Movement Advancement Project

[Movement Advancement Project]

reuters.com

In conservative America, small cities stand up for LGBT rights

When Mike Lujano and George Lenz hoisted a rainbow flag outside their business in a Victorian brownstone on Market Street two decades ago, they found that few neighbors in socially conservative Wheeling, West Virginia, knew it was a symbol of gay pride.

Across the United States, 19 states have LGBT nondiscrimination protections that typically guard against being fired from jobs, kicked out of housing or denied services in places like restaurants or hotels.

All hardworking people—including LGBT people–should be treated fairly and equally. Nobody should have to live in fear of discrimination simply because of who they are.