A powerful new advertising campaign seeks to remind everyday Americans that true equality for members of the LGBTIQ+ community is yet to be achieved.
The Ad Council's “Beyond I Do” campaign reflects on the historic legalisation of same-sex marriage in 2015 while shining a spotlight on the 31 US States where various discriminations are still written into law, reports AdWeek.
According to the campaign, while “marriage is legal in all 50 states, discrimination is still legal in 31 states.”
The series of videos amplify the voices of those who have suffered under these laws, including Queen, who was legally evicted from her home when her landlord found out she is transgender.
"It takes me to a place of no hope, it takes me to a place of loneliness - it saddens me," Queen says of her experience.
She continues: "When you discriminate against someone in housing, where do these people go? Let's just respect people in every day life for just being human."
"Discrimination against LGBT people is on the rise, and in 31 states it’s still legal to fire, evict, or deny services to LGBT people," the campaign description reads.
"While most Americans support equal treatment, they’re unaware LGBT people lack these protections."
The Beyond I Do website includes an interactive map of the United States, with users able to explore the state laws in place which actively discriminate against LGBTIQ+ people.
Each state includes video testimonials, facts, and steps people can take to help minimise harm against the queer community.
