTQI+ people have surged in recent years. In 2022 alone, state lawmakers introduced more than 300 bills targeting the rights of LGBTQI+ people—especially LGBTQI+ youth and transgender people. 5 These discriminatory policies are inextricably linked to and contribute to a rise in extremist anti-LGBTQI+ and, specifically, anti-transgender rhetoric, disinformation, and violence. 6

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As part of an ongoing effort to understand the lives and experiences of LGBTQI+ communities during this period, the Center for American Progress, in conjunction with the independent and nonpartisan research group NORC at the University of Chicago, conducted the 2022 installment of its survey of LGBTQI+ adults in the United States. The nationally representative survey includes interviews with 1,828 self-identified LGBTQI+ adults and 1,542 self-identified non-LGBTQI+ adults ages 18 and older, recruited and administered through NORC’s AmeriSpeak online panel and conducted May 27, 2022, to June 23, 2022. Compared with CAP’s 2020 survey, 7 the 2022 survey sample size was expanded to include a sizable control group of non-LGBTQI+ individuals; this facilitates better assessment of the statistical significance of the survey findings, as well as the disaggregation of data to examine disparities by race, gender, intersex status, disability status, age, and income. 8 The full results of the study, along with a detailed overview of the methodology, are on file with the authors.

The most critical takeaway from CAP’s 2022 survey is that LGBTQI+ individuals continue to experience significantly higher rates of discrimination than non-LGBTQI+ individuals, a trend that holds true in virtually every setting surveyed—including health care, employment, housing, and public spaces. Such discrimination has substantial adverse effects on economic, physical, and mental well-being, and many LGBTQI+ individuals alter their behavior to avoid experiencing discrimination. 9 Due to the oppressive influences of racism, transphobia, and ableism, transgender individuals, LGBTQI+ people of color, and LGBTQI+ individuals with disabilities generally report experiencing discrimination at rates higher than those of other LGBTQI+ individuals and of non-LGBTQI+ individuals. The 2022 survey also includes what is, to date, one of the largest survey samples of intersex individuals yet collected and finds that intersex individuals experience elevated rates of discrimination, particularly in health care settings. Major findings from the survey include:

• More than 1 in 3 LGBTQI+ adults reported facing some kind of discrimination in the year prior to when they took the survey, while fewer than 1 in 5 non-LGBTQI+ individuals did so. Nearly half of LGBTQI+ people of color and LGBTQI+ people with disabilities, more than half of transgender or nonbinary individuals, and 2 in 3 intersex individuals also reported experiencing some form of discrimination in the past year.
• Half of LGBTQI+ adults reported experiencing some form of workplace discrimination or harassment in the past year because of their sexual orientation, gender identity, or intersex status, including being fired; being denied a promotion; having their work hours cut; or experiencing verbal, physical, or sexual harassment.
• Nearly 3 in 10 LGBTQI+ adults reported experiencing some kind of housing discrimination or harassment in the past year because of their sexual orientation, gender identity, or intersex status, including being prevented or discouraged from buying a home, being denied access to a shelter, or experiencing harassment from housemates or neighbors.
• Nearly 4 in 5 LGBTQI+ adults reported they took at least one action to avoid experiencing discrimination based on their sexual orientation, gender identity, or intersex status, including hiding a personal relationship, avoiding law enforcement, avoiding medical offices, or changing the way they dressed.
• More than 1 in 3 LGBTQI+ adults reported postponing or avoiding medical care in the past year due to cost issues, including more than half of transgender or nonbinary respondents.
• More than 1 in 5 LGBTQI+ adults reported postponing or avoiding medical care in the past year due to disrespect or discrimination by providers, including more than 1 in 3 transgender or nonbinary individuals.
• More than half of LGBTQI+ adults reported that “recent debates about state laws restricting the rights of LGBTQI+ people” moderately or significantly affected their mental health or made them feel less safe, including more than 8 in 10 transgender or nonbinary individuals.
• Approximately 1 in 3 LGBTQI+ adults reported encountering at least one kind of negative experience or form of mistreatment when interacting with a mental health professional in the past year, including 4 in 10 LGBTQI+ people of color and more than 1 in 2 transgender or nonbinary individuals.

This report provides an overview of survey responses, including a comparative analysis of outcomes of LGBTQI+ respondents and outcomes of non-LGBTQI+ respondents, as well as an examination of major demographic differences among LGBTQI+ communities. These findings provide insight into the experiences of LGBTQI+ people in the United States, which is crucial to shaping evidence-based and data-driven policymaking to address disparities, inform avenues for future research, and advance legal and lived equality for LGBTQI+ people.

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NORC AmeriSpeak overview

Funded and operated by NORC at the University of Chicago, AmeriSpeak is a panel-based research platform designed to be representative of the U.S.-household population. Randomly selected U.S. households are sampled using area probability and address-based sampling, with a known, nonzero probability of selection from the NORC National Sample Frame. These sampled households are then contacted by U.S. mail, telephone, and field interviewers (face to face). The panel provides sample coverage of approximately 97 percent of the U.S.-household population. Those excluded from the sample include people with P.O. box-only addresses, some people whose addresses are not listed in the U.S. Postal Service’s Delivery Sequence File, and some people who live in newly constructed dwellings. While most AmeriSpeak households participate in surveys by web, noninternet households can participate in surveys by telephone. Households without conventional internet access but with web access via smartphones are allowed to participate in AmeriSpeak surveys. While panelists are counted as individuals in the survey, the number of members in each respondent’s household is noted. AmeriSpeak panelists participate in NORC studies or studies conducted by NORC on behalf of government agencies, academic researchers, and media and commercial organizations.

A sample of U.S. adults ages 18 and older were selected from NORC’s AmeriSpeak panel for this study. This panel was supplemented with respondents from the Dynata nonprobability online opt-in panel, which NORC used TrueNorth calibration services to incorporate. The TrueNorth calibration was used to adjust the weights for the nonprobability sample, to bring weighted distributions of the nonprobability sample in line with the population distribution for characteristics correlated with the survey variables. CAP provided NORC with a survey questionnaire that NORC submitted for approval by an institutional review board before programming the survey. NORC conducted a pretest and then fielded the survey over three weeks in May and June 2022.

Overall experiences of discrimination are pervasive for LGBTQI+ people

Structural stigma, inequality, and discrimination may take numerous forms that intersect to create complex systems of disadvantage which lead to adverse outcomes, especially for those living at the intersection of multiple marginalized identities. 10 Recognizing the intersectional and additive ways in which discrimination may manifest across populations, the 2022 CAP survey asked all respondents—both LGBTQI+ and non-LGBTQI+ people—about their experiences of discrimination based on a variety of protected characteristics. When asked, “In the past year, have you experienced discrimination of any kind based on your race or ethnicity, national origin, sex or sex characteristics, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, disability, economic status, immigration status, or age?”, LGBTQI+ individuals were more likely than non-LGBTQI+ individuals to respond yes—36 percent compared with 19 percent. (see Figure 1) Compared with CAP’s 2020 survey, the overall number of LGBTQI+ people who reported experiencing some form of discrimination in the year prior remained level at 36 percent. 11 According to the 2022 survey, reports of experiencing some form of discrimination in the past year were elevated among LGBTQI+ respondents of color (45 percent), LGBTQI+ individuals with disabilities (47 percent), and transgender or nonbinary individuals (56 percent), as well as people with intersex traits (67 percent). There were also large differences across generational lines, with 45 percent of Generation Z LGBTQI+ individuals but 16 percent of Baby Boomer LGBTQI+ individuals reporting discrimination.

All survey respondents were also asked whether they had experienced discrimination in various settings and were allowed to select multiple options. LGBTQI+ respondents were more likely than non-LGBTQI+ respondents to report ever experiencing discrimination in public spaces (28 percent compared with 17 percent); in the workplace (23 percent compared with 17 percent); in school (19 percent compared with 9 percent); and in housing situations (13 percent compared with 5 percent), which may include discrimination by a tenant, landlord, residents, or neighbors. LGBTQI+ people of color and LGBTQI+ people with disabilities reported having these discriminatory experiences at higher rates. Transgender or nonbinary respondents also reported notably high rates of discriminatory experiences in public spaces (42 percent)—such as stores, restaurants, public transportation, or public restrooms—and in the workplace (31 percent). (see Figure 2)

All survey respondents who reported experiencing discrimination in the past year or in a specific location were also asked which of their characteristics they believed contributed to their experiences of discrimination. In recognition of the realities of intersectional discrimination, respondents were allowed to select multiple options. Fifty-three percent of all LGBTQI+ individuals reported experiencing discrimination because of their sexual orientation and 18 percent reported experiencing discrimination because of their gender identity; 59 percent of transgender or nonbinary respondents reported experiencing discrimination as a result of their gender identity. The majority of non-LGBTQI+ individuals who experienced discrimination—58 percent—reported that it was because of their race. Fifty-eight percent of LGBTQI+ people of color reported experiencing discrimination based on their race, while 42 percent reported experiencing discrimination based on their sexual orientation and 16 percent reported experiencing discrimination based on their gender identity. Fifty percent of LGBTQI+ people with disabilities reported experiencing discrimination based on their sexual orientation, 18 percent reported experiencing discrimination based on their gender identity, and 23 percent reported experiencing discrimination based on their disability status.

Evidence demonstrates that discrimination has far-reaching impacts on the overall well-being of LGBTQI+ people. 12 Respondents who reported experiencing discrimination were asked to assess how much those experiences affected various aspects of their lives in the past year. LGBTQI+ respondents were more likely than non-LGBTQI+ respondents to report that the discrimination they experienced “moderately” or “to a significant degree” affected their mental well-being (58 percent compared with 38 percent), their spiritual well-being (43 percent compared with 25 percent), their financial well-being (35 percent compared with 28 percent), or their physical well-being (35 percent compared with 22 percent). Across all demographic groups, respondents reported that discrimination most strongly affected their mental well-being. (see Figure 3)

These outcomes were notably higher for transgender respondents who reported experiencing discrimination. Seventy-eight percent of transgender respondents said that in the past year, discrimination affected their mental well-being “moderately” or “to a significant degree,” while 62 percent said the same about their spiritual well-being, 51 percent said the same about their physical well-being, and 41 percent said the same about their financial well-being. These numbers were also elevated for intersex respondents, LGBTQI+ people of color, and LGBTQI+ people with disabilities.

In the wake of a surge of efforts in states across the country to advance anti-LGBTQI+ laws and executive actions, LGBTQI+ respondents were also asked how “recent debates about discriminatory policies restricting the rights of LGBTQI+ people, including transgender youth,” were affecting their mental health and sense of safety. Notably, more than half of LGBTQI+ adults (51 percent) reported that recent debates about anti-LGBTQI+ state laws had affected their mental health or made them feel less safe to a moderate or significant degree, including more than 8 in 10 transgender or nonbinary individuals (86 percent).

Research finds that discriminatory experiences or fear of discrimination may engender avoidance behavior. 13 The 2022 CAP survey, therefore, also asked LGBTQI+ respondents to report whether they had changed aspects of their lives to avoid experiences of discrimination based on their sexual orientation, gender identity, or sex characteristics. LGBTQI+ respondents reported engaging in behaviors such as hiding a personal relationship (55 percent), changing the way they dressed or their mannerisms (39 percent), making decisions about where to work (36 percent) or go to school (26 percent), and moving away from their family (34 percent) or from where they were living (31 percent). LGBTQI+ respondents also reported avoiding houses of worship (43 percent); public places such as stores, restaurants, or banks (31 percent); law enforcement (30 percent); medical offices, mental health providers, or hospitals (26 percent); and travel (20 percent).

Transgender or nonbinary respondents reported particularly high levels of avoidance behavior. Sixty-five percent of transgender or nonbinary respondents reported making specific decisions about where to work; 64 percent reported changing their dress or mannerisms; 63 percent reported hiding a personal relationship; 55 percent reported avoiding medical offices, mental health providers, or hospitals; 53 percent reported avoiding public spaces; and 51 percent reported avoiding law enforcement. LGBTQI+ respondents with disabilities and respondents with intersex traits also reported engaging in avoidance behaviors at especially high rates. In all, 78 percent of LGBTQI+ respondents, including 90 percent of transgender or nonbinary respondents, reported taking at least one action to avoid experiencing discrimination based on their sexual orientation, gender identity, or intersex status. 14

In all, 78 percent of LGBTQI+ respondents, including 90 percent of transgender or nonbinary respondents, reported taking at least one action to avoid experiencing discrimination based on their sexual orientation, gender identity, or intersex status.

Health care

Data reveal disparities in self-reported health status between lgbtqi+ and non-lgbtqi+ adults.

Existing research finds that, compared with non-LGBTQI+ people, LGBTQI+ people experience physical, mental, and behavioral health disparities that are driven by discrimination, stigma, and violence. 15 The data underscore the importance of improving access to and affordability of health care and insurance, as well as the need to tailor services and outreach to meet the specific needs of LGBTQI+ communities. 16 Survey respondents were asked to self-report on their physical and mental health over the course of the past year. LGBTQI+ adults were slightly more likely than non-LGBTQI+ adults to rate their physical health as “fair” (32 percent compared with 28 percent) or “poor” or “bad” (8 percent compared with 5 percent). LGBTQI+ adults were also more likely to report that their poor physical health prevented them from engaging in everyday activities, such as self-care, work, or recreation, “a lot” or “some” of the time (41 percent compared with 32 percent).

Compared with LGBTQI+ and non-LGBTQI+ respondents overall, transgender and nonbinary respondents, as well as LGBTQI+ people of color, were more likely to report poorer health status over the past year, as well as that their poor health prevented them from engaging in their usual activities. Transgender or nonbinary adults were more than 2.5 times as likely to rate their physical health over the past year as “poor” or “bad” than were cisgender adults (15 percent compared with 6 percent); they were also more likely than cisgender adults to report that their poor physical health prevented them from engaging in everyday activities “a lot” or “some” of the time (53 percent compared with 36 percent). LGBTQI+ adults of color (45 percent) were more likely than non-LGBTQI+ adults of color (36 percent), LGBTQI+ white adults (39 percent), and non-LGBTQI+ white adults (29 percent) to report that their poor physical health prevented them from engaging in everyday activities “a lot” or “some” of the time. Notably, 7 in 10 intersex adults reported their poor physical health prevented them from engaging in everyday activities “a lot” or “some” of the time, while 55 percent of LGBTQI+ adults with disabilities reported the same.

Survey respondents were also asked to rate their mental health over the past year—including stress, depression, and problems with their emotions—and the degree to which their poor mental health prevented them from engaging in their usual activities. LGBTQI+ people were more than twice as likely as non-LGBTQI+ people to rate their mental health as “poor” or “bad” (31 percent compared with 12 percent), as well as more likely to report that their poor mental health prevented them from performing their usual activities “a lot” or “some” of the time (55 percent compared with 33 percent). Transgender or nonbinary adults were more than twice as likely as cisgender adults to rate their mental health as “poor” or “bad” in the past year (46 percent compared with 21 percent) and reported that their poor mental health prevented them from engaging in everyday activities “a lot” or “some” of the time at a rate 27 percentage points higher than cisgender respondents (71 percent compared with 44 percent). LGBTQI+ adults of color were more than three times as likely as non-LGBTQI+ people of color to rate their mental health as “poor” or “bad” (26 percent compared with 8 percent) and were also more likely than non-LGBTQI+ people of color to report that their poor mental health prevented them from engaging in everyday activities “a lot” or “some” of the time (57 percent compared with 39 percent).

Cost poses a significant barrier for LGBTQI+ individuals accessing health care

All people should be able to access affordable, quality health care. However, prohibitive health care costs—whether due to uninsurance, discriminatory health insurance policies that lead to large out-of-pocket costs, or more general economic insecurity—may result in care delays or avoidance for LGBTQI+ people, which could lead to unmet health needs and contribute to poorer health outcomes. 17 The 2022 CAP survey assessed whether LGBTQI+ and non-LGBTQI+ respondents encountered cost barriers when seeking to access medical care or preventive screenings over the course of the past year. LGBTQI+ adults were more than twice as likely as non-LGBTQI+ adults to report that they had “postponed or not tried to get needed medical care” when sick or injured because they could not afford it (36 percent compared with 17 percent). Similar trends emerge with respect to preventive screenings, including those for sexually transmitted infections, HIV, high blood pressure, and cholesterol. LGBTQI+ adults were more than twice as likely as non-LGBTQI+ adults to report that they had “postponed or not tried to get preventive screenings” because they could not afford it (31 percent compared with 15 percent). (see Figure 5)

Transgender or nonbinary people, LGBTQI+ people of color, and LGBTQI+ people with disabilities were more likely than cisgender people, non-LGBTQI+ people of color, and non-LGBTQI+ people with disabilities, respectively, to report having delayed needed medical care or postponed preventive screenings in the past year due to cost concerns. Transgender or nonbinary people were approximately twice as likely as cisgender people to report that in the past year, they had “postponed or not tried to get needed medical care” when sick or injured due to cost (51 percent compared with 26 percent). They also reported postponing preventive screenings due to cost at a rate 19 percentage points higher than that of cisgender people (42 percent compared with 23 percent). Overall, LGBTQI+ people with disabilities and LGBTQI+ people of color were more likely than their non-LGBTQI+ counterparts to report postponing such care in the past year because they could not afford it, while people with intersex traits reported postponing such care because of cost at the highest rates.

Provider discrimination and mistreatment prevent LGBTQI+ individuals from seeking health care

The 2022 CAP survey assessed how discrimination and disrespect by health care providers affected respondents seeking health care and services. Both LGBTQI+ and non-LGBTQI+ respondents were asked whether, in the past year, they had “postponed or not tried to get needed medical care” when sick or injured due to “disrespect or discrimination from doctors or other health care providers” as well as whether, in the same time period, they had “postponed or not tried to get preventive screenings because of disrespect or discrimination from doctors or other health care providers.”

Although cost appears to be a more prevalent concern among respondents, respondents also reported that incidents of discrimination deterred them from accessing health care. LGBTQI+ respondents were more than three times as likely as non-LGBTQI+ respondents to report that they delayed or avoided receiving needed medical care in the past year because of disrespect or discrimination from a doctor or other health care provider (23 percent compared with 7 percent). LGBTQI+ respondents were also more likely than non-LGBTQI+ respondents to report that they delayed or avoided getting preventive screenings for the same reason (21 percent compared with 7 percent). Notably, transgender respondents, transgender respondents of color, and LGBTQI+ people of color all reported delaying or avoiding needed medical care or preventive screenings in the past year at higher rates. Overall, LGBTQI+ people with disabilities and LGBTQI+ people of color were more likely than their non-LGBTQI+ counterparts to report postponing such care in the past year due to discrimination or disrespect, while transgender people and people with intersex traits reported delaying or not trying to receive needed medical care or preventive screenings for that reason at the highest rates. (see Figure 5)

Transgender and nonbinary respondents face unique challenges to accessing health care and services due to experiences of mistreatment, harassment, and discrimination

Transgender and nonbinary respondents were asked a specific series of questions about negative experiences they encountered when interacting with doctors and other health care providers in the past year. Three in 10 transgender or nonbinary respondents (30 percent), including more than 1 in 3 transgender or nonbinary respondents of color (34 percent), reported that they had to “teach [their] doctor or other health care provider about transgender or nonbinary people in order to get appropriate care.” Transgender and nonbinary adults also reported a range of other negative experiences that were, most often, even more common among transgender and nonbinary adults of color. (see Figure 6) Such experiences included a doctor or other health care provider “ma[king] religious statements” about their actual or perceived gender identity (23 percent); intentionally misgendering them or using the wrong name (21 percent); appearing “visibly uncomfortable” due to their actual or perceived gender identity (21 percent); using “harsh or abusive language” when providing treatment (17 percent); or engaging in “unwanted physical contact” (11 percent) or “physically rough or abusive” behavior (9 percent). Nineteen percent of transgender or nonbinary respondents also reported that a doctor or other health care provider assumed their medical issue was related to their gender identity or blamed their health status on the fact that they were transgender or nonbinary, suggesting experiences of what is commonly referred to as “trans broken arm syndrome.” 18 Overall, approximately half (51 percent) of transgender or nonbinary respondents reported having at least one of these kinds of negative experiences with doctors or other health care providers in the past year. 19

Overall, approximately half (51 percent) of transgender or nonbinary respondents reported having at least one of these kinds of negative experiences with doctors or other health care providers in the past year.

