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LGBT Rights in United States

    Homosexuality
    ✔ Legal
    Gay Marriage
    ✔ Legal
    Censorship
    Varies by Region
    Changing Gender
    Varies by Region
    Non-binary gender recognition
    ✔ Recognized
    Discrimination
    ✖ Illegal in some contexts
    Employment Discrimination
    ✔ Sexual orientation and gender identity
    Housing Discrimination
    Varies by Region
    Adoption
    ✔ Legal
    Military
    ✔ Legal
    Donating Blood
    ✔ Legal
    Conversion Therapy
    Varies by Region
    Age of Consent
    ✔ Equal

Public opinion in United States appears to be somewhat divided on LGBTQ+ issues, as evidenced by recent studies.

Percentage of Americans Who Consider Homosexuality "Not Wrong At All"

(Source: General Social Survey)

Question: "Is it wrong for same-sex adults to have sexual relations?"

United States Surveys

Support for Same-Sex Marriage

70%
Support
22%
Against

Most Americans Know LGB People

(Navigator, 2023)
Know a gay, lesbian, or bisexual person
Know a transgender person

Support for same-sex marriage

(Gallup, 2023)
71%
All Adults
84%
Democrats
78%
Independents
49%
Republicans

Acceptance of LGBTQ Rights Among Non-LGBTQ People

(GLAAD, 2023)
84%
Support equal LGBTQ rights

Support for Same-Sex Marriage

71%
Support
24%
Oppose
5%
Unsure

Acceptance of LGBTQ Rights Among Non-LGBTQ People

(GLAAD, 2022)
81%
Support equal LGBTQ rights

of US adults identify as transgender
of US youth (13-18)

Acceptance of LGBTQ Rights Among Non-LGBTQ People

(GLAAD, 2021)
79%
Support equal LGBTQ rights

of adults support same-sex marriage
of Democrats
of Independents
of Republicans
of 18-34 year-olds
of 35-54 year-olds
of 55+ year-olds

of U.S. LGBTQ youth (ages 13–24) seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year
of U.S. transgender & non-binary youth seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year

of U.S. LGBTQ youth (ages 13–24) identify as non-binary
are not sure or questioning if they are transgender

of U.S. LGBTQ adults identifying as non-binary

(Gallup, 2021)
of U.S. adults identifying as LGBT

History

Homosexual activity in United States

?

Homosexual activity in United States is legal.

Current status
Since Jun 26, 2003
Legal
Homosexuality was decriminalized at the federal level in the United States through the landmark Supreme Court decision of Lawrence v. Texas in 2003. The court struck down a Texas statute that criminalized sexual acts between same-sex couples, declaring such laws unconstitutional. This judgment set a precedent that rendered similar anti-sodomy statutes across states unenforceable, thereby federally decriminalizing homosexuality in private, consensual settings.
Added by daveyroo  ·  0 accurate votes  ·  Report Error  ·  Log

Jan 1, 1962–Jun 26, 2003
Varies by Region
Before Lawrence v. Texas, some states had already decriminalized sodomy. The first state was Illinois in 1962.
Added by Hearts4Al  ·  1 accurate vote  ·  Report Error  ·  Log

Same-sex marriage in United States

?

Same-sex marriage in United States is legal.

Current status
Since Jun 26, 2015
Legal
In a ruling by the US Supreme Court, all 50 states must now issue marriage licenses for same sex couples and recognize same-sex marriages performed in any state.
Added by sofoust  ·  0 accurate votes  ·  Report Error  ·  Log

May 14, 2004–Jun 26, 2015
Varies by Region
Legal status is extremely variable based on the individual state. Recognized at a Federal level, but not in all states, for all intents and purposes except Social Security. Social Security is based on the state of residence's recognition of marital status.
Added by sofoust  ·  1 accurate vote  ·  Report Error  ·  Log

Censorship of LGBT Issues in United States

?

Censorship of LGBT Issues in United States is varies by region.

Current status
Since Oct 28, 2021
Varies by Region
Censorship became "other punishment" in the state of Texas, and in Florida Govt. DeSantis wants to ban LGBT topics from being discussed in schools.

