Week 1: First

January 10, 2021

Hello Readers.

With the first full week of the new year behind us, it is important that we remember the past and history that has lead us to where we are today. Civil rights has had many developments, and the LGBTQ+ rights movement has had small victories throughout the 20th century.

Technically speaking, there are 16 States as of 2020 which have laws against sodomy or any sexual actions that are not for the purpose of procreation (some of which include oral sex). Many of these laws have been invalidated due to federal or newer state legislature; however, they are still technically in the statutes of the states and can be used as a learning experience to what was once a larger issue; It was illegal to have gay sex throughout the country regardless of consent, location, or being in the privacy of your own home.

As we reflect on this, let's look at what I find to be the first "win" for the LGBTQ+ community in this subject. January 1st, 1962 a new law went into effect, changing the laws on sodomy. This state code changed wording in the states law which decriminalized the act of same-sex intercourse, as well as established 18 as the age of sexual consent.

As I read into this I found myself thinking of the saying, "We won the battle, but not the war.". This was our first small victory even if it was not specifically a battle that was actively being fought. As lately as 2013, there have been cases of individuals going to court over some of these laws. In Texas, a couple was being prosecuted for having sex in the privacy of their own home. This case went to the supreme court and the law was ruled unconstitutional; but this is a reminder of how there are still laws and injustices left to fight for.

I am hopeful that this new year, new leadership, and new beginning will see changes abundant to the rights of all individuals in the U.S. but I especially hope that we see changes and the correction of injustices against the trans members of our community.

Remember readers,

Embrace your loved ones, stay safe, and wear your mask!

– Joey ToGayOrNotToGay.