P/S/76. Gay and lesbian movement

The paper examines legal, social and political issues of discrimination based on sexual orientation. A review of literature provides a brief history of homosexuality; an overview of the emergence of the homophile and gay liberation movement (associated with Mattachine society and Daughters of Bilitis); the emergence and spread of AIDS; the Christian right's moral condemnation of homosexuality; the court case study Bowers v. Hardwick; etc. In conclusion the author argues the need of electoral and financial support for the lesbian and gay movement.