Respond to this discussion using two recent scholarly articles and a biblical perspective:

The Equality Act (H.R.5) seeks to prohibit discrimination based on sex, gender identity, and sexual orientation (Congress.gov, 2021). While the bill would have represented a significant step forward in securing equal rights for the LGBTQ+ community, individuals remain subject to stigmatization. When applying the Takahashi Model of Stigmatization (Broers, 2018, pp. 68-69) to the Equality Act, we can see how stigma continues to contribute to resistance and misunderstanding of the LGBTQ+ community.

Functionality: Are they functioning members of society? Opponents of LGBTQ+ equal rights will sometimes portray these individuals as threats to social cohesion and traditional family structures. The stigma of functionality implies that these individuals are less productive members of society and fail to contribute in any meaningful way. However, LGBTQ+ individuals are integral to every aspect of daily life, from serving in the military, education, and at the highest levels of government. The Equality Act addresses this by extending federal protections in employment, housing, and education.

Aesthetics: Do they have an acceptable appearance? Biases against transgender individuals fuel discrimination and stigmatization. Transgender individuals are often targeted for not conforming to their gender identity through their appearance by societal standards. They dress differently than expected, often choosing clothes that stand out for fear of otherwise being invisible, which they feel can render them powerless and voiceless (Dergi et al., 2023). The Equality Act aims to dismantle the idea that only certain appearances are acceptable.

Personal Culpability - How responsible are they for their condition? This stigmatization is a major barrier to public support for LGBTQ+ rights. There is a belief that the choice to be lesbian, gay, bisexual, etc., is just that, a choice, and that those individuals bring the discrimination they experience upon themselves. The Equality Act reframes this discussion by integrating LGBTQ+ rights within the broader civil rights of all American citizens.

Degree of Contagion - Can I catch what they have? Though this is a less common stigmatization today, there is still a subtle fear that exposure to LGBTQ+ people will cause another individual to 'catch' being LGBTQ+. There is also a fear among parents of school-age children that LGBTQ+ students may influence their children. The Equality Act aims to combat resistance in inclusive education and LGBTQ+ role models in the media and leadership roles. Inclusion is not a threat, but an important step towards equality, equity, and safety.

Stigma not only shapes individual experiences but also legislation. Applying the Takahashi Model of Stigmatization, we can see how social biases affect public understanding and potential legislation. The Equality Act aims to not only end harmful perceptions that perpetuate discrimination and stigmatization, but also to level the playing field for the LGBTQ+ community.

As social workers and Christians, we are called to uphold the inherent dignity and worth of all people, even if their values do not align with our own. Scripture urges us to seek justice, love, and mercy, and walk humbly with God. The biases that the Takahashi Model highlights are similar to the ones that Jesus himself condemned throughout his life. Galatians 3:28 says, "There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." (New International Version, 2015). He welcomed those who were considered outcasts, the lepers, the tax collectors, women, Gentiles, etc. He broke societal norms to show they were valuable members of society.