Pentagon Paving the Way for Transgender Military Service

Another foreseen victory for diversity and inclusion, for the LGBT community, specifically for transgender people: the announcement that Pentagon is paving the way for transgender military service that will hopefully see the end of discrimination against transgenders in the military.

On July 13, Secretary of Defense Ash Carter ordered a six-month study aimed at lifting the regulations that ban transgender people from serving openly in the military. Starting immediately, no one will be discharged for being trans without top brass approval—a move widely interpreted as meaning that trans discharges are finished. - Read more at:

 

The officials said Defense Secretary Ash Carter has asked his personnel undersecretary, Brad Carson, to set up a working group of senior military and civilian leaders to take an objective look at the issue. One senior official said that while the goal is to lift the ban, Carter wants the working group to look at the practical effects, including the costs, and determine whether it would affect readiness or create any insurmountable problems that could derail the plan. The group would also develop uniform guidelines. - Read more:

 

The announcement of a possible lifting of the ban has been mostly welcomed by transgenders though with some apprehension, it was reported. An article on TIME quotes Capt. Jacob Eleazer.

“It’s not like the DOMA [Defense of Marriage Act] ruling, where people are sitting there with their religious leaders on the steps of the Supreme Court waiting to tell them they can get married. It’s not a one shot, one kill situation. It’s protracted and lengthy and it will not be a 100% solution for everybody,” said Capt. Jacob Eleazer, 29, of the Army National Guard, who is also a chapter leader in SPARTA, a group working on behalf of LGBT soldiers.  - Read more: 

 

Another wary reaction comes from a transgender soldier:

“I’m not really celebrating as much as everyone else is,” Sgt. Shane Ortega — a 28-year-old helicopter crew chief in the Army’s 25th Infantry Division in Hawaii — said in a telephone interview with The Washington Post. “What I’m really looking forward to is smooth integration and implementation. I’m looking forward to the increased cohesion and knowledge that U.S. military is going to develop.” - Read more at: 

 

DiversityWorking.com, the largest diversity job board online, is a career opportunity resource and job search engine for the cultural diversity marketplace. Through DiversityWorking.com, you can post jobs for veterans who can readily fill your diversity and equal employment opportunity requirements. Visit DiversityWorking.com now.

Racism: Where Do We Go From Here

Racism: where does the country go from here? Does it still exist?  Has it remained a big problem today?

How does this affect efforts to increase and promote diversity and inclusion in all sectors of the American society? How can the country deal with deep-seated racial sentiments that still rile and disunite people?

Current events have given rise to the idea racism is still far from over: continuing police brutality; violence committed against people of color, and lately, the mass killings in Charleston, SC, which have in fact reignited the burning issue of race. People began talking about it again, despite the discomfort it triggers.

The Washington Post reports about “White People,” MTV's special documentary on race.

Directed by Jose Antonio Vargas, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and former-Washington-Post-reporter-turned-social activist, the TV documentary shows young white people, and others, from across the country discussing race — honestly.

In the ads for the TV special are shown some young white people voicing their thoughts on the issue:

“You say the wrong thing then suddenly you are a racist.”

“I feel like you guys are attacking me now.”

“It feels like I’m being discriminated against.”

Read more at:

 

Just like the Confederate flag: it has become a symbol of division. Many still find themselves attached to it as a symbol of their tradition and heritage, but many others too view it as a symbol of prejudice, of discrimination. The removal of the Confederate flag from the SC statehouse grounds is fueling this division. 

A sea of Confederate flags held by screaming Ku Klux Klan members fluttered in front of the South Carolina Statehouse Saturday, just as a counter rally featuring African flags on the other side of the Capitol wrapped up. The Loyal White Knights of the Klu Klux Klan, based in North Carolina, vowed to protest the removal of the Confederate flag from the Statehouse last week — and made good on that promise. Read more at:

Gov. Nikki Haley earlier in the week urged residents to avoid the KKK rally, adding that doing so would honor the nine people shot and killed at a predominantly black church in Charleston last month. - Read more:

So how do we go from here? Share with us your responses to the questions above.

