Inequality Based on Sexual Orientation

Inequality based on one's sexual orientation has been an issue for generations. Back in the 1930s with Nazi Germany,  Adolf Hitler did not only murder Jewish people, but many others like the elders, the disabled, the ill and even the homosexuals. However homosexuals were discriminated even further "At least 5,000 gay men were imprisoned, and many more were put in mental institutions. Several hundred other gay men were castrated, and up to 15,000 were placed in concentration camps, where most died of disease, starvation or murder." (Barken; 2011)

http://www.sodahead.com/united-states/kansas-house-approves-catholic-backed-bill-that-legalizes-anti-gay-discrimination/question-2549957/

The original attacks on homosexuals was eighty years ago but this idea that they are unequal to others is still around today. Sexual Orientation is defined as "a preference for emotional-sexual relationships with individuals of the same sex (homosexuality), the opposite sex (heterosexuality), or both (bisexuality)." (Kendall; 2013) With this basis, both men and women can be considered homosexual and they both see a large amount of discrimination on a daily basis.

Regarding a religious opinion, many people see homosexuality as a sin and that it goes against the words of the Bible. In both the book of Matthews and Genesis a passage talks about marriage but does not specify any alternatives to the marriage of a man and a woman. Due to this many religiously affiliated people view gays and lesbians as evil and have been seen to be greatly opposed to them. 

http://www.debate.org/opinions/archbishop-of-canterbury-christians-must-repent-for-their-homophobia-do-you-agree

In recent years a community of people have joined to help stop this discrimination. New stories of abuse and discrimination to homosexuals go viral constantly and new campaign ads work to encourage equality. Many well known celebrities like Morgan Freeman, Ellen Page, Ellen Degeneres and Kate Winslet have become advocates to people around the world to support people regardless of their sexual orientation. 

http://cristianaziraldo.altervista.org/taking-stand-against-homophobia-schools/

Websites and charitable organizations have been created to assist these people in their fight for equal rights for things like same-sex marriage. One very large campaign called "NOH8" has created an online resources for anyone interested in helping them and can be found here. Their mission statements is "The NOH8 Campaign is a charitable organization whose mission is to promote marriage, gender and human equality through education, advocacy, social media, and visual protest."

Another well known organization is the Human Rights Campaign. They fight for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Rights in all different circumstances. They have special organizations for athletes, parents, teens and many other specialized groups that struggle with discrimination because of sexual orientation. Similarly, the Advocates for Youth are specifically designed to assist young people looking for help and encouragement to live the life they choose for themselves.  

The World has truly evolved in the last few years and have been much more accepting to people regardless of sexual orientation. One video I found that truly captures the change that people have made today is a social experiment where a gay couple asks people to translate a message they received from someone helping them book a hotel. It is amazing to see how far society has come with being more open to others not only with the LGBT community but with other minorities as well. 

Citation:

"Combating Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity." Combating Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Nov. 2015.

"Sexual Orientation and Social Inequality." -My Sociologist.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Nov. 2015

"Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Workplace Issues." Catalyst. N.p., 01 Nov. 2012. Web.19 Nov. 2015