Gay And Lesbian Rights

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Gay And Lesbian Rights When I read the statement that said "we shouldn't devote our efforts to promoting the rights of lesbians and gay men, since there are more important and urgent human rights issues that deserve our attention…." I was taken aback. As it stands now, nothing seems more important than bringing both equality, and general acceptance, to gay and lesbian people. Although their have been many mistakes made in the past regarding such human rights issues as slavery, race and gender rights, gay and lesbian rights should be pushed to the top of our list of priorities in that gays and lesbians are the people who appear to be facing the most discrimination and lack of ethical treatment in today's society; nothing deserves our attention more than what appears to be the biggest form of prejudice currently plaguing our culture - intolerance of those living a homosexual lifestyle, also known as homophobia. Throughout the course of this essay, the topic of homophobia will be addressed, but more importantly, how it affects those it puts down, as well as a recent example of homophobia and another example of the continuing efforts to promote gay and lesbian rights. "Homophobia - the irrational fear or hatred of those who love and sexually desire those of the same sex…."1 is how Suzanne Pharr described the topic at hand, also citing it as "… a word that calls up images of loss of freedom, verbal and physical violence, death".1 This very problem is all too relevant in today society. Homophobia plays a major role in causing those living a homosexual life to either their years in fear or in danger. As it stands now, ten to tw... ... middle of paper ... ...erstands"1; it so important that homosexual rights be brought to the forefront of human rights issues in that the people being disregarded as irregular aren't even doing anything different than anyone else. Its not an issue of treating people differently based on what they are doing, it's an matter of not being condemned for simply wishing to be who they truly are without living in that world of fear homophobia is causing them to sit in. Endnotes --------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 "Homophobia: A Weapon of Sexism" by Suzanne Pharr, pgs. 1-26 in Homophobia: A Weapon of Sexism 2 "Gay Couple Can Go To Prom, Judge Rules" by Amy Carmichael, pgs 1-3 in The Star 3 "Same-Sex Ruling To Rewrite Many Laws" by Tonda MacCharles and Tracey Tyler, pgs. 1-3 in The TorontoStar

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