Sexual Orientation Discrimination in the USA Presented by Grebenyuk Vasilissa and Simonenko Kate Presented by Grebenyuk Vasilissa and Simonenko Kate

What is discrimination?  Discrimination - the prejudicial treatment of different groups of people based on certain characteristics.

What is sexual orientation? Each state defines this term in its own way. E.g., California: “Heterosexuality, homosexuality, and bisexuality”, including “perception that the person has (any of these characteristics).” Cal. Gov. Code § 12926(q) Maryland: “The identification of an individual as to male or female homosexuality, heterosexuality, or bisexuality.” Md. Ann. Code art. 49B, § 15(j) Each state defines this term in its own way. E.g., California: “Heterosexuality, homosexuality, and bisexuality”, including “perception that the person has (any of these characteristics).” Cal. Gov. Code § 12926(q) Maryland: “The identification of an individual as to male or female homosexuality, heterosexuality, or bisexuality.” Md. Ann. Code art. 49B, § 15(j)

What is sexual orientation? According to the Employment Non- Discrimination Act of 2001 (ENDA), Sexual orientation - homosexuality, bisexuality, or heterosexuality, whether the orientation is real or perceived. (sec. 3(9)) *ENDA - a bill that would make discrimination a violation of federal law According to the Employment Non- Discrimination Act of 2001 (ENDA), Sexual orientation - homosexuality, bisexuality, or heterosexuality, whether the orientation is real or perceived. (sec. 3(9)) *ENDA - a bill that would make discrimination a violation of federal law

Whom does it concern?  Gay  Lesbian  Bisexual  Transsexual/Transgender etc.  Gay  Lesbian  Bisexual  Transsexual/Transgender etc. LGTB

Areas of discrimination  Employment  Accommodation  Access to public places  Education etc.  Employment  Accommodation  Access to public places  Education etc.

Laws FEDERAL LAWS  The Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) FEDERAL LAWS  The Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA)

STATE LAWS  15 states and the District of Columbia have laws that currently prohibit sexual orientation discrimination in both public and private jobs  Over 180 cities and counties prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation in at least some workplaces. STATE LAWS  15 states and the District of Columbia have laws that currently prohibit sexual orientation discrimination in both public and private jobs  Over 180 cities and counties prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation in at least some workplaces.

National organizations  The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Foundation (NGLTF) (1973)  The Human Rights Campaign (Washington, D.C.)  Gays and Lesbians Everywhere in Education (GLEE)  Parents, Families & Friends of Lesbians & Gays (PFLAG)  The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Foundation (NGLTF) (1973)  The Human Rights Campaign (Washington, D.C.)  Gays and Lesbians Everywhere in Education (GLEE)  Parents, Families & Friends of Lesbians & Gays (PFLAG)

The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Foundation Foundation: 1973 Mission: building the grassroot political power of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community to win complete equality. Actions: training activists, equipping state and local organizations with the skills needed to organize broad-based campaigns to defeat anti-LGBT referenda and advance pro-LGBT legislation, and building the organizational capacity of the movement. Offices: Washington, DC; New York, NY; Cambridge, MA; Los Angeles, CA; Miami, FL; Minneapolis, MN. Issues: Aging Anti-Gay Industry Bisexuality Campus Elections & Politics Faith Hate Crimes Health & HIV/AIDS Marriage/Partner Recognition Nondiscrimination Parenting & Family Racial & Economic Justice Transgender Youth

How do they maintain their rights?  Gay Pride Parades

“Everyone else has a chance to express their affection freely, and for one day in New York, you can be free and not feel ashamed or embarrassed.” Roberto Hermosilla “Everyone else has a chance to express their affection freely, and for one day in New York, you can be free and not feel ashamed or embarrassed.” Roberto Hermosilla

References  United States General Accounting Office “Sexual Orientation-Based Employment Discrimination”  Employment Non-Discrimination Act 2007 Action Center html  Gay Pride Parades Held Across US 06/26/content_ htm  The Gay Parades of the 70s ml  PFLAG  United States General Accounting Office “Sexual Orientation-Based Employment Discrimination”  Employment Non-Discrimination Act 2007 Action Center html  Gay Pride Parades Held Across US 06/26/content_ htm  The Gay Parades of the 70s ml  PFLAG

References  Discrimination in These United States n_in_US.htm  NGLTF  GLEE  Discrimination in These United States n_in_US.htm  NGLTF  GLEE