For many generations, the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) people continued to struggle for their freedom and social acceptance. Today, proud of their achievements, they have the right to celebrate for their newfound role in the society as the American people have come to realize their existence by supporting their rights and privileges. California is one of the most liberal states in the United States where the rights of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) people received tremendous recognition.
Some of the significant laws that were passed include same-sex marriage in 2005 where California was the first state to pass a bill allowing two people to marry regardless of their gender. It established protection for sexual orientation as the Supreme Court ruled in favor of marriage equality. Despite court hearings and arguments against marriage equality, majority of Californians continued its support by pushing for more laws that recognize and support their rights including promotion and awareness of LGBT practices and values and bathroom rights of LGBT students in public schools. Legislative and political victories include laws on hate crimes and discrimination in employment, housing, public education and parenting. Just recently, the Los Angeles Supreme Court dismissed the ban on gay marriage on grounds that proponents failed to defend the law in court due to lack of legal standing. The law on gay marriage was resumed after years of arguments and debates.
These remarkable achievements made the LGBT people the most influential and powerful organized groups in the United States. Their legislative victories, political power and popular favor were attributed through the efforts of some members of California’s legislative body who belong to the LGBT groups. LGBT voters would naturally elect politicians who are supportive of their goals and elected LGBT officials represent the interest of their groups in which they used their power and privilege to endorse and pass legislations for the benefit of their organized groups. California state Senator Mark Leno, in addition for his push for marriage equality introduced the bill on educating children on LGBT practices and values in public schools which has been passed in 2011 by Governor Jerry Brown. Gays and lesbians have achieved political power through political allies that support gay rights which could make a great impact on passing legislations. California voters supported Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama in 2008 which showed 61% margin in the presidential election. Political officials who support gay rights also include Arnold Schwarzenegger and his chief of staff Susan Kennedy who is a lesbian opposed the Preposition 8 campaign to nullify the new transgender bill on bathroom rights of LGBT students in public schools. They continued to seek support from various LGBT allies and activists in the political arena in which they were provided with a well-coordinated and well-funded system. Other political allies include corporations that run full page ads in opposing Proposition 8, newspapers, celebrities and some faith-based organizations that support federal rights for same-sex couples.
The California Legislature formed a caucus with an objective to present a forum and discuss issues of LGBT people to be able to realize their goals for equality and justice. There are twelve caucuses in the state capitol that focuses on pushing laws that supports their interests and raising money through political action committees. They also organize and support projects such as homeless youth project where 40% of the homeless youth population in Los Angeles and San Francisco are people belonging to LGBT groups.
Currently, gay politicians are gaining more control in the U.S. legislative system which indicates that LGBT groups will also be increasingly gaining political power in the years to come.
Works Cited:
Leno, M. “A Tipping Point in the Struggle for LGBT Equality. Mark Leno. 03 June, 2013. Web. 22 Nov. 2013.
<http://sd11.senate.ca.gov/news/2013-06-03-tipping-point-struggle-lgbt-equality>
“Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Caucus”. California Legislative. Web. 22 Nov. 2013.
<http://lgbtcaucus.legislature.ca.gov/>
Millhiser, I. “House GOP to Supreme Court: Gay People Are Too Powerful To Get Equal Rights”. Think Progress. 23 Jan. 2013. Web. 22 Nov. 2013.
<http://thinkprogress.org/justice/2013/01/23/1483131/house-republicans-to-scotus-gay-people-are-too-powerful-to-give-them-equal-rights/>