DiversityWorking.com, the largest diversity job board online, is a career opportunity resource and job search engine for the cultural diversity marketplace. Through DiversityWorking.com, you can post veteran jobs for your diversity and equal employment opportunity requirements. Visit DiversityWorking.com now.

How is Diversity Working In A Climate of Differences?

In a previous article, “Hobby Lobby May Be Forced to Close...Is This Diversity Working?” we have stated that with the way things are going, Hobby Lobby may be forced to close down because its religious belief on marriage is in danger of being compromised for the sake of the law.

First, this article takes a look on how marriage is viewed; then it presents some opinion on same-sex marriage; and lastly, it invites readers to join in the conversation through the given questions at the end.

Marriage As Religious/Moral Issue

Basically, devout faith believers, specifically Christians, view marriage in the context of their religious beliefs, as well as Christian Ethics; hence marriage is both a religious and a moral issue for most Christians. For others, they may view marriage only as a moral issue; while many people may also view marriage only as a fundamental civil right.

Marriage As Secular Issue

It seems that there is more to the marriage debate than religion and morality, for it also involves law and politics, as this research article discusses. An excerpt from its abstact reads:

Three understandings should form the basis of any discussion about the place of religion and morality in the same-sex marriage debate. First, though some people who defend marriage are personally religious or have religious motivations, support for marriage as the union of husband and wife does not require belief in the religious teachings of any particular faith. Second, many people, including some professional gay-rights activists, enthusiastically mix religion with law and politics in support of same-sex marriage. Third, the question of how marriage should be defined in law raises inescapable moral considerations that should be confronted directly. - Read more at:

 

The following articles present their respective views regarding the debate on same-sex marriage from a religious context:

1. Christians should oppose same-sex marriage

A Christian who opposes same-sex unions to other Christians who have come to support same-sex marriage – a call to re-think their beliefs on marriage. Read on some of the questions raised by the author.

 

The traditional views of the Catholic Church and the Evangelical churches can also be included here: they stand firm against against the SC ruling on same-sex marriage (the Catholic Church view such relationship only as same-sex union, not a marriage) and homosexuality.

Consequence of this view: to treat homosexuals and those into same-sex relationships with scorn, disdain, and/or exclude these people from their circles, e.g. firing employees in same-sex relationships from work– even if the Churches teach about compassion.

2. Same-sex marriage should be supported

From someone who seems inclined to accept same-sex marriage to Christians who oppose same-sex marriage are some of these questions he raises to challenge their thoughts, views and religious/moral beliefs.

 

Argument against this view = based on religious/faith principles.

Consequence of those supporting homosexual relationships is also some measure of hatred towards those who disagree with them and/or feeling threatened with work discrimination, for example.

3. Christians should be compassionate despite being against same-sex marriage.

This article is from a Christian point of view addressing fellow Christians – a call to compassion towards others. The writer does not exlicitly gives his view on same-sex marriage, but he calls out to fellow Christians to be more compassionate, less judgmental about those who are into same-sex marriage and their supporters. Read more at:

 

4. Reject the sin, but not the sinner

This article proposes being compassionate towards homosexuals, but not condone a life of sin; it is not to compromise either, but a Christian response without the hatred or denunciation.

"Unfortunately, when we embrace a life of sin, no matter what sin it is, we fall into deception. Moral compromise always leads to deceit. The gay community has adopted the position, " You will accept us whether you want to or not!" The gay community seeks acceptance from the straight community, the politicians, and God. The problem is they want endorsement of a lifestyle versus acceptance of them as people deserving mutual respect. There is a big difference between these two concepts. Christianity cannot, nor should it, condone sin in whatever form it is expressed.[...]The church is failing to demonstrate love partly because we think loving a gay person is an endorsement of their lifestyle."
Read more:

 

5. Tolerance and Diversity

In a write-up published last year at the height of the issue on contraceptives and the SC ruling in favor of Hobby Lobby, the issue of tolerance is highlighted, explaining why religious freedom is good for diversity. It gives a more objective, sensible explanation about religious freedom and diversity.

