There is an increasing amount of research indicating that acceptance of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex, asexual, ally, pansexual, and similar individuals has improved in recent years due to legislative changes favorable to them.
It may be difficult to pinpoint precisely how legislation affects societal attitudes towards these people. The most obvious way is through direct influence, such as when laws are passed making same-sex marriage legal, outlawing discrimination against LGBT persons, or criminalizing hate crimes. Other ways include more subtle effects like increased visibility and normalization of same-sex couples, which can lead to greater tolerance and understanding among family members and friends. This article will explore some of the ways legislative changes have influenced society's perception of LGBT persons over time.
The first effect of favorable legislation is often seen in terms of social capital, which refers to the resources available to individuals within their communities. When groups gain access to political power, they become more visible and accepted by mainstream society.
The decriminalization of homosexuality in the United States in 2015 made it easier for those who identify as LGBT to come out publicly without fear of being arrested or jailed. This was especially important during the early days of the AIDS epidemic, when many gays were ostracized and stigmatized because they feared contracting the disease. As more people came out and lived openly, however, attitudes began to shift, leading to greater acceptance overall. Legislation also influences economic opportunities for LGBT individuals by removing barriers that prevented them from obtaining employment or housing based on their sexual orientation or gender identity.
In addition to increasing social capital, legislative changes can affect interpersonal relations between heterosexuals and homosexuals/bisexuals/transgenders/etc. One way this occurs is through exposure to same-sex relationships in media such as television shows or movies featuring non-heteronormative characters. Seeing these depictions normalizes alternative lifestyles while providing a relatable context for discussion about diversity and inclusion within families or friend circles. It also allows people to interact with diverse individuals outside of their immediate circle without feeling threatened or uncomfortable.
Legal protections against discrimination allow gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgender persons to be treated equally under the law when seeking jobs, housing, medical care, etc., which reduces prejudice towards them in everyday life settings like stores or restaurants.
Another effect of legislative action regarding LGBT rights involves changing cultural norms related to intimacy and sexuality among heterosexuals. When laws are passed recognizing same-sex marriage or banning conversion therapy (a practice designed to change someone's sexual orientation), it sends a strong message that traditional ideas about sex roles and gender identities are no longer relevant. This opens up new possibilities for romantic partnerships and familial structures beyond those traditionally associated with "normal" heterosexual relationships.
Some parents now feel comfortable raising children together regardless of their biological relationship status; others may explore polyamory or other forms of consensual non-monogamy because they see models for doing so elsewhere in society.
How do legislative changes influence societal tolerance and interpersonal relations involving LGBT persons?
Legislative changes that favor the legal recognition of same-sex marriage have been shown to increase public acceptance of homosexuality and decrease discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) individuals. The more positive attitudes toward homosexuality are associated with increased rates of marriage equality, while states that did not enact same-sex marriage laws exhibited lower levels of acceptance.