COMMUNITY

The LGBT community or GLBT community, commonly referred to as a gay community, is a loosely defined grouping of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) . These communities generally celebrated pride, diversity, individuality, and sexuality. LGBT activists and sociologists see LGBT community building as an antidote to heterosexism, homophobia, biphobia, transphobia, sexualism, and conformist pressure thought to exist in the larger society.

Lesbians, gay men and bisexuals are found in all occupations and professions. It is estimated that one in 10 of the population are lesbian or gay. But society assumes heterosexuality is the only natural and acceptable life style. Many lesbian, gay men, and bisexuals are forced to hide their sexuality at work because by openly coming out they risk isolation, victimisation or even dismissal.

Damaged caused by Stigma Heterosexism is the name given to the system of beliefs, attitudes and institutional arrangements which reinforce the view that everyone is, or should be, heterosexual. A huge stigma is attached to homosexuality, which results in gay people experiencing a variety of social and economic sanction. These range from hurtful anti-gay jokes, to outright physical attack or loss of a job.

Homophobia is the term used to describe a fear of same sex relationships, or a fear of those who love the same sex. Homophobia at its worst results in violence against lesbians, gay men, and bisexuals.

Symbols The gay community is frequently associated with certain symbols; especially the rainbow or rainbow flags. The greek lambda symbol (“L” for liberation), triangles, ribbons, and gender symbols are also used as “gay acceptance” symbol.

There are many types of flags to represent subdivisions in the gay community, but the most commonly recognized one is the rainbow flag. According to Gilbert Baker each color represents a value in the community: Red = Life Orange = Healing Yellow = The Sun Green = Nature Blue = Art Violet = Spirit

Same-sex Marriage In parts of the world, partnership rights or marriage have been extended to same-sex couples. Advocates of same-sex marriage cite a range of benefits that are denied to people who cannot marry, including immigration, health care, inheritance and property rights, and other obligations and protection, as reasons why marriage should be extended to same-sex couples.

Anti-discrimination law It refers to the law on the right of people to be treated equally. Some countries mandate that in political participation people must be dealt with on an equal basis regardless of sex, age, race, ethnicity, nationality, sexual orientation, gender identity, and sometimes religious and political opinions. Examples are : Civil Rights Act of 1964(USA) Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (New South Wales, Australia)

LGBT Rights in the Philippine LGBT citizens may face different social attitudes and legal challenges. Tolerance for LGBT people has increased over the years due to greater education about sexual orientation and gender identity issues. Same-sex marriages are not legally recognized and the LGBT community is not protected by any civil rights laws.

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“I am this, You are that, Who am I to judge?” - Pope Francis