"Everyone understands, of course, that religious freedom has limits. Our respect for religious faith must sometimes take a back seat to other serious public interests. No one is suggesting, for example, that we should ever permit honor killings or human sacrifice in the name of religious liberty. Still, a sincere belief shouldn’t have to be clearly right (or popular!) in order to be protected. This is the basic point that the public needs to understand, and often doesn’t."

Read more at:

 

Questions for readers: let us know what you think.

• In a climate of differences in views, beliefs and principles, how can we keep diversity working in society?
• How do you understand tolerance? Diversity?
• How do tolerance and diversity intersect on an issue divisive as this, one that strikes a deep chord because aside from being a religious and a moral issue, marriage is also a right, as well as a secular issue?
• Should tolerance be a two-way street?
• If you are an employer who stand against same-sex marriage based on religious/moral beliefs, how do you stand up for your religious principles without being discriminatory, and running afoul of the law?
• Under what circumstances can you accept or tolerate a same-sex couple?
• Where to draw the line between religious freedom and personal dignity/integrity - so as to make sure no one is punished by law, or discriminated and ostracized for standing up for one's strong, sincere beliefs, religious or secular?

DiversityWorking.com, the largest diversity job board online, is a career opportunity resource and job search engine for the cultural diversity marketplace. Through DiversityWorking.com, you can post jobs for veterans who can readily fill your diversity and equal employment opportunity requirements. Visit DiversityWorking.com now.

NeighborWorks America: Working Together with Diversity

NeighborWorks America, one of the newest diversity company members of DiversityWorking.com, is a trusted name in the service of providing affordable housing and community development and caring for the people who benefit from them.

To achieve its goal of helping build strong, resilient communities, NeighborWorks America provides over 240 of America's best community development organizations with technical assistance, grants and training people in the field of affordable housing and community development.

Casting its reach far and wide and empowering thousands of professionals in this field is a concrete example of how Neighborks America is working together with diversity, which it has been doing for the past 35 years, and so far, the company continues to create great, positive impact on the communities and in the lives of the people they work with, and those who work with them.

For at NeighborWorks America, people are valued. It values a diverse workforce who offer a variety of perspectives and insights. It offers a work environment that is diverse, stimulating, challenging and results-oriented.

Thus, NeighborWorks America is a good place to work for anyone who would like to make a difference while growing their professional skills and experience. Of course, the company compensates the hard work of its staff with generous compensation package and benefits.

For more details about NeighborWorks America and the job opportunities it offers, click on this link.

Smartphone: A Great Job Search Manager

There are just a few things you never notice, but are always on you. Your smart phone; a day never goes without looking at it! So here are a number of tips that can help you use your smart phones to find jobs.

Tips You Must Consider Using:

1. Only if you find it important to get notifications because you are outside mostly. Try to get in reach of your phone or consider getting one. Also, avoid using any phone from current job especially for job related things.

2. Try understanding your needs in the best possible way. Choose yourself a correct plan. You are probably going to need more minutes and internet service if you don’t have one. Also, the same goes with your phone. May be your current phone won’t support and allow all features.

3. Make your phone mark to the level of your own personal brand image. For say, if you are going for an interview and you are dressed well; do not ruin your overall impression with an old scratched phone.

4. Do keep your phone updated and fully- charged. May be you need to carry an extra battery or power- house if you really are a heavy- user. Make it a point to follow the details and guidelines by manufacturers.

5. Try saving time during conversations by saying your name along with hello at first place! Also try filtering calls if you do not find it comfortable to reply at first place.

6. If you are a person who forgets to call back then try setting a reminder so that you do not have to meet a situation of phone ringing in front of your boss.

7. Never complain for the rude tone of your interviewee. Be prepared of such situations in advance. Otherwise, you are going to end-up putting yourself in frustration.

Grip These Features For Your Job Search:

Keeping your phone updated with the applications that may benefit your search is really important. There are hundreds of apps available now-a-days that can help you in searching jobs. They are really important to guide you anytime. Some of these applications you must have are reminders, calendars, memos, to-do list, e-mail or messaging apps.

You must carry your important files such as CV in digital format so that you may share it whenever required. Keeping a good browser, using voicemail services are among the few must have things in your mobile phone. All these things come in handy and can help you in job search.

