Blog Post #10: LGBT and Elections

Article: http://thehill.com/blogs/congress-blog/campaign/266921-lgbt-americans-are-part-of-countrys-social-fabric

Response:

            The LGBT society has worked very hard to establish awareness about the LGBT community these last four years, especially in politics. This past election has truly depicted their dedication and efforts through the widespread support as they have achieved victories in various areas. This includes "Obama [becoming] became the first sitting president to proudly stand in support of marriage equality... [and] the election of so many national candidates who support marriage equality and other LGBT rights, including Senator-elect Tammy Baldwin." This support has assisted the LGBT community to become a positive aspect to stand behind and, in addition, pushed society to become more educated. In fact, as the people continue to support the LGBT community, their efforts are also influencing significant governmental leaders, specifically the United States Supreme Court as they review the Defense of Marriage Act, which involves prohibiting the federal government from identifying legal marriages of gay couples.

            Overall, this support is more than just holding up a sign or electing governmental figures, rather it is a huge opportunity for the LGBT community to find comfort in society. It illustrates that the LGBT community seems to fit more successfully in to the public. This is truly significant for the LGBT community and society as a whole because it brings a new fulfilling element that has not been as public before. This support includes everything from t-shirts to the association with some successful organizations. These organizations include civil rights groups such as NAACP and National Council of La Raza, which prove to be beneficial because these groups understand what it is like to struggle and have success within the community. This will provide guidelines for LGBT community to continue in their great efforts in spreading information and making people more aware, as well as changing and advocating actions for the future.

Picture #1:

 http://www.americanprogress.org/wp- content/uploads/images/staff/bio/StachelbergWinnie_bio.jpg

(Winnie Stachelberg: Center for American Progress; Also the author of the article)

Picture #2:

http://www.glaad.org/files/styles/414x/public/tumblr_m3rt09ikBl1r5jus8o1_1280_1.png

(Obama supporting LGBT)

Picture #3: 

http://blogs.browardpalmbeach.com/pulp/LGBT%20flag%20sunlight.jpg

(The LGBT flag)

Video #1: 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CD2h_91UgsI

A program called "It Gets Better" to encourage and support LGBT to tell them it gets better and help them through the abuse, etc. It has also spread to non-LGBT in order to help support the LGBT community.