When medical professionals refuse to provide care to patients, it can lead to delays that contribute to poorer health outcomes and exacerbate health disparities. 20 The 2022 CAP survey found that 49 percent of transgender or nonbinary adults, including 37 percent of transgender or nonbinary adults of color, reported that in the past year, they were concerned that if they expressed their gender identity to a doctor or health care provider, they may be denied good health care.

The survey also investigated instances of doctors or other health care providers refusing to provide care to transgender and nonbinary respondents. (see Figure 7) These refusals may occur when transgender and nonbinary people attempt to access general health care services or those specifically tied to gender-affirming care, such as hormone therapy, surgery, puberty blockers, and mental health services. 21 Overall, nearly 1 in 3 transgender or nonbinary respondents, including more than 4 in 10 transgender or nonbinary respondents of color, reported encountering some kind of health care refusal by a doctor or other health care provider in the past year, 22 including but not limited to providers refusing them reproductive or sexual health services because of their actual or perceived gender identity (21 percent), refusing gender-affirming health care (15 percent), and outright refusing to see the respondent because of their actual or perceived gender identity (10 percent). Across the board, transgender people of color reported encountering these refusals at higher rates.

LGBQ adults report a range of negative experiences when interacting with health care providers

Overall, 30 percent of LGBQ respondents reported encountering at least one negative experience or form of mistreatment by doctors or other health care providers in the past year. 23 This includes but is not limited to LGBQ respondents reporting that, in the past year, health care providers who were “visibly uncomfortable” with them due to the patient’s actual or perceived sexual orientation (13 percent), “made religious statements” about their actual or perceived sexual orientation (12 percent), or used “harsh or abusive language” during treatment (10 percent). LGBQ respondents of color and transgender or nonbinary LGBQ respondents reported encountering these kinds of negative experiences and mistreatment in health care settings at elevated rates. (see Figure 8)

Overall, 30 percent of LGBQ respondents reported encountering at least one negative experience or form of mistreatment by doctors or other health care providers in the past year.

LGBQ respondents were also asked specific questions about refusals by doctors or other health care providers in the past year. Overall, 17 percent of LGBQ respondents, including 22 percent of LGBQ respondents of color and 34 percent of transgender LGBQ respondents, reported that in the past year, they had concerns that if they expressed their sexual orientation to a doctor or health care provider, they could be denied good medical care. And 15 percent of LGBQ respondents, including 23 percent of LGBQ respondents of color, reported experiencing some form of care refusal by a doctor or other health care provider in the year prior. 24 (see Figure 9) Notably, transgender or nonbinary LGBQ respondents, as well as LGBQ respondents of color, were more likely to report experiencing these kinds of refusals.

Negative experiences and refusals of care by doctors or other health care providers were prevalent among intersex respondents

People with intersex traits have historically experienced, and currently experience, discrimination and mistreatment by medical professionals. 25 They also are often subjected to nonconsensual, medically unnecessary interventions to change natural variations in their reproductive anatomy or genital appearance in order to conform their bodies to binary sex stereotypes. 26 Such interventions have high rates of complication and lifelong consequences that contribute to the high physical and mental health disparities that intersex people face. 27

The 2022 CAP survey found that people with intersex traits experienced elevated rates of discrimination, negative experiences, and mistreatment in health care settings in the past year. For example, more than half of intersex respondents reported that in that time frame, doctors or other health care providers used “harsh or abusive language” when providing care (59 percent), appeared “visibly uncomfortable” due to their actual or perceived sex characteristics or intersex variation (58 percent), “made religious statements” regarding their actual or perceived sex characteristics or intersex variation (55 percent), or engaged in “unwanted physical contact” (54 percent). In addition, nearly half of intersex respondents reported that in the past year, providers were “physically rough or abusive” when treating them (48 percent). Notably, half of intersex respondents also reported that a doctor or other health care provider “forced or pressured” them into undergoing interventions that they did not want or need related to their sex characteristics or intersex variation, including hormone administration, surgery, and more. Additionally, 2 in 3 intersex adults (66 percent) reported that in the year prior to taking the survey, they had to “teach” their doctor or other health care provider “about intersex people or [their] specific intersex variation in order to receive appropriate care.”

The possibility of being refused quality health care was prevalent among intersex respondents: more than 6 in 10 intersex adults (61 percent) reported that in the past year, they were concerned that if they expressed their intersex status to a doctor or other health care provider, they could be denied good medical care. More than half of intersex respondents reported that a health care provider refused to see them because of their sex characteristics or intersex variation (55 percent), refused to see them due to the provider’s religious beliefs or the stated religious tenets of the hospital or health care facility (53 percent), or refused to assist them in forming a family—by for instance, providing fertility care or assisted reproductive technology—due to their sex characteristics or intersex variation (51 percent). Forty-six percent of intersex adults reported that a doctor or other health care provider withheld medical information from them or refused to give them a copy of their medical records.

LGBTQI+ people report widespread barriers to accessing mental health services

Many LGBTQI+ individuals encounter challenges to accessing needed mental health services. Barriers to quality mental health care for LGBTQI+ communities include affordability and concerns related to cultural competency; mental health stigma; and the ability to trust mental health professionals due to historical pathologizing of LGBTQI+ people by the medical community and practices of conversion therapy. 28

The CAP survey asked LGBTQI+ respondents about cost barriers to accessing mental health care. Overall, 40 percent of LGBTQI+ respondents—including 42 percent of LGBTQI+ people of color and 57 percent of transgender and nonbinary respondents—reported that they wanted to see a therapist or mental health professional in the past year but could not afford to do so. Additionally, 32 percent of LGBTQI+ respondents—including 32 percent of LGBTQI+ people of color and 47 percent of transgender respondents—reported that they wanted to see a therapist or mental health professional in the past year but lacked insurance coverage to do so.

Moreover, many LGBTQI+ people who were able to see a therapist or mental health professional encountered challenges receiving culturally competent care. Twenty-five percent of LGBTQI+ respondents, including nearly half of transgender or nonbinary respondents (49 percent), reported that they “did not feel comfortable” speaking to their therapist about issues related to their sexual orientation, gender identity, or intersex status, while 14 percent of LGBTQI+ respondents reported having to “teach” their therapist about LGBTQI+ people “in order to receive appropriate care.” (see Figure 10) Overall, 32 percent of LGBTQI+ people—including 40 percent of LGBTQI+ people of color and 55 percent of transgender or nonbinary respondents—reported experiencing at least one negative experience or form of mistreatment when interacting with a mental health professional in the past year. 29 This includes but is not limited to instances in which a therapist or mental health professional refused to discuss topics related to the patient’s sexual orientation, gender identity, or intersex variation; assumed the patient’s LGBTQI+ identity was the cause of unrelated mental health or life concerns; or tried to change the patient’s sexual orientation or gender identity, which may reflect mental health providers engaging in the abusive practice of conversion therapy. 30

Overall, 32 percent of LGBTQI+ people—including 40 percent of LGBTQI+ people of color and 55 percent of transgender or nonbinary respondents—reported experiencing at least one negative experience or form of mistreatment when interacting with a mental health professional in the past year.

LGBTQI+ people encounter hurdles when accessing adequate health insurance

Access to affordable health insurance helps facilitate access to health care, is associated with improved health outcomes, and can help address existing health disparities that LGBTQI+ communities face. Although gains have been made in recent years, 31 LGBTQ+ people—especially transgender people—continue to face challenges accessing coverage. 32

In the 2022 CAP survey, LGBTQI+ adults were twice as likely as non-LGBTQI+ adults to report that they were not currently covered by a health insurance or health coverage plan (14 percent compared with 7 percent). Transgender or nonbinary adults were more than twice as likely as cisgender adults to report that they were not currently covered by a health insurance or health coverage plan (22 percent compared with 10 percent). And LGBTQI+ people of color (18 percent) were more likely than non-LGBTQI+ people of color (11 percent), LGBTQI+ white people (12 percent), and non-LGBTQI+ white people (4 percent) to report that they were not currently covered by a health insurance or health coverage plan. Among insurance provider options, LGBTQI+ adults (33 percent) and non-LGBTQI+ adults (36 percent) were most likely to report that they had insurance through their current or former employer or through a union. LGBTQI+ adults were more likely than non-LGBTQI+ adults to report that they had insurance through Medicaid (23 percent compared with 15 percent).

Transgender and nonbinary adults experience heightened barriers to accessing insurance coverage for gender-affirming and other kinds of health care

Although progress has been made in recent years, transgender people continue to experience disparities in uninsured rates compared with cisgender people, and insurers continue to impose exclusions or restrictions on many procedures that are medically necessary to treat gender dysphoria or affirm a patient’s gender. 33 The 2022 CAP survey asked transgender and nonbinary respondents specifically about their experiences with health insurance companies over the past year, revealing significant hurdles to accessing gender-affirming care, including but not limited to hormone therapy, surgery, puberty blockers, and mental health services related to gender affirmation. Transgender and nonbinary respondents reported multiple negative experiences with health insurances companies and instances of being denied care coverage, with transgender and nonbinary respondents of color consistently reporting higher rates of these experiences.

For example, 28 percent of transgender or nonbinary respondents, including 29 percent of transgender or nonbinary respondents of color, reported that in the past year, a health insurance company denied them coverage for gender-affirming hormone therapy. Similarly, 22 percent of transgender or nonbinary respondents, including 30 percent of transgender or nonbinary respondents of color, reported that a health insurance company denied them coverage for gender-affirming surgery. Additionally, 15 percent of transgender or nonbinary respondents, including 33 percent of transgender or nonbinary respondents of color, reported that a health insurance company denied them gender-specific preventive care in the past year. And 10 percent of transgender or nonbinary respondents, including 22 percent of transgender or nonbinary respondents of color, reported that their health insurance company denied them preventive care or screenings in the year prior.

Transgender and nonbinary respondents also reported encountering additional health insurance barriers in the past year, such as limited coverage for different types of gender-affirming care and network inadequacies in health plans. For example, more than one-third of transgender or nonbinary respondents (37 percent), including nearly 1 in 4, or 23 percent of, transgender or nonbinary respondents of color, reported that their health insurance company covers only some kinds of gender-affirming care, excluding coverage for other kinds of care such as chest reconstruction or facial feminization. Additionally, more than 1 in 4 transgender or nonbinary respondents (26 percent), including nearly 1 in 3 transgender or nonbinary respondents of color (28 percent), reported that in the past year, a health insurance company covered gender-affirming surgery but had no surgery providers in their network—highlighting network inadequacies in coverage plans. Finally, 24 percent of transgender or nonbinary respondents, including 31 percent of transgender or nonbinary respondents of color, reported that in the past year, their health insurance company would not change their records to reflect their current name or gender.

LGBQ adults report barriers to accessing insurance coverage for services to assist family formation

LGBQ respondents were asked about their experiences with health insurance companies with respect to accessing assisted reproduction or fertility treatment in the past year. Twelve percent of LGBQ respondents, including 17 percent of LGBQ respondents of color and 32 percent of transgender or nonbinary LGBQ respondents, reported that a health insurance company “placed unreasonable or burdensome requirements” on them or their partners before covering “fertility preservation services, assisted reproduction or fertility treatment.” For example, when determining eligibility for fertility treatment coverage, many insurers may base their coverage on a definition of infertility defined as a couple not being able to conceive after a year of unprotected sex. By asking same-sex cisgender couples to demonstrate infertility according to this definition, insurers exclude those couples from accessing coverage. 34 Additionally, 11 percent of LGBQ respondents, including 17 percent of LGBQ respondents of color and 36 percent of transgender or nonbinary LGBQ respondents, reported that their health insurance company denied them or their partner coverage for fertility preservation services, including services such as freezing and storing eggs, sperm, or embryos. Ten percent of LGBQ respondents, including 15 percent of LGBQ people of color and 30 percent of transgender or nonbinary LGBQ respondents, reported that their health insurance company denied them or their partner coverage for assisted reproduction or fertility treatment, including services such as artificial insemination, egg donation, or surrogacy. Denials of coverage to assist in family formation can be prohibitive and make pathways to parenthood financially inaccessible for LGBTQ+ people. 35

Economic security

Lgbtqi+ people report higher rates of employment but lower incomes and concentration in particular occupations.

Overall, LGBTQI+ respondents reported currently being employed at a higher rate than non-LGBTQI+ respondents (63 percent compared with 59 percent). Yet among all respondents who were employed, LGBTQI+ people were more likely than non-LGBTQI+ people to report that they were working part time (14 percent compared with 9 percent), were self-employed as a freelancer, contractor, or similar positions (9 percent compared with 6 percent), or were employed in the gig economy as, for example, a ride-share driver or delivery person (5 percent compared to 1 percent). Transgender respondents were two twice as likely as cisgender respondents to report working part time (22 percent compared with 11 percent).

Forty-three percent of LGBTQI+ and non-LGBTQI+ people reported that they were currently not employed for a variety of reasons. Among those who reported not being employed, non-LGBTQI+ people were significantly more likely to report that they were retired (22 percent compared with 8 percent), while LGBTQI+ people were significantly more likely to report that they were students (9 percent compared with 4 percent). This likely stems from the fact that LGBTQI+ individuals are younger, on average, than non-LGBTQI+ individuals. 36 LGBTQI+ respondents were more likely than non-LGBTQI+ respondents to report that they were not working but looking for work (10 percent compared with 4 percent).

Although LGBTQI+ respondents reported higher levels of employment than non-LGBTQI+ respondents, they also reported lower annual incomes, suggesting that LGBTQI+ people may work in low-wage occupations and underscoring the importance of job quality, not just job attainment, as a key contributor to economic security. 37 LGBTQI+ respondents were more likely than non-LGBTQI+ respondents to report an annual household income of less than $30,000 (34 percent compared with 25 percent). Meanwhile, non-LGBTQI+ respondents were more likely than LGBTQI+ respondents to report an annual household income of from $60,000 to under $100,000 (26 percent compared with 18 percent), as well as an annual household income of $100,000 or more (23 percent compared with 17 percent).

In addition, 39 percent of LGBTQI+ disabled respondents, 40 percent of LGBTQI+ respondents of color, and 43 percent of transgender or nonbinary respondents reported an annual household income of below $30,000. Fourteen percent of LGBTQI+ respondents of color and just 12 percent of transgender respondents reported earning an annual household income of $100,000 or more. (see Table 1)

Due to the lack of data collection on sexual orientation, gender identity, and variations in sex characteristics, information on the occupations of LGBTQI+ people is extremely limited. 38 In the 2022 CAP survey, respondents who reported that they were working were asked about their current occupation. Some 17 percent of LGBTQI+ respondents, including 25 percent of LGBTQI+ people of color, reported working as a health care professional or health care support service professional. LGBTQI+ respondents were more likely to work in the service industry or in food preparation—for example, as a bartender, cook, waiter, or baker—than non-LGBTQI+ respondents (12 percent compared with 5 percent). Transgender individuals (18 percent), and LGBTQI+ individuals of color (15 percent) worked in these roles at elevated rates. LGBTQI+ respondents were also more likely to work as retail salespeople than non-LGBTQI+ respondents (10 percent compared with 7 percent), and transgender respondents were especially likely to hold these positions (15 percent). Non-LGBTQI+ respondents were more likely to work as construction, manufacturing, or agricultural workers than LGBTQI+ respondents (15 percent compared with 7 percent). Overall, 39 percent of LGBTQI+ people and 48 percent of non-LGBTQI+ people reported that their current occupation did not fall under any of these categories.

Advancing Health Care Nondiscrimination Protections for LGBTQI+ Communities

Sep 8, 2022

Caroline Medina , Lindsay Mahowald

Employment and housing discrimination

Discrimination in housing and employment remains a prevalent problem for lgbtqi+ people.

Employment discrimination and workforce exclusion narrow pathways to economic security for LGBTQI+ communities, contributing to elevated rates of poverty, unemployment, use of public benefits, and housing instability. 39 Experiences of discrimination and harassment in employment were common for LGBTQI+ respondents to the 2022 CAP survey. Overall, 50 percent of LGBTQI+ respondents, including 7 in 10 transgender respondents (70 percent), reported experiencing some form of workplace discrimination or harassment in the past year because of their sexual orientation, gender identity, or intersex status. 40 (see Figure 11) Thirty-seven percent of LGBTQI+ respondents reported being subject to “verbal harassment, such as negative or offensive comments, remarks, or jokes,” while 25 percent reported experiencing sexual harassment, such as unwanted sexual attention; sexual coercion; or crude, offensive, or hostile behaviors. Fifteen percent reported experiencing “physical harassment, such as being physically threatened or assaulted.” Approximately 1 in 5 respondents reported that they had been fired or not hired (22 percent) or denied a promotion, wage, equal wages, or training opportunities (21 percent) because of their sexual orientation, gender identity, or intersex status. These concerns were elevated among transgender respondents, LGBTQI+ people of color, and LGBTQI+ people with disabilities.

Overall, 50 percent of LGBTQI+ respondents, including 7 in 10 transgender respondents (70 percent), reported experiencing some form of workplace discrimination or harassment in the past year because of their sexual orientation, gender identity, or intersex status.

Discrimination in housing can take many forms, such as disparate treatment in renting, selling, pricing, eviction, service provision, homeowner insurance, mortgage lending, and other activities. 41 Evidence has found that LGBTQI+ people—especially same-sex couples and transgender people—face differential treatment in housing. 42 According to the CAP survey, discrimination in housing settings remains a consistent problem for LGBTQI+ individuals. Overall, 29 percent of LGBTQI+ respondents, including 41 percent of LGBTQI+ respondents of color and 46 percent of transgender respondents, reported some form of discrimination or harassment in a housing setting in the past year due to their sexual orientation, gender identity, or intersex status. 43 The most common experience was “physical, verbal, or sexual harassment” when interacting with their neighbors or members of their own households—experiences reported by 20 percent of LGBTQI+ individuals, including 27 percent of LGBTQI+ individuals of color, 27 percent of transgender individuals, and 29 percent of LGBTQI+ people with disabilities. (see Figure 12)

LGBTQI+ people also reported being “prevented or discouraged from renting or buying a home” (15 percent); being “denied necessary maintenance or upkeep services for a home or apartment” (12 percent); being “prevented or discouraged from securing a loan to rent or purchase a home” (12 percent); and “physical, verbal, or sexual harassment” when interacting with a landlord (12 percent). Often, transgender people, LGBTQI+ people of color, and LGBTQI+ people with disabilities reported encountering these forms of discrimination and harassment at elevated rates.

Overall, 29 percent of LGBTQI+ respondents, including 41 percent of LGBTQI+ respondents of color and 46 percent of transgender respondents, reported some form of discrimination or harassment in a housing setting in the past year due to their sexual orientation, gender identity, or intersex status.

Access to alternative service providers

Lgbtqi+ people report that it would be challenging to access services if they were initially denied by a provider.

LGBTQI+ and non-LGBTQI+ respondents to the CAP 2022 survey were asked to rate how difficult it would be to access the same type of service at a different location if a service provider at an original location denied them service. Fifty-three percent of LGBTQI+ respondents reported that it would be “very difficult” or “not possible” to find an alternative adoption agency, compared with 31 percent of non-LGBTQI+ respondents, while 43 percent of LGTBQI+ respondents reported that it would be “very difficult” or “not possible” to find alternative child care, 44 compared with 24 percent of non-LGBTQI+ respondents. Forty-one percent of LGBTQI+ respondents reported that it would be “very difficult” or “not possible” to find an alternative apartment rental if they were denied service, while 31 percent of non-LGBTQI+ respondents reported the same. Limited access to alternative service options was a particularly pronounced concern for transgender respondents. (see Figure 13) Thirty-nine percent of transgender or nonbinary respondents reported it would be “very difficult” or “not possible” to access alternative health services, while 61 percent reported it would be difficult or impossible to access an alternative homeless shelter. Such findings underscore the importance of ensuring that LGBTQI+ communities are able to equally access necessary services from providers and are not turned away due to discrimination.

