Despite improved federal laws, discrimination continues to be a problem for LGBTQ people across the country. Nearly two-thirds of LGBTQ Americans report having experienced discrimination in their everyday lives. In 30 states, LGBTQ people are at risk of being fired, refused housing, denied a home loan, or being turned away from a business simply because of who they are.
The Equality Act would provide national, consistent non-discrimination protections for LGBTQ people in all aspects of life including employment, housing, credit, education, federally funded programs, public spaces, and jury service.
LGBTQ community centers serve 40,550 people every week. Many operate in areas where there are no other LGBTQ resources and work with a limited staff and budget. Yet 79% of centers spend time referring clients to LGBTQ-friendly businesses, 33% offer employment counseling or training, and 66% assist clients in finding LGBTQ-friendly attorneys. With federal protections in place, community centers will have more capacity to provide outreach, education, and programming to those they serve.