The homophile movement began years ago in order to bring equality to all people no matter what their sexual-orientation.
After World War Two gays migrated to certain areas around the country, because gay communities were being allowed to form in a few urban areas. From 1950 to 1960, gay bars became more common and gays identified with their identities more closely. However, gays began to believe themselves to be part of a minority group.
Reported by some historians, a 1965 gay march held in front of Independence Hall in Philadelphia truly kicked off the beginning of the modern gay rights movement. ONE Inc. in San Fransisco was the first "Out" homosexual organization in the United States and ONE Magazine was the first largely distributed gay and lesbian magazine. Later several other organizations were formed to fight for gay rights.
Now, in 2007, sexual orientation is not covered by the national civil rights. The United States Military Branches also actively discriminate against gays and lesbians. The nation leaves hate crime laws up to the state. Some states are making progress by adding sexual-orientation to their hate crime laws, while others are not going to budge any time soon. Today only 24 of the 50 states include sexual-orientation in their hate crime laws. Although, more are joining in the trend to protects gays as the years go by. Hopefully, at the current pace that the nation is moving in now, equality for gays will come sooner rather than later.
More information/sources:
Johnson, Ramone. “Gay, Lesbian, Transgender Hate Crimes” Gay Life. 17 April
Wikipedia. Home Page. 18 April 2007 <www.wikipedia.com>
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