Cause and Effect

Everyday members of the gay, lesbian, transgender, and bisexual community struggle to come out to the world and say who they really are which is someone who likes the same-sex. Many people struggle to do so because over forty-seven percent of Americans strongly oppose the gay communities, (Gay Marriage Research, 1). Although there is nothing wrong with being enjoying the company of the same-sex, those who are open about their sexual orientations are most often shunned from society, bullied more frequently, and have their rights taken away more than one who is straight. This not only affects the gay communities, but everyone around them as well. There are about nine-million LGBT members in America, (Politico, 2). Within this large number, only fifteen states legally allow these members to marry the same-sex, (ProCon.Org, 2). There are fifty states and only fifteen allow equality under the law, which is breathtaking. Not allowing these marriages to happen can cause many protests, heartbreaks, and the Constitution to be questioned. If we were “all equal”, would marriage really be favored for everyone? A whopping forty-three percent of people favor same-sex marriage, (Gay Marriage Research, 11). Considering how many United States citizens there are, this is a very low number and should gradually become higher. Members of these communities often face the most hate crimes, brutal beatings, and bullying among classmates and/or even parents. Often gays are the ones most vulnerable to be shunned from society for their way of life. These actions cause many day to day problems as includes: suicide, depression, and acts of self-harm. “LGBT youth were more likely to report depression and depressive symptoms, previous suicide attempts, and non-suicidal self-injury” (Dr. Mustanski, 3). When society is against everything that you are, most people turn to self-harm or suicide to cope with who they are, gay. The rate of homosexual suicide is sixty-two percent, (National Coalition for the Homeless, 16). Not only are the gay community youth more likely to result in harm, but also to drug abusing. “In terms of substance use, LGBT youth were more likely to use tobacco, alcohol, and marijuana” (Dr. Mustanksi, 3). Drug abusers usually turn to drugs to get away from their problems, similar to the way obese society members turn to food or depressed people turn to self-injuries. Teenagers who are members of the LGBT community are more likely to be abandoned by their families’ out way “straight” children. “Twenty percent of homeless youth are LGBT. In comparison, the general youth population is only ten percent LGBT” (National Coalition for the Homeless, 2). These teenagers or even adults are commonly known for being removed from their religious families because most religions believe homosexuality is a sin in the eyes of God. “LGBT youth, once homeless, are at higher risk for victimization, mental health problems, and unsafe sexual practices” (National Coalition for the Homeless, 5). Homeless gay citizens are more likely to endure themselves in prostitution, horrific surroundings, and are at a higher risk of HIV/AIDS. MSM (Men who have sex with men) account for more than half of the HIV population among the gay community. “MSM accounted for 78% of the new HIV infections among males” (CDC, 23). Teenagers, adults, and elderly are not limited to be affected by the hatred against the LGBT societies. If more people do not become more tolerant of these communities, suicide numbers will gradually become higher, the homeless homosexual rates will grow, and America will continue to be indifferent. Support same-sex couples and do not discriminate, we are all the same.