DiversityWorking Welcomes New Company Member: NeighborWorks America

DiversityWorking.com, a career opportunity resource and job search engine for the cultural diversity marketplace, is pleased to welcome its new member, NeighborWorks America, to its prestigious roster of diversity companies.

NeighborWorks America is an organization involved in helping build strong, resilient communities by providing people with opportunities to live in safe, healthy and affordable housing, whether they own or rent. It supports a network of nonprofit organizations with technical assistance, grants and training for professionals in the affordable housing and community development field every year.

At Neighborworks America, diverse, stimulating, challenging and results-oriented work environment thrives; the Company also values teamwork, ingenuity, collaboration, mutual respect, and personal and professional development.

It its search for qualified, talented people who want to make a difference, NeighborWorks America has partnered with DiversityWorking.com, whose mission is to help companies promote their jobs, build their brand and send targeted and qualified diversity candidates directly to the best jobs possible.

To find out more about NeighborWorks America and its job opportunities, click this link.

Hobby Lobby May Be Forced to Close; Is This Diversity Working?

Hobby Lobby, America's leading retailer in the arts, crafts and hobby industry, has always run its business in accordance with Biblical teachings. It has stood firm on its religious principles, as it did last year in its moral fight – in which the SC ruled in its favor - against the requirement in the Affordable Care Act for employers to provide coverage for abortifacent drugs.

Now that the same-sex marriage has been ruled as a constitutional right, Hobby Lobby is once more under a moral attack. Its religious principles are to be tested again in these trying times, especially when the freedom of expression is at stake.

Hobby Lobby is a committed supporter of workplace diversity and inclusion, and an equal opportunity employer, yet it also upholds its right to religious freedom which is guaranteed by the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. 

The Supreme Court ruling (Obergefell_v._Hodges) on same-sex marriage holds that gay and lesbian couples share the same fundamental right to marry as anyone else, which is guaranteed “by both the Due Process Clause and the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution.”

 

As it was last year when LGBT advocates were of the general opinion that the SC ruling on the Hobby Lobby case could pave the way for individuals, groups, businesses, faith groups and religious institutions to “discriminate” based on one's religious beliefs, the same concern still exists with regards to the new ruling on same-sex marriage.

 

This is just one article among others that express this particular concern.

The Obergefell decision is on a collision course with the Hobby Lobby decision of last year. In that case, the Supreme Court extended the illogic of Citizens United to hold that a for-profit, closely held corporation could raise (and succeed on) a religious liberty defense to the insurance contraceptive coverage mandate of the Affordable Care Act. Although the court majority asserted the holding was limited to that issue, it has opened the door for businesses to refuse to serve customers, based on a religious objection to the customer's sexual orientation. - Read more here:

The problem with such view is it overlooks the right of businesses, like Hobby Lobby, to religious freedom of expression, and puts them in a bind giving them not much of a choice, but to go against their deeply held religious beliefs, or risk having to be punished by law, or even closing down for good so as not to compromise their religious principles. One may even risk losing one's home.

A case in point would be that of the bakers who refused to make a wedding cake for a lesbian couple. Two Christian bakers who refused to bake a cake for a lesbian wedding have been ordered to pay $135,000 in damages by July 13 or else the state of Oregon could place a lien on their home. The story goes the bakers can "ask for a stay of enforcement while they pursue their appeal,” the spokesman said. But there’s a catch. The person who will determine whether or not to stay the order — is BOLI Commissioner Brad Avakian — a vocal supporter of the LGBTQIA movement. - Read more here:

 

A similar story unfolds for another bakery – in the state of Colorado. A Colorado judge today determined that a Lakewood bakery unlawfully discriminated against a gay couple by refusing to sell them a wedding cake. - Read more here:

 

Jim Daly, the president of Focus on the Family, a prominent conservative Christian group based in Colorado Springs, said he was worried that Christians would be subjected to “prejudice and persecution” if they stood against same-sex marriage. He suggested that a variety of issues were likely to be litigated, including whether the ruling would force Christian universities to house same-sex couples in dorms for married students and whether cake makers and florists would have to work same-sex weddings. - Read more here:

Thus, the question is if Christian-run businesses such as Hobby Lobby are forced to close down on account of the SC ruling on same-sex marriage, is this diversity working in American society? Let us know what you think.

