On my previous post, “Pride Month in Middletown: Actions Are Louder Than Words” someone asked me to explain, “…what rights do we have that the LGBTQ+ community doesn’t have.”
I sighed after reading this comment. It’s clear the commenter has an issue with the LGBTQ+ community and its fight for equal rights—rights that would grant them the same freedoms to pursue life, liberty, and happiness without hostility or prejudice, just as members of the heterosexual community enjoy. But I’m going to try my best to indulge this person. Bear with me; there’s a lot to unpack. Let’s start by diving into the comparison of rights between heterosexual individuals and the LGBTQ+ community.
First off, let’s clear the air: rights should be universal, but, spoiler alert, they aren’t always evenly distributed. Heterosexual people, by virtue of societal norms, historically enjoy a number of privileges that LGBTQ+ individuals have had to fight for—sometimes successfully, sometimes not so much.
For starters, let’s talk about the “right to marry.” Heterosexual couples have been tying the knot without much fuss for centuries. For same-sex couples, marriage equality is a relatively new phenomenon. Even in places where same-sex marriage is legal, the journey to the altar has been marred by political and social resistance. Imagine needing a court ruling just to say "I do" to your soulmate—yikes!
While a heterosexual couple usually won't be refused services based on their relationship status, LGBTQ+ couples may still encounter businesses that decline to serve them, invoking religious beliefs as a justification. This kind of discrimination underscores the ongoing struggle for true equality.
One prominent case is Masterpiece Cakeshop, Ltd. v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission (2018). In this case, the U.S. Supreme Court sided with a Colorado baker who refused to create a wedding cake for a same-sex couple due to his religious beliefs. The Court ruled in favor of the baker, not on the grounds of broad discrimination rights, but due to perceived hostility towards his religious beliefs by the Colorado Civil Rights Commission. This case, however, opened the door for further legal battles over the balance between religious freedom and anti-discrimination protections.
Fast forward to 303 Creative LLC v. Elenis (2023), another landmark decision where the Supreme Court ruled that a Colorado web designer could refuse to create wedding websites for same-sex couples based on her religious beliefs. The Court held that requiring her to do so would violate her First Amendment rights by compelling her to express a message she disagrees with.
These cases highlight a significant area where heterosexual individuals typically face fewer obstacles.
Now, onto family life. Heterosexual couples seldom worry about the legalities of having children. LGBTQ+ individuals often face additional hurdles, whether it’s through adoption, surrogacy, or parental rights. Some states and countries still place restrictions on same-sex couples adopting children. Picture explaining to your kids why their potential sibling is stuck in legal limbo—talk about a bedtime story gone wrong.
Healthcare is another area where disparities between heterosexual and LGBTQ+ individuals are stark. While everyone might dread a trip to the doctor, LGBTQ+ individuals often face additional hurdles. Imagine gearing up for your annual physical and instead of just worrying about the usual pokes and prods, you’re also anxious about how you’ll be treated because of your sexual orientation or gender identity. Not exactly a picture of health, right?
Take, for instance, the lack of knowledgeable and sensitive care. LGBTQ+ individuals frequently encounter healthcare providers who are either uninformed about their specific needs or, worse, hold biases that affect the quality of care they receive. Transgender individuals, in particular, might struggle to find providers knowledgeable about gender-affirming treatments. Imagine explaining your medical needs only to be met with a blank stare or, even worse, outright hostility.
Discriminatory policies and practices in healthcare settings can discourage LGBTQ+ individuals from seeking care altogether. For example, in some states, religious exemptions allow healthcare providers to refuse treatment based on their beliefs. This means an LGBTQ+ person might be turned away from receiving critical services, such as hormone therapy or even routine medical care, based on the provider’s personal convictions.
LGBTQ+ individuals face higher rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide, often due to societal stigma and discrimination. Accessing mental health care can be particularly tough when providers are not culturally competent or sensitive to LGBTQ+ issues. Imagine seeking help during a mental health crisis and feeling misunderstood or judged—it's an additional layer of stress no one needs.
LGBTQ+ youth are at a greater risk of homelessness, often being rejected by their families due to their sexual orientation or gender identity. This leads to a higher likelihood of encountering violence, exploitation, and health issues. Heterosexual youth, while also facing challenges, generally do not face family rejection solely based on their identity. The safety net for LGBTQ+ youth is often full of holes, highlighting yet another disparity in lived experiences.
While strides have been made towards equality, the LGBTQ+ community continues to face unique challenges and systemic inequalities. From the right to marry, to protection from workplace discrimination, to receiving adequate healthcare, the journey towards equal rights and treatment continues.
By understanding these disparities, we can better appreciate the progress made and the work that still needs to be done.
Equality isn’t just about laws on paper; it’s about equal experiences and opportunities in everyday life. So, let’s keep pushing for a world where everyone, regardless of who they love or how they identify, enjoys the same rights and respect.
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