The Lesbian/Gay Political Movement
Introduction
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In thinking about this topic, it is interesting how difficult it is to even begin the discussion. What should the title be? Should it include bisexuals and transvestites in the heading? Should it be entitled the "queer" political movement? Language has been an issue during this history of this debate, and actually since the origins of the modern political movement dealing with homosexuality. Non heterosexuals have been called by many names, mostly pejorative, including Uranians, inverts, queers, faggots, dykes, gays, and homosexuals. The contemporary political movement, which includes lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, transvestites, and transsexuals, and any others that might be defined as an alternative sexuality is a story about language and definition and community. The intention in the following pages is to look at some elements of the "non heterosexual" political movement in this century.Stonewall is not the beginning of the gay political movement, or the gay power movement, as it was earlier called. There have been many attempts to improve the position of lesbians and gay men, both in this country and in other countries. In particular, early 20th century Europe, including Germany and France, saw a birth of lesbian and gay artistic visibility, if not exactly political power and legal rights. Yet, there was movement in that direction. At the same time, the situation of most lesbians and g
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gay political movement, it was a pivot point. It served as the symbolic gesture that energized men and women who had already begun participating in the vast movements for social and political equality for women and minorities, or in the anti war movement. It allowed gay/lesbian people to think about taking the same route as other minority groups in seeking to secure basic civil and human rights within American society.
The Contemporary Situation
Thirty years ago, there was no Ellen, there were no anti discrimination laws applicable to gays and lesbians, and there was no discussion of anything even resembling gay marriage. Instead, there was a beginning movement in which gay and lesbian people primarily wanted laws removed which made it illegal to engage in homosexual acts.
Currently, there are still acts on the books making it illegal to engage in such acts, as in Georgia for example, and there is still support in the courts for such laws and support in the courts for various provisions that actively discriminate against gay people.
There is still such a degree of prejudice against gay people that Bill Clinton had to back off on his campaign promise to eliminate the ban on homosexuals in the military, substituting hi
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Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 1849
Approximate Pages = 7 (250 words per page)
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