Most Americans believe that LGBTQ people have federal protections in areas such as employment, housing, credit, and accommodations in public spaces; however, LGBTQ people are not equally treated under the law. Discrimination is still high, especially without laws that offer ongoing protections. Gaps in these areas as well as health care, education, and gaps in smaller businesses and religious institutions are still present.

GLAAD’s 2020 annual Accelerating Acceptance study found that a significant majority of Americans are not aware that LGBTQ people are not federally protected from discrimination in many areas of life. There is also a lack of understanding LGBTQ equality in the United States.

Did you know that 27 states have no non-discrimination protections for LGBTQ Americans?

Check out this shocking visual map of LGBTQ equality and see how Minnesota compares to other states. https://www.lgbtmap.org/equality-maps

Minnesota fared higher than many states in equality in overall policy tallies that protect the rights of LGBTQ persons as overall tally was 30/ 38.5. While results in Minnesota are encouraging, there is still a lot more work to be done at the state and national level.

One step towards accelerating equality and acceptance is to examine attitudes and comfortable level with the LGBTQ community. Discrimination needs to end.

Ways to Help Accelerate Acceptance

• Share Your Story.
• Advocate for the LGBTQ Community.
• Publicly Share and Demonstrate Support.
• Collectively Take a Stance. Join the Together Movement.
  • There is great power when collective voices come together to work towards acceptance for all. The & symbol is a proud representation.
  • https://www.glaad.org/together
• Stand up to Anti-LGBTQ Harassment or Discrimination.
• Confront Your Own Prejudices and Biases.
• Create a Safe Space that is Diverse, Inclusive, Accepting

Written By: Charlotte Johnson, MA, LPCC