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Essay / The Effects of Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation » This is a quote from Ellen DeGeneres; an openly gay celebrity. Ellen, along with thousands of other Americans, is taking a stand to end homophobia. Homophobia refers to discriminatory comments or actions directed toward a lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender (LGBT) person. Homophobia has many harmful effects and must therefore be stopped. Some major effects of homophobia are workplace discrimination, the emotional impact it has on homosexuals, and lack of family recognition. Discrimination against sexual orientation doesn't just happen on the streets, it also happens in the workplace. U.S. law is supposed to protect all U.S. employees from all forms of discrimination, whether racial, religious, or sexual. This is stated in Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Dawson). That being said, why doesn't this title seem to apply to the gay community? National survey data from 1989 to 1991 found that gay and bisexual workers earned between eleven percent and twenty-seven percent less than heterosexual workers, regardless of occupation (Badgett). It is statistically proven that LGBT workers in most cases earn less than heterosexual workers. Discrimination of this type can lead to lower wages and underemployment for an entire subset of the population (Klobuchar). Most gay people choose to hide their sexual identity from coworkers because of the discrimination they might face (Dawson). “Lesbian and gay men who voluntarily disclose their sexual orientation to employers and colleagues can forgo the risk of diminished career advancement and gender identity.” Joint Economic Committee. US Government, November 2013. Web. January 29, 2014. O'Hanlan, Katherine A. et al. “Homophobia is a health hazard.” USA Today (Farmingdale). November 1996: 26-29. Researcher on SIRS issues. Internet. December 8, 2013. Rafferty, Anna. “Homophobia”. Palo Alto Medical Foundation. Sutter Health, October 2013. Web. November 25, 2013. “Should Gay Marriage Be Legal?” ProCon. November 20, 2013. The web. December 1, 2013. Tavernise, Sabrina. "Adoptions increasing by same-sex couples, despite legal barriers". New York Times. June 14, 2011: A.11. Researcher on SIRS issues. Internet. December 4, 2013.Wolfson, same. Homosexuals should be allowed to marry. Homosexuality. Ed. Auriana Ojeda. Farmington Hills: Greenhaven Press, 2004. 170-180. Print.Zeindler, Christine. “Psychological impacts of homophobia”. Concordia University. Concordia University, February 2, 2011. Web. December 1. 2013.
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