The 2022 CAP survey illuminates important disparities between LGBTQI+ and non-LGBTQI+ people, as well as differences between groups within the larger LGBTQI+ community. With more than 1 in 3 LGBTQI+ adults reporting that they faced some form of discrimination in the past year, the need to address ongoing discrimination and ensure equal protection under the law and in practice is evident. This is particularly true for LGBTQI+ individuals living with multiple marginalized identities, who generally reported elevated rates of discrimination as well as heightened barriers to achieving economic security and accessing quality health care.

Policymakers can take multiple actions to combat discrimination against LGBTQI+ communities. Congress should pass legislation ensuring clear, consistent, and comprehensive nondiscrimination protections for LGBTQI+ people, such as those included in the Equality Act. Doing so would help ensure greater protection for LGBTQI+ people in every state across the country, which is especially crucial in light of the recent wave of state-level anti-LGBTQI+ attacks and given the fact that LGBTQI+ people are not fully protected from discrimination in 29 states. 45

What You Need To Know About the Equality Act

Mar 15, 2021

Thee Santos , Caroline Medina , Sharita Gruberg

At the executive level, federal agencies should act to meaningfully and effectively enforce existing nondiscrimination protections—paired with technical assistance and training—such as those in Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act, the Fair Housing Act of 1968, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972. Doing so would align with President Joe Biden’s Executive Order 13988 46 by directing all federal agencies that enforce federal laws prohibiting sex discrimination to also prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in light of the Bostock v. Clayton County Supreme Court decision. 47 Improved data collection on sexual orientation, gender identity, and variations in sex characteristics in civil rights monitoring and reporting systems would also help policymakers better track, investigate, and address anti-LGBTQI+ discrimination and support the government’s progress toward ensuring equal treatment under the law and combating discriminatory practices. The findings from the CAP survey, as well as other research, illustrate that LGBTQI+ people living at the intersection of multiple marginalized identities often report elevated rates of discrimination, underscoring the need for civil rights enforcement agencies to apply an intersectional lens in their approach to investigating and enforcing nondiscrimination policies.

Millions Will Gain Nondiscrimination Protections Under the Equality Act

Apr 20, 2021

Caroline Medina , Lindsay Mahowald , Sharita Gruberg

Although crucial, nondiscrimination protections alone will not be sufficient to address longstanding disparities and achieve lived equality for LGBTQI+ communities. In addition to the nondiscrimination civil rights protections recommended in this report, state and federal policymakers must invest greater resources and implement targeted, inclusive programming to bolster the economic security, health, and well-being of LGBTQI+ communities, especially for transgender people and LGBTQI+ people living at the intersection of multiple marginalized identities.

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank Jill Rosenthal, Maggie Siddiqi, Guthrie Graves-Fitzsimmons, Mia Ives-Rublee, Lily Roberts, Aurelia Glass, Rose Khattar, Lauren Hoffman, Maggie Jo Buchanan, Nicole Lee Ndumele, Nicole Prchal Svajlenka, John Halpin, Logan Casey, Sharita Gruberg, Sylvan Fraser, and Harper Jean Tobin for their valuable feedback on the survey design. We also wish to thank Carl Chancellor, Jarvis Holliday, Meghan Miller, Allie Cohen, Chester Hawkins, and Keenan Alexander for their editorial and production assistance.

• The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine employs the term “sexual and gender diverse” to “describe individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, non-binary, or who exhibit attractions and behaviors that do not align with heterosexual or traditional gender norms.” This report uses this term interchangeably with the acronym “LGBTQI+” and the term “sexual and gender minorities.” The latter is commonly used by the National Institutes of Health. See National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, Understanding the Well-Being of LGBTQI+ Populations (Washington: 2020), p. 2, available at  https://nap.nationalacademies.org/catalog/25877/understanding-the-well-being-of-lgbtqi-populations .
• Caroline Medina and Lindsay Mahowald, “Millions Will Gain Nondiscrimination Protections Under the Equality Act,” Center for American Progress, April 20, 2021, available at https://www.americanprogress.org/article/millions-will-gain-nondiscrimination-protections-equality-act/ .
• Caroline Medina and Thee Santos, “A Timeline of the Biden Administration’s Efforts To Support LGBTQ Equality in the First 100 Days,” Center for American Progress, April 28, 2021, available at https://www.americanprogress.org/article/timeline-biden-administrations-efforts-support-lgbtq-equality-first-100-days/ .
• Human Rights Campaign, “United Against Hate – Fighting Back on State Legislative Attacks on LGBTQ+ People,” available at https://www.hrc.org/campaigns/the-state-legislative-attack-on-lgbtq-people (last accessed October 2022).
• See, for example, Melissa Gira Grant, “The Massacre at Club Q Should Not Have Felt Inevitable; The attack on this LGBTQ community space did not come without warning,” The New Republic, November 21, 2022.
• Sharita Gruberg, Lindsay Mahowald, and John Halpin, “The State of the LGBTQ Community in 2020: A National Public Opinion Study” (Washington: Center for American Progress, 2020), available at https://americanprogress.org/issues/lgbtq-rights/reports/2020/10/06/491052/state-lgbtq-community-2020/
• All in-text comparisons between LGBTQI+ respondents and non-LGBTQI+ respondents are significant at the 0.05 level. Throughout the report, proportions for individual questions exclude “Not Applicable,” “Don’t Know,” and “Skipped” responses. Additionally, statistics for transgender individuals based on the CAP survey are inclusive of people who identify as nonbinary, gender-nonconforming, genderqueer, and agender respondents. Margins of error may be higher for smaller subgroups of the overall sample—for example, the samples of transgender and intersex respondents. Some survey questions refer to experiences “in the past year”/ “year prior,” asking respondents about their experiences in the 12 months prior to when they took the survey, which was conducted May 27, 2022, to June 23, 2022.
• See National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, Understanding the Well-Being of LGBTQI+ Populations .
• See Kimberlé Crenshaw, “Demarginalizing the Intersection of Race and Sex: A Black Feminist Critique of Antidiscrimination Doctrine, Feminist Theory and Antiracist Politics,” University of Chicago Legal Forum 8 (1) (1989), available at http://chicagounbound.uchicago.edu/uclf/vol1989/iss1/8 .
• Gruberg, Mahowald, and Halpin, “The State of the LGBTQ Community in 2020.”
• This includes respondents who responded in the affirmative to at least one of the experiences displayed in Figure 4.
• National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, Understanding the Well-Being of LGBTQI+ Populations .
• See, for example, Cornell University, “What does the scholarly research say about the effects of discrimination on the health of LGBT people?”, available at ​​ https://whatweknow.inequality.cornell.edu/topics/lgbt-equality/what-does-scholarly-research-say-about-the-effects-of-discrimination-on-the-health-of-lgbt-people/  (last accessed August 2022).
• Douglas Knutson and others, “‘Trans broken arm’: Health care stories from transgender people in rural areas,”  Journal of Research on Women and Gender 7 (1) (2016): 30–46, available at https://digital.library.txstate.edu/handle/10877/12890 .
• This includes respondents who responded in the affirmative to at least one of the experiences displayed in Figure 7.
• Cornell University, “What does the scholarly research say about the effects of discrimination on the health of LGBT people?”
• For example, see University of California, San Francisco, “Overview of gender-affirming treatments and procedures,” available at https://transcare.ucsf.edu/guidelines/overview (last accessed December 2022).
• This includes respondents who responded in the affirmative to at least one of the experiences displayed in Figure 8.
• This includes respondents who responded in the affirmative to at least one of the experiences displayed in Figure 9.
• This includes respondents who responded in the affirmative to at least one of the experiences displayed in Figure 10.
• U.N. Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, “Fact Sheet: Intersex” (New York), available at https://www.unfe.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/UNFE-Intersex.pdf (last accessed November 2022).
• Caroline Medina and Lindsay Mahowald, “Key Issues Facing People With Intersex Traits,” Center for American Progress, October 26, 2021, available at https://www.americanprogress.org/article/key-issues-facing-people-intersex-traits/ ; Human Rights Watch and InterACT, “‘I Want to Be Like Nature Made Me’: Medically Unnecessary Surgeries on Intersex Children in the US,” available at https://www.hrw.org/report/2017/07/25/i-want-be-nature-made-me/medically-unnecessary-surgeries-intersex-children-us (last accessed November 2022).
• Amy Rosenwohl-Mack, “A national study on the physical and mental health of intersex adults in the US,”  PloS One  15 (10) (2020): e0240088, available at https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0240088 ; Medina and Mahowald, “Key Issues Facing People With Intersex Traits.”
• National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, Understanding the Well-Being of LGBTQI+ Populations , p. 2.
• Human Rights Campaign, “The Lies and Dangers of Efforts to Change Sexual Orientation or Gender Identity,” available at https://www.hrc.org/resources/the-lies-and-dangers-of-reparative-therapy (last accessed December 2022).
• Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation, “Health Insurance Coverage and Access to Care For LGBTQ+ Individuals: Current Trends and Key Challenges” (Washington: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2021), available at https://aspe.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/2021-07/lgbt-health-ib.pdf .
• See, for example, Caroline Medina and others, “Protecting and Advancing Health Care for Transgender Adult Communities” (Washington: Center for American Progress, 2021), available at https://www.americanprogress.org/article/protecting-advancing-health-care-transgender-adult-communities/ ; Out2Enroll, “FAQs,” available at https://out2enroll.org/category/faqs/ssc/ (last accessed December 2022).
• Caroline Medina and Lindsay Mahowald, “Advancing Health Care Nondiscrimination Protections for LGBTQI+ Communities” (Washington: Center for American Progress, 2022), available at https://www.americanprogress.org/article/advancing-health-care-nondiscrimination-protections-for-lgbtqi-communities/ .
• See Shira Stein, “LGBTQ Couples’ IVF Hopes Hinge on New Infertility Definition,” Bloomberg Law, May 17, 2022, available at https://news.bloomberglaw.com/health-law-and-business/lgbtq-couples-ivf-hopes-hinge-on-new-infertility-definition .
• Family Equality, “Building LGBTQ+ Families: The Price of Parenthood” (New York: 2019), available at https://www.familyequality.org/resources/building-lgbtq-families-price-parenthood/ .
• Jeffrey M. Jones, “LGBT Identification in U.S. Ticks Up to 7.1%,” Gallup, February 17, 2022, available at https://news.gallup.com/poll/389792/lgbt-identification-ticks-up.aspx .
• Caroline Medina and others, “Fact Sheet: LGBT Workers in the Labor Market” (Washington: Center for American Progress, 2022), available at https://www.americanprogress.org/article/fact-sheet-lgbt-workers-in-the-labor-market/ .
• Aurelia Glass and others, “New Opportunities for the Biden-Harris Administration To Create Good Jobs for LGBTQI+ Workers” (Washington: Center for American Progress, 2022), available at https://www.americanprogress.org/article/new-opportunities-for-the-biden-harris-administration-to-create-good-jobs-for-lgbtqi-workers/ .
• This includes respondents who responded in the affirmative to at least one of the experiences displayed in Figure 11.
• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, “Housing Discrimination Under the Fair Housing Act,” available at https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/fair_housing_equal_opp/fair_housing_act_overview (last accessed December 2022).
• See, for example, Diane K. Levy and others, “A Paired-Testing Pilot Study of Housing Discrimination against Same-Sex Couples and Transgender Individuals” (Washington: Urban Institute, 2017), available at https://www.urban.org/research/publication/paired-testing-pilot-study-housing-discrimination-against-same-sex-couples-and-transgender-individuals .
• This includes respondents who responded in the affirmative to at least one of the experiences displayed in Figure 12.
• Note: In the original data source, the datapoint is labeled “daycare.”
• Freedom for All Americans, “LGBTQ People Aren’t Fully Protected from Discrimination in 29 States,” available at https://freedomforallamericans.org/states/ (last accessed November 2022); Caroline Medina and Sharita Gruberg, “State Attacks Against LGBTQI+ Rights,” Center for American Progress, April 13, 2022, available at  https://www.americanprogress.org/article/state-attacks-against-lgbtqi-rights/ ; Human Rights Watch, “US: Anti-Trans Bills Also Harm Intersex Children,” available at https://www.hrw.org/news/2022/10/26/us-anti-trans-bills-also-harm-intersex-children (last accessed January 2023).
• Executive Office of the President, “Preventing and Combating Discrimination on the Basis of Gender Identity or Sexual Orientation,” Federal Register 86 (14) (2021): 7023–7025, available at https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2021-01-25/pdf/2021-01761.pdf .
• Bostock v. Clayton County , 590 U.S. ___ (June 15, 2020), p. 1, available at  https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/19pdf/17-1618_hfci.pdf .

The positions of American Progress, and our policy experts, are independent, and the findings and conclusions presented are those of American Progress alone. A full list of supporters is available here . American Progress would like to acknowledge the many generous supporters who make our work possible.

Caroline Medina

Former Director

Lindsay Mahowald

Former Research Assistant

LGBTQI+ Policy

The LGBTQI+ Policy team provides timely, strategic resources on policy issues affecting LGBTQI+ communities.

Explore The Series

The Center for American Progress has worked with NORC at the University of Chicago to design a comprehensive, nationally representative survey that collects data on the lives, attitudes, and experiences of LGBTQI+ Americans. The survey results reveal LGBTQI+ communities’ experiences in a wide range of situations in both the public and private spheres—including discrimination, physical and mental well-being, medical care, the workforce, education, and government services. It also breaks down participants’ responses along demographic lines such as race and ethnicity, gender identity, age, disability status, and educational attainment. Survey results play a critical role in better understanding these groups’ realities and informing policy responses to disparities as well as paths forward for potential future research.

LGBTQI+ Members of Generation Z Face Unique Social and Economic Concerns

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An In-depth Exploration of LGBTQ+ Challenges in Society

In the kaleidoscope of human diversity, the LGBTQ+ community shines with its array of colors, each representing a unique blend of identities, experiences, and narratives. Yet, this vibrant spectrum is often met with a myriad of sociocultural roadblocks. Despite the progress made in recent years in terms of acceptance and rights, challenges persist – hurdles that run deep into the fibers of our societal norms, policy frameworks, and personal biases. So, this blog post aims to shed light on these LGBTQ challenges in society. And ultimately, fostering an environment where everyone – irrespective of their gender or sexual orientation – can feel accepted and valued.

• 1.1 Social Stigma and Discrimination
• 1.2 Legal Challenges
• 1.3 Healthcare Barriers
• 1.4 Mental Health Issues
• 1.5 Challenges in Education
• 1.6 Economic Inequality
• 1.7 Family Acceptance
• 1.8 Media Representation
• 1.9 Challenges Specific to the Transgender Community
• 1.10 Intersectional Discrimination
• 2 Myths And Misconceptions About LGBTQ Community
• 3 Strategies To Cope With LGBTQ Challenges In Society
• 4 Conclusion

What Are Some LGBTQ Challenges In Society?

Social Stigma and Discrimination

The LGBTQ+ community faces significant social stigma and discrimination. This is largely rooted in societal norms, cultural beliefs, and personal biases. That leads to a lack of acceptance and respect for LGBTQ+ identities. This can range from casual microaggressions to outright acts of hate and violence. Some LGBTQ+ individuals experience ostracism from their communities or families, while others may face harassment or physical harm. These experiences can contribute to a sense of isolation, low self-esteem, and increased risk of mental health issues among the LGBTQ+ population.

Legal Challenges

Despite progress in certain areas, many countries still lack comprehensive laws to protect LGBTQ+ individuals. In some places, acts like same-sex relations or gender transition are criminalized, which puts individuals at risk of imprisonment, violence, or even death. Even in countries where homosexuality is legal, other protective laws might be lacking. For instance, employment law may not protect against discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity, allowing employers to fire or refuse to hire people because of their LGBTQ+ status.

Healthcare Barriers

Discrimination can also infiltrate healthcare systems, creating numerous barriers for LGBTQ+ individuals. These include stigmatization by healthcare providers, refusal of care, inadequate or disrespectful treatment, and lack of provider knowledge about LGBTQ+ health issues. Transgender individuals, in particular, may find it challenging to access the necessary health services. Such as hormone therapy or gender-affirming surgeries. Moreover, a lack of sex education that includes LGBTQ+ relationships and experiences can lead to higher risks of sexually transmitted infections.

Mental Health Issues

Challenges in Education

LGBTQ+ students often face a host of challenges in educational environments. Bullying, harassment, and discrimination from both peers and school staff can create an unwelcoming and unsafe learning environment. The use of derogatory language and the threat of physical violence can be common experiences. In addition, many schools lack comprehensive policies to protect LGBTQ+ students. And sex education programs often do not include information relevant to these students.

This lack of inclusion and protection can lead to absenteeism, lower academic performance, and higher drop-out rates among LGBTQ+ students. Moreover, educators might lack the training and resources necessary to support LGBTQ+ students effectively.

Economic Inequality

Economic disparity is a pervasive issue within the LGBTQ+ community, largely influenced by discrimination and bias. Job discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity can limit employment opportunities for LGBTQ+ individuals. They may be unjustly fired, passed over for promotions, or not hired in the first place because of their identity.

This inequality extends to income, with studies indicating wage gaps between LGBTQ+ individuals and their heterosexual peers. These economic challenges can often lead to higher rates of poverty and homelessness within the community, particularly among LGBTQ+ youth who might be kicked out of their homes after coming out to their families.

Family Acceptance

Coming out to family and friends can be an intensely challenging process for LGBTQ+ individuals. While some families are supportive, others may reject their loved ones because they cannot reconcile their preconceived notions of gender and sexuality with their family member’s identity. This rejection can have severe emotional and psychological impacts. Eventually, leading to increased rates of depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and even suicide among LGBTQ+ individuals. In the worst cases, it can result in homelessness, particularly among LGBTQ+ youth.

Media Representation

Representation matters, and the lack of it for the LGBTQ+ community in media and popular culture can be damaging. When present, portrayals of LGBTQ+ individuals are often stereotypical, overly sexualized, or focused on trauma. These portrayals can perpetuate misunderstanding and stigmatization of the community.

Lack of representation also denies the community of role models and affirming narratives that help foster self-acceptance and societal understanding. Conversely, positive and accurate representation can lead to increased acceptance and normalization of LGBTQ+ identities.

Challenges Specific to the Transgender Community

Public facilities such as bathrooms or changing rooms can become places of conflict, harassment, or violence. Transgender people also face high rates of discrimination and violence, including alarmingly high rates of murder, particularly for transgender women of color.

Intersectional Discrimination

Discrimination rarely occurs in a vacuum, and for LGBTQ+ individuals who also belong to other marginalized groups (such as racial or ethnic minorities, disabled individuals, etc.), the effects can be compounded. This concept, known as intersectionality, recognizes that individuals can face multi-faceted bias based on several aspects of their identity.

For instance, a Black transgender woman might face discrimination based on her race, gender identity, and gender expression simultaneously, each aspect amplifying the others. This intersectional discrimination often results in greater economic, social, and health disparities.

In the end, it is not just about navigating the rainbow but reshaping the world around it. And also, creating an inclusive society that celebrates diversity, ensures equal rights, and eradicates the hurdles faced by the LGBTQ+ community.

Myths And Misconceptions About LGBTQ Community

Misinformation and misconceptions can create barriers to understanding and acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community. Here are some common myths and the realities that counter them:

• Myth: Being LGBTQ+ is a choice

Reality: Sexual orientation and gender identity are integral aspects of a person’s identity, not choices. Many experts agree that these aspects are determined by a complex interplay of genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors.

