Throughout history gay and lesbian individuals have suffered oppression and discrimination for their homosexuality. Homosexual individuals’ dual internally with issues of personal beliefs, values, and morals while fighting off outside offenses. Society and politics discuss homosexuality and the permissions and protections that are provided as if homosexuality were not already a practice within relationships. To fully consider the suffrage of homosexuals one must account for discrimination based dominantly on assumption while also considering any additional minorities the individual is a part of. Members of these sexualities face discrimination and oppression without protection from the legal system (Harper & Schneider, …show more content…
In some historical cities homosexual behavior became a part of public life while other cities sought to criminalize the behavior (Aldrich, 2004). The development of communities offering support and subcultures providing connections are recorded in America during the Harlem Renaissance after World War 1. During World War 2 American’s witnessed the bluntness of the “Don’t tell, don’t ask” policy utilized by the military. This policy allowed gay men an opportunity to defend America, yet even during service faced discriminatory statements and actions. New movements seek to acknowledge individuals who fought for a country while being persecuted through oral interviewing (Estes, 2005). Furthermore, current business ventures seek to provide safe and accepting environments for the aging homosexual community through the construction of gay and lesbian retirement communities (Beard, 2002). These progressive retirement communities already have a waiting list of future …show more content…
Historically homosexuals are legally oppressed, suffering lack of employment opportunities as well as verbal and physical violence. Though physical violence can be legally pursued, it is not always reported. Sodomy laws were actively in place in all states until many states decided to review their criminal laws; striking sodomy from criminal offenses in 1961 (2013). Sodomy laws provided a government sanctioned discrimination and unfortunately still exist in some states. Consequently, individuals prosecuted under sexually illicit acts may find their charges increased in cases of same-sex as a result of sodomy laws still being active. However, as same-sex relations are hitting the news America joined with other countries to legalize same-sex marriage in 2015. This change allows for federally recognized same-sex couples to share in benefits otherwise reserved for heterosexual married couples. Incidentally, this brings old arguments to the table such as same-sex parenting. Same-sex parenting has reflected no documented deficiencies in child-rearing despite stereotypical beliefs that the child/children would suffer as a result. Same-sex parenting is still met with