Gay Couples and Parental Rights

July 22, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Gay couples are often faced with many problems in society when it comes to one partner having a child. This often involves negative attitudes, legal snags and related issues.

One problem faced by gay couples who adopt or already have a child is the prejudice of many in society against this lifestyle. This has started to change in the last few years, but many are still against what is actually a wonderful situation. There are a lot of children who remain to be adopted in this country and gay couples can offer a safe, loving home to these youngsters. They do have to face negative attitudes at times at work, school and in society in general.

When it comes to guardianship, gay couples often do often have the right to transfer it from one partner to the other. This can be an issue when setting up a will if one partner passes away. This is a hotly contested issue in the gay community and has been debated in many state governments. The hope is that positive legislation will be passed that grants the right of guardianship to the surviving partner.

As more and more children enter the system in need of adoption, society will have to open its doors to gay couples. They offer so much that these children can benefit from. As prevailing attitudes change, legislation will hopefully be passed that reduces a number of these barriers and gives gay couples the rights equal rights of parentship that they deserve.

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How Young People View Gay Lifestyles

July 17, 2011 By Leave a Comment

 

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As the past prejudices of older generations are wiped away, the new and open-minded viewpoints of the nation’s youth are supporting changes for the gay community. This has brought about many positive changes in the country on many fronts.

Younger people are more accepting, to a large degree, of homosexuality that past generations have been. This has allowed many gay couples to live more openly in society and to fight for equal rights in areas such as marriage and military service. The media, books, television, movies and other entertainment outlets have been increasingly featuring gay couples, transgender and bi-sexual individuals in a positive light.

The issues and obstacles that this portion of the population have to face are being brought to the attention of society, making others aware of the struggle for equal rights. Gay couples have had to fight tooth and nail to secure rights for marriage and other legal areas that can adversely affect things when one partner passes away. This has been especially problematic with custody of children, health insurance and related issues. This has been brought with greater push for equality before the federal government.

The younger generation currently is the most open to this type of legislation and open-minded acceptance to homosexuality. As the years progress, the youth will be entering leadership roles that will give them the opportunity to continue the positive changes that are now starting to occur. This inevitable change starts with the new perspectives that are spreading throughout society with the younger generation.

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The Changing Perspective of Homosexuality in the United States

July 9, 2011 By Leave a Comment

 

 

Crowd in support of Gay Marriage

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The United States has started to see greater advances in the perspective of homosexuality over the last few years. This has not only been a surge of empowerment but also of legislation.

One of the most contentious issues in the last decade has been the argument over gay marriage. State by state, the battle has been on to pass legislation either to ban or approve the union of a gay couple in their constitutions. As more states have made it legal, it has put increasing pressure on other states to follow suit. This has been key to issues related to gay marriage such as life insurance, guardianship of children and other issues that are adversely affected when a ban is in place.

This same change has been seen in the United States military, which has carried a “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy regarding homosexuality for a long time. Current legislative changes have been made to get rid of this policy, opening the doors for gays in the military to be open and others to enter without fear of being discovered and discharged.

Society is slowly starting to change its perspective on homosexuality as well, opening up more minds to a lifestyle that was posed in a negative light in the past. This will hopefully continue to grow as television shows, movies and books show this lifestyle increasingly in a positive way. Then acceptance will be offered more and the gay community can enjoy the benefits of equal treatment from others.

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Three Tips to End Bullying

June 20, 2011 By Leave a Comment
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Bullying undertakes many different forms, from cyber bullying to play ground bullying, and in many age groups with studies showing a higher report rate of workplace and college bullying. Like a computer virus, their tactics change with time. The danger also varies from emotional damage to physical threats. If a loved one is being bullied, here’s some tips to help stop it…

Do Not Depend Solely on Administration

Many sources recommend getting the administration involved such as teachers and principals. Having these people on your side is helpful; however, keep in mind their priorities are different than yours. Many times the people you expect to handle cases of bullying fall short, and sometimes, they are the people enabling the bully. Assuming they will take care of it for you does not solve the problem.

