Love Has No Labels: American Dreams

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We all deserve to
chase our dreams.

Read the stories

Housing
Safety
Employment

We all deserve a
place to call home.

LGBTQ+ people could be
legally denied housing
based solely on who
they are in more
than half of US states.

Source: Movement Advancement Project, 2024

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“The world is already unsafe for trans people—if you don’t have a safe home then what can you do?”

Growing threats of anti-LGBTQ+ violence in his neighborhood made Dawn fear for his safety—it took a big step to finally find stability in another community.

Read Dawn’s full story

A Place to Call Home :15

Have you ever been denied housing because of your sexual orientation or gender?

The ability to buy or rent a home should be a basic human right, but unfortunately, LGBTQ+ people face many barriers to safe housing. The reality is that over half of US states lack written laws protecting people from being denied housing for being LGBTQ+.

Dive Deeper

Emma raising the peace sign outside in a pink beanie and brown coat.

"The need for safe housing is especially important for trans folks.”

Emma became the first trans woman to walk every block in Manhattan. But before she accomplished that, an unsafe living situation threatened her ability to call New York City home.

Read Emma's full story

“Queer folks have always existed, even in the South, and this won’t drive us out.”

Public librarian and activist Alyx believes LGBTQ+ people belong in the South, and they’re finding ways to make their hometown safe for everybody.

Read Alyx’s full story

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We all deserve to live in safety.

LGBTQ+ people are nearly
4 times more likely
to be victims of
violent crime.

Source: Williams Institute, 2020

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“While I don’t expect everyone to fully understand my life, I urge everyone to treat everyone, trans or not, like real, living, breathing people.”

Trey spent her youth in places that prevented her from living as her authentic self—burdened by racism and anti-trans attitudes. Getting in touch with her creativity helped her unlock joy.

Read Trey’s full story

The Freedom to Live in Safety :15

Have you ever referred to being gay or trans as a choice or a lifestyle that can be changed?

Our sexual orientation and gender are natural parts of who we are – it is not a choice to be trans, gay, lesbian, bisexual, etc., just like it’s not a choice to be straight. People also can’t “turn” gay or trans, so exposing a boy to toys traditionally made for girls, such as dolls, won’t “cause” him to become gay or a woman (for example).

Dive deeper

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“The slight and overlook that we face is the very same reason why I’m proud to be apart of a resilient community.”

Gracie balanced becoming a parent and a successful hairdresser, but finally coming out as trans proved to be a more challenging yet freeing experience than she expected.

Read Gracie’s full story

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"There’s not a guide book with all of the answers.”

After Ryan was confronted with a thoughtless and hurtful joke about his sexuality, he learned the value of respect and kindness in communication.

We all deserve to
work for a better life.

50% of LGBTQ+ people
have been harassed, fired,
or denied a promotion
at work because of
who they are.

Center for American Progress, 2023

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“I love that more and more people are brave enough to be themselves now. I never thought this would happen in my lifetime.”

Performance artist Dominique didn’t compromise her vision to fit into the mainstream, but that choice came with some negative consequences.

Read Dominique’s full story

The Opportunity to Work for a Better Life :15

Have you used language that might be offensive to LGBTQ+ people?

Language is powerful — what we say to each other matters. Certain words used to offend people throughout history were later reclaimed, turning once insulting phrases into in-group terms of endearment and empowering identities. This is definitely true of the LGBTQ+ community — the word “queer” is just one example.

Dive deeper

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“I’m passionate about telling stories that make a difference in the world. That’s what got me into filmmaking in the first place.”

Award-winning director Megan is waging a strong effort for greater representation and recognition for LGBTQ+ stories in film and television.

Read Megan’s full story

“We welcome anybody and everybody.”

Drew’s on Clark isn’t just a gay bar — coowners and couple James and Drew say the secret to a successful business and warm environment is respect for everybody.

Read James and Drew’s full story

Darkly lit outside of a diner with bright windows.

“It’s important to name the harm caused and repair that harm, in the moment, and for the future workers.”

Coming out was tough for Klaudia, who attended an expressly anti-LGBTQ+ university. Later, she encountered discrimination where she least expected it: an LGBTQ+ advocacy organization.

Read Klaudia's full story

Every day, we have an opportunity to create a more just, equitable, and inclusive society. Here are small changes you can make starting today.

Understand and use supportive language

LGBTQ+ people use a wide range of terms to describe themselves, their identities, and each other. These widely accepted terms are used by both LGBTQ+ individuals and allies to foster respect and understanding. Learning and using this inclusive language creates a more welcoming society for everyone.

Take the first step to supporting LGBTQ+ people

Whether it’s as simple as using different words or as sustainable as implementing new policies, you can make a difference for LGBTQ+ folks every single day.

Be Honest & Open
Listen & Learn
Show Up, Shop & Share
Use Your Pronouns
Speak Up

Source: Human Rights Campaign Being an LGBTQ+ Ally - HRC Digital Reports

Things to read, watch, and listen

Exploring stories about the lived experiences of others helps remind us all of our shared humanity. Read, Watch and Listen to LGBTQ+ stories such as Girls Can Kiss Now, Heartstopper, and Las Culturistas.

Source: LoveHasNoLabel.com Diversify your media to hear LGBTQ+ stories

Change begins with understanding. Discover how bias and inclusion shape the experiences of LGBTQ+ people and the broader community.

Start learning

Even small actions can have a profound impact. Explore ways to include and engage LGBTQ+ people and communities.

Take action

Get involved with organizations creating a better world for LGBTQ+ people and communities.

Get involved

Founded in 1985, GLAAD is a non-profit organization focused on LGBTQ advocacy and cultural change.

Learn about Glaad

The Trevor Project’s mission is to end suicide among LGBTQ+ young people.

Learn about The Trevor Project

The Human Rights Campaign's mission is to make equality, equity, and liberation a reality for all lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people.

Learn about the Human Rights Campaign

AMERICAN DREAMS

AMERICAN REALITY

“The world is already unsafe for trans people—if you don’t have a safe home then what can you do?”

A Place to Call Home :15

A Place to Call Home :15

Have you ever been denied housing because of your sexual orientation or gender?

"The need for safe housing is especially important for trans folks.”

“Queer folks have always existed, even in the South, and this won’t drive us out.”

AMERICAN DREAMS

AMERICAN REALITY

“While I don’t expect everyone to fully understand my life, I urge everyone to treat everyone, trans or not, like real, living, breathing people.”

The Freedom to Live in Safety :15

The Freedom to Live in Safety :15

Have you ever referred to being gay or trans as a choice or a lifestyle that can be changed?

“The slight and overlook that we face is the very same reason why I’m proud to be apart of a resilient community.”

"There’s not a guide book with all of the answers.”

AMERICAN DREAMS

AMERICAN REALITY

“I love that more and more people are brave enough to be themselves now. I never thought this would happen in my lifetime.”

The Opportunity to Work for a Better Life :15

The Opportunity to Work for a Better Life :15

Have you used language that might be offensive to LGBTQ+ people?

“I’m passionate about telling stories that make a difference in the world. That’s what got me into filmmaking in the first place.”

“We welcome anybody and everybody.”

“It’s important to name the harm caused and repair that harm, in the moment, and for the future workers.”

A Place to Call Home :60 | Love Has No Labels

Empower everyone to achieve their dreams.

Learn

Act

Support

Partners

Glaad

The Trevor Project

Human Rights Campaign