1. THE LGBT COMMUNITY AND THE PROBLEMS WE FACE By Alex Allan

2. Contents LGBT Defined Homophobia Harassment Civil Issues We Are Everyone

3. LGBT Lesbian- a homosexual woman Gay- a homosexual (usually male reference) Bi-sexual- individuals attracted to both men and women Transgender- individual identifying gender other than their biological one

4. Homophobia A fear of being in the presence of gays, lesbians and/or bisexuals. Fear of the perceived threat towards family, society, culture and/or religion Engaging in violent acts against gays, lesbians and/or bisexuals. Advocating reduced civil rights for gays, lesbians and/or bisexuals.

5. Harassment Statistics Gay and lesbian youth are two to three times more likely to attempt suicide because of their sexual orientation 84% of LGBT students report being threatened and called names like “faggot” or “dyke” Students that experience frequent verbal harassment are less likely to attend college For more statistics go to: http://www.youthprideri.org/Resources/Statistics/t abid/227/Default.aspx http://www.youthprideri.org/Resources/Statistics/t abid/227/Default.aspx

6. Human Rights Everyone deserves the right to have their spousal status recognized by their government Everyone deserves the right to be protected from employment termination over sexual preferences Everyone deserves the right to have protection from someone who wishes to inflict harm on another person

7. What Gay Rights? Same-sex marriage Hate crime laws Employment Non-Discrimination Act protecting from termination over sexual orientation

8. We Are Everyone We are parents, children, brothers, sisters, athletes, celebrities, students, teachers, doctors and patients. To end the hatred, we need to end the stereotypes and increase awareness; separate church and state and simply respect individuals regardless of their sexual orientation.