Stay Informed

Many tactics are not obvious. Sometimes parents and administration unknowingly feeds into the bully’s master plan and makes the problem worse. Like any scam, staying informed helps protect you from falling victim.

Avoid the “Ignore it” Trap

The default advice to anyone being bullied appears to be, “Just ignore them, and they will go away.” In most cases, ignoring the bully only invites more bullying no different than getting angry and upset. People will treat you the way you allow them to. Like any child, a person has to set boundaries with people, and it’s best to do so lawfully following the rules. Stand up for yourself.

Remember there is power in numbers. Anytime you promote a positive attitude and acceptance, you are taking a step to end bullying. Children learn their behaviors from adults.

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What is Pride?

June 16, 2011 By Leave a Comment
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The concept of “gay pride” emerged as a civilian battle cry for equal treatment. Like the rainbow that symbolizes this unity, all types of colorful people and personalities have banned together in the name of human decency. For many, this unity empowers them to be who they are without fear.  What gives a person pride?

Self Esteem

So many variables play a role in your self-esteem, but being content with who you are and improving yourself in areas that can be, and should be, changed play the biggest roles in self-esteem.  Achievements yield confidence, which in turn yields contentment and motivation for growth. In many cases, self-esteem can be simply improved by facing the fears of and becoming more comfortable with who you are.

Dignity

Knowing you deserve to be treated with respect plays an important role in pride. The United States was founded on equality for all people, in theory at least. Every human deserves that equality.

Virtue

“Love virtue, and the people will be virtuous. The virtues of a superior man are like the wind; the virtues of a common man are like the grass — the grass, when the wind passes over it, bends.” Henry David Thoreau… Virtue is basically doing the right thing, what you feel in your heart is right. Many men have defined, and sometimes rather badly at that, morality based on their own perceptions, interpretation, and temptations. Virtue does not define what is right. It simply asks you do what you believe is the right thing.

Pride yields respect. If you have pride for yourself, the community around you respects you. Empower your movement with pride.

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Same Sex Adoptions

June 5, 2011 By Leave a Comment
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Many children sit in the government system waiting for an adoption, whether it’s because their parents gave them up or lost parental rights. Even though many children still need a home, the controversy over whether or not same-sex couples should adopt continues. Each state has its own rules regarding adoption, and one of the biggest barriers is the legalities involving same-sex marriages; however, they estimate about 4% of the adopted children live in a home where the head of the household is gay, and that statistic continues to rise.

The American Psychological Association “promotes a safe, secure, nurturing environment for all children,” and in that spirit, they take a solid stand opposing discrimination against same sex couples for purposes of adoption, custody, visitation, foster care, and reproduction. Studies have shown that the sexual orientation of parents do not affect the child’s psychological development, environment, or well-being. In addition, the American Association of Pediatrics also supports same sex couples adopting children.

The arguments against gay adoptions are mainly based on discrimination against gay people placing irrational principles over the welfare of children. Those who oppose gay adoptions are also concerned about the harassment and ridicule the child might receive, from people like themselves, if the child is placed in a gay home.

If interested in adoption, for anyone, know your rights, know your laws, and find a good attorney. The outside world is often a cruel place. No matter what people say, the important thing is a child has a safe, secure, nurturing home for rest and regeneration, a place to help them cope with the world’s demands.

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Future Looks Bright for Same-Sex Couples and Adoption

May 29, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Louisiana’s House Civil Law and Procedure Committee decided in May that same-sex, unmarried couples don’t have the right to adopt children. That’s the bad news for homosexual couples that want to expand their families by adopting children. There is, however, plenty of news showing that the House committee is hopelessly behind the times.

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Same-Sex Marriage Approval Up

A recent Gallup poll shows that the majority of Americans have finally come around to recognizing the rights of all people to marry the ones they love. The 2011 poll showed that 53 percent of Americans were in favor of making same-sex marriage legal. That’s a huge jump from a poll conducted 15 years ago that only showed 27 percent of Americans in favor of equal rights.

