Amplify: Issues - GLBTQ Rights

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If you:

are gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, or questioning (GLBTQ),
think you might be GLBTQ,
have friends or family who are GLBTQ,
or just believe in equal rights for all people,

...then there is a lot to talk about right now – and a lot to be mad about.

Gay marriage is banned in 45 states and at the national level.

A children’s book about two fathers raising a child is banned from libraries – even it’s a true story and the fathers are penguins.

GLBTQ young men are most at risk for HIV, yet most sex education programs don’t include information about safer sex with same-gender partners.

Many GLBTQ youth are bullied and discriminated against in schools.

And last year, a young man named Lawrence King, just 15 years old, was allegedly killed by a classmate for being openly gay.

Discrimination can be even more severe for young people around the world. In many countries homosexuality is a crime. GLBTQ people risk their futures and lives if they have relationships or express who they are.

This generation will not stand for this inequality and danger for GLBTQ youth. We will make sure the world is a safer and more equal place for all young people.

Take Action!

What do you think about homophobia and discrimination in your community? What’s your coming-out story? Have you or your friends experienced discrimination because of your sexuality? What do you think about gay marriage? Write a blog about GLBTQ issues.

Interested in this issue? Keep reading!

Read about related issues on Amplify

Abstinence-Only-Until Marriage Programs
Discrimination
HIV
Social Justice and Human Rights
Sex and Our Culture

HealthFacts: GLBTQ Health

Learn about being GLBTQ, including coming out, relationships, and safer sex.

Got a question? Email a peer educator for help!

Other Resources

Need current, reliable information on this topic? Check out the links below for the latest research.

Learn to be a good ally of GLBTQ peers

GLBTQ Youth

Adolescent Sexual Health and the Dynamics of Oppression: A Call for Cultural Competency

HIV/STD Prevention and Young Men Who Have Sex with Men

en español—La prevención del VIH/ETS y los hombres jóvenes que tienen relaciones sexuales con hombres

The Impact of Homophobia and Racism on GLBTQ Youth of Color

Responding to Harassment of LGBT Youth in Schools: Snapshots from Three Trend-Setting Countries

Young Men Who Have Sex with Men: At Risk for HIV and STDs

en español—Hombres jóvenes que tienen relaciones sexuales con hombres: en riesgo de contraer el VIH y otras ETS

Young Women Who Have Sex with Women: Falling through Cracks for Sexual Health Care

Do you have a question about GLBTQ health or rights?

Ask one of Advocates’ MySistahs or YouthResource Peer Educators!