This article in the HUFFPOST GAY VOICE caught my attention this morning:The Huffington Post | By James Nichols Posted: 11/07/2013 8:40 am EST
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/11/07/lgbt-progress_n_4205364.htmlFrom the days of the Stonewall Riots to the current battle for marriage equality across the United States, the struggle for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) rights has a rich history -- and is far from over.
However, social and political victories over the past several decades have seen LGBT individuals make gains in society that would have been considered virtually unthinkable only a generation ago.
As we move forward from LGBT History Month and into Transgender Awareness Month, we're taking a look back on some of these landmark moments throughout the course of the modern LGBT movement -- as well some of the many things that have yet to be accomplished.
Here are eight things LGBT people couldn't do in 1985 -- and seven things they still can't do.
In 1985, LGBT individuals couldn't:
1. Serve Openly In The Military
President Barack Obama signed the repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" in September 2011, reversing President Bill Clinton's 1993 legislation.
2. Have Sex Without The Risk Of Being Arrested
The landmark case Lawrence v. Texas set a precedent that criminalizing two consenting adults of the same sex for engaging in sexual or intimate conduct violates their liberty under the Due Process Clause.
3. Be Protected Under Hate Crime Legislation
The Matthew Shepard & James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act expanded federal hate crime protection to cover assault based on sexual orientation, gender and gender identity.
4. Get Married
...in any state in the country.
5. Be Protected As A Transgender Child
California Gov. Jerry Brown signed a groundbreaking bill in August 2013 that enabled transgender youth to both use the bathroom and play on the sports teams that corresponds with their gender identity (cue right wing freak out).