The Changing Tide

Polls show that the tide is changing in favor of equal rights for all people. Perhaps even more telling, however, is how out of touch opponents of equal rights sound. The Catholic Church, for instance, doesn’t think that same-sex couples should be allowed to adopt children because it doesn’t benefit the spiritual and moral interests of the kids. This misses the reality that thousands of children in Louisiana alone are in dire need of caring homes. While priests spend time worrying about the moral development, the children sit in foster homes and orphanages, often without any true moral instruction from some who cares more about love than dogma.

The fact of the matter is that the House committee is now in the minority. Most people support equal rights. It’s just a short matter of time before all people in this country are allowed to marry and adopt freely.

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Support Groups for Transgendered Individuals

May 15, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Transgendered individuals often face a lot of conflict in their lives for no reason other than that they want to live their lives honestly as who they really are. Social rejection, no matter how unmerited, can create significant mental distress for transgendered people. That’s why it is important for many individuals to find groups that can give them the support that they need to live confidently and happily.

The transgender pride flag

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Finding a Support Group

Depending on where you live, you might find that it is very easy for you to find a transgender support group. LA, New York City, and other large cities usually have several support groups that focus on the rights and needs of transgendered people. If, however, you live in a smaller city, you might have a more difficult time finding a group that focuses on your needs.

The Internet can help you search for a group that is right for you. Use a popular search engine to find groups that are related to your concerns.

Online Support Groups

If there aren’t any support groups near you, or you simply don’t feel comfortable going to a support group in person, then you should consider looking for online support groups that can fill this role. Online groups are often anonymous, so you can discuss your concerns openly without worrying about retaliation from ignorant people. You are safe to be yourself and discuss your ideas and feelings openly. Going to a support group doesn’t mean that there is something wrong with you. It just means that you want to meet other people who understand your perspective and can help you get through the struggles that you face.

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Christian Churches for Homosexuals

May 2, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Homosexual Christians often have a difficult time finding churches where they feel comfortable. For many, the challenge is finding a church that believes in the Bible’s teachings and supports the rights of homosexuals. Even if you have had bad experiences with churches in the past, you might find that there are some houses of worship in your community that fit your beliefs.

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Progressive Christian Churches

Many Christian churches have become more progressive in recent years. They follow the Bible’s teachings, but they focus on messages of hope, love, and inclusion. In some cases, Christian churches have taken stances that highlight the hypocrisy of homophobia and inequality. Search the Internet for churches in your community that have taken similar stances. These are usually places where you can feel free to worship openly instead of hiding your orientation.

Online Christian Churches

If you live in a small community with limited church options, then you might want to find an online church that can help you learn more about the Bible without compromising your inner beliefs by conforming to a homophobic agenda. Jesus taught his followers to treat others with kindness and acceptance. You should expect the same thing from your church. If you cannot find a church that meets your needs, then look for online churches that can give you direction while you study the Bible.

There are a growing number of options for Christian homosexuals. When you put yourself out there in a positive way, you might find that there are communities all around you that can accept your orientation and your beliefs in a mature, informed manner.

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Support for gay, lesbian, bi-sexual and transgender people

April 29, 2011 By Leave a Comment
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Being gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender, GLBT, is not always easy. Sometimes these folks face blatant discrimination based on their sexuality. For that reason, having support as someone that is part of the GLBT community is absolutely imperative.

Support starts at home. If you’re part of the GLBT community, make sure to surround yourself with supportive people. If your family is not supportive and helpful, you might have to distance yourself to keep yourself healthy. Find friends that are supportive and gravitate to family members that support you no matter what. When you have a rough day, make sure to seek out your supportive friends and family to tell them about the day and to seek advice.

Sometimes supportive friends and family aren’t enough and you might need outside support. Hiring a therapist is a good idea for support. Find a therapist that specializes in speaking to GLBT community members to find someone that really understands. You can visit the therapist a few times a month to talk about how you’re felling.

Another way to get support is to be active in the GLBT community and to socialize with others that are in your shoes. Talk to community members about how you’re feeling. Support groups for GLBT people are also a good idea, and you can probably find a group in your area. Go to events with other GLBT community members for entertainment and for support.

Getting support in the GLBT community is absolutely necessary. Support can e found in your friends, family, professional and other GLBT persons.

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