The way for 2015 Parents to Advocate for their Gay Kids
As more and more states begin to rule the ban on gay marriage unconstitutional, we take a look at the ten-year anniversary of legalized gay marriage in Massachusetts.
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2014 was a monumental year in many ways for the LGBT population, especially for gay parents. Many states legalized same-sex marriage, the number jumping to 35 states. That is the first year that the majority of states allowed LGBT couples to legally marry. However, there is still more work to be done, states such as Ohio, Michigan, Kentucky and Tennessee stuck with legislation that prohibits LGBT marriage. Other states such as Pennsylvania now have legislation that supports gay marriage, but have not enacted additional laws that protect the LGBT community, gay individuals able to be kicked out of restaurants, housing, and the workplace.
While some LGBT couples can adopt and become foster parents, some states still ban gay people from adoption and fostering children. With LGBT parents still experiencing discrimination on many levels, there are still many things that you can fight for this year. Read on to see how you can advocate as an LGBT parent in 2015.
Same-sex marriage laws still need to change in 15 states, which leaves work for you to complete as an LGBT parent. Write a letter to your state senators that express your support for gay marriage, listing reasons why gay marriage is important to you. If possible, obtain signatures from other people in your neighborhood and local community.
You can also start petitions that call for anti-gay laws to change. Are you not sure how to start a petition? Then, visit the website Change.org, which will guide you through the petition process, including how to format one and get people involved. If you want to get more involved on a national scale, then join LGBT supportive groups, such as The Human Rights Campaign, the Family Equality Council, and the American Civil Liberties Union.
LGBT Bullying
Does your school district have a good anti-bullying policy that does not tolerate bullying? An effective bullying policy has the following components: a definition of bullying and types of bullying, the school’s policy on bullying, how perpetrators will be punished, and a process and explanation as to how teachers, educational staff, parents, students are to handle and report bullying. Presentations and in services that educate students and staff are also signs of a top notch anti-bullying policy.
If your child’s school district does not have an anti-bullying policy, then consider trying to start and implement one. Sadly, LGBT teenagers are still 40% more likely to attempt suicide than their heterosexual students. Many of these students have been subjected to in person and cyberbullying and worse yet, some students have succeeded in committing suicide, gay teenagers such as Jamey Rodemeyer and Tyler Clementi killing themselves after being bullied for their LGBT sexual orientation. Do your part this year. Call or write letters to school principals, school psychologists, and superintendents to discuss school bullying policies and ways that change can be implemented.
Does your state have national legislation to combat school bullying? If not, 2015 is the time to advocate for new laws. Again, pick up the phone or your pen and start contacting state senators, councilmen, etc. to make sure that your rights and the rights of your children are protected. Spread the word to other people who can also join the fight against LGBT bullying.
Boycott Anti-gay Companies
Are there companies in your area that support anti-gay laws and do not believe in same-sex marriage? The first stop to change is to boycott their products and get friends and family to follow suit. Why shop or support an organization that does not support you? If you are unsure about which businesses are LGBT friendly, then click on the Corporate Equality Index. 366 companies are given a score out of 100 that accesses how LGBT friendly the company is.
Do you have some ideas on how to advocate for LGBT rights? Please share your ideas by leaving a comment on this page.
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