For the LGBTQ community, 2010 was a roller-coaster ride on our long journey towards equal rights. The year showed that as acceptance continues to slowly grow, adversity will too…for now. Here are some of the encouraging and disheartening moments of the year:
If Asked, You Can Tell: 17 years and almost 14,000 discharges later, Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell was finally repealed on December 18th. The historic move allows gays and lesbians to openly serve in the military.
Change It Now: At least seven young men committed suicide this year because of anti-gay bullying, sparking anti-bullying initiatives and victim resources. While the media chose to focus only on these young, mostly white males, anti-transgender violence also spiked, including two murders of transgendered women in the Midwest that received little media coverage.
Tides a’ Turning: Mexico City and Argentina became LGBTQ havens south of the border with the legalization of same-sex marriage as well as adoption by same-sex parents. The U.S. LGBTQ community also celebrated as Washington D.C. ruled same-sex marriage legal.
The Long Wait on Prop 8: In August, federal judge Vaughn R. Walker overturned Proposition 8, the same-sex marriage ban in California. The LGBTQ community and supporters were able to celebrate for all of a day. The ruling was put on hold pending appeal.
Conservative Backlash: In a frightening show of force, Iowan voters ousted three Supreme Court judges who had voted to legalize same-sex marriage. The well-organized campaign to remove them sends a scary message to judges looking to uphold equal rights in a society that is not entirely ready for them.
Home Sweet Home: This month the Illinois General Assembly passed the civil unions bill, allowing same-sex (and heterosexual) partners many of the same legal rights as married couples. Seen as a move that opens the door for legalizing same-sex marriage, the bill allows partners to make medical decisions, have hospital visitation rights, inherit property, file wrongful death lawsuits, and qualify for survivor pension benefits.
Take a look back at Gozamos’ coverage on some of these topics.
Last Look on Gozamos’ Articles on LGBT Rights
Queer Legislation in Latin America
Gozamos contributor Sharlene Newman takes a look at LGBT rights in Latin America.
Kids Can Be So Cruel and (So Can Adults)
Gozamos chimes in on the LQBTQ youth bullying problem and what we can all do about it
Separate and Clearly Unequal
Gozamos contributor Sharlene Newman shares how a broken immigration system and the Defense of Marriage Act have
Coming Out of El Armario
Gozamos contributor Roberto del Rio explores how dealing with your sexuality is difficult enough without the added struggle between tradition and modernity.
Share Your Coming Out Story
In honor of National Coming Out Day, Gozamos shares some thoughts on recent LGBTQ issues and two contributors share their own coming out stories.