• Myth: All LGBTQ+ individuals are easily identifiable

Reality: There is no specific way that LGBTQ+ individuals look, talk, or behave. Stereotypes can be harmful and do not encompass diversity and individuality within the community.

• Myth: Bisexual individuals are just confused

Reality: Bisexuality is a valid sexual orientation representing attraction to both men and women. It’s not a sign of confusion or indecisiveness.

• Myth: Transgender individuals are just going through a phase

Reality: Being transgender is a deeply held aspect of one’s identity. It’s not a phase or a fleeting feeling. Transgender individuals often experience a persistent, long-term disconnect between their gender identity and the sex assigned to them at birth, a condition known as gender dysphoria .

• Myth: Homosexuality is a modern, Western concept

Reality: Same-sex attraction has been documented throughout history and across cultures. It is not a recent phenomenon nor exclusive to Western societies.

• Myth: LGBTQ+ individuals are a danger to children

Reality: There is no correlation between an individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity and a propensity to harm children. This harmful stereotype has been debunked by numerous scientific studies.

• Myth: Being LGBTQ+ is a mental illness

Reality: Being LGBTQ+ is not a mental disorder. This misconception has been refuted by leading health organizations, including the American Psychiatric Association and the World Health Organization.

Understanding and debunking these myths is a crucial step toward fostering an accepting and inclusive society for all.

Strategies To Cope With LGBTQ Challenges In Society

1. Find Supportive Networks

One of the most helpful ways to cope is to find supportive friends, family members, or communities who understand and validate your experiences. Join local or online LGBTQ+ groups, participate in community events, or connect with LGBTQ+ resources in your area or online.

2. Seek Professional Help

Therapists or counselors, particularly those specializing in LGBTQ+ issues, can provide valuable tools to manage stress, build resilience, and improve mental health. For those in crisis, reaching out to LGBTQ+ helplines or crisis centers is important.

3. Education

Educate yourself about LGBTQ+ history, rights, and issues. This can provide a sense of community, validate your experiences, and arm you with the knowledge to engage with those less understanding or accepting.

4. Advocate for Policies and Rights

Engage in activism, either alone or as part of a group. This could involve advocating for policy changes, participating in peaceful protests, or raising awareness about LGBTQ+ issues. By advocating for rights and acceptance, you can help create a more inclusive society.

5. Practice Self-Care

Regular exercise, a balanced diet, enough sleep, and mindfulness practices can help manage stress and contribute to overall well-being. It’s also important to take breaks from social media or news when needed.

6. Set Boundaries

It’s okay to distance yourself from people or environments that are harmful or unsupportive. Prioritize your mental and emotional well-being.

Each person’s journey is unique, and what works for one might not work for another. It’s important to find strategies that suit your personal situation and needs to cope with LGBTQ challenges in society. And remember, it’s okay to seek help.

In conclusion, LGBTQ challenges in society can range from social stigma and discrimination to healthcare barriers and legal issues. And the struggle for acceptance and equal rights is multifaceted. It’s vital that we continue to debunk myths and misconceptions, encourage open dialogue, and cultivate a deeper understanding of the community’s realities.

Remember, fostering an inclusive, accepting world involves not only acknowledging the existence of these challenges but also actively working to dismantle them.

Life may sometimes be challenging for people from LGBTQ community, but Online LGBTQ Counseling can help. Get experienced LGBTQ therapists at PrideMantra: Book a trial LGBTQ therapy session

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The Experiences, Challenges and Hopes of Transgender and Nonbinary U.S. Adults

Findings from pew research center focus groups, table of contents, identity and the gender journey, navigating gender day-to-day, seeking medical care for gender transitions , connections with the broader lgbtq+ community, policy and social change.

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Introduction

Transgender and nonbinary people have gained visibility in the U.S. in recent years as celebrities from  Laverne Cox  to  Caitlyn Jenner  to  Elliot Page  have spoken openly about their gender transitions. On March 30, 2022, the White House issued a proclamation  recognizing Transgender Day of Visibility , the first time a U.S. president has done so.  

More recently, singer and actor Janelle Monáe  came out as nonbinary , while the U.S. State Department and Social Security Administration announced that Americans  will be allowed to select “X” rather than “male” or “female” for their sex  marker on their passport and Social Security applications. 

At the same time, several states have enacted or are considering legislation that would  limit the rights of transgender and nonbinary people . These include bills requiring people to use public bathrooms that correspond with the sex they were assigned at birth, prohibiting trans athletes from competing on teams that match their gender identity, and restricting the availability of health care to trans youth seeking to medically transition. 

A new Pew Research Center survey finds that 1.6% of U.S. adults are transgender or nonbinary – that is, their gender is different from the sex they were assigned at birth. This includes people who describe themselves as a man, a woman or nonbinary, or who use terms such as gender fluid or agender to describe their gender. While relatively few U.S. adults are transgender, a growing share say they know someone who is (44% today vs.  37% in 2017 ). One-in-five say they know someone who doesn’t identify as a man or woman. 

In order to better understand the experiences of transgender and nonbinary adults at a time when gender identity is at the center of many national debates, Pew Research Center conducted a series of focus groups with trans men, trans women and nonbinary adults on issues ranging from their gender journey, to how they navigate issues of gender in their day-to-day life, to what they see as the most pressing policy issues facing people who are trans or nonbinary. This is part of a larger study that includes a survey of the general public on their attitudes about gender identity and issues related to people who are transgender or nonbinary.

The terms  transgender  and  trans  are used interchangeably throughout this essay to refer to people whose gender is different from the sex they were assigned at birth. This includes, but is not limited to, transgender men (that is, men who were assigned female at birth) and transgender women (women who were assigned male at birth). 

Nonbinary adults  are defined here as those who are neither a man nor a woman or who aren’t strictly one or the other. While some nonbinary focus group participants sometimes use different terms to describe themselves, such as “gender queer,” “gender fluid” or “genderless,” all said the term “nonbinary” describes their gender in the screening questionnaire. Some, but not all, nonbinary participants also consider themselves to be transgender.

References to  gender transitions  relate to the process through which trans and nonbinary people express their gender as different from social expectations associated with the sex they were assigned at birth. This may include social, legal and medical transitions. The social aspect of a gender transition may include going by a new name or using different pronouns, or expressing their gender through their dress, mannerisms, gender roles or other ways. The legal aspect may include legally changing their name or changing their sex or gender designation on legal documents or identification.  Medical care  may include treatments such as hormone therapy, laser hair removal and/or surgery. 

References to  femme  indicate feminine gender expression. This is often in contrast to “masc,” meaning masculine gender expression.

Cisgender  is used to describe people whose gender matches the sex they were assigned at birth and who do not identify as transgender or nonbinary. 

Misgendering  is defined as referring to or addressing a person in ways that do not align with their gender identity, including using incorrect pronouns, titles (such as “sir” or “ma’am”), and other terms (such as “son” or “daughter”) that do not match their gender. 

References to  dysphoria  may include feelings of distress due to the mismatch of one’s gender and sex assigned at birth, as well as a  diagnosis of gender dysphoria , which is sometimes a prerequisite for access to health care and medical transitions.

The acronym  LGBTQ+  refers to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (or, in some cases, questioning), and other sexual orientations or gender identities that are not straight or cisgender, such as intersex, asexual or pansexual. 

Pew Research Center conducted this research to better understand the experiences and views of transgender and nonbinary U.S. adults. Because transgender and nonbinary people make up only about 1.6% of the adult U.S. population, this is a difficult population to reach with a probability-based, nationally representative survey. As an alternative, we conducted a series of focus groups with trans and nonbinary adults covering a variety of topics related to the trans and nonbinary experience. This allows us to go more in-depth on some of these topics than a survey would typically allow, and to share these experiences in the participants’ own words.

For this project, we conducted six online focus groups, with a total of 27 participants (four to five participants in each group), from March 8-10, 2022. Participants were recruited by targeted email outreach among a panel of adults who had previously said on a survey that they were transgender or nonbinary, as well as via connections through professional networks and LGBTQ+ organizations, followed by a screening call. Candidates were eligible if they met the technology requirements to participate in an online focus group and if they either said they consider themselves to be transgender or if they said their gender was nonbinary or another identity other than man or woman (regardless of whether or not they also said they were transgender). For more details, see the  Methodology . 

Participants who qualified were placed in groups as follows: one group of nonbinary adults only (with a nonbinary moderator); one group of trans women only (with a trans woman moderator); one group of trans men only (with a trans man moderator); and three groups with a mix of trans and nonbinary adults (with either a nonbinary moderator or a trans man moderator). All of the moderators had extensive experience facilitating groups, including with transgender and nonbinary participants. 

The participants were a mix of ages, races/ethnicities, and were from all corners of the country. For a detailed breakdown of the participants’ demographic characteristics, see the  Methodology .

The findings are not statistically representative and cannot be extrapolated to wider populations.

Some quotes have been lightly edited for clarity or to remove identifying details. In this essay, participants are identified as trans men, trans women, or nonbinary adults based on their answers to the screening questionnaire. These words don’t necessarily encompass all of the ways in which participants described their gender. Participants’ ages are grouped into the following categories:  late teens; early/mid/late 20s, 30s and 40s; and 50s and 60s (those ages 50 to 69 were grouped into bigger “buckets” to better preserve their anonymity).

These focus groups were not designed to be representative of the entire population of trans and nonbinary U.S. adults, but the participants’ stories provide a glimpse into some of the experiences of people who are transgender and/or nonbinary. The groups included a total of 27 transgender and nonbinary adults from around the U.S. and ranging in age from late teens to mid-60s. Most currently live in an urban area, but about half said they grew up in a suburb. The groups included a mix of White, Black, Hispanic, Asian and multiracial American participants. See  Methodology  for more details.

Most focus group participants said they knew from an early age – many as young as preschool or elementary school – that there was something different about them, even if they didn’t have the words to describe what it was. Some described feeling like they didn’t fit in with other children of their sex but didn’t know exactly why. Others said they felt like they were in the wrong body. 

“I remember preschool, [where] the boys were playing on one side and the girls were playing on the other, and I just had a moment where I realized what side I was supposed to be on and what side people thought I was supposed to be on. … Yeah, I always knew that I was male, since my earliest memories.” – Trans man, late 30s

“As a small child, like around kindergarten [or] first grade … I just was [fascinated] by how some people were small girls, and some people were small boys, and it was on my mind constantly. And I started to feel very uncomfortable, just existing as a young girl.” – Trans man, early 30s

“I was 9 and I was at day camp and I was changing with all the other 9-year-old girls … and I remember looking at everybody’s body around me and at my own body, and even though I was visually seeing the exact shapeless nine-year-old form, I literally thought to myself, ‘oh, maybe I was supposed to be a boy,’ even though I know I wasn’t seeing anything different. … And I remember being so unbothered by the thought, like not a panic, not like, ‘oh man, I’m so different, like everybody here I’m so different and this is terrible,’ I was like, ‘oh, maybe I was supposed to be a boy,’ and for some reason that exact quote really stuck in my memory.” – Nonbinary person, late 30s

“Since I was little, I felt as though I was a man who, when they were passing out bodies, someone made a goof and I got a female body instead of the male body that I should have had. But I was forced by society, especially at that time growing up, to just make my peace with having a female body.” – Nonbinary person, 50s

“I’ve known ever since I was little. I’m not really sure the age, but I just always knew when I put on boy clothes, I just felt so uncomfortable.” – Trans woman, late 30s

“It was probably as early as I can remember that I wasn’t like my brother or my father [and] not exactly like my girl cousins but I was something else, but I didn’t know what it was.” – Nonbinary person, 60s

Many participants were well into adulthood before they found the words to describe their gender. For those focus group participants, the path to self-discovery varied. Some described meeting someone who was transgender and relating to their experience; others described learning about people who are trans or nonbinary in college classes or by doing their own research.  

“I read a Time magazine article … called ‘Homosexuality in America’ … in 1969. … Of course, we didn’t have language like we do now or people were not willing to use it … [but] it was kind of the first word that I had ever heard that resonated with me at all. So, I went to school and I took the magazine, we were doing show-and-tell, and I stood up in front of the class and said, ‘I am a homosexual.’ So that began my journey to figure this stuff out.” – Nonbinary person, 60s

“It wasn’t until maybe I was 20 or so when my friend started his transition where I was like, ‘Wow, that sounds very similar to the emotions and challenges I am going through with my own identity.’ … My whole life from a very young age I was confused, but I didn’t really put a name on it until I was about 20.” – Nonbinary person, late 20s

“I knew about drag queens, but I didn’t know what trans was until I got to college and was exposed to new things, and that was when I had a word for myself for the first time.” – Trans man, early 40s

“I thought that by figuring out that I was interested in women, identifying as lesbian, I thought [my anxiety and sadness] would dissipate in time, and that was me cracking the code. But then, when I got older, I left home for the first time. I started to meet other trans people in the world. That’s when I started to become equipped with the vocabulary. The understanding that this is a concept, and this makes sense. And that’s when I started to understand that I wasn’t cisgender.” – Trans man, early 30s

“When I took a human sexuality class in undergrad and I started learning about gender and different sexualities and things like that, I was like, ‘oh my god. I feel seen.’ So, that’s where I learned about it for the first time and started understanding how I identify.” – Nonbinary person, mid-20s

Focus group participants used a wide range of words to describe how they see their gender. For many nonbinary participants, the term “nonbinary” is more of an umbrella term, but when it comes to how they describe themselves, they tend to use words like “gender queer” or “gender fluid.” The word “queer” came up many times across different groups, often to describe anyone who is not straight or cisgender. Some trans men and women preferred just the terms “man” or “woman,” while some identified strongly with the term “transgender.” The graphic below shows just some of the words the participants used to describe their gender.

The way nonbinary people conceptualize their gender varies. Some said they feel like they’re both a man and a woman – and how much they feel like they are one or the other may change depending on the day or the circumstance. Others said they don’t feel like they are either a man or a woman, or that they don’t have a gender at all. Some, but not all, also identified with the term transgender. 

“I had days where I would go out and just play with the boys and be one of the boys, and then there would be times that I would play with the girls and be one of the girls. And then I just never really knew what I was. I just knew that I would go back and forth.” – Nonbinary person, mid-20s

“Growing up with more of a masculine side or a feminine side, I just never was a fan of the labelling in terms of, ‘oh, this is a bit too masculine, you don’t wear jewelry, you don’t wear makeup, oh you’re not feminine enough.’ … I used to alternate just based on who I felt I was. So, on a certain day if I felt like wearing a dress, or a skirt versus on a different day, I felt like wearing what was considered men’s pants. … So, for me it’s always been both.” – Nonbinary person, mid-30s

“I feel like my gender is so amorphous and hard to hold and describe even. It’s been important to find words for it, to find the outlines of it, to see the shape of it, but it’s not something that I think about as who I am, because I’m more than just that.” – Nonbinary person, early 30s

“What words would I use to describe me? Genderless, if gender wasn’t a thing. … I guess if pronouns didn’t exist and you just called me [by my name]. That’s what my gender is. … And I do use nonbinary also, just because it feels easier, I guess.” – Nonbinary person, late 20s

Some participants said their gender is one of the most important parts of their identity, while others described it as one of many important parts or a small piece of how they see themselves. For some, the focus on gender can get tiring. Those who said gender isn’t a central – or at least not the most central – part of their identity mentioned race, ethnicity, religion and socioeconomic class as important aspects that shape their identity and experiences.

“It is tough because [gender] does affect every factor of your life. If you are doing medical transitioning then you have appointments, you have to pay for the appointments, you have to be working in a job that supports you to pay for those appointments. So, it is definitely integral, and it has a lot of branches. And it deals with how you act, how you relate to friends, you know, I am sure some of us can relate to having to come out multiple times in our lives. That is why sexuality and gender are very integral and I would definitely say I am proud of it. And I think being able to say that I am proud of it, and my gender, I guess is a very important part of my identity.” – Nonbinary person, late 20s

“Sometimes I get tired of thinking about my gender because I am actively [undergoing my medical transition]. So, it is a lot of things on my mind right now, constantly, and it sometimes gets very tiring. I just want to not have to think about it some days. So, I would say it’s, it’s probably in my top three [most important parts of my identity] – parent, Black, queer nonbinary.” – Nonbinary person, mid-40s

“I live in a town with a large queer and trans population and I don’t have to think about my gender most of the time other than having to come out as trans. But I’m poor and that colors everything. It’s not a chosen part of my identity but that part of my identity is a lot more influential than my gender.” – Trans man, early 40s

“My gender is very important to my identity because I feel that they go hand in hand. Now my identity is also broken down into other factors [like] character, personality and other stuff that make up the recipe for my identity. But my gender plays a big part of it. … It is important because it’s how I live my life every day. When I wake up in the morning, I do things as a woman.” – Trans woman, mid-40s

“I feel more strongly connected to my other identities outside of my gender, and I feel like parts of it’s just a more universal thing, like there’s a lot more people in my socioeconomic class and we have much more shared experiences.” – Trans man, late 30s

Some participants spoke about how their gender interacted with other aspects of their identity, such as their race, culture and religion. For some, being transgender or nonbinary can be at odds with other parts of their identity or background. 

“Culturally I’m Dominican and Puerto Rican, a little bit of the macho machismo culture, in my family, and even now, if I’m going to be a man, I’ve got to be a certain type of man. So, I cannot just be who I’m meant to be or who I want myself to be, the human being that I am.” – Trans man, mid-30s

“[Judaism] is a very binary religion. There is a lot of things like for men to do and a lot of things for women to do. … So, it is hard for me now as a gender queer person, right, to connect on some levels with [my] religion … I have just now been exposed to a bunch of trans Jewish spaces online which is amazing.” – Nonbinary person, mid-40s

“Just being Indian American, I identify and love aspects of my culture and ethnicity, and I find them amazing and I identify with that, but it’s kind of separated. So, I identify with the culture, then I identify here in terms of gender and being who I am, but I kind of feel the necessity to separate the two, unfortunately.” – Nonbinary person, mid-30s

“I think it’s really me being a Black woman or a Black man that can sometimes be difficult. And also, my ethnic background too. It’s really rough for me with my family back home and things of that nature.” – Nonbinary person, mid-20s

For some, deciding how open to be about their gender identity can be a constant calculation. Some participants reported that they choose whether or not to disclose that they are trans or nonbinary in a given situation based on how safe or comfortable they feel and whether it’s necessary for other people to know. This also varies depending on whether the participant can easily pass as a cisgender man or woman (that is, they can blend in so that others assume them to be cisgender and don’t recognize that they are trans or nonbinary).

“It just depends on whether I feel like I have the energy to bring it up, or if it feels worth it to me like with doctors and stuff like that. I always bring it up with my therapists, my primary [care doctor], I feel like she would get it. I guess it does vary on the situation and my capacity level.” – Nonbinary person, late 20s

“I decide based on the person and based on the context, like if I feel comfortable enough to share that piece of myself with them, because I do have the privilege of being able to move through the world and be identified as cis[gender] if I want to. But then it is important to me – if you’re important to me, then you will know who I am and how I identify. Otherwise, if I don’t feel comfortable or safe then I might not.” – Nonbinary person, early 30s

“The expression of my gender doesn’t vary. Who I let in to know that I was formerly female – or formerly perceived as female – is kind of on a need to know basis.” – Trans man, 60s

“It’s important to me that people not see me as cis[gender], so I have to come out a lot when I’m around new people, and sometimes that’s challenging. … It’s not information that comes out in a normal conversation. You have to force it and that’s difficult sometimes.” – Trans man, early 40s

Work is one realm where many participants said they choose not to share that they are trans or nonbinary. In some cases, this is because they want to be recognized for their work rather than the fact that they are trans or nonbinary; in others, especially for nonbinary participants, they fear it will be perceived as unprofessional.

