In 1992 Colorado enacted Amendment 2, which repealed existing state laws and barred future laws protecting lesbians, gay men and bisexuals from discrimination. One state even tried to fence lesbians and gay men out of the process used to pass laws. Mothers and fathers lose child custody simply because they are gay or lesbian, and gay people are denied the right to marry. military - openly discriminates against gays and lesbians. No federal law prevents a person from being fired or refused a job on the basis of sexual orientation. Gay and lesbian people are featured in movies and on television - not as novelty characters, but as full participants in society.ĭespite these advances into the American mainstream, however, LGBT people continue to face real discrimination in all areas of life. Well-known figures are discussing their sexual orientation in public. LGBT people are battling for their civil rights in Congress, in courtrooms and in the streets. The struggle of LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) people for equal rights has moved to center stage.