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Abstract: Race, gender and class are routinely exposed for the ways in which they intersect to create a kind of triple oppression (Belkhir, 1994). However, the same dynamic, which occurs in the parallel oppression of lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgenders (LGBTs) may be dismissed or ignored. This research examines the role of the Obama Administration in advancing the rights of the LGBT community in the areas of marriage and family rights, military service and housing. We conclude the research by revisiting the question of progressive politics and issuing President Obama a report card that evaluates actual outcomes against campaign statements made to the LGBT community.
Keywords: LGBT discrimination; sexual orientation discrimination; social equity; gender identity discrimination; gender equity; LGBTs; discrimination
The Obama administration has taken a more inclusive posture in responding to discriminatory practices that target individuals because of their sexual orientation or gender identity, i.e. lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) persons. In a 2008 open letter requesting political support from the LGBT community President Obama wrote, "Equality is a moral imperative" ("Open Letter from Barak Obama," 2008, para. 3). Although antidiscrimination laws make it illegal to discriminate against certain protected groups, for example protection from discrimination based on sex or race, these laws do not explicitly extend the same protection to sexual minorities. Consequently, discrimination against LGBTs remains largely unchallenged and occurs through various practices that may severely limit their equal access to affordable housing choices, substantive employment opportunities, marriage and family rights and other rights routinely available to heterosexuals.
We began our study by premising that the second year of Barak Obama's Presidency reflected a kind of progressive politics for the LGBT community. It was within this context that we examined advancements of LGBT rights under the Obama Administration. We argued that advancements realized during year two of Obama's presidency likely occurred because of activism and wide public appeal on the part of the LGBT community, supporters and allies. Some members of the community watched and others actively participated in the ongoing struggle to achieve full equality as American citizens.
The study examined and analyzed three major LGBT issues forced to the forefront during the first two years of the Obama Administration: 1) Don't Ask, Don't Tell (DADT) and 2) the...