The rights of the LGBTQ+ community

What are Lgbtq+ fighting for?

LGBTQ+ movements are mostly social movements that advocate for LGBTQ+ people in society.
People who identify as >part of this community are among the most marginalized and
excluded members of society. They are particularly vulnerable to stigma, violence and, due to
their real or perceived sexual orientation and gender identity.

This can have lasting consequences on their social and psychological health and have
substantial adverse effects on society as a whole.

Portugal has progressively become more accepting of same-sex relationships and

homosexuality. Opinion polls suggest that over 60% of the Portuguese population supports
same-sex marriage and that around 70% believes that LGBTQ+ people should enjoy equal
rights. Lisbon and Porto have visible LGBT scenes, with several gay bars, nightclubs and other
venues, as well as their annual pride parades.

Every year, during the month of June, the LGBT community celebrates in a number of different
ways. Across the globe, various events are held during this special month as a way of
recognizing the influence LGBT people have had around the world. Why was June chosen?
Because it is when the Stonewall Riots took place, way back in 1969.

As well as being a month long celebration, Pride month is also an opportunity to peacefully
protest and raise political awareness of current issues facing the community. Parades are a
prominent feature of Pride month, and there are many street parties, community events,
poetry readings, public speaking, street festivals and educational sessions all of which are
covered by mainstream media and attracting millions of participants.

Known as the “Mother of Pride”, it was Brenda Howard who coordinated the first LGBT Pride
march. As well as sparking the idea for a week of events around Pride Day. These events then
developed into the annual LGBT celebrations held every June.

Since 2016, Portuguese law has allowed adoption of children by same-sex couples. Prior to
that reform, same-sex couples were barred from adopting and informally forbidden from
fostering children, although there had been several court rulings allowing children to live with
same-sex families.

Same sex marriage is legally performed and recognized in the countries that have been said
earlier. The movement to obtain civil marriage rights and benefits for same-sex couples in the
United States began in the 1970s but remained unsuccessful for over forty years.

Discrimination towards lgbtq+ community members are still happening nowadays