Every American citizen has the right to representation, especially if they belong to a minority group. The members of the LGBT (Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals, Transgenders) community are no different. Many of them face discrimination and many other difficulties, but many LGBT couples and families have allies in family law attorneys in places like Santa Fe, New Mexico who are ready to represent and defend them in a court of law.
Common Problems Faced By Members of the LGBT Community
Gays, lesbians, bisexuals, and transgenders face a lot of bias and discrimination in society. They often experience the following:
1. Bullying
Many members of the LGBT community experience verbal and physical violence from different types of social groups in many countries, even in the U.S. In a 2008 study, one in seven of 390 LGBT members reportedly lived in fear of bullying and verbal harassment due to their sexual orientation.
2. Physical Violence
Many members of the LGBT community also experience physical violence. 5 percent of the cases involve sexual assault. In all cases, the physical attacks often came after repeated verbal abuse and bullying. If a person experiences bullying, they should report the incident to the police so it would be reported.
3. Discrimination
In many states, members of the LGBT community face discrimination in the workplace. If discrimination is due to gender identification, many lawyers recommend victims to contact the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the Human Rights Division.
For many Americans, the idea of discrimination and bigotry is appalling, but many members of the LGBT community face it every day. Many government agencies in New Mexico are now extending their help to LGBT families and individuals who need assistance. Find a lawyer in New Mexico who can help you with issues arising from being a member of the LGBT community; whether it’s family law or human rights-related, you can find a lawyer who can help you.