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Protected and Served?

"Are government institutions properly protecting and serving LGBT [lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender] people and people living with HIV? Lambda Legal conducted a national study of the experiences individuals have with police, courts, prisons and school security."

Extensive findings are reported according to the following areas:

  • Police - "Among respondents, 73% had face-to-face contact with the police within the past five years, and many felt discriminated against when dealing with police";
  • Courts - "Judges and attorneys have a responsibility to make sure everyone is treated fairly and respectfully in courts. The reality for LGBT people and people living with HIV too often falls short";
  • Jails and Prisons - "Correctional facilities should protect prisoners and respect their rights and dignity-but LGBT people and people living with HIV are at high risk of mistreatment"; and
  • School Security, Policing, and Discipline - "LGBTQ [lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning] students, the actual victims of bullying and harassment, may be disproportionately targeted for severe security and disciplinary measures".

There is also a function that allows you to check what laws are in specific states that apply to GLBT people and people living with HIV.