Generally, LGBT Topics are considered under the Free Speach Clause. Due to the nature of the current laws, and state decisions such as in Flordia; "Varies by region" is the best indicator to use.
Added by DuffdeNecker  ·  0 accurate votes  ·  Report Error  ·  Log

No censorship

  1. Utah 2021
  2. South Carolina 2020
  3. Alaska
  4. American Samoa
  5. American Samoa
  6. Arizona
  7. California
  8. Colorado
  9. Connecticut
  10. Delaware
  11. Hawaii
  12. Idaho
  13. Illinois
  14. Indiana
  15. Kansas
  16. Kentucky
  17. Maine
  18. Maryland
  19. Massachusetts
  20. Michigan
  21. Minnesota
  22. Montana
  23. Nebraska
  24. Nevada
  25. New Hampshire
  26. New Jersey
  27. New Mexico
  28. New York
  29. North Dakota
  30. Ohio
  31. Oregon
  32. Pennsylvania
  33. Puerto Rico
  34. Rhode Island
  35. South Dakota
  36. Vermont
  37. Virginia
  38. Washington
  39. West Virginia
  40. Wisconsin
  41. Wyoming

State-enforced

  1. North Carolina 2023
  2. Iowa 2023
  3. Tennessee 2023
  4. Arkansas 2023
  5. Alabama 2022
  6. Florida 2022
  7. Louisiana 2022
  8. Mississippi 2022
  9. Oklahoma 2022
  10. Texas 2021

Until Oct 28, 2021
No censorship
Freedom of Speech is widely talked about

Pride Parades happen every year
Added by equaldex  ·  0 accurate votes  ·  Report Error  ·  Log

Right to change legal gender in United States

?

Right to change legal gender in United States is varies by region.

Current status
Since Jun 17, 2016
Varies by Region
Many U.S. jurisdictions require gender-affirming surgery before the person's legal sex can be changed
It is important to note that surgery is not universally required to change legal sex under federal law or in some states. However, a health professional's certification may be necessary. It is essential to consult the specific laws and guidelines of your state for accurate information on the legal requirements for changing gender markers and identity documents.

There is no federal law on right to change gender, varies by region
Added by Clara  ·  0 accurate votes  ·  Report Error  ·  Log

Legal, no restrictions

  1. North Carolina 2022
  2. Michigan 2021
  3. Ohio 2021
  4. Virginia 2020
  5. West Virginia 2020
  6. Colorado 2020
  7. Maine 2019
  8. New Mexico 2019
  9. New Jersey 2018
  10. Minnesota 2018
  11. New Hampshire 2018
  12. California 2017
  13. Oregon 2017
  14. Utah 2017
  15. Washington 2017
  16. Nevada 2017
  17. New York 2017
  18. Alaska
  19. American Samoa
  20. Connecticut
  21. Delaware
  22. Guam
  23. Hawaii
  24. Idaho
  25. Illinois
  26. Indiana
  27. Maryland
  28. Massachusetts
  29. Mississippi
  30. Pennsylvania
  31. Puerto Rico
  32. Rhode Island
  33. South Dakota
  34. United States Minor Outlying Islands
  35. Vermont
  36. U.S. Virgin Islands
  37. Washington, D.C.

Legal, but requires surgery

  1. North Dakota 2006
  2. Kentucky 2005
  3. Arkansas 2002
  4. Alabama
  5. Arizona
  6. Georgia
  7. Iowa
  8. Louisiana
  9. Missouri
  10. Nebraska
  11. Northern Mariana Islands
  12. South Carolina
  13. Texas
  14. Wisconsin
  15. Wyoming

Illegal

  1. Florida 2024
  2. Montana 2023
  3. Kansas 2023
  4. Tennessee 2023
  5. Oklahoma 2022

Jan 2013–Dec 2013
Legal, no restrictions
From a Federal standpoint, you can change your gender with proof that you have undergone treatment for a gender change (surgery no longer required in any agency as of June 2013)
Added by sofoust  ·  1 accurate vote  ·  Report Error  ·  Log

Legal recognition of non-binary gender in United States

?

Legal recognition of non-binary gender in United States is recognized.

Current status
Since Apr 11, 2022
Recognized
Since April 11th, 2022, the United States allows people to have an X gender on their passports at a national level.

Other IDs are still dependent on state laws.
Added by Notdog1996  ·  0 accurate votes  ·  Report Error  ·  Log

Until Apr 10, 2022
Varies by Region
Non-binary gender is recognized in some states and jurisdictions for use on state-issued ID cards.
Added by DuffdeNecker  ·  1 accurate vote  ·  Report Error  ·  Log

LGBT discrimination in United States

?

LGBT discrimination in United States is illegal in some contexts.

Current status
Since Jan 2021
Illegal in some contexts
LGBTQ Discrimination is illegal in all 50 states as of 2021, however states have different laws. Equality Act was passed in 2021-2022 season of House and Senate
Added by vviet93  ·  1 accurate vote  ·  Report Error  ·  Log

Jan 2011–Jun 14, 2020
Illegal in some contexts
In all Federal positions, discrimination based on sexual orientation is against the law in instances related to work and employment. In non-federal government jobs, it is based on the state's laws as no federal protections currently exist for non-employees. Additionally, even federal employees could face discrimination unrelated to work in areas of life such as housing, health care, etc. In fact, many groups are advocating the repeal of protections or the introduction of laws to permit discrimination.
Added by sofoust  ·  1 accurate vote  ·  Report Error  ·  Log

LGBT employment discrimination in United States

?

