Lesbians, gays, bisexual and transgender people are more likely to experience intolerance, discrimination, harassment, and the threat of violence due to their sexual orientation, than those that identify themselves as heterosexual. This is due to homophobia (the fear or hatred of homosexuality). Some of the factors that may reinforce homophobia on a larger scale are moral, religious, and political beliefs of a dominant group. In some countries, homosexuality is illegal and punishable by fines, imprisonment, life imprisonment and even the death penalty.
Human sexuality is diversely experienced, and can be fixed or fluid. Male/female sexuality is blurred further with the existence of transgender, transsexual and intersex identified people. Heterosexuality should no longer... (more)
Lesbians, gays, bisexual and transgender people are more likely to experience intolerance, discrimination, harassment, and the threat of violence due to their sexual orientation, than those that identify themselves as heterosexual. This is due to homophobia (the fear or hatred of homosexuality). Some of the factors that may reinforce homophobia on a larger scale are moral, religious, and political beliefs of a dominant group. In some countries, homosexuality is illegal and punishable by fines, imprisonment, life imprisonment and even the death penalty.
Human sexuality is diversely experienced, and can be fixed or fluid. Male/female sexuality is blurred further with the existence of transgender, transsexual and intersex identified people. Heterosexuality should no longer be assumed; this assumption is called heterosexism.
Although many societies have made significant strides in human rights advocacy, LGBT rights struggle to find universal acceptance. The fact that the
Universal Declaration for Human Rights, drafted in 1948, does not specifically include sexual orientation allows some people to consider LGBT rights debatable. The declaration does however state: “Everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration without distinction of any kind…”
Despite these discouraging realities, more and more people are openly expressing their sexual orientation, and organizing and demanding their rights. Because of the work of these groups and their allies, acceptance of LGBT rights around the world is growing, and governments in certain countries are beginning to legislate in favor or LGBT rights and anti-discrimination laws. Influential international human rights organizations such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch continue to run effective campaigns.
In the coming years the major issues for LGBT rights on a global scale will be: eradicating persecution based on sexual orientation; protection in the law from hate crimes and hate propaganda; equal rights and privileges (marriage, common law partnerships, medical-decision making, wills and estates, parenting and adoption) and to work and educate others on homophobia and heterosexism. (
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