This past June, the United States took an important step towards a more equal society in legalizing gay marriage. This established the right for same-sex couples to marry nationwide. The historic moment came almost fifty years after the gay rights movement first began in the U.S. with the Stonewall riots in New York City in 1969. However, while a substantial amount of progress has been made, complete equality has not yet been reached in every state in the United States. Recent laws passed by state senates have caused an uproar with advocates for and members of the LGBTQ community.
Most recently a law passed in North Carolina eliminated all anti-discrimination policies that protect members of LGBTQ community. In a country that promotes equality and civil rights, the destruction of laws that protect citizens of the United States from living safe, happy lives, free of discrimination is contrary to the founding principles of our country. Another law that was recently passed in Georgia, the “Preservation of Religious Freedom Act,” which would give businesses and individuals the right to discriminate against anyone who goes against their religious beliefs. This law is one that fundamentally impedes civil rights and the progressive nature of our society.
On the bright side, members of the LGBTQ community and pro-LGBT advocates have come out against such laws and movements. Specifically in Georgia, many entertainment corporations are boycotting filming in locations that support such blatant discrimination and anti-civil rights laws. These corporations include Disney, the NFL, and Sony. There has also been progress on an advocacy level with the new show on Viceland, "Gaycation." The show is a twist on a travel program that explores LGBTQ culture and rights around the world, namely in Japan, Brazil, Jamaica and the United States.
The LGBTQ community in the United States is an important aspect of our society and equality towards members of the community is just as important as any other aspect of our society.