Members of the LGBT community have been victims of discrimination for over 400 years. The first known execution in North America of a person for same-sex sexual activities occurred in 1566. The LGBT community has come a long way since then with actions like the repeal of the “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell” policy and the formation of organizations like CUAV, Community United Against Violence. Despite these improvements, life for an LGBT teen is still difficult. Today, LGBT teens are five times more likely to skip school because they feel unsafe, and twenty eight percent are forced to drop out. LGBT youth are at a four times higher risk for suicide than their heterosexual peers. In a world that advocates equality and justice, let’s stop this discrimination. To give your support and help the cause, visit www.cuav.org and remember that we are all human beings—so let’s start treating one another like one.