“It’s gotten a lot better recently, but I feel like when you’re nonbinary and you use they/them pronouns, it’s just seen as really unprofessional and has been for a lot of my life.” – Nonbinary person, early 30s

“Whether it’s LinkedIn or profiles [that] have been updated, I’ve noticed people’s resumes have their pronouns now. I don’t go that far because I just feel like it’s a professional environment, it’s nobody’s business.” – Nonbinary person, mid-30s

“I don’t necessarily volunteer the information just to make it public; I want to be recognized for my character, my skill set, in my work in other ways.” – Trans man, early 30s

Some focus group participants said they don’t mind answering questions about what it’s like to be trans or nonbinary but were wary of being seen as the token trans or nonbinary person in their workplace or among acquaintances. Whether or not they are comfortable answering these types of questions sometimes depends on who’s asking, why they want to know, and how personal the questions get.

“I’ve talked to [my cousin about being trans] a lot because she has a daughter, and her daughter wants to transition. So, she always will come to me asking questions.” – Trans woman, early 40s

“It is tough being considered the only resource for these topics, right? In my job, I would hate to call myself the token nonbinary, but I was the first nonbinary person that they hired and they were like, ‘Oh, my gosh, let me ask you all the questions as you are obviously the authority on the subject.’ And it is like, ‘No, that is a part of me, but there are so many other great resources.’” – Nonbinary person, late 20s

“I don’t want to be the token. I’m not going to be no spokesperson. If you have questions, I’m the first person you can ask. Absolutely. I don’t mind discussing. Ask me some of the hardest questions, because if you ask somebody else you might get you know your clock cleaned. So, ask me now … so you can be educated properly. Otherwise, I don’t believe it’s anybody’s business.” – Trans woman, early 40s

Most nonbinary participants said they use “they/them” as their pronouns, but some prefer alternatives. These alternatives include a combination of gendered and gender-neutral pronouns (like she/they) or simply preferring that others use one’s names rather than pronouns. 

“If I could, I would just say my name is my pronoun, which I do in some spaces, but it just is not like a larger view. It feels like I’d rather have less labor on me in that regard, so I just say they/them.” – Nonbinary person, late 20s

“For me personally, I don’t get mad if someone calls me ‘he’ because I see what they’re looking at. They look and they see a guy. So, I don’t get upset. I know a few people who do … and they correct you. Me, I’m a little more fluid. So, that’s how it works for me.” – Nonbinary person, mid-30s

“I use they/she pronouns and I put ‘they’ first because that is what I think is most comfortable and it’s what I want to draw people’s attention to, because I’m 5 feet tall and 100 pounds so it’s not like I scream masculine at first sight, so I like putting ‘they’ first because otherwise people always default to ‘she.’ But I have ‘she’ in there, and I don’t know if I’d have ‘she’ in there if I had not had kids.” – Nonbinary person, late 30s

“Why is it so hard for people to think of me as nonbinary? I choose not to use only they/them pronouns because I do sometimes identify with ‘she.’ But I’m like, ‘Do I need to use they/them pronouns to be respected as nonbinary?’ Sometimes I feel like I should do that. But I don’t want to feel like I should do anything. I just want to be myself and have that be accepted and respected.” – Nonbinary person, early 30s

“I have a lot of patience for people, but [once someone in public used] they/them pronouns and I thanked them and they were like, ‘Yeah, I just figure I’d do it when I don’t know [someone’s] pronouns.’ And I’m like, ‘I love it, thank you.’” – Nonbinary person, early 30s

Transgender and nonbinary participants find affirmation of their gender identity and support in various places. Many cited their friends, chosen families (and, less commonly, their relatives), therapists or other health care providers, religion, or LGBTQ+ spaces as sources of support.

“I’m just not close with my family [of origin], but I have a huge chosen family that I love and that fully respects my identity.” – Nonbinary person, early 30s

“Before the pandemic I used to go out to bars a lot; there’s a queer bar in my town and it was a really nice place just being friends with everybody who went and everybody who worked there, it felt really nice you know, and just hearing everybody use the right pronouns for me it just felt really good.” – Nonbinary person, early 30s

“I don’t necessarily go to a lot of dedicated support groups, but I found that there’s kind of a good amount of support in areas or groups or fandoms for things that have a large LGBT population within them. Like certain shows or video games, where it’s just kind of a joke that all the gay people flock to this.”  – Trans woman, late teens

“Being able to practice my religion in a location with a congregation that is just completely chill about it, or so far has been completely chill about it, has been really amazing.” – Nonbinary person, late 30s

Many participants shared specific moments they said were small in the grand scheme of things but made them feel accepted and affirmed. Examples included going on dates, gestures of acceptance by a friend or social group, or simply participating in everyday activities.

“I went on a date with a really good-looking, handsome guy. And he didn’t know that I was trans. But I told him, and we kept talking and hanging out. … That’s not the first time that I felt affirmed or felt like somebody is treating me as I present myself. But … he made me feel wanted and beautiful.” – Trans woman, late 30s

“I play [on a men’s rec league] hockey [team]. … I joined the league like right when I first transitioned and I showed up and I was … nervous with locker rooms and stuff, and they just accepted me as male right away.” – Trans man, late 30s

“I ended up going into a barbershop. … The barber was very welcoming, and talked to me as if I was just a casual customer and there was something that clicked within that moment where, figuring out my gender identity, I just wanted to exist in the world to do these natural things like other boys and men would do. So, there was just something exciting about that. It wasn’t a super macho masculine moment, … he just made me feel like I blended in.” – Trans man, early 30s

Participants also talked about negative experiences, such as being misgendered, either intentionally or unintentionally. For example, some shared instances where they were treated or addressed as a gender other than the gender that they identify as, such as people referring to them as “he” when they go by “she,” or where they were deadnamed, meaning they were called by the name they had before they transitioned. 

“I get misgendered on the phone a lot and that’s really annoying. And then, even after I correct them, they keep doing it, sometimes on purpose and sometimes I think they’re just reading a script or something.” – Trans man, late 30s

“The times that I have been out, presenting femme, there is this very subconscious misgendering that people do and it can be very frustrating. [Once, at a restaurant,] I was dressed in makeup and nails and shoes and everything and still everyone was like, ‘Sir, what would you like?’ … Those little things – those microaggressions – they can really eat away at people.” – Nonbinary person, mid-40s

“People not calling me by the right name. My family is a big problem, they just won’t call me by my name, you know? Except for my nephew, who is of the Millennial generation, so at least he gets it.” – Nonbinary person, 60s

“I’m constantly misgendered when I go out places. I accept this – because of the way I look, people are going to perceive me as a woman and it doesn’t cause me huge dysphoria or anything, it’s just nice that the company that I keep does use the right pronouns.” – Nonbinary person, early 30s

Some participants also shared stories of discrimination, bias, humiliation, and even violence. These experiences ranged from employment discrimination to being outed (that is, someone else disclosing the fact that they are transgender or nonbinary without their permission) without their permission to physical attacks.

“I was on a date with this girl and I had to use the bathroom … and the janitor … wouldn’t let me use the men’s room, and he kept refusing to let me use the men’s room, so essentially, I ended up having to use the same bathroom as my date.” – Trans man, late 30s

“I’ve been denied employment due to my gender identity. I walked into a supermarket looking for jobs. … And they flat out didn’t let me apply. They didn’t even let me apply.” – Trans man, mid-30s

“[In high school,] this group of guys said, ‘[name] is gay.’ I ignored them but they literally threw me and tore my shirt from my back and pushed me to the ground and tried to strip me naked. And I had to fight for myself and use my bag to hit him in the face.” – Trans woman, late 20s

“I took a college course [after] I had my name changed legally and the instructor called me out in front of the class and called me a liar and outed me.” – Trans man, late 30s 

Many, but not all, participants said they have received  medical care , such as surgery or hormone therapy, as part of their gender transition. For those who haven’t undergone a medical transition, the reasons ranged from financial barriers to being nervous about medical procedures in general to simply not feeling that it was the right thing for them.

“For me to really to live my truth and live my identity, I had to have the surgery, which is why I went through it. It doesn’t mean [that others] have to, or that it will make you more or less of a woman because you have it. But for me to be comfortable, … that was a big part of it. And so, that’s why I felt I had to get it.” – Trans woman, early 40s

“I’m older and it’s an operation. … I’m just kind of scared, I guess. I’ve never had an operation. I mean, like any kind of operation. I’ve never been to the hospital or anything like that. So, it [is] just kind of scary. But I mean, I want to. I think about all the time. I guess have got to get the courage up to do it.” – Trans woman, early 40s

“I’ve decided that the dysphoria of a second puberty … would just be too much for me and I’m gender fluid enough where I’m happy, I guess.” – Nonbinary person, early 30s

“I’m too old to change anything, I mean I am what I am. [laughs]” – Nonbinary person, 60s

Many focus group participants who have sought medical treatment for their gender transition faced barriers, although some had positive experiences. For those who said there were barriers, the cost and the struggle to find sympathetic doctors were often cited as challenges. 

“I was flat out turned down by the primary care physician who had to give the go-ahead to give me a referral to an endocrinologist; I was just shut down. That was it, end of story.” – Nonbinary person, 50s

“I have not had surgery, because I can’t access surgery. So unless I get breast cancer and have a double mastectomy, surgery is just not going to happen … because my health insurance wouldn’t cover something like that. … It would be an out-of-pocket plastic surgery expense and I can’t afford that at this time.” – Nonbinary person, 50s

“Why do I need the permission of a therapist to say, ‘This person’s identity is valid,’ before I can get the health care that I need to be me, that is vital for myself and for my way of life?” – Nonbinary person, mid-40s

“[My doctor] is basically the first person that actually embraced me and made me accept [who I am].” – Trans woman, late 20s

Many people who transitioned in previous decades described how access has gotten much easier in recent years. Some described relying on underground networks to learn which doctors would help them obtain medical care or where to obtain hormones illegally. 

“It was hard financially because I started so long ago, just didn’t have access like that. Sometimes you have to try to go to Mexico or learn about someone in Mexico that was a pharmacist, I can remember that. That was a big thing, going through the border to Mexico, that was wild. So, it was just hard financially because they would charge so much for testosterone. And there was the whole bodybuilding community. If you were transitioning, you went to bodybuilders, and they would charge you five times what they got it [for], so it was kind of tough.” – Trans man, early 40s

“It was a lot harder to get a surgeon when I started transitioning; insurance was out of the question, there wasn’t really a national discussion around trans people and their particular medical needs. So, it was challenging having to pay everything out of pocket at a young age.” – Trans man, early 30s

“I guess it was hard for me to access hormones initially just because you had to jump through so many hoops, get letters, and then you had to find a provider that was willing to write it. And now it’s like people are getting it from their primary care doctor, which is great, but a very different experience than I had.” – Trans man, early 40s

The discussions also touched on whether the participants feel a connection with a broader lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) community or with other people who are LGBTQ+. Views varied, with some saying they feel an immediate connection with other people who are LGBTQ+, even with those who aren’t trans or nonbinary, and others saying they don’t necessarily feel this way. 

“It’s kind of a recurring joke where you can meet another LGBT person and it is like there is an immediate understanding, and you are basically talking and giving each other emotional support, like you have been friends for 10-plus years.” – Trans woman, late teens 

“I don’t think it’s automatic friendship between queer people, there’s like a kinship, but I don’t think there’s automatic friendship or anything. I think it’s just normal, like, how normal people make friends, just based on common interests.” – Nonbinary person, early 30s 

“I do think of myself as part of the LGBT [community] … I use the resources that are put in place for these communities, whether that’s different health care programs, support groups, they have the community centers. … So, I do consider myself to be part of this community, and I’m able to hopefully take when needed, as well as give back.” – Trans man, mid-30s

“I feel like that’s such an important part of being a part of the [LGBTQ+] alphabet soup community, that process of constantly learning and listening to each other and … growing and developing language together … I love that aspect of creating who we are together, learning and unlearning together, and I feel like that’s a part of at least the queer community spaces that I want to be in. That’s something that’s core to me.” – Nonbinary person, early 30s

“I identify as queer. I feel like I’m a part of the LGBT community. That’s more of a part of my identity than being trans. … Before I came out as trans, I identified as a lesbian. That was also a big part of my identity. So, that may be too why I feel like I’m more part of the LGB community.” – Trans man, early 40s

While many trans and nonbinary participants said they felt accepted by others in the LGBTQ+ community, some participants described their gender identity as a barrier to full acceptance. There was a sense among some participants that cisgender people who are lesbian, gay or bisexual don’t always accept people who are transgender or nonbinary.  

“I would really like to be included in the [LGBTQ+] community. But I have seen some people try to separate the T from LGB … I’ve run into a few situations throughout my time navigating the [LGBTQ+] community where I’ve been perceived – and I just want to say that there’s nothing wrong with this – I’ve been perceived as like a more feminine or gay man in a social setting, even though I’m heterosexual. … But the minute that that person found out that I wasn’t a gay man … and that I was actually a transgender person, they became cold and just distancing themselves. And I’ve been in a lot of those types of circumstances where there’s that divide between the rest of the community.” – Trans man, early 30s

“There are some lesbians who see trans men as being traitors to womanhood. Those are not people that I really identify with or want to be close to.” – Trans man, early 40s 

“It’s only in the past maybe dozen or so years, that an identity like gender fluid or gender queer was acceptable even within the LGBTQ+ community. … I tried to go to certain LGBTQ+ events as a trans man and, you know, I was not allowed in because I looked too female. The gay men would not allow me to participate.” – Nonbinary person, 50s 

“Technically based on the letters [in the acronym LGBTQ+] I am part of that community, but I’ve felt discrimination, it’s very heavily exclusive to people who are either gay or lesbian and I think that’s true … for queer or bisexual or asexual, intersex … anybody who’s not like exclusively hardcore gay or lesbian. It’s very exclusive, like excluding to those people. … I feel like the BTQ is a separate group of people…. So, I identify with the second half of the letters as a separate subset.” – Trans man, late 30s

When asked to name the most important policy or political issues facing transgender and nonbinary people in the United States today, many participants named basic needs such as housing, employment, and health care. Others cited recent legislation or policies related to people who are transgender that have made national news.

“Housing is a huge issue. Health care might be good in New York, it might be good in California, but … it’s not a national equality for trans folks. Health care is not equal across the states. Housing is not equal across the states. So, I think that the issues right now that we’re all facing is health care and housing. That’s the top, the most important things.” – Trans woman, early 40s 

“Definitely education. I think that’s very important … Whether you identify as trans or not as a young child, it’s good to understand and know the different things under the umbrella, the queer umbrella. And it is also just a respect thing. And also, the violence that happens against trans and nonbinary people. I feel like educating them very young, that kind of helps – well, it is going to help because once you understand what’s going on and you see somebody that doesn’t identify the same as you, you’ll have that respect, or you’ll have that understanding and you’re less likely to be very violent towards them.” – Nonbinary person, mid-20s 

“Employment is a big one. And I know that some areas, more metropolitan progressive-leaning areas, are really on top of this, but they’re trans people everywhere that are still being discriminated against. I think it’s a personal thing for me that goes back to my military service, but still, it’s just unfortunate. It’s an unfortunate reality.” – Trans man, early 30s

“I think just the strong intersectionality of trans people with mental health issues, or even physical health issues. … So in that way, accessing good health care or having good mental health.” – Trans man, late 30s

“I honestly think that the situation in Texas is the most pressing political and policy situation because it is a direct attack on the trans community. … And it is so insidious because it doesn’t just target bathrooms. This is saying that if you provide medical care to trans youth it is tantamount to child abuse. And it is so enraging because it is a known proven fact that access to gender affirming medical care saves lives. It saves the lives of trans youth. And trans youth have the highest suicide rate in the country.” – Nonbinary person, mid-40s 

Participants had different takes on what gets in the way of progress on issues facing transgender and nonbinary people. Some pointed to the lack of knowledge surrounding the history of these issues or not knowing someone who is transgender or nonbinary. Others mentioned misconceptions people might have about transgender and nonbinary people that influence their political and policy perspectives. 

“People who don’t know trans people, honestly … that’s the only barrier I can understand because people fear what they don’t know and then react to it a lot of the time.” – Nonbinary person, early 30s

“Sometimes even if they know someone, they still don’t consider them to be a human being, they are an ‘other,’ they are an ‘it,’ they are a ‘not like me,’ ‘not like my family,’ person and so they are put into a place socially where they can be treated badly.” – Nonbinary person, 50s

“Just the ignorance and misinformation and this quick fake social media fodder, where it encourages people who should not be part of the conversation to spread things that are not true.” – Trans man, late 30s

“Also, the political issues that face nonbinary people, it’s that people think nonbinary is some made-up thing to feel cool. It’s not to feel cool. And if someone does do it to feel cool, maybe they’re just doing that because they don’t feel comfortable within themselves.” – Nonbinary person, mid-30s

“There’s so much fear around it, and misunderstanding, and people thinking that if you’re talking to kids about gender and sexuality, that it’s sexual. And it’s like, we really need to break down that our bodies are not inherently sexual. We need to be able to talk with students and children about their bodies so that they can then feel empowered to understand themselves, advocate for themselves.” – Nonbinary person, early 30s

When asked what makes them hopeful for the future for trans and nonbinary people, some participants pointed to the way things in society have already changed and progress that has been made. For example, some mentioned greater representation and visibility of transgender and nonbinary people in entertainment and other industries, while others focused on changing societal views as things that give them hope for the future. 

“I am hopeful about the future because I see so many of us coming out and being visible and representing and showing folks that we are not to stereotype.” – Trans woman, early 40s

“Also, even though celebrity is annoying, it’s still cool when people like Willow [Smith] or Billie Eilish or all these popstars that the kids really love are like, ‘I’m nonbinary, I’m queer,’ like a lot more progressive. … Even just more visibility in TV shows and movies, the more and more that happens the more it’s like, ‘Oh yeah, we are really here, you can’t not see us.’” – Nonbinary person, late 20s

“We shouldn’t have to look to the entertainment industry for role models, we shouldn’t have to, we should be able to look to our leaders, our political leaders, but I think, that’s what gives me hope. Soon, it’s going to become a nonissue, maybe in my lifetime.” – Trans man, 60s

“I have gotten a little bit into stand-up comedy in the last few weeks, and it is like the jokes that people made ten years ago are resurfacing online and people are enraged about it. They are saying like, ‘Oh, this is totally inappropriate.’ But that comes with the recognition that things have changed, and language has changed, and people are becoming more intolerant of allowing these things to occur. So that is why I am hopeful, is being able to see that progression and hopeful continued improvement on that front.” – Nonbinary person, late 20s

“I think because of the shift of what’s happening, how everything has become so normal, and people are being more open, and within the umbrella of queerness so many different things are happening, I think as we get more comfortable and we progress as a society, it’s just going to be better. So, people don’t have to hide who they are. So, that gives me hope.” – Nonbinary person, mid-20s

For many, young people are a source of hope. Several participants talked about younger generations being more accepting of those who are transgender or nonbinary and also being more accepted by their families if they themselves are trans or nonbinary. 

“And then the other portion that gives me hope are the kids, because I work now with so many kids who are coming out as trans earlier and their families are embracing them and everything. … So I really am trusting in the young generation.” – Nonbinary person, 60s

“I mean kids don’t judge you the same way as adults do about gender, and they’re so expansive and have so much creativity. … So it’s just the kids, Gen Z, and it just makes me feel really, really hopeful.” – Nonbinary person, early 30s

“The youth, the youth. They understand almost intrinsically so much more about these things than I feel like my generation did. They give me so much hope for the future.” – Nonbinary person, early 30s

“I think future generations, just seeing this growing amount of support that they have, that it’s just going to keep improving … there’s an increase in visibility but there’s also an increase in support … like resources for parents where they can see that they don’t have to punish their kids. Their kids can grow up feeling like, ‘This is okay to be this way.’ And I feel like that’s not something that can be stopped.” – Trans man, late 30s

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Accepting the LGBTQ+ Community: Inclusivity and Equality

Table of contents, the historical struggles of the lgbtq+ community, the tangible benefits of acceptance, the moral imperative of acceptance, education as a catalyst for change, the role of media and popular culture, the importance of safe spaces, global variance and the path ahead, conclusion: the future is inclusive.

