LGBTQ Attitudes & Experiences

The upcoming Winter Olympic Games in Sochi have cast a spotlight on a recently-enacted Russian law banning the distribution of gay “propaganda” to minors. However, among the 15 countries that used to comprise the Soviet Union, Russia is not the only state to restrict LGBT rights.

Nearly three-quarters of the Russian population (72%) think that homosexuality is morally unacceptable, with only 18% saying it is acceptable or not a moral issue.

Every new year means adding thousands of new state laws to the books. This year’s wide range includes everything from tanning bed age limits (Illinois), to a new ban on selling shark fins (Delaware). While most new laws represent incremental change, sometimes state laws can also signal broader movement on a public policy issue or […]

President Obama said the inclusion of openly gay athletes in the U.S. delegation to the Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia underscores American values. Obama and his administration had been viewed positively by LGBT Americans even before this most recent expression of support for LGBT rights.

The battle over same-sex marriage has been about more than whether to allow gays and lesbians to wed. In every state where same-sex marriage is legal – including Illinois, which today became the 16th state to allow gays and lesbians to marry – politicians and others have also debated how to best protect religious freedom. […]

Former Vice President Dick Cheney waded into a public dispute between his daughters on Monday, highlighting the debate in the Republican party over same-sex marriage. The dispute began when daughter Liz Cheney, who is running for a Wyoming Senate seat, said she would not change her position on same-sex marriage despite her sister Mary’s marriage […]

Workplace discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and/or gender identity is banned in 22 states (including the District of Columbia).

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said last week he planned to bring the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) to the Senate floor. The measure has been advocated by the LGBT community, 57% of whom who say that equal employment rights should be a "top priority."

Same-sex couples were able to get married in New Jersey starting today when a court order went into effect ordering the state to recognize them. Gay rights advocates have stepped up their efforts to end prohibitions on gay marriage in at least 20 states.