The Gay Agenda. A phrase that has been shouted from the mountain tops in opposition of the LGBTQ+ "lifestyle." However, when asked, no one seems quite sure what The Gay Agenda actually is. Am I failing in my existence as a gay man, because I didn't get the memo in the mail? Since I'm not sure what Agenda I'm supposed to be following, I made this list based on what I thought The Gay Agenda is supposed to be. Maybe we'll all understand a bit better.

1. Marriage Equality
The equal right to legal marriage with a partner of my choosing, regardless of gender. This right includes all of the same benefits permitted to heterosexual couples, including, but not limited to: tax benefits, survivor's benefits, next-of-kin status, court protections, civil liberties, separation/divorce proceedings, etc. (Mission Accomplished)

A bill adding an amendment to the civil rights act of 1964 to include sexual orientation and gender identity as a fully protected category in workplace, housing, public business, public institutions, schools and federal funded institutions. This would allow LGBTQ+ individuals to seek restitutions on those who discriminated against them simply due to their sexual orientation or gender identity and prevent further cases without penalty.

Bills such as Indiana's Religious Freedom Restoration Act or North Carolina's HB2 (I live in NC, sadly). Such laws further alienate the LGBTQ+ community and reinforce that we are not welcome in the places that we call home. They need to go.

A law that discriminates and punishes military personnel for expressing their sexual orientation while serving in the US Armed forces. If a person has made the choice to give their lives for their country, their country should not turn their back on them for ANY reason. (Mission Accomplished)

It is still legal for parents to send their children to conversion therapy programs in order to "change their sexuality." Apart from the fact that they don't work and have been disavowed by every credible psychiatric authority, the practice is extremely harmful and deadly to those subjected to it. If adults wish to willfully submit themselves to these kinds of programs, then that is their right. To force a minor against their will, though, is downright child abuse.

There have been 23 murders of Trans persons in 2016. Violence against LGBTQ+ individuals are at an all time high in the US, and outside of our country homosexuality is still illegal in 74 countries, several of them carrying death as the penalty. These are human lives, plain and simple. A hate crime is a hate crime and should be treated as such.

Women in the US are still fighting battles for equality. What does this have to do with the Gay Agenda? If we are not all equal, no one is. When a woman has to fight for their right to equal pay, maternity leave, proper healthcare and body autonomy (to name a few), our job is far from done.

LGBTQ+ representation in mainstream media is growing, however we still have a long way to go. The tragic gay romance or the funny GBF are getting a little old. LGBTQ+ characters are more likely to die in dramatic works than any other group. Transgender parts should be played by transgender persons, not cis actors. ("But Stephen, that's why it's called acting!" Did I mention I have a theatre degree?)

Sexual education is overwhelmingly slanted in the hetero favor. LGBTQ+ sexuality and gender identity should be covered, not just for the benefits for LGBTQ+ students, but also for the education of ALL students. Tolerance and respect come from understanding. Of course, the whole sex ed system need a serious revamp. We see how well abstinence education has worked.