LGBT employment discrimination in United States is sexual orientation and gender identity.

Current status
Since Jun 15, 2020
Sexual orientation and gender identity
As of June 15th, 2020 the Supreme Court of the United States has ruled that discrimination in employment based on sexual orientation or gender identity is illegal under Title VII the Civil Rights Act of 1964, classified as sex discrimination.

As of June 15, 2020, all persons working for employers that employ more than 15 people are protected from discrimination based solely on the grounds of sexual orientation or gender identity via the Supreme Court's landmark decision in Bostock v. Clayton County.
Added by Kevk7650  ·  0 accurate votes  ·  Report Error  ·  Log

Jul 16, 2015–Jun 15, 2020
Sexual orientation and gender identity
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has ruled that “[A]llegations of discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation necessarily state a claim of discrimination on the basis of sex”, and are barred by the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This ruling applies at both the state and federal level.

Furthermore, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) ruled on April 20, 2012 that an employer who discriminates against an employee or applicant on the basis of the person’s gender identity is violating the prohibition on sex discrimination contained in Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.


Apr 20, 2012–Jul 16, 2015
N/A
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) ruled on April 20, 2012 that an employer who discriminates against an employee or applicant on the basis of the person’s gender identity is violating the prohibition on sex discrimination contained in Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
Added by johnfallot  ·  0 accurate votes  ·  Report Error  ·  Log

LGBT housing discrimination in United States

?

LGBT housing discrimination in United States is varies by region.

Current status
Varies by Region
Housing protections are administered at nearly all levels of government for housing -- if at all. From local city ordinances to federal law, protections are very scattered, and in general, few explicit laws exist to provide housing protections. Nationwide Protections pending.
Added by imullin01  ·  1 accurate vote  ·  Report Error  ·  Log

Sexual orientation and gender identity

  1. Pennsylvania 2022
  2. Michigan 2022
  3. Kansas 2020
  4. New Hampshire 2018
  5. Utah 2015
  6. Guam 2015
  7. Delaware 2013
  8. Puerto Rico 2013
  9. California 2006
  10. Washington 2006
  11. New Mexico 2003
  12. Minnesota 1993
  13. Colorado
  14. Connecticut
  15. Hawaii
  16. Illinois
  17. Iowa
  18. Maine
  19. Maryland
  20. Massachusetts
  21. Northern Mariana Islands
  22. United States Minor Outlying Islands
  23. Nevada
  24. New Jersey
  25. New York
  26. U.S. Virgin Islands
  27. Oregon
  28. Rhode Island
  29. Vermont
  30. Washington, D.C.

Sexual orientation only

  1. Wisconsin

No protections

  1. Florida 2014
  2. Alabama
  3. Alaska
  4. Arizona
  5. Arkansas
  6. Kentucky
  7. Georgia
  8. Idaho
  9. Indiana
  10. Louisiana
  11. Mississippi
  12. Texas
  13. Missouri
  14. Montana
  15. Nebraska
  16. North Carolina
  17. North Dakota
  18. Ohio
  19. Oklahoma
  20. South Carolina
  21. South Dakota
  22. Tennessee
  23. Virginia
  24. West Virginia
  25. Wyoming

Ambiguous

  1. American Samoa

Same-sex adoption in United States

?

Same-sex adoption in United States is legal.

Current status
Since Jun 26, 2017
Legal
On 31 March 2016, Federal District Court struck down Mississippi's ban on same-sex couple adoptions. On June 26, 2017, the United States Supreme Court reversed an Arkansas Supreme Court ruling that allowed a law listing parents by gender on birth certificates to stand. The new SCOTUS ruling allowed both same-sex spouses to be listed on birth certificates. These court rulings made adoption by same-sex couples legal in all 50 states.

States can however require couples to be legally married before adopting.
Added by sofoust  ·  1 accurate vote  ·  Report Error  ·  Log

Apr 1, 1986–Dec 1, 1986
Legal
Under Federal law. Almost Nationwide.
Added by Ausyk  ·  1 accurate vote  ·  Report Error  ·  Log

Serving openly in military in United States

?

Serving openly in military in United States is legal.

