LGBTQ is an acronym that collectively refers to individuals who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer/questioning. It may also be represented as LGBT or, historically, GLBT. People often use LGBTQ+ to mean all of the communities included in LGBTQ2SIA+ This initialism and the various terms are always evolving. The most important thing is to be respectful and use the terms that people prefer.
Recent LGBTQ+ Federal Legislation
As a result of the 2015 U.S. Supreme Court decision in Obergefell, same-sex couples can marry nationwide and states must extend all the rights and benefits of marriage to same-sex couples. As such, the following benefits are available to all married same-sex couples on the same basis as they are available to married different-sex couples:
- Marriage for Same-Sex Couples
- Medical Decision-Making Authority for Married Same-Sex Couples
- Stepparent Adoption for Married Same-Sex Couples
- Joint Adoption for Married Same-Sex Couples
As determined by the June 2020 U.S. Supreme Court ruling, people in all states can seek recourse for employment discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity through the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and federal courts.
LGBTQ+ and Norman
The Municipal Equality Index is the largest and only nationwide assessment of LGBTQ+ inclusion in municipal law and policy, which assesses LGBTQ+ equality in 506 cities across the nation, including Oklahoma.
Local and National Resources for LGBTQ+ Community Members, Family, Friends and Allies:
PFLAG is the first and largest organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) people, their parents and families, and allies. With over 400 chapters and 200,000 members and supporters crossing multiple generations of families in major urban centers, small cities, and rural areas across America, PFLAG is committed to creating a world where diversity is celebrated and all people are respected, valued, and affirmed
PFLAG Norman is a local non-profit organization that continues to provide advocacy, education, and support for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) people, their parents, families, and allies. PFLAG Norman was founded by members of the Norman community in 1995 with a mission to build a foundation of loving families united with LGBTQ+ people and allies who support one another, and to educate and advocate in the community.
Norman Pride was created to promote advocacy and provide support to the LGBTQ2SIA+ community. In addition to hosting an annual Pride Weekend, they promote community engagement by organizing and hosting smaller local events throughout the year. Norman Pride is committed to working with community partners to provide safe spaces and create events to celebrate and strengthen the LGBTQ2SIA+ community and the diversity that defines the city of Norman.
The LGBTQ+ Program is a function of the Gender + Equality Center. The program works towards cultivating an affirming, educational, and diverse community for LGBTQ+ students, faculty, and staff at the University of Oklahoma by providing engagement opportunities and educational resources.
Oklahomans for Equality
OkEq seeks equal rights for LGBTQ+ individuals and families through intersectional advocacy, education, programs, alliances, and the operation of the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center. Serving LGBTQ+ Oklahomans and their allies since 1980, Oklahomans for Equality is home to a diverse, vibrant, and engaged community of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender persons, knowledgeable staff, and dedicated volunteers.
GLSEN works to ensure that LGBTQ students are able to learn and grow in a school environment free from bullying and harassment. GLSEN believes that every student has the right to a safe, supportive, and LGBTQ-inclusive K-12 education. It is a national network of educators, students, and local GLSEN Chapters working to make this right a reality.
Human Rights Campaign
Human Rights Campaign strives to end discrimination against LGBTQ+ people and realize a world that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all. HRC envisions a world where lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people plus community members who use different language to describe identity are ensured equality and embraced as full members of society at home, at work and in every community.
The Trevor Project
The Trevor Project is the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & questioning (LGBTQ) young people under 25.
Lambda Legal is a national organization committed to achieving full recognition of the civil rights of lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, transgender people and everyone living with HIV through impact litigation, education and public policy work.
The Welcoming Project
The Welcoming Project began in 2011 to encourage businesses, health care/service providers, organizations, and congregations to display welcoming signs for the purpose of making LGBTQ individuals and allies feel welcomed as patrons. The Welcoming Project is available to communities throughout the United States and across the globe. You can find a list of all Welcoming Places in their searchable online directory.