  

DiversityWorking.com, the largest diversity job board online, is a career opportunity resource and job search engine for the cultural diversity marketplace. Through DiversityWorking.com, you can optimize your veteran job search for your diversity and equal opportunity employment needs. Visit DiversityWorking.com now.

New Diversity Reports of Tech Companies Show Little Change

So far, diversity is still wanting in the tech industry, as the second round of diversity reports coming from these tech companies show little change from the diversity data they reported last year.

Yesterday Yahoo became the most recent tech company to tell us how painfully similar its diversity numbers are to those it reported last year, according to this article by Tech Crunch. As shown by the workforcediversity data released by Yahoo, it is still predominantly men (62%) with women making up 37% of its workforce. As to ethnicity diversity, the company remains predominantly white (47%) and Asian (43 %); Other data includes:

Tech positions are dominated by 84% men; 16% women;

Non-tech positions are dominated by 54% women; 45% men, and 1% undisclosed;

Leadership positions are 76% men and 24% women.

The aforementioned article suggests that companies should instead disclose their more short-term diversity hiring goals. Each company has, or should have, internal goals for how many women and minorities it plans to hire in a given year. This brings about better accountability, and stcokholders and consumers alike can easily monitor whether the companies follow through their promises of improving diversity in their organization.

Google released last month an updated report of its workforce demograhics, Fortune reported. That data highlighted a big gender gap and a shortage of African-Americans and Hispanics. In the latest report, Google showed that it’s staff is largely the same. In the past year, the company has made only a tiny bit of progress.[...]But for a company of this size — it employs almost 56,000 people worldwide — even this incremental change is good news, according Nancy Lee, Google’s vice president of human resources, told USA Today. “I think we are getting better and we are hoping that ultimately we are able to accelerate the improvement,” she said. - Read more here:

A similar diversity report goes for Facebook, which remains predominantly white and Asian men. The biggest area of progress was that Facebook’s non-tech employee percentage of women grew from 47% to 52%. Any other gains were limited to a 1% increase in the female or hispanic demographic’s share of employees. - Read more here:

DiversityWorking.com, the largest diversity job board online, is a career opportunity resource and job search engine for the cultural diversity marketplace. Through DiversityWorking.com, you can post jobs for veterans who can readily fill your diversity and equal employment opportunity requirements. Visit DiversityWorking.com now.

Dealing with White Guilt and Racism

This is a follow-up article on a series about the Dixon White's Racial Healing Challenge, and it will deal with the issue of “white guilt” - what is it; to what extent is it beneficial or not in efforts to end racism?

See Dixon White' and His “Racial-HealingVideo-Selfie Challenge”

 

Dixon White's purpose for his well-received selfie-video racial healing movement is – to fight against racism...for racial healing and trying to get people, especially white people, to address that, as he said in an interview earlier in April. 

However, many critics lash back by saying Dixon White's (not his real name) videos are promoting “white guilt,” something that White denied in a later interview with ABC News' “Nightline.”

“A whole bunch of them, and that’s the problem is that white guilt is a defense mechanism,” White said. “I’m not asking anybody to be guilty or feel guilty. I’ve never told anybody to be guilty. What I’ve asked people to do is to take on one of the most immoral things in our society, which is racial and social injustice.” - Read more here:

 

To understand this unease towards “white guilt” - here are a few definitions.

Racism – One guest article on the Huffington Post explains the difficulty of talking to white people about racism, defined as:

Social scientists understand racism as a multidimensional and highly adaptive system -- a system that ensures an unequal distribution of resources between racial groups. Because whites built and dominate all significant institutions, (often at the expense of and on the uncompensated labor of other groups), their interests are embedded in the foundation of U.S. society. While individual whites may be against racism, they still benefit from the distribution of resources controlled by their group. - Read more here:

White guilt is the individual or collective guilt felt by some white people for harm resulting from racist treatment of people of color by whites both historically and currently.