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The Rights of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender People

The struggle of LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) people for equal rights has moved to center stage. LGBT people are battling for their civil rights in Congress, in courtrooms and in the streets. Well-known figures are discussing their sexual orientation in public. Gay and lesbian people are featured in movies and on television - not as novelty characters, but as full participants in society.

Despite these advances into the American mainstream, however, LGBT people continue to face real discrimination in all areas of life. No federal law prevents a person from being fired or refused a job on the basis of sexual orientation. The nation's largest employer - the U.S. military - openly discriminates against gays and lesbians. Mothers and fathers lose child custody simply because they are gay or lesbian, and gay people are denied the right to marry.

One state even tried to fence lesbians and gay men out of the process used to pass laws. In 1992 Colorado enacted Amendment 2, which repealed existing state laws and barred future laws protecting lesbians, gay men and bisexuals from discrimination. The U. S. Supreme Court struck it down in the landmark 1996 Romer v. Evans decision.

We must conclude that Amendment 2 classifies homosexuals not to further a proper legislative end but to make them unequal to everyone else. This Colorado cannot do. A State cannot so deem a class of persons a stranger to its laws. -- Justice Anthony Kennedy Majority Opinion in Romer v. Evans I

The modern gay rights movement began dramatically in June 1969 in New York City's Greenwich Village. During a typical "raid," police tried to arrest people for their mere presence at a gay bar, but the patrons of the Stonewall Inn fought back - and the gay rights movement was launched. Using many of the grass-roots and litigation strategies employed by other 20th century activists, gay rights advocates have achieved significant progress:

• Ten states, the District of Columbia, many municipalities and hundreds of businesses and universities now ban employment discrimination.
• "Domestic Partnership" programs exist in dozens of municipalities and hundreds of private institutions, including many of the country's largest corporations and universities.
• Sodomy laws, typically used to justify discrimination against gay people, once existed nationwide; they are now on the books in only 18 states and Puerto Rico.

But the increased empowerment of LGBT people has brought about even more open and virulent anti-gay hostility:

• Although unrelated to an individual's ability, sexual orientation can still be the basis for employment decisions in both the public and private sectors in most states and municipalities.
• Violent hate crimes, such as the 1998 murder of Wyoming student Matthew Shepherd, depict a grisly backlash against LGBTs or people perceived to be gay.
• LGBT students and teachers face daily harassment and discrimination in the schools, and LGBT student groups in high schools and colleges still face roadblocks.

In 1986, after more than two decades of support for lesbian and gay struggles, the American Civil Liberties Union established a national Lesbian and Gay Rights Project. Working in close collaboration with the ACLU's affiliates nationwide, the Project coordinates the most extensive gay rights legal program in the nation. Increasing opposition from a well-organized, well-funded coalition of radical extremists and fundamentalists promises many battles and challenges ahead.

WHAT IS THE CONSTITUTIONAL BASIS FOR LGBT EQUALITY?

The struggle for legal equality for LGBT people rests on several fundamental constitutional principles.

Equal protection of the law is guaranteed by the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments and reinforced by hundreds of local, state and federal civil rights laws. Although the Fourteenth Amendment, ratified at the end of the Civil War, was designed to ensure legal equality for African Americans, Congress wrote it as a general guarantee of equality, and the courts have interpreted the Equal Protection Clause to prohibit discrimination on the basis of gender, religion and disability. The ACLU believes the Equal Protection Cluase prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation as well.

The right to privacy, or "the right to be left alone," is guaranteed by the Fourth, Fifth, Ninth and Fourteenth Amendments. In 1965, Griswold v. Connecticut struck down a state law that prohibited married couples from obtaining contraceptives, citing "zones of privacy." In 1967, Loving v. Virginia decriminalized interracial marriage. The 1972 Eisenstadt v. Baird decision recognized unmarried persons' right to contraceptives. And in 1973, Roe v. Wade recognized women's right to reproductive choice. All of these Supreme Court decisions underscore the principle that decisions about intimate relationships are personal and should be left up to the individual.

Freedom of speech and association are protected under the First Amendment. This Amendment protects the right to organize and urge government to end discrimination, to recognize lesbian and gay relationships, and to adopt laws prohibiting discrimination in the private sector. It also includes the rights to form social and political organizations, to socialize in bars and restaurants, to march or protest peacefully, to produce art with gay themes and to speak out publicly about LGBT issues.

In the Schools

Nothing is more important than making schools safe and welcoming places for gay and lesbian youth, who often face tremendous hostility from their family and community during their formative years. This means protecting students from violence, guaranteeing their right to organize events and clubs like other students, and making sure that gay teachers who might serve as healthy role models are not themselves victimized by discrimination. The ACLU has fought harassment of students in California, Nevada, Ohio and Washington, defended gay teachers in California, Idaho and Utah, and advocated for gay student groups in Alabama, Indiana, Minnesota, Utah and Wisconsin.

Harassment on the job

Mary Jo Davis had high hopes when she accepted a job offer with the Radiology Department of Pullman Memorial Hospital in Whitman County, Washington. All that changed after her supervising doctor discovered she was a lesbian. The doctor started calling her a "dyke" and "faggot," and wouldn't work with her or even speak to her. When Mary Jo protested this harassment, she was fired. Represented by the ACLU's Lesbian and Gay Rights Project, Mary Jo hopes to establish that public employees have a constitutional right to be free from discrimination and harassment in the workplace.

Sodomy and Homophobia

David Weigand could take it no longer. His son was living in the home of his former wife, along with the boy's stepfather - a convicted felon with a drinking and drug problem who was beating his wife in the presence of the child. Things got so bad that the boy had to call 911 to save his mother's life, and as a result of all the violence, the family was ultimately evicted from their home.

David asked a Mississippi family court to give him custody of his son. The court refused to do so, in essence saying that living in a home wracked with violence was preferable to living with a father who is gay and "commits sodomy." In addition to representing David before the Mississippi Supreme Court, the ACLU will continue fighting on behalf of lesbian and gay parents, and to eliminate state sodomy laws.

In the Child's Best Interest

States are supposed to make rules on adoption and foster care to protect the best interest of children in need of loving homes and families. But somehow it does not work out that way in states like Florida and Arkansas, which ban gays and lesbians from adopting and being foster parents, respectively. By challenging the discriminatory policies of these states, the ACLU is working hard to prevent similar policies from being adopted in other parts of the country.

As a reminder of what is supposed to be the essence of child-welfare policy, the ACLU's Lesbian and Gay Rights Project in 1998 published a report entitled In the Child's Best Interest: Defending Fair and Sensible Adoption Policies. To order this, the 1998 videotape Created Equal about employment discrimination against LGBTs, or any other ACLU publication, please contact ACLU Publications at 1-800-775-ACLU.

AREN'T LGBT PEOPLE DEMANDING SPECIAL RIGHTS AND PREFERENTIAL TREATMENT?

As the Supreme Court explained in Romer v. Evans, there is nothing "special" about laws which prevent people from losing jobs and homes because of who they are. Most of us take the right to participate in daily life on an equal footing for granted, the Court said, either because we already have the right under the law, or because we are not subjected to that kind of discrimination. Laws which prohibit discrimination simply give LGBT people that basic right to be equal participants in the communities in which they live.

Most Americans do not realize that many LGBT people who face discrimination - in areas from housing and employment to parenting - have no legal recourse since federal law does not prohibit discrimination against LGBT people. Extending such protection from discrimination to LGBT people is one of the many important battles ahead for the ACLU and other advocacy organizations.

ARE LGBT PEOPLE PROTECTED AGAINST DISCRIMINATION ANYWHERE IN THE COUNTRY?

Yes, twelve states (California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Hampshire, Nevada, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Vermont and Wisconsin), the District of Columbia, many municipalities, and hundreds of businesses and universities have enacted laws that protect gay, lesbian and bisexual people from employment discrimination. A smaller number of jurisdictions protect transgender people.

But in most locales in the remaining 38 states discrimination against LGBT people remains perfectly legal. Businesses openly fire LGBT employees, and every year, lesbian and gay Americans are denied jobs and access to housing, hotels and other public accommodations. Many more are forced to hide their lives, deny their families and lie about their loved ones just to get by.

The ACLU believes the best way to redress discrimination is to amend all existing federal, state and local civil rights laws and all existing business and university policies to ban discrimination based on sexual orientation.

WHAT ABOUT DOMESTIC PARTNERSHIPS?

Many cities, including New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Atlanta, the District of Columbia and Minneapolis, have created "domestic partnership" registries. They give official status to same-sex couples who register with the city. Scores of government and private companies recognize the domestic partnerships of their employees. The state of Hawaii recognizes domestic partners.

While these laws do not confer most of the rights and responsibilities of marriage, they generally grant partners some of the recognition accorded to married couples - typically, the right to visit a sick or dying partner in a hospital, sometimes sick and bereavement leave and in a few cases, health insurance and other important benefits.

Perhaps as important, these policies give some small acknowledgement to the intimate, committed relationships central to the lives of so many lesbians and gay men, which society otherwise ignores.

WHY SUPPORT SAME SEX MARRIAGE?

Denying lesbian and gay couples the right to wed not only deprives them of the social and spiritual significance of marriage; it has serious, often tragic, practical consequences. Since they can not marry, the partners of lesbians and gay men are not next of kin in times of crisis; they are not consulted on crucial medical decisions; they are not given leave to care for each other; they are not each other's legal heirs, if, like most Americans, they do not have wills. Marital status is often the basis on which employers extend health insurance, pension and other benefits. The ACLU believes that since we have attached such enormous social consequences to marriage, it violates equal protection of the law to deny lesbian and gay couples the right to wed.

WHAT ARE "SODOMY LAWS" AND WHY BOTHER WORKING TO REPEAL THEM?

Sodomy statutes generally prohibit oral and anal sex, even between consenting adults. Penalties for violating sodomy laws range from a $200 fine to 20 years imprisonment. While most sodomy laws apply to both heterosexuals and lesbians and gay men, they are primarily used against gay people. For example, some courts say sodomy laws justify separating gay parents from their children. Some cities use sodomy laws to arrest gay people for talking with each other about sex, in conversations which parallel those heterosexuals have every day.

In recent years, the legislatures of Pennsylvania, Nevada and Rhode Island joined the 23 other state legislatures which repealed sodomy laws in the 60s and 70s. Courts in Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, Montana and Tennessee have struck down the statutes. The remaining sodomy laws will be challenged in the legislatures and the courts until they are all eliminated.

"We must conclude that Amendment 2 classifies homosexuals not to further a proper legislative end but to make them unequal to everyone else. This Colorado cannot do. A State cannot so deem a class of persons a stranger to its laws."

- Justice Anthony Kennedy Majority Opinion in Romer v. Evans

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LGBT is an initialism that represents the diverse identities of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals. This term, along with its commonly used variations, serves as an umbrella term encompassing a range of sexual orientations and gender identities. It acknowledges and respects the experiences and diversity within these communities. The initialism LGBT provides a concise way to refer to these groups, promoting inclusivity and recognition of the unique challenges and contributions of individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender.

Starting around 1988, activists in the United States began adopting the initialism LGBT. It wasn't until the 1990s that the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender communities within the movement started receiving equal recognition. While the LGBT community has faced challenges and debates over the acceptance of various groups within it, the term LGBT has come to symbolize inclusivity and has had a positive impact. It serves as a unifying symbol for individuals of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities, reflecting the ongoing progress towards equal respect and understanding. The evolution of the term LGBT highlights the collective efforts of activists and serves as a reminder of the continued work needed to achieve universal acceptance within the community.

Ellen DeGeneres: A well-known comedian, actress, and talk show host, DeGeneres came out as a lesbian in 1997, making a significant impact on mainstream visibility and acceptance of the LGBT community. She has been an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and has used her platform to promote inclusivity and understanding. Sir Ian McKellen: A renowned British actor, McKellen has been openly gay and a prominent advocate for LGBT rights. He has used his platform to raise awareness, challenge discrimination, and promote inclusivity in the entertainment industry and beyond. Ellen Page (Elliot Page): Page, a Canadian actor, came out as gay in 2014 and later as transgender in 2020, changing his name to Elliot Page. He has been vocal about his experiences and has become an important advocate for transgender rights and representation in the media. Janelle Monáe: An American singer, songwriter, and actor, Monáe has identified as pansexual, openly expressing her attraction to people regardless of their gender. She has used her artistry and platform to promote LGBTQ+ visibility and empowerment. Billy Porter: A multi-talented actor, singer, and fashion icon, Porter is openly gay and has been a prominent advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. He has made a significant impact through his activism, while his unique style and presence challenge traditional gender norms.

Public opinion regarding the topic of LGBT has undergone significant transformations over time. While societal attitudes towards the LGBT community have become more accepting and supportive in various regions, it is essential to acknowledge that perspectives can vary widely based on cultural, religious, and individual beliefs. In recent years, there has been a noticeable trend towards increased acceptance and inclusivity towards LGBT individuals. Many individuals now recognize the importance of upholding equal rights and protections for people of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities. This shift can be attributed to factors such as heightened visibility of LGBT individuals in mainstream media, educational initiatives, and the tireless activism of the LGBT rights movement. However, it is crucial to note that not all individuals hold positive views towards the LGBT community. There are still pockets of resistance and discrimination, often rooted in deeply ingrained biases and misconceptions. These differing opinions contribute to ongoing debates and discussions surrounding issues like same-sex marriage, transgender rights, and the need for anti-discrimination measures.

The depiction of LGBT individuals in media has undergone significant changes, reflecting the evolving attitudes and increasing visibility of the LGBT community. In recent years, there has been a notable shift towards more authentic and diverse portrayals, highlighting the complexities and experiences of LGBT individuals. Television shows such as "Pose" have gained acclaim for their authentic representation of the transgender community and the ballroom culture in the 1980s and 1990s. This series not only features transgender actors in prominent roles but also explores the challenges and triumphs faced by the characters, providing a nuanced portrayal. Another example is the film "Moonlight," which received critical acclaim for its poignant depiction of a young, gay African American man navigating his identity and relationships. The film's exploration of sexuality and race resonated with audiences and contributed to important conversations surrounding intersectionality. Furthermore, the Netflix series "Orange Is the New Black" introduced a diverse range of LGBT characters, portraying their stories with depth and complexity. By showcasing the experiences of lesbian, bisexual, and transgender women in a prison setting, the series shed light on the intersection of sexuality, gender, and incarceration.

The topic of LGBT is important because it encompasses the rights, experiences, and identities of a significant portion of the population. Recognizing and understanding the diversity of sexual orientations and gender identities promotes inclusivity, equality, and social justice. It is crucial to address the unique challenges and discrimination faced by LGBT individuals to foster a society that embraces everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. By raising awareness, promoting acceptance, and advocating for equal rights, we can create a more inclusive and supportive environment where individuals can express their authentic selves without fear of discrimination or marginalization. Embracing the topic of LGBT is a step towards building a more compassionate and equitable society for all.

The topic of LGBT is worth writing an essay for students because it provides an opportunity for education, awareness, and personal growth. Engaging with this topic allows students to develop a deeper understanding of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities, fostering empathy and acceptance. Exploring the challenges faced by LGBT individuals, such as discrimination and social stigma, encourages critical thinking and empathy-building skills. Additionally, studying the history and achievements of the LGBT rights movement can inspire students to become advocates for equality and inclusion. By addressing the topic of LGBT, students gain valuable knowledge that is relevant to today's society, helping to create a more inclusive and respectful environment for all individuals.

1. A significant portion of the LGBT community (42%) indicates residing in unwelcoming environments, while a substantial number of gay and lesbian youth (80%) experience severe social isolation. 2. Workplace discrimination remains a concern, with 35% of LGBT staff concealing their sexual orientation or gender identity due to fear of discrimination. 3. The majority (90%) of LGBT teens choose to come out to their close friends, highlighting the importance of supportive social circles.

1. Human Rights Campaign. (n.d.). LGBT Issues. Retrieved from https://www.hrc.org/resources/topic/lgbt-issues 2. American Psychological Association. (n.d.). LGBT Resources. Retrieved from https://www.apa.org/topics/lgbt 3. GLAAD. (n.d.). About GLAAD. Retrieved from https://www.glaad.org/about 4. Lambda Legal. (n.d.). Impacting Policy. Retrieved from https://www.lambdalegal.org/issues 5. National LGBT Chamber of Commerce. (n.d.). Home. Retrieved from https://www.nglcc.org/ 6. Williams Institute. (n.d.). Research. Retrieved from https://williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu/research/ 7. The Trevor Project. (n.d.). About. Retrieved from https://www.thetrevorproject.org/about/ 8. Transgender Legal Defense & Education Fund. (n.d.). Home. Retrieved from https://transgenderlegal.org/ 9. Center for LGBTQ Economic Advancement & Research. (n.d.). Home. Retrieved from https://lgbtq-economics.org/ 10. Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD). (n.d.). GLAAD Media Reference Guide - 10th Edition. Retrieved from https://www.glaad.org/reference

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10 June 2020

J.K. Rowling Writes about Her Reasons for Speaking out on Sex and Gender Issues

Warning: the below content is not appropriate for children. please check with an adult before you read this page. to go back to the children’s page, please click here ..

This isn’t an easy piece to write, for reasons that will shortly become clear, but I know it’s time to explain myself on an issue surrounded by toxicity. I write this without any desire to add to that toxicity.

For people who don’t know: last December I tweeted my support for Maya Forstater, a tax specialist who’d lost her job for what were deemed ‘transphobic’ tweets. She took her case to an employment tribunal, asking the judge to rule on whether a philosophical belief that sex is determined by biology is protected in law. Judge Tayler ruled that it wasn’t.

My interest in trans issues pre-dated Maya’s case by almost two years, during which I followed the debate around the concept of gender identity closely. I’ve met trans people, and read sundry books, blogs and articles by trans people, gender specialists, intersex people, psychologists, safeguarding experts, social workers and doctors, and followed the discourse online and in traditional media. On one level, my interest in this issue has been professional, because I’m writing a crime series, set in the present day, and my fictional female detective is of an age to be interested in, and affected by, these issues herself, but on another, it’s intensely personal, as I’m about to explain.

All the time I’ve been researching and learning, accusations and threats from trans activists have been bubbling in my Twitter timeline. This was initially triggered by a ‘like’. When I started taking an interest in gender identity and transgender matters, I began screenshotting comments that interested me, as a way of reminding myself what I might want to research later. On one occasion, I absent-mindedly ‘liked’ instead of screenshotting. That single ‘like’ was deemed evidence of wrongthink, and a persistent low level of harassment began.

Months later, I compounded my accidental ‘like’ crime by following Magdalen Berns on Twitter. Magdalen was an immensely brave young feminist and lesbian who was dying of an aggressive brain tumour. I followed her because I wanted to contact her directly, which I succeeded in doing. However, as Magdalen was a great believer in the importance of biological sex, and didn’t believe lesbians should be called bigots for not dating trans women with penises, dots were joined in the heads of twitter trans activists, and the level of social media abuse increased.

I mention all this only to explain that I knew perfectly well what was going to happen when I supported Maya. I must have been on my fourth or fifth cancellation by then. I expected the threats of violence, to be told I was literally killing trans people with my hate , to be called cunt and bitch and, of course, for my books to be burned, although one particularly abusive man told me he’d composted them.

What I didn’t expect in the aftermath of my cancellation was the avalanche of emails and letters that came showering down upon me, the overwhelming majority of which were positive, grateful and supportive. They came from a cross-section of kind, empathetic and intelligent people, some of them working in fields dealing with gender dysphoria and trans people, who’re all deeply concerned about the way a socio-political concept is influencing politics, medical practice and safeguarding. They’re worried about the dangers to young people, gay people and about the erosion of women’s and girl’s rights. Above all, they’re worried about a climate of fear that serves nobody – least of all trans youth – well.

