2014 is year of the LGBT community. Before this time gays were forbidden to openly participate in the decades old St. Patrick's Day parade held in New York City every year. If a member of the LGBT community wanted to participate, they were forced to stand under some one else's banner, unable to represent themselves. While it is not known how the first LGBT community was chosen to participate; this development sparks hope for a better future for everyone regardless of sexual preference. The lifting of the ban demonstrates, not only to other Americans, the progress in which is being made but also the rest of the world as it is a broadcasted event. For the first time, the world will see acceptance of everyone from a country that was once so close-minded.
The lifting of the ban is a statement; it is saying that times are changing. Changing for the better, changing for equality, changing in a way the rest of the world will think “Why can’t we be more like America?”. Up until this point we, as Americans, have been behind a majority of first world countries when it comes to equality for everyone. Segregation based off race, gender, sexuality and class are all problems that American is still faced with today. How can we claim to be progressive when human rights don't apply to all humans in this country? Allowing gays to march under their own banners is the start to true progress.
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