Current status
Since Feb 26, 2021
Legal
Legalized in every state.
Added by Buzdolabimotoru  ·  0 accurate votes  ·  Report Error  ·  Log

Jan 25, 2021–Feb 26, 2021
Varies by Region
Biden administration overturns Trump administration's policy against transgender people serving in the military, however, Texas govt. Greg Abbot kept the ban in place for his state.
Added by danlev  ·  0 accurate votes  ·  Report Error  ·  Log

Apr 11, 2019–Jan 25, 2021
Lesbians, gays, bisexuals permitted, transgender people banned
New policy goes into effect barring individuals with a "condition" known as "gender dysphoria."
Added by danlev  ·  1 accurate vote  ·  Report Error  ·  Log

Jan 1, 2018–Apr 11, 2019
Lesbians, gays, bisexuals permitted, transgender people banned
Transgender individual can serve, however, the policy "will require an individual to have completed any medical treatment that their doctor has determined is necessary in connection with their gender transition, and to have been stable in their preferred gender for 18 months, as certified by their doctor, before they can enter the military."
Added by danlev  ·  0 accurate votes  ·  Report Error  ·  Log

Jul 1, 2016–Jan 1, 2018
Legal
The US Army repealed the ban to serve for openly transgender individuals
Added by vviet93  ·  1 accurate vote  ·  Report Error  ·  Log

Sep 20, 2011–Jul 1, 2016
Lesbians, gays, bisexuals permitted, transgender people banned
Lesbian, gay, and bisexual individuals are permitted to serve openly in the military, however, transgender individuals are still banned.
Added by brennen  ·  0 accurate votes  ·  Report Error  ·  Log

Dec 21, 1993–Sep 20, 2011
Don't Ask, Don't Tell
Don't Ask, Don't Tell was the historic compromise signed by President Bill Clinton authorizing people who are LGBT to serve in the military provided they didn't disclose sexuality. The law also removed the ability for others in the military from asking for a service member's orientation.
Added by brennen  ·  0 accurate votes  ·  Report Error  ·  Log

Blood donations by MSMs in United States

?

Blood donations by MSMs in United States is legal.

Current status
Since May 11, 2023
Legal
The new FDA policy on blood donation eliminates deferrals and screening questions specific to men who have sex with men (MSM). Prospective donors will be asked the same set of questions regardless of their sex or sexual orientation
Added by Markissik  ·  0 accurate votes  ·  Report Error  ·  Log

Apr 2, 2020–May 11, 2023
Banned (3-month deferral)
The FDA announced changes to blood donor eligibility policy on 2nd April 2020, reducing the MSM deferral period from 12 months to 3 months, it is not legally binding but most agencies and the American Red Cross treat it as such.
Added by Ausyk  ·  0 accurate votes  ·  Report Error  ·  Log

Dec 21, 2015–Apr 1, 2020
Banned (1-year deferral)
After a series of recommendations, the FDA has moved to a 12 months deferral.
Added by vviet93  ·  0 accurate votes  ·  Report Error  ·  Log

1983–Dec 21, 2015
Banned (indefinite deferral)
Though the deferral impacts all MSMs who have had sex with a man since 1977, the policy did not go into effect until 1983. The policy applied retroactively to 1977.
Added by brennen  ·  0 accurate votes  ·  Report Error  ·  Log

Conversion therapy in United States

?

Conversion therapy in United States is varies by region.

Current status
Varies by Region
Conversion therapy is legal in about 50% of US states starting with CA and NJ being the first ones. Can't Convert Love is the sole organization whose sole mission is banning conversion therapy nation-wide. MN and IN are in the starting phase of attempting to ban the therapy.
Added by imullin01  ·  1 accurate vote  ·  Report Error  ·  Log

Banned

  1. Pennsylvania 2022
  2. Minnesota 2021
  3. Michigan 2021
  4. North Dakota 2021
  5. Wisconsin 2021
  6. Virginia 2020
  7. Utah 2020
  8. Maine 2019
  9. North Carolina 2019
  10. Colorado 2019
  11. Massachusetts 2019
  12. Puerto Rico 2019
  13. New Hampshire 2019
  14. New York 2018
  15. Delaware 2018
  16. Washington 2018
  17. Nevada 2018
  18. Rhode Island 2017
  19. New Mexico 2017
  20. Connecticut 2016
  21. Hawaii 2016
  22. Oregon 2016
  23. Vermont 2016
  24. Illinois 2015
  25. Washington, D.C. 2014
  26. New Jersey 2013
  27. California 2012
  28. Maryland
  29. United States Minor Outlying Islands

Not banned

  1. Idaho 2022
  2. Florida 2020
  3. West Virginia 2015
  4. Alabama
  5. Alaska
  6. Arizona
  7. Arkansas
  8. Georgia
  9. Guam
  10. Indiana
  11. Iowa
  12. Kansas
  13. Kentucky
  14. Louisiana
  15. Mississippi
  16. Missouri
  17. Montana
  18. Nebraska
  19. Northern Mariana Islands
  20. Ohio
  21. Oklahoma
  22. South Carolina
  23. South Dakota
  24. Tennessee
  25. Texas
  26. U.S. Virgin Islands
  27. Wyoming

Ambiguous

  1. American Samoa

Equal age of consent in United States

?

Equal age of consent in United States is equal.

Current status
Equal
Equalized in every state.
Added by sofoust  ·  0 accurate votes  ·  Report Error  ·  Log