I’d stepped back from Twitter for many months both before and after tweeting support for Maya, because I knew it was doing nothing good for my mental health. I only returned because I wanted to share a free children’s book during the pandemic. Immediately, activists who clearly believe themselves to be good, kind and progressive people swarmed back into my timeline, assuming a right to police my speech, accuse me of hatred, call me misogynistic slurs and, above all – as every woman involved in this debate will know – TERF.

If you didn’t already know – and why should you? – ‘TERF’ is an acronym coined by trans activists, which stands for Trans-Exclusionary Radical Feminist. In practice, a huge and diverse cross-section of women are currently being called TERFs and the vast majority have never been radical feminists. Examples of so-called TERFs range from the mother of a gay child who was afraid their child wanted to transition to escape homophobic bullying, to a hitherto totally unfeminist older lady who’s vowed never to visit Marks & Spencer again because they’re allowing any man who says they identify as a woman into the women’s changing rooms. Ironically, radical feminists aren’t even trans-exclusionary – they include trans men in their feminism, because they were born women.

But accusations of TERFery have been sufficient to intimidate many people, institutions and organisations I once admired, who’re cowering before the tactics of the playground. ‘They’ll call us transphobic!’ ‘They’ll say I hate trans people!’ What next, they’ll say you’ve got fleas? Speaking as a biological woman, a lot of people in positions of power really need to grow a pair (which is doubtless literally possible, according to the kind of people who argue that clownfish prove humans aren’t a dimorphic species).

So why am I doing this? Why speak up? Why not quietly do my research and keep my head down?

Well, I’ve got five reasons for being worried about the new trans activism, and deciding I need to speak up.

Firstly, I have a charitable trust that focuses on alleviating social deprivation in Scotland, with a particular emphasis on women and children. Among other things, my trust supports projects for female prisoners and for survivors of domestic and sexual abuse. I also fund medical research into MS, a disease that behaves very differently in men and women. It’s been clear to me for a while that the new trans activism is having (or is likely to have, if all its demands are met) a significant impact on many of the causes I support, because it’s pushing to erode the legal definition of sex and replace it with gender.

The second reason is that I’m an ex-teacher and the founder of a children’s charity, which gives me an interest in both education and safeguarding. Like many others, I have deep concerns about the effect the trans rights movement is having on both.

The third is that, as a much-banned author, I’m interested in freedom of speech and have publicly defended it, even unto Donald Trump.

The fourth is where things start to get truly personal. I’m concerned about the huge explosion in young women wishing to transition and also about the increasing numbers who seem to be detransitioning (returning to their original sex), because they regret taking steps that have, in some cases, altered their bodies irrevocably, and taken away their fertility. Some say they decided to transition after realising they were same-sex attracted, and that transitioning was partly driven by homophobia, either in society or in their families.

Most people probably aren’t aware – I certainly wasn’t, until I started researching this issue properly – that ten years ago, the majority of people wanting to transition to the opposite sex were male. That ratio has now reversed. The UK has experienced a 4400% increase in girls being referred for transitioning treatment. Autistic girls are hugely overrepresented in their numbers.

The same phenomenon has been seen in the US. In 2018,  American physician and researcher Lisa Littman set out to explore it. In an interview, she said:

‘Parents online were describing a very unusual pattern of transgender-identification where multiple friends and even entire friend groups became transgender-identified at the same time. I would have been remiss had I not considered social contagion and peer influences as potential factors.’

Littman mentioned Tumblr, Reddit, Instagram and YouTube as contributing factors to Rapid Onset Gender Dysphoria, where she believes that in the realm of transgender identification ‘youth have created particularly insular echo chambers.’

Her paper caused a furore. She was accused of bias and of spreading misinformation about transgender people, subjected to a tsunami of abuse and a concerted campaign to discredit both her and her work. The journal took the paper offline and re-reviewed it before republishing it. However, her career took a similar hit to that suffered by Maya Forstater. Lisa Littman had dared challenge one of the central tenets of trans activism, which is that a person’s gender identity is innate, like sexual orientation. Nobody, the activists insisted, could ever be persuaded into being trans.

The argument of many current trans activists is that if you don’t let a gender dysphoric teenager transition, they will kill themselves. In an article explaining why he resigned from the Tavistock (an NHS gender clinic in England) psychiatrist Marcus Evans stated that claims that children will kill themselves if not permitted to transition do not ‘align substantially with any robust data or studies in this area. Nor do they align with the cases I have encountered over decades as a psychotherapist.’

The writings of young trans men reveal a group of notably sensitive and clever people.  The more of their accounts of gender dysphoria I’ve read, with their insightful descriptions of anxiety, dissociation, eating disorders, self-harm and self-hatred, the more I’ve wondered whether, if I’d been born 30 years later, I too might have tried to transition. The allure of escaping womanhood would have been huge. I struggled with severe OCD as a teenager. If I’d found community and sympathy online that I couldn’t find in my immediate environment, I believe I could have been persuaded to turn myself into the son my father had openly said he’d have preferred.

When I read about the theory of gender identity, I remember how mentally sexless I felt in youth. I remember Colette’s description of herself as a ‘mental hermaphrodite’ and Simone de Beauvoir’s words: ‘It is perfectly natural for the future woman to feel indignant at the limitations posed upon her by her sex. The real question is not why she should reject them: the problem is rather to understand why she accepts them.’

As I didn’t have a realistic possibility of becoming a man back in the 1980s, it had to be books and music that got me through both my mental health issues and the sexualised scrutiny and judgement that sets so many girls to war against their bodies in their teens. Fortunately for me, I found my own sense of otherness, and my ambivalence about being a woman, reflected in the work of female writers and musicians who reassured me that, in spite of everything a sexist world tries to throw at the female-bodied, it’s fine not to feel pink, frilly and compliant inside your own head; it’s OK to feel confused, dark, both sexual and non-sexual, unsure of what or who you are.

I want to be very clear here: I know transition will be a solution for some gender dysphoric people, although I’m also aware through extensive research that studies have consistently shown that between 60-90% of gender dysphoric teens will grow out of their dysphoria. Again and again I’ve been told to ‘just meet some trans people.’ I have: in addition to a few younger people, who were all adorable, I happen to know a self-described transsexual woman who’s older than I am and wonderful. Although she’s open about her past as a gay man, I’ve always found it hard to think of her as anything other than a woman, and I believe (and certainly hope) she’s completely happy to have transitioned. Being older, though, she went through a long and rigorous process of evaluation, psychotherapy and staged transformation. The current explosion of trans activism is urging a removal of almost all the robust systems through which candidates for sex reassignment were once required to pass. A man who intends to have no surgery and take no hormones may now secure himself a Gender Recognition Certificate and be a woman in the sight of the law. Many people aren’t aware of this.

We’re living through the most misogynistic period I’ve experienced. Back in the 80s, I imagined that my future daughters, should I have any, would have it far better than I ever did, but between the backlash against feminism and a porn-saturated online culture, I believe things have got significantly worse for girls. Never have I seen women denigrated and dehumanised to the extent they are now. From the leader of the free world’s long history of sexual assault accusations and his proud boast of ‘grabbing them by the pussy’, to the incel (‘involuntarily celibate’) movement that rages against women who won’t give them sex, to the trans activists who declare that TERFs need punching and re-educating, men across the political spectrum seem to agree: women are asking for trouble. Everywhere, women are being told to shut up and sit down, or else.

I’ve read all the arguments about femaleness not residing in the sexed body, and the assertions that biological women don’t have common experiences, and I find them, too, deeply misogynistic and regressive. It’s also clear that one of the objectives of denying the importance of sex is to erode what some seem to see as the cruelly segregationist idea of women having their own biological realities or – just as threatening – unifying realities that make them a cohesive political class. The hundreds of emails I’ve received in the last few days prove this erosion concerns many others just as much.  It isn’t enough for women to be trans allies. Women must accept and admit that there is no material difference between trans women and themselves.

But, as many women have said before me, ‘woman’ is not a costume. ‘Woman’ is not an idea in a man’s head. ‘Woman’ is not a pink brain, a liking for Jimmy Choos or any of the other sexist ideas now somehow touted as progressive. Moreover, the ‘inclusive’ language that calls female people ‘menstruators’ and ‘people with vulvas’ strikes many women as dehumanising and demeaning. I understand why trans activists consider this language to be appropriate and kind, but for those of us who’ve had degrading slurs spat at us by violent men, it’s not neutral, it’s hostile and alienating.

Which brings me to the fifth reason I’m deeply concerned about the consequences of the current trans activism.

I’ve been in the public eye now for over twenty years and have never talked publicly about being a domestic abuse and sexual assault survivor. This isn’t because I’m ashamed those things happened to me, but because they’re traumatic to revisit and remember. I also feel protective of my daughter from my first marriage. I didn’t want to claim sole ownership of a story that belongs to her, too. However, a short while ago, I asked her how she’d feel if I were publicly honest about that part of my life, and she encouraged me to go ahead.

I’m mentioning these things now not in an attempt to garner sympathy, but out of solidarity with the huge numbers of women who have histories like mine, who’ve been slurred as bigots for having concerns around single-sex spaces.

I managed to escape my first violent marriage with some difficulty, but I’m now married to a truly good and principled man, safe and secure in ways I never in a million years expected to be. However, the scars left by violence and sexual assault don’t disappear, no matter how loved you are, and no matter how much money you’ve made. My perennial jumpiness is a family joke – and even I know it’s funny – but I pray my daughters never have the same reasons I do for hating sudden loud noises, or finding people behind me when I haven’t heard them approaching.

If you could come inside my head and understand what I feel when I read about a trans woman dying at the hands of a violent man, you’d find solidarity and kinship. I have a visceral sense of the terror in which those trans women will have spent their last seconds on earth, because I too have known moments of blind fear when I realised that the only thing keeping me alive was the shaky self-restraint of my attacker.

I believe the majority of trans-identified people not only pose zero threat to others, but are vulnerable for all the reasons I’ve outlined. Trans people need and deserve protection. Like women, they’re most likely to be killed by sexual partners. Trans women who work in the sex industry, particularly trans women of colour, are at particular risk. Like every other domestic abuse and sexual assault survivor I know, I feel nothing but empathy and solidarity with trans women who’ve been abused by men.

So I want trans women to be safe. At the same time, I do not want to make natal girls and women less safe. When you throw open the doors of bathrooms and changing rooms to any man who believes or feels he’s a woman – and, as I’ve said, gender confirmation certificates may now be granted without any need for surgery or hormones – then you open the door to any and all men who wish to come inside. That is the simple truth.

On Saturday morning, I read that the Scottish government is proceeding with its controversial gender recognition plans, which will in effect mean that all a man needs to ‘become a woman’ is to say he’s one. To use a very contemporary word, I was ‘triggered’. Ground down by the relentless attacks from trans activists on social media, when I was only there to give children feedback about pictures they’d drawn for my book under lockdown, I spent much of Saturday in a very dark place inside my head, as memories of a serious sexual assault I suffered in my twenties recurred on a loop. That assault happened at a time and in a space where I was vulnerable, and a man capitalised on an opportunity.  I couldn’t shut out those memories and I was finding it hard to contain my anger and disappointment about the way I believe my government is playing fast and loose with womens and girls’ safety.

Late on Saturday evening, scrolling through children’s pictures before I went to bed, I forgot the first rule of Twitter – never, ever expect a nuanced conversation – and reacted to what I felt was degrading language about women. I spoke up about the importance of sex and have been paying the price ever since. I was transphobic, I was a cunt, a bitch, a TERF, I deserved cancelling, punching and death. You are Voldemort said one person, clearly feeling this was the only language I’d understand.

It would be so much easier to tweet the approved hashtags – because of course trans rights are human rights and of course trans lives matter – scoop up the woke cookies and bask in a virtue-signalling afterglow. There’s joy, relief and safety in conformity. As Simone de Beauvoir also wrote, “… without a doubt it is more comfortable to endure blind bondage than to work for one’s liberation; the dead, too, are better suited to the earth than the living.”

Huge numbers of women are justifiably terrified by the trans activists; I know this because so many have got in touch with me to tell their stories. They’re afraid of doxxing, of losing their jobs or their livelihoods, and of violence.

But endlessly unpleasant as its constant targeting of me has been, I refuse to bow down to a movement that I believe is doing demonstrable harm in seeking to erode ‘woman’ as a political and biological class and offering cover to predators like few before it. I stand alongside the brave women and men, gay, straight and trans, who’re standing up for freedom of speech and thought, and for the rights and safety of some of the most vulnerable in our society: young gay kids, fragile teenagers, and women who’re reliant on and wish to retain their single sex spaces. Polls show those women are in the vast majority, and exclude only those privileged or lucky enough never to have come up against male violence or sexual assault, and who’ve never troubled to educate themselves on how prevalent it is.

The one thing that gives me hope is that the women who can protest and organise, are doing so, and they have some truly decent men and trans people alongside them. Political parties seeking to appease the loudest voices in this debate are ignoring women’s concerns at their peril. In the UK, women are reaching out to each other across party lines, concerned about the erosion of their hard-won rights and widespread intimidation. None of the gender critical women I’ve talked to hates trans people; on the contrary. Many of them became interested in this issue in the first place out of concern for trans youth, and they’re hugely sympathetic towards trans adults who simply want to live their lives, but who’re facing a backlash for a brand of activism they don’t endorse. The supreme irony is that the attempt to silence women with the word ‘TERF’ may have pushed more young women towards radical feminism than the movement’s seen in decades.

The last thing I want to say is this. I haven’t written this essay in the hope that anybody will get out a violin for me, not even a teeny-weeny one. I’m extraordinarily fortunate; I’m a survivor, certainly not a victim. I’ve only mentioned my past because, like every other human being on this planet, I have a complex backstory, which shapes my fears, my interests and my opinions. I never forget that inner complexity when I’m creating a fictional character and I certainly never forget it when it comes to trans people.

All I’m asking – all I want – is for similar empathy, similar understanding, to be extended to the many millions of women whose sole crime is wanting their concerns to be heard without receiving threats and abuse.

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LGBT rights - Essay Samples And Topic Ideas For Free

LGBT rights pertain to the civil rights and social equality for individuals identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender. Essays on this topic could explore the evolution of LGBT rights over time, the impact of legislation, societal attitudes, and the ongoing struggles for equality faced by the LGBT community. They might also compare and contrast the status of LGBT rights in different countries, or delve into the intersections of LGBT rights with other social justice movements. A vast selection of complimentary essay illustrations pertaining to LGBT Rights you can find at PapersOwl Website. You can use our samples for inspiration to write your own essay, research paper, or just to explore a new topic for yourself.

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Homosexual relationships have been recorded to be a part of society since very early on in human history. Even as early as 2450 BCE, two Egyptian male royal servants -by the name of Khnumhotep and Niankhknum- in the Palace of King Nyuserre Ini, were buried next to one another inside of a tomb. The engraving on their tombstone reads that the two are “joined in life and joined in death,” and multiple illustrations depict the two servants embracing one another […]

LGBT+ Rights Movement between 1960-1980

This secondary source depicts the very first LGBT+ Sit-In in 1965. This source gives crucial information that connects the methods of protests of the LGBT+ Rights Movement to other Humanitarian Movements such as the Civil Rights Movement. These types of connections may suggest a reasoning for the quick successes of the LGBT+ Rights Movement quick acheivements with the legalization of same-sex marriage only decades later after the start of the movement, while other movements took almost hundreds of years to […]

How has History Changed to Make LGBTQ more Accepted

How has history changed to make people with in the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender community (LGBT) more accepted. In the past few years people with in the LGNT community have been more accepted than they have ever been. Most people with in the community still must fight for equal rights, but they also have been able to have more equal rights than ever before. People with in the LGBT community have overcome so much. They have overcome bulling, harassment, and […]

Equal Treatment for LGBT Community

I was surprised and shocked to hear that you can be fired or even thrown out of your home because you are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender (LGBT) (Granderson, n.d.). This was totally new to me. I thought that the LGBT community had rights like all other human beings in the United States. In the Human Rights Campaign website, I read about the suicide death of Nigel Shelby, a gay black youth. I was alarmed to find out that suicide […]

The Partisanship of Persuasion

Nelson Mandela once stated that, “History will judge us by the difference we make in the everyday lives of children”(Nepaul). In the U.S., an estimated 107,918 children in foster care are available for adoption and 2 million LGBT are interested in adopting; however, discrimination- driven people are attempting to prohibit this process (“LGBT Adoption Statistics”). Although some people believe that gay-adoption should be prohibited, same-sex couples should have the right to adoption without narrow-minded biases getting in the way. In […]

Same-Sex Marriage in America

The common person in the world is looking to be accepted by someone in our society. The generation we are living in is constantly evolving and that brings the acceptance or rejection of new ideas. One of the most spoke upon topics in the recent years has been, the marriage of Homoosexuals, or same-sex marriage. This topic of constant debate is of same-sex marriage and it can be weighed on its effects on religion, legalization,individual concerns and even economically. Religion […]

Same Sex Marriage: Annotated Bibliography

The author is an elite researcher and pro-gay sex marriage activist. The content of the book is credible enough as it relates to the subject matter by describing current statistics and trends. The author provokes the mind of readers to assume change of mindset and perception towards gays and lesbians or a better future. The author discusses the need for society to have a different mind as regards homosexuality. The author argues that same-sex marriage is healthy. It stresses for […]

To Deny People their Human Rights is to Challenge their very Humanity

Even though we are in the twenty-first freedom filled century, the subject of gay rights is still seen as a taboo in our society. One of the arguments involving gay rights is if same-sex couples should be allowed to adopt. While many support gay couples adopting, whether it is because they strongly believe in equality or because they believe that successful parenting is irrelevant to gender, many people do argue against it for many reasons such as religion, culture, and/or […]

Homosexual Men and Women

Throughout history, homosexuals have been widely discriminated against and mistreated, and only recently have gay and lesbian rights made great strides for human rights and being treated the same as a heterosexual person. In today society, gay and lesbian rights or LGBT rights have been increasingly gaining support, as the democratic party advocates for more LGBT rights within the United States of America. The gay and lesbian rights movement, although continuing to make many advancements and accomplishing many victories throughout […]

Case against same Sex Marriage

Same sex marriage is an institution between people of the same gender. It is formally or officially recognized by law if it was done on a civil marriage terms. It can also be done in a religious way where the unisex couple are brought together by a priest in a church or a mosque for the Muslims. In the recent years, there has been increased cases of unisex marriage and even countries have made it legal for couples of the […]

Freedom for same Sex Marriage

Marriage is a fundamental personal right, but it is also good for families and for society. Thera are about 9 million gay people in the US, According to the 2010 census, about 640,000 same sex couple households. That is a lot of people who are denied important legal and social benefits unless gay marriage is recognized. Gay families have been living as real families for decades now, even in the absence of the full sanction of marriage. They’ve shown that […]

LZ Granderson and Issues LGBT Community

I already knew the LGBT were discriminated against. What was startling to me were the maps Granderson pulled up, giving visual to the states that have laws protecting LGBT people, more importantly, that most states do not. I guess I never thought about the fact that without specific laws protecting LGBT American's, there is no protection against being fired, evicted from housing, and being disqualified to adopt. I think I based LGBT issues on what is reported in media, which […]

Understanding and Legalization Gay Marriage

Some people have a difficult time understanding gay marriage. Many have set views on their cosmology of how members of the same sex should or should not be together, legally. The cosmological idea of gay marriage offers a crisis and a critique within many families and governments. There are two cosmologies regarding gay marriage I would like to discuss as a contemporary cosmology crisis, the cosmology of only believing that there are only two genders and heterosexuality being the “correct” […]

Obergefell V Hodges: Marriage Equality at the Supreme Court

The 26th, of June 2015,Obergefell versus Hodges is a legal case involving gay or same sex marriages that examined the mental health and physical impacts of marriages equality, also comic the federal and state health related benefits, and the employer health insurance laws. According to Obergefell v. Hodges, Https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/14pdf/14-556_3204.pdf (SCOTUS 2014) “In a 5 - 4 decision, the Court came up to an agreement that the 14th Amendment depend up on that the states are to allow hetrosexual or lgbtq […]

Gender Bender – LGBT Community

The LGBT community is one of the largest organizations or groups in our society. Some people do not accept them because they believe it is wrong for individuals to transition to a different gender and sex. On the other hand, many people do accept and support the community, recognizing that they are people too. They understand these individuals are simply embracing themselves no matter what. The LGBT community often faces difficult challenges in their lives, stemming from various factors such […]

Discrimination of the Gay Community

The gay community has faced many accounts of discrimination and hardship to express their sexuality due to societies judgements. In history gay members of communities there were many slang terms that referenced to the meaning of a gay individual. The term “gay” which is to describe a homosexual person which was produced in between the 1960s and 1970s. This term is mainly used to identify same sex relationships in today’s society. Another slang term of homosexual men is “faggot” which […]

The Great Debate: the Marriage between Two Genders Alike

Same-sex marriage can be defined as the practice of marriage of two individuals in which they are the same gender. Ever since April 2, 2019, same-sex marriage has been legal and passed by U.S. Congress. The concept promotes equality between everyone through an emotional state of love. The U.S. Supreme Court declared that the states cannot prohibit same-sex marriage and demand that all states permit marriage licenses to same-sex couples. Although same-sex marriage is already implemented into society, many have […]

LGBT Community and Gender Equality in America

In America, the LGBT community is surrounded by queer excellence and promotes pride to those who support gay rights. However, the new liberal mindset of people regarding characteristics such as race and sexual orientation would not be possible without the relentless protesters and dedicated activists who fought hard to make their views heard through a movement that would greatly impact and shape the future of this country. The word “equality” has been used a lot over our recent fight for […]

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Lgbt Issues - Free Essay Examples and Topic Ideas

LGBT issues refer to the various challenges that individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender often face as a result of societal disapproval, discrimination, and stigmatization. These issues can manifest in various forms such as lack of legal protection, societal marginalization, and health disparities. The fight for equal rights has been ongoing for decades and remains a source of tension and discrimination around the world. The LGBTQ+ community presents a wide range of different people from all walks of life, all of whom deserve to be treated with respect and dignity. Despite ongoing struggle for recognition and equal rights, the community continues to be oppressed and marginalized in many countries around the world.

