Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Inclusion

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What is equality? Is it just a political nomenclature or an ideological concept? Or is about working towards creating a fairer society in which each individual can enjoy his/her rights and freedom without any judgement considering that “[w]e will never have true civilization until we have learned to recognize the rights of others.” Will Rogers (1924, p210).

The task of this is essay is not so much to find the bona fide implications of the word “equality”, but rather to clarify its meaning towards individuals. It will seek to analyse how oppression and discrimination are related to inequality and will gradually develop into exploring how an individual’s sexual orientation can lead to social exclusion. Towards the end, the essay will provide steps to help organisations/professionals support equality and fair opportunities for all by denouncing oppression and discrimination.

Discrimination, at its most basic level, is about distinguishing differences. It seems like such a menial matter, but when we start to attach negative connotations to differences, negative discrimination appears and people are discriminated against (Thompson, 2003). Therefore it creates a situation where people are treated less than favourably just because they do not fit the social norm or they do not oblige CONFORM??? to social rules (provided that they do not harm other individuals). Difference is seen as a problem rather than an asset and instead of being valorized, it unfortunately opens a gate for exclusion or rejection - for instance, a lesbian’s application for promotion would be refused on the grounds of some her new colleagues being homophobic.

At the far end of discrimination, stands oppression. Although many seem to think that the terms are simil...

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...eople’s Commissioner for Wales (2011), Equality and Sexual Orientation Factsheet [Online] Available at: http://www.olderpeoplewales.com/Libraries/Factsheets_E/Equality_and_Sexual_Orientation_Factsheet.sflb.ashx [Accessed 24/11/13]

Stonewall Scotland (2009) Understanding the Housing Needs and Homeless Experiences of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) People in Scotland, A Guide for Social Housing Providers and Homelessness Services: Scottish Housing Regulator [Online] Available at: http://www.stonewall.org.uk [Accessed 24/11/13]

Stonewall Scotland (2009) Recognising and Addressing Homophobic and Transphobic Harassment, A Guide for Social Housing Providers and Homelessness Services: Scottish Housing Regulator [Online] Available at: http://www.stonewall.org.uk/documents/stonewall_housing_report_2__harassment__final.pdf [Accessed 01/12/13]

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