The Effects of Sexual Orientation Discrimination

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“I was raised around heterosexuals, as all heterosexuals are, that’s where us gay people come from…you heterosexuals.” This is a quote from Ellen DeGeneres; an openly gay celebrity. Ellen, as well as thousands of other Americans are taking a stand to end homophobia. Homophobia refers to discriminatory remarks or actions directed towards a lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgendered (LGBT) person. Homophobia has many damaging effects and for this purpose, should be stopped. Some major effects of homophobia are discrimination at work, the emotional impact it has on homosexuals, and the lack of family recognition. Discrimination against ones sexual orientation not only happens on the streets, it happens in the workplace as well.
The United States legislation is supposed to protect all U.S. employees from all forms of discrimination, whether it’s racial, religious, or sexual discrimination. This is stated in Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Dawson). With this being said why is it that this title does not seem to apply to the homosexual community? Data from a 1989-1991 national survey found that gay and bisexual male workers earned eleven percent to twenty-seven percent less than heterosexual workers, regardless of their occupation (Badgett). It is statistically proven that LGBT workers earn less than heterosexuals in most cases. Discrimination of this kind can lead to depressed wages and underemployment for an entire subset of the population (Klobuchar). Most homosexuals choose to hide their sexual identity from their coworkers because of the discrimination they could face (Dawson). “Lesbian and gay men who voluntarily disclose their sexual orientation to employers and coworkers may trade off the risk for diminished career ad...

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...ion and Gender Identity”. Joint Economic Committee. U.S. Government, Nov. 2013. Web. 29 Jan. 2014.
O'Hanlan, Katherine A., and others. "Homophobia Is a Health Hazard." USA Today (Farmingdale). Nov. 1996: 26-29. SIRS Issues Researcher. Web. 08 Dec. 2013.
Rafferty, Anna. “Homophobia”. Palo Alto Medical Foundation. Sutter Health, Oct. 2013. Web. 25 Nov. 2013.
"Should Gay Marriage Be Legal?". ProCon. 20 Nov. 2013. Web. 01 Dec. 2013.
Tavernise, Sabrina. “Adoptions Rise by Same-Sex Couples, Despite Legal Barriers”. New York Times. 14 Jun. 2011: A.11. SIRS Issues Researcher. Web. 04 Dec. 2013.
Wolfson, Even. Homosexuals Should Be Allowed to Marry. Homosexuality. Ed. Auriana Ojeda. Farmington Hills: Greenhaven Press, 2004. 170-180. Print.
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