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Issues for Gays and Lesbians
There is nothing abnormal in identifying, expressing
or acknowledging one's identity on grounds of sexual orientation. It is the
society that makes an issue of homosexuality and gays and lesbians suffer
in the process. There are various areas of concern for gays and lesbians
with the prime issues comprising health, employment and hate crimes. The
pressure of anti-gay activists has promoted suicidal and depressing thought
patterns amongst the homosexuals. Gay people can be fired from their jobs
on grounds of their sexual orientation. This is a big issue for those who
get their daily bread and butter from their current jobs. Besides this, physical
and verbal abuse has become a part of the daily routine of this segment of
society.
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It is a misconception
that these issues start only after gay or lesbian people attain maturity.
In reality, the discrimination starts at a very early age, sometimes when
the individual is still in school. The stress caused by homophobia and the
resultant isolation from the society has been a cause of worry for the
homosexuals. Another issue that needs to be addressed is that of domestic
violence in both gay and lesbian relationships. It has been noted that one
of the partners in the gay relationships gains a dominating position over
a passage of time over the other partner who is more of a submissive nature.
The victim seldom complains to the legal authorities with the fear of coming
out with his real identity. This gives the batterer freedom to victimize
and physically abuse his or her counterpart.
Several gay activist groups have responded to
the arguments of the employers who show biasness towards heterosexual
individuals. Several cases have been reported where hate groups have targeted
the families of homosexuals. This has led to stress disorder and other
depressions suffered by the gay and lesbian community. Even if a same sex
couple is residing together and willing to adopt a child, they face numerous
hurdles in the process. According to a research, one fifth of the gay population
has tried to attempt suicide or have harmed themselves because they were
not able to tolerate the anti-gay comments passed by their peers and associates.
Above all, gays and lesbians are not imparted the same rights which a
heterosexual couple gets after marriage. The same sex marriages are not legalized
in several parts making it all the more difficult for them to express their
concerns.
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