An academic, sociological definition of white guilt is presented in, “An Analysis of “White Privilege and White Guilt” by Simone Kirwan, from the faculty of Education, University of Manitoba, in which the author defines “white privilege” as:

“an innate collection of favoured benefits or circumstances which are not earned, that have been granted to white people, who are often considered to be ‘the mainstream’ in Canada and the U.S. Thus, one is born into white privilege based on the colour of one’s skin and for no other apparent reason.”

In contrast, “white guilt” - as quoted by the paper's author from Shelby Steele (2006) – is:

“the vacuum of moral authority that comes from simply knowing that one’s race is associated with racism. Whites (and American institutions [and Canadian institutions, too]) must acknowledge historical racism to show themselves redeemed of it (p. 24).”

The paper continues: 

some white people who are apprised of their experiences of white privilege may feel badly about the intrinsic benefits they perceive that they obtain simply because they are ‘white’, and, to compensate for this, they are overly sensitive, extremely aware, or excessively tolerant toward non-whites.

Thus, the author does not see 'white guilt' an effective means to counterbalance the historical effects of racism perpetuated by the mainstream against those deemed to be 'coloured.' - See more here:

One commentary suggests the same idea - that white guilt is not effective in helping end “systemic racism,” for it can lead to avoidance of the primary issues altogether, as well as the manifestation of defense mechanisms, including denial, projection, intellectualization, and rationalization.

"[...]The point of identifying and exposing inconsistencies within the social systems and cultural norms of the United States isn’t to make whites feel guilty, but to garner greater empathy that will inspire change. The main problem with white guilt is that it attempts to diminish the spotlight aimed at issues germane to marginalized groups and redirects the focus to a wasteful plane of apologetics and ineffective assessment." - Read more here:

One article, though, has a different idea about how to white people can help combat racism, and it is not about making them feel guilty:

I think a far more effective method would be to challenge people to recognize their own racist behaviors—assuming they have them. That’s really the only way change can come about because racism is built on ideals and truly it’s not enough to just think, am I suspicious of black people or do I think they should be followed around in stores, it’s why do I think that way and how do I implement practices that reinforce my own privilege, like not hiring black people or voting for legislation that disadvantages them. - Read more here:

Questions for the readers: Share with us your thoughts.

What do you think of Dixon White's Racial Healing Challenge and its impact on the fight against racism?

What makes people wary of talking about racism?

To what extent is white guilt influential or not in efforts to end racism?

DiversityWorking.com, the largest diversity job board online, is a career opportunity resource and job search engine for the cultural diversity marketplace. Through DiversityWorking.com, you can post jobs for veterans who can readily fill your diversity and equal employment opportunity requirements. Visit DiversityWorking.com now.

Gay Marriage Ruling: Negative Implications

This last segment of a 3-part series presents some negative implications of the SC ruling on gay marriage from the perspectives of the Church and the faithful; children of same-sex couples, and economy experts.

The Church: Catholic and other Christian sects

The Catholic Church teaches that marriage is a union between one man and one woman; it is both a natural and divine law. The Church also sees marriage as a sacrament instituted for the purpose of procreation – the begetting of children. Taking a position of “tolerant resistance,” it opposes same-sex marriage and here is why:

We are not opposed to same-sex “marriage” because we hate homosexuals. We don’t “hate fags”; nor do we believe that God does. We don’t judge a person’s heart simply because he or she is attracted to persons of the same sex. The official teaching of the Catholic Church says homosexual persons “must be accepted with respect, compassion and sensitivity. Every sign of unjust discrimination in their regard should be avoided” (Catechism, 2358). ...However, when it comes to same-sex “marriage,” we are dealing not only with the question of homosexuality per se, but also of the Catholic sacraments. - Read more here:

 

Catholic Church leaders in the US believe the SC ruling will create problems and conflicts.

 

A very critical question – one which came about even before the SC ruling – is the so-called “Estridge Dilemmna:” what course of action should U.S. Catholic institutions chart when an employee publicly contradicts Church teaching by being a party to such a union? [...]with a report circulating this week that the Obama administration already has decided to make acceptance of LBGT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered) job applicants a condition for all federal grants made to faith-based groups, the “Estridge Dilemma” soon could be a problem that virtually every Catholic institution will face as they seek to live out their mission while keeping their religious identity intact. - Read more here:

 

Among the American Catholic faithful themselves, opinions vary, with some favoring the ruling and other standing firm on the Church's teachings and on biblical teachings on marriage.

