An Essay: Injustice Against Homosexuals

One of the biggest social injustices going on in the world today is the discrimination against gay and lesbian individuals. Blatant and latent discrimination surrounds gay communities all over the world and hatred towards these individuals ranges according to how conservative the law or citizens of the country or region are in their morals. In the African country of Angola, homosexuals are often sent to labor camps, and in Somalia, public executions are common for men and women deemed homosexual by their communities. While both of these punishments are undoubtedly cruel and harsh, things are not much different in the United States. The U.S. has been dealing with gay rights controversies heavily over the recent years and the topic remains in the forefront in recent elections. While violence isn't condoned against gays in the United States, discrimination comes in the form of cultural or religious morals.

Generally, right-wing conservative lawmakers are working hard to make sure that gay rights, including domestic partnership and gay unions, are kept out of the country in the form of laws. Many times, heavy religious morals held by a large portion of U.S. citizens begin to make separating church and state impossible, especially in rural areas and in the South. States and even the federal government have declared that it is their sole right to determine and define what exactly marriage is. This in itself is discrimination and leaves many gays outcasts in society, even though as U.S. citizens, they are given the same constitutional rights and freedoms as any other citizen.

Helping bring about change to this growing social injustice isn't easy, but it can be done, especially on individual levels. What I can personally do is work harder to not judge others and to realize that everyone in the world is equal, regardless of race, gender, religion, or sexual orientation. Not only can I change myself, but I must help promote change amongst others through awareness. I can stand up for those who are looked down upon for their sexual orientation, especially my peers. I can also vote for candidates who support gay rights and civil unions. Changing and creating laws is one vital way that gay rights can be further promoted in the United States, even if it's only on a state or local level.