How can activists who have achieved legal victories for LGBTQ+ rights in the United States reconcile these wins with ongoing cultural attitudes that are often less accepting of queerness? This is an important question to consider because even though same-sex marriage became legal nationwide after a Supreme Court decision in 2015, many people still hold negative views about LGBTQ+ individuals. According to Gallup polls, 47% of Americans believe same-sex marriage is morally wrong, up from 40% just five years ago. Moreover, a 2020 survey found that nearly half of Americans think transgender athletes should not be allowed to participate in sports according to their gender identity. While progress has been made in some areas, there is still a long way to go before LGBTQ+ rights are fully recognized and accepted in all aspects of society. Activists must work hard to challenge cultural norms while also celebrating legal victories. One approach could involve using social media platforms to share positive stories about LGBTQ+ people, emphasizing the diversity within the community, and educating others about the history of oppression faced by queer people. Another strategy might include working with allies in other movements to create a more inclusive culture overall.
Advocates can partner with businesses or organizations that promote acceptance and inclusion. By taking action on multiple fronts, activists can help ensure that the progress they've achieved doesn't get erased and that queer people continue to make gains in every area of life.
It is difficult to gauge how much progress has been made when measuring attitudes alone. It is also essential to look at legislation, policies, and actions taken by institutions like schools and corporations. Despite resistance from conservative politicians, federal agencies have begun to implement protections for LGBTQ+ individuals.
President Joe Biden issued an executive order banning discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in health care, housing, employment, and education. He also directed federal agencies to take steps to protect transgender Americans, including allowing them to use their preferred name and pronouns.
Several states have passed laws prohibiting so-called "conversion therapy," a practice aimed at changing someone's sexual orientation or gender identity. In addition, many large companies have implemented nondiscrimination policies that include sexual orientation and gender identity, which can be helpful in providing resources and support to employees who are queer.
These changes don't always trickle down to smaller businesses, meaning that some members of the LGBTQ+ community may still face discrimination in their workplaces.
One challenge facing activists is convincing allies within movements that overlap with but aren't identical to the LGBTQ+ movement to join in advocating for equality.
While some feminist groups have long supported reproductive rights and challenged gender norms, they may not see the connection between this work and fighting for LGBTQ+ rights. Similarly, racial justice organizations might focus more on addressing police brutality and mass incarceration than LGBTQ+ issues. To bridge these gaps, it is essential to highlight how racism, sexism, and other forms of oppression intersect with homophobia and transphobia. Activists should also emphasize the interconnected nature of these struggles and how they all contribute to structural inequality. By uniting around shared goals, activists can create a broader coalition and build a more powerful movement for change.
It is crucial to remember that progress isn't always linear or predictable. The fight for civil rights has seen setbacks before, including during the 1980s when conservative politicians rose to power, leading to an increase in anti-gay rhetoric and policies. Despite these setbacks, activists must continue to push for change, knowing that every step forward is significant. They can take heart from past victories and use them as motivation to keep going.
Achieving full acceptance and inclusion will require sustained effort, patience, and resilience. By staying committed to their cause, activists can help ensure a more just and equitable society where queer people are treated with dignity and respect.
How do activists reconcile incremental legal progress with ongoing cultural hostility?
Psychologically, it can be challenging for activists to accept that their efforts may not produce immediate results. They may feel discouraged by the lack of progress and blame themselves or others for not being more effective. To cope with this, they must focus on the positive impact they have already made, remind themselves of why their cause is important, and seek out support from like-minded individuals who share their values.