The disparate opinions on the court's historic decision are indicative of how the issue has polarized people of faith across the nation.[...]Although the Catholic Church officially condemns same-sex marriage, Pope Francis has offered a more lenient view on gender identity, responding “Who am I to judge?” when asked about his views on homosexuality — a move that caused a stir not only among Catholics but worldwide. - Read more:

The NCR (National Catholic Reporter) has published an article which shares two differing op-eds – from among the several it has received, 

each of which calls for respect towards LGBT people, even if one is opposed to same sex marriage: "...magnanimity in defeat. But even more so: Draw a sharp distinction between the issue of gay marriage and whether or not gay people should be treated equitably in the marketplace, legal system or in society at large." (Patrick C. Beeman)

"...If the church hierarchy wants to witness the Spirit alive in LGBT people, it needs to listen to our stories of finding new life -- and deeper relationship with God -- as we strive to integrate our faith and sexuality." (Arthur Fitzmaurice) – Read more here:

 

Other Christian denominations likewise differ in opinions, with some suporting same-sex marriage, while others oppose. A new study recently made by the Barna Group has found that practicing Christians (28%) are far less likely than self-identified Christians (43%) to favor the Supreme Court ruling. […] Nearly all theologically defined evangelicals say they are not in favor of the Court’s decision (94%)—more than twice the proportion among the general population (43%) and even significantly more than the practicing Christians segment (66%). - Read more here:

The American Family: Children of Same-Sex Couples

Perhaps the main impact of the SC ruling on same sex marriage will be on the structure of the American family. Based on last year's Pew Research Center analysis of American Community Survey (ACS) and Decennial Census data, the traditional family structure in America has changed.

One of the largest shifts in family structure is this: 34% of children today are living with an unmarried parent—up from just 9% in 1960, and 19% in 1980. In most cases, these unmarried parents are single. However, a small share of all children—4%–are living with two cohabiting parents – or in a same-sex marriage. - Read more here:

However, what is also equally relevant to know is how children of same-sex couples feel about their family set-up.

In this article, 4 adult children exlain why they do not favor same-sex marriage. B.N. Klein, Robert Oscar Lopez, Dawn Stefanowicz, and Katy Faust all grew up with homosexual parents. All four argued that redefining marriage to include same-sex couples would harm children by depriving them of a mother or father. 

 

Here is another adult person who grew up in a same-sex household sharing her view: Growing up, and even into my 20s, I supported and advocated for gay marriage. It’s only with some time and distance from my childhood that I’m able to reflect on my experiences and recognize the long-term consequences that same-sex parenting had on me. And it’s only now, as I watch my children loving and being loved by their father each day, that I can see the beauty and wisdom in traditional marriage and parenting. - See more here:

From a gay person writing under a pseudonym, here is his view against same-sex marriage: “...I realized that the argument in support of gay marriage is predicated on one audaciously bald-faced lie: the lie that same-sex relationships are inherently equal to heterosexual relationships. It only takes a moment of objective thought to realize that the union of two men or two women is a drastically different arrangement than the union of a man and a woman. It’s about time we realize this very basic truth and stop pretending that all relationships are created equal.” - Read more here:

He also writes in the same article that many gays and lesbians are opposed to same-sex marriage, an even larger number are ambivalent, yet they are afraid to speak out because gay rights activists (most of whom are straight) have a history of viciously stamping out any trace of individualism within the gay community.

For opponents of same-sex marriage who fear the destruction of the traditional family structure, here can be another bothering issue. According to an article by the Christian Science Monitor, last week’s ruling for the legalization of same-sex marriage has spurred another marriage debate. Is America ready for legalized polygamy? - Read more: 

The Economy

It is generally recognized that the economy suffers when there is inequality and discrimination, thus diversity companies and businesses promote diversity and inclusion. Doing so helps companies attract, hire and retain the best talents, improve their bottom line, as well as contribute to economic progress of the nation. In light of the recently passed law on same-sex marriage, it is suggested that employers keep in mind important