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• Final Expository – LGBT
• LGBT History
• LGBT Community
• LGBT Movement
• LGBT Culture
• The Stonewall Riots
• Discrimination faced by LGBT
• LGBT Studies
• The Issues Facing LGBT Teens
• LGBT History Month
• LGBT Health
• Fighting Against Violence in the LGBT Community
• LGBT Mental Health
• Preparing Social Workers for Helping LGBT Community
• Discrimination Towards The LGBT Community
• LGBT Community, Bullying and Suicide
• LGBT Families
• LGBT Community Centers
• Approaches That Focus On Keeping LGBT Students In School And Engaged In Learning
• Attitudes of Religions Towards LGBT Society
• LGBT Bookstores

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Defining Characteristic of LGBTQ Community Essay

Introduction, lgbtq as a community, challenges in the community, benefits of the community.

A defining characteristic of human beings is that they are social creatures. As such, relationships play a crucial role in the lives of all individuals. In most cases, people with some similarities group together and form an entity known as a community. By definition, a community is a feeling of fellowship with others, as a result of sharing common attitudes, interests, and goals.

Every person has a strong need to belong to a community. We all desire to be accepted by the people around us. As a human being, I desire a relationship with people who have attitudes, interests, and goals similar to my own. I have found this relationship in the LGBTQ community, which I am a member of.

The LGBTQ is a community since it bares some of the defining characteristic of a community. Brown and Hannis (2012) document that a community possesses attributes that easily distinguish it from the rest of the society.

The distinguishing attribute of LGBTQ people is that they have non-heterosexual sexual orientations. Another community characteristic of members of the LGBTQ is that they share in a belief, which is that people should not be discriminated against because of their sexual preferences. In addition to this, the LGBTQ is a community since it is made up of a relatively small segment of the society.

There are a number of challenges to being a part of the LGBTQ community. To begin with, this community still exists in an environment where discrimination based on sexual orientation persists. While the society is today more accepting of LGBTQ lifestyles than in the past decades, there is still significant contempt and negative pressure for LGBTQ members. Fetner, et al. (2012) reveal that once a person is involved in the LGBTQ community, he/she becomes easy to identify by the rest of the society.

This can provoke a backlash and make visible some of the hostilities to LGBTQs that remain hidden so long as the LGBTQ people are not identifiable. Being a member of the community therefore exposes me to being targeted by intolerant people who have strong anti-gay sentiments. If I was not a member of the society, I might have been able to go undetected by such people and therefore avoid discrimination.

Within the community, there is a lot of dispute and infighting. At times it feels like the LGBTQ is made up of five separate communities that have been bundled together but do not share goals or interests. People in the LGBTQ are likely to gravitate to the individuals who most closely share their identity and experiences (Nash, 2011). Lesbians therefore form a sub-community within the LGBTQ and so do gays, bisexuals, transgender and queers.

In addition to this, there is a tendency of the gay and lesbian members to isolate the transgender from their social life (Nash, 2011). This is based on the perception that transgender is not a matter of sexual orientation and as such, the issues affecting this group are different from those of the lesbian, gay and bisexual peoples’. This affects the overall cohesion of the group making it harder to tackle the important issue of obtaining justice in the society.

In spite of the challenges experienced by the LGBTQ, this community imparts a sense of positive identity and belonging to its members. Fetner, Elafros and Bortolin (2012) confirm that the LGBTQ community is a form of social support for individuals who are likely to feel isolated in the wider society because of their sexuality.

While in this society, I feel empowered by being surrounded by people who share my values and attitudes. In addition to this, I am able to gain knowledge and skills from more experienced people in the community. The LGBTQ is a place for sharing experiences and learning from other members who have faced challenges that I am going through in life. By listening to other members, I am able to obtain important life lessons that I can apply in my life.

The LGBTQ community creates a space that is free of the prejudices and discriminative attitudes that are commonplace in the greater society. In this space, I am able to express myself without fear of being judged. Being in a place where I am understood and accepted is emotionally beneficial.

Without the safe environment provided by the community, LGBTQ individuals are at greater risk of a host of social problems including depression, suicide, and drug use (Fetner, et al., 2012). The LGBTQ plays a positive role by creating a safe environment for its members.

Membership to the LGBTQ community is optional and a person has to make an individual choice to join the community. A lot of people who are eligible for membership to the community due to their sexual orientation have not joined since they fear the stigma attached to being an LGBTQ.

My decision to be a member of the LGBTQ was based on my belief that there should be more advocates for the issues that the group currently faces. By being a member of the community, I can make a positive contribution and therefore play a part in bringing about complete equality for the group.

Being a member of the LGBTQ community provides me with the opportunity to access a number of facilities specially created for my community. On of these facilities is the 519, which is a community center that plays a major role in my community. This 519 was created to serve the LGBTQ community in the Toronto area. It offers space for my community to interact and form greater ties. There are a lot of activities that can be engaged in at this space including promoting awareness of LGBTQ issues.

The Metropolitan Community Church of Toronto (MCC) is a Toronto based church that is welcoming to the LGBTQ community. While the church also has a heterosexual membership, it openly affirms the LGBTQ people and advocates for sexual equality in spite of a person’s orientation (MCC, 2014).

While I am a Muslim, I regularly volunteer at the MCC church. I feel that this church plays a major role for member of my community. It provides spiritual nourishment to a community that is otherwise ostracized by the mainstream churches. For this reason, I feel that it is my duty to contribute to the church by providing my services through volunteering.

Belonging in a community is important for the healthy social functional of an individual. Through this paper, I have discussed my membership to the LGBTQ community. For me, being a member of the LGBTQ is not only a positive experience but a beneficial one. This community provides me with a sense of belonging and acceptance that cannot be obtained in the larger society.

Brown, J. D., & Hannis, D. (2012). Community Development in Canada. (2nd ed.). Toronto: Pearson Canada.

Fetner, T., Elafros, A., & Bortolin, S. (2012). Safe Spaces: Gay-Straight Alliances in High Schools. Canadian Review of Sociology, 49 (2), 188-207.

MCC (2014). The Metropolitan Community Church of Toronto: Mission Statement. Web.

Nash, C. J. (2011). Trans experiences in lesbian and queer space. Canadian Geographer, 55 (2), 192-207.

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Apa lgbtq resources and publications.

APA has made a significant contribution to the understanding of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex people since first dedicating staff time to these populations in 1987. Over the years, APA has produced many resources to educate the public, support the work of psychologists and inform public policy about LGBTQ people and their lives and health needs. This page provides many of those resources, organized by the primary audiences for which they are intended.

Addressing bias and discrimination

Avoiding Heterosexual Bias in Language   Reprint: Committee on Lesbian and Gay Concerns. (1991). Avoiding heterosexual bias in language.  American Psychologist ® , 46,  973-974.

Avoiding Heterosexist Bias in Psychological Research   Reprint: Herek, G.M., Kimmel, D.C., Amaro, H., & Melton, G.B. (1991). Avoiding heterosexist bias in psychological research.  American Psychologist , 46 (9), 957-963.

Education and research

Students of psychology.

APAGS Committee on Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity The APAGS Committee on Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity (APAGS-CSOGD) works on behalf of the community of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender graduate students in psychology and their allies nationwide. The committee provides education, advocacy and personal and professional development opportunities to ensure the successful graduate experience of LGBTQ and allied students. The committee aspires to build, strengthen, and empower its members through the use of innovative technologies, collaborative advocacy, and inclusive practice.

Graduate Students in Psychology A selection of tools, resources, and scholarship and grant opportunities for graduate students in psychology.

Making a Doctoral Program Lesbian & Bisexual Friendly/Welcoming These suggestions create an open and supportive environment for all students, both LGBTQ and heterosexual.

Research Support and Awards   APA and non-APA opportunities.

Just the Facts About Sexual Orientation and Youth: A Primer for Principals, Educators and School Personnel ( Español ) The information in this booklet has been developed by a coalition of education, health, mental health and religious organizations that share a concern for the health and education of all students in schools, including lesbian, gay, and bisexual students, and believe that all students should have an opportunity to learn and develop in a safe and supportive environment.

Facing the school dropout dilemma   APA has a longstanding commitment to school dropout prevention as is evident from its 1996 resolution on the topic. This article seeks to complement and supplement the resolution with data from more recent research on child development, early childhood education, and social and emotional learning that helps to define the school dropout dilemma.

College guide for LGBTQ Students Each year, Campus Pride  provides a comprehensive listing of the most LGBTQ-friendly colleges in the nation and hosts a college fair specifically geared toward LGBTQ youths and their families.

LGBTQ Scholarships for College Students Scholarships established for LGBTQ college students are available from several public and private organizations, as well as individual donors.

Transgender College Students: A Guide to Finding a Supportive School This guide is designed to support trans students in learning about their rights, help them find colleges that affirm their value, and empower them to fully embrace their gender identity.

General audience resources

This Day In June This uplifting and upbeat book shares the experience of attending an LGBTQ pride festival. A Note to Parents and Caregivers provides information on how to talk to children about sexual orientation and gender identity in age-appropriate ways. Children's book (May 2014).

10 factors to consider when searching for a gender-competent therapist for your child A resource for helping parents and guardians make informed decisions when seeking psychological support services for their children who are working through gender identity issues.

Understanding Bisexuality   Information about APA resources pertaining to bisexuality, organizations that focus on bisexuality, and additional related resources.

Reducing Sexual Prejudice: The Role of Coming Out Psychological research has concluded that active sharing by LGBTQ people of what their lives are like with people they know—whether in their families, communities or workplaces and schools—is very likely to reduce others' prejudice against LGBTQ people and increase their support for social and political equality.

Report by the Task Force on Gender Identity and Gender Variance A 6 member task force reviewed the scientific literature and APA policies regarding transgender issues, then developed recommendations for education, professional training, and further research into transgenderism, and proposed how APA can best meet the needs of psychologists and students who identify as transgender or gender-variant.

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Health Information and resources from both government agencies and the non-profit health care community to address a range of LGBTQ health related topics.

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Aging Resources to address the unique disparities facing a growing population of older LGBTQ adults.

Fact Sheet: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Persons & Socioeconomic Status Why individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender are especially susceptible to being placed at a socioeconomic disadvantage.

LGBTQ Concerns and International Psychology Resources for international LGBTQ human rights advocacy, including civil societies and the International Network on Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Concerns and Transgender Issues in Psychology.

History of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Social Movements Essay written as an appendix for a lesson plan for high school psychology teachers.

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender History Month Resources on LGBTQ history and LGBTQ people.

Marriage and families

Lesbian and Gay Parenting    Includes a summary of research findings on lesbian mothers, gay fathers, and their children; an annotated bibliography of the published psychological literature; and additional resources relevant to lesbian and gay parenting.

Marriage and Family Issues for LGBTQ People    APA resources, resolutions, and amicus briefs addressing parenting and family issues for LGBTQ people.

Policy and Advocacy

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Issues, Federal   Activity updates and resources provided by the APA Public Interest Government Relations Office.

Resources for Grassroots and State-Level Advocacy on LGBTQ+ Issues Learn more about policy issues affecting the LGBTQ community. Includes talking points and references for more information on each topic.

APA Expresses Opposition To State Bills Targeting LGBTQ Citizens APA statement in response to a proliferation of state level legislation in 2016 unfavorable to LGBTQ people, and in support for the federal Equality Act to provide protections nationwide for LGBTQ people against such unfair and harmful treatment.

APA Policy Statements on Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Concerns Text and references of APA policy resolutions on lesbian, gay and bisexual concerns adopted by the American Psychological Association Council of Representatives.

Amicus Briefs List of all Amicus Briefs filed by APA in support of lesbian, gay, and bisexual issues.

Psychological Practice

Guidelines for psychological practice with transgender and gender nonconforming people.

Arabic (PDF, 1.0MB)

English (PDF, 616KB) APA council adopted new guidelines, Aug. 5–7, 2015.

Georgian (PDF, 1.4MB)

Portuguese (PDF, 816KB)

Spanish (PDF, 774KB)

Turkish (PDF, 7.7MB)

Applying the APA Guidelines for Psychological Practice for Transgender and Gender Nonconforming People in Everyday Practice The March 29, 2018, webinar presented by Sand Chang, PhD, describes the rationale for the guidelines, lists applications of the guidelines and discusses how to utilize related clinical skills. Webinar recording | Presentation (PDF, 1MB)

Guidelines for Psychological Practice with Sexual Minority Persons

English Approved as APA Policy by the Council of Representatives, February 26–28, 2021.

Chinese (PDF, 1.6MB)

Georgian (PDF, 6.2MB)

Polish (PDF, 1.2MB)

Spanish (PDF, 538KB)

Report of the APA Task Force on Appropriate Therapeutic Responses to Sexual Orientation

English A six-member task force conducted a systematic review of the peer-reviewed journal literature on sexual orientation change efforts (SOCE). They concluded that such efforts are unlikely to be successful and involve some risk of harm, contrary to claims of SOCE practitioners and advocates.

More for Practitioners

Practitioner Resources and Publications A selection of tools and resources of particular interest to providers of psychological services.

Issues in Psychotherapy with Lesbians and Gay Men: A Survey of Psychologists Reprint: Garnets, L., Hancock, K.A., Cochran, S. D., Goodchilds, J., and Peplau, L.A. (1991). Issues in psychotherapy with lesbians and gay men: A survey of psychologists. American Psychologist , 46, 964-972.

Promoting Good Practices for Mental Health Facilities in Working with LGBTQ Clients with Serious Mental Illnesses Personnel who serve people with serious mental illness face important challenges in addressing the needs of LGBTQ clients.

Psychological and Neuropsychological Assessment with Transgender and Gender Nonbinary Adults Key points to consider when administering or conducting an assessment with transgender, gender nonbinary, or gender diverse adults.

LGBTQ Asylum Seekers: How Clinicians Can Help (PDF, 534KB) This resource considers the ways in which psychologists can help asylum seekers cope with trauma and navigate systems, and distinguishes between assessment vs. therapeutic and advocacy roles.

Essay Service Examples Social Issues LGBT Community

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59 samples in this category

I am writing today to talk about the alarming problem with the LGBT community. The LGBT community consists of Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people. The media represents the LGBT community as abnormal. In this speech, I am going to explain how the LGBT community is represented in this way....

I am writing today to talk about the alarming problem with the LGBT community. The LGBT community consists of Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people. The media represents the LGBT community as abnormal. In this speech, I am going to explain how the LGBT community is represented in this way. Why do we think we are more eligible than the LGBT community? The media depicts the LGBT community as an outcast, a group that is irregular, and unusual compared to everyone else. Throughout the presentation, I will be addressing how the media portrays the LGBT community in a negative way.

A lot of movies perceive people of the LGBT community to be seen as unnatural. Some movies such as the Adventure of Priscilla, and Queen of the Desert. Does represent the LGBT community in a negative way. Two drag performers and a transgender woman travel across the desert to perform their unique style of cabaret. They agree to perform a drag show at a resort in Alice Springs, a town in the remote desert. Throughout the movie, the 2 drag performers and the transgender women are seen as peculiar and somewhat unnatural. Many people in the country in 1994 did not frequently see men like this. In this movie, the producer displays negativity toward the LGBT community. The producer displays the men as outcasts. Different from everyone else. A problem in this world. The movie does not represent the realness of the LGBT community. The emotive language was used to influence the audience’s views on the LGBT community.

The media is publicizing the LGBT community negatively through various articles and documentaries. This documentary shown here demonstrates the negativity concerning values and beliefs towards the LGBT community. It displays how the community of Warwick perceives the LGBT community. The town is not opposed to same-sex marriage. The community explains why they think same-sex marriage is not acceptable. Mainly men have been asked questions about same-sex marriage by reporter Patrick Abboud, they believe that children should not be educated about same-sex marriage, as it will be a threat to our society in 20 to 30 years time. The Liberal National MP, David Littleproud, says this should be based on respect but gay men and women aren’t feeling respect from the town and the Liberal MP. 143000 voices across, 731000km2 that told pollsters at least half of them feel like this, homosexuality is not excepted by God (Abboud, 2016). The men and women who believe that same-sex marriage isn’t tolerable aren’t respectable towards the men and women who are lesbian or gay. This affects people’s lives; Young LGBT people are 4 times more likely to attempt suicide than any other people on social media. This affects the LGBT community and proves that the media does have a negative impact on marginalized groups. The town’s viewpoint was used to influence the audience’s perspective of the LGBT community.

The government isn’t providing support for the education of the LGBT community. There are various numbers of articles and news reports that state countless problems with how the government displays the media. Sky News courted out the government and Labour that failed to reach an agreement on a bill that would outlaw schools from discriminating against students based on their sexuality. The government wasn’t concerned about this situation when it should have been. Up to 80% of homophobic bullying occurs at school. This is something that the Labour and Government should really be apprehensive about. The audience interpretations of the LGBT community as irresponsible, immature, and immoral.

Did you know that half of all gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people hide their sexual orientation or gender identity from the media as they fear violence or discrimination? Why does social media display the LGBT community as a marginalized group? Social media is a vast part of our world. There are many haters on social media who mainly aim at the LGBT community. Pink news displayed a young man Stuart Bonds. . In the clip, he confirmed, “The only thing worse than a gay person with power is a woman. I don’t have a woman boss and I don’t have a gay boss, and there’s a reason for that.” (Bonds, 2019). This demonstrates disrespect to the LGBT community. No man or woman should judge anyone in that matter. Social media definitely has an effect on the LGBT community.

Consequently, the LGBT community is viewed in a negative way. The media perceives the LBGT community as abnormal and a sickness. I minority. The emotive language was used to influence the audience. The audience viewed the LGBT community in a negative way.    

The Issue Of Discrimination Of The LGBT Community

The contributions of gay liberation front to lgbt society, the issue of lgbt communities discrimination.

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LGBT Rights: Discrimination And Equality

Discrimination and inequality amongst lgbt community, the peculiarities of lgbt tourism.

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