Saturday, May 10, 2014

Public support of the LGBT community has grown significantly among Wisconsinites, by Stella Nathan



The acronym, LGBTQ+ has been getting more letters added on to it over the years.

 LGBT stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender. People more familiar with or apart of the LGBT community also add on the letter “Q” which stands for a person who is questioning their sexual orientation or identity. The letter “A” is added on sometimes for asexual, not “ally” as people often think. The letter “P” is included sometimes and stands for pansexual.

Over the years the country has become more accepting of the LGBT community, according to FairWisconsin. 17 states have legalized gay marriage, Wisconsin is not one. However limited rights to same sex couples in Wisconsin have been recognized. Domestic partnerships in Wisconsin provide select rights, such as the ability to inherit a partner's estate in the absence of a will, hospital visitation, and the ability to access family medical leave to care for a sick partner. Wisconsin was the first state in the Midwest to enact any form of recognition for same-sex unions. 

All of Dane County bans discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity in housing, county government (public) employment, and for companies that contract with the county. The City of Milwaukee also bans discrimination based on gender identity and expression in private and public employment, housing, and some public accommodations. Madison as well takes part in banning discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation.

According to Fair Wisconsin, Wisconsin has become significantly more accepting of the LGBT community. Support for marriage equality in Wisconsin stands at a 51 percent majority. Voters also support basic discrimination protections for the transgender community. Republican and conservative voters are also experiencing a cultural shift in acceptance, says FairWisconsin.


For more information on LGBT support in Wisconsin, visit FairWisconsin.com