1st Edition
Social Equity and LGBTQ Rights Dismantling Discrimination and Expanding Civil Rights
Can a baker refuse to make a wedding cake for a gay couple? Despite the U.S. Supreme Court decision guaranteeing marriage equality in 2015, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) citizens in the United States continue to be discriminated against in fundamental areas that others take for granted as a legal right. Using social equity theory and intersectionality but written in an accessible style, this book demonstrates some of the ways in which LGBTQ citizens have been marginalized for their identity and argues that the field of public administration has a unique responsibility to prioritize social equity. Categories utilized by the U.S. Census Bureau (male or female, heterosexual or homosexual), for example, must shift to a continuum to accurately capture demographic characteristics and citizen behavior. Evidenced-based outcomes and disparities between cisgender and heterosexual and LGBTQ populations are carefully delineated to provide a legal rationale for a compelling governmental interest, and policy recommendations are provided – including overdue federal legislation to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
1. Social Equity and Public Administration; 2. Marriage Equality: A Fundamental Right; 3. Fostyer Care, Adoption, and Assistive Reproductive Technology; 4. LGBTQ Employment Protections; 5. LGBTQ Rights and the U.S. Military; 6. Public Accomodations, Title IX, and Government ID; 7. Next Steps
Biography
Lorenda A. Naylor is an associate professor at the University of Baltimore, College of Public Affairs, School of Public & International Affairs. She is the program director for the undergraduate degree program Policy, Politics and International Affairs. Dr. Naylor has recently been approved as a U.S. Fulbright Specialist. She is a social equity researcher. Her research focuses on the intersection of marginalized populations, government access, and constitutional rights. Prior to joining the academy, she worked in state and local government in maternal child health, foster care, and adoption.
“Social Equity & LGBTQ Rights is an important and well-written book for public administration and public policy students and practitioners. It is a welcome addition to the literature on social equity and social justice and should be assigned as a supplemental textbook in public affairs programs.”
Mohamad Alkadry, University of Connecticut, USA
“Dr. Naylor’s book is a major contribution to the field. It is well-written, and it comprehensively covers LGBTQ issues in the context of social equity. These issues tend to receive marginal coverage in our courses, yet they are so critical today. I recommend this book with great enthusiasm; it should be required reading in all public administration, affairs and policy courses.”
Norma M. Riccucci, Rutgers University, Newark, USA
“Dr. Naylor presents the reader with important cases and a deep understanding of LGBTQ matters framed within social equity. Her contribution is especially important as many parts of the US experience a rollback of LGBTQ rights and protections. Dr. Naylor's book is an essential read for any college/university course on social equity and uplift.”
Richard Greggory Johnson, University of San Francisco, USA
“In this important addition to the social equity literature, Dr. Lorenda A. Naylor connects the dots between theory and practice while providing a historical perspective and incorporating milestone events and landmark U.S. Supreme Court rulings. I recommend this book to public administration scholars and students, policymakers, government employees, and those who strive to ‘walk the talk’ when it comes to social equity.”
Erik Bergrud, Park University, USA
