How bad do gays have it, really, in our society?

I mean no offense by asking this, I would just like us to take an honest look at it, and perhaps come to a better understanding.

As with many issues, this one in the public/political arena is getting lost in sound bytes and talking (or screaming) points. I would like to move beyond all that.


A quick breakdown of my impressions.

IMO, on the "con" side for gays, they:

* Can't form a legally recognized life partnership. (Please, I don't want to quibble over the "should it be marriage or civil union" thing.. that's another thread.)

* Have to worry more than most average people about things like being harrassed, insulted or assaulted. (And in extreme cases, even murdered.)

* Can be fired from a job simply for being gay. (Although honestly, given today's political climate, any employeer who did that in a situation in which there would be ANY publicity would be insane, and could probably kiss his business goodbye.)

* Can be "rejected" by family and/or religious circles when they "come out."

On the "pro" side for gays:

* There are openly gay people serving in Congress and in other offices at all levels of government.

* There are highly-respected actors, musicians, artists and other high-profile people who are openly gay, and seem to be doing just fine.

* There are prosperous gay people everywhere.

* Even in the region in which I live -- which is by most people's standards the backwater of redneckville -- I've met several gay people who seemed to be doing okay, and had jobs that anybody in these parts would feel lucky to have.


So, my contention is this:

Based upon what I know so far, is that gays do suffer a level of inequality in our society and still battle some social stigmas.
Depending on where they live, how their family reacts and numerous other variables, this has been absolutely horrible for some gays, merely a minor annoyance for others -- and everything in between those two extremes.

But to describe the entire group of them as "oppressed" or "persecuted" is going overboard.

Of course, that's my opinon, based on what I know.. and I could be off-base.


I look forward to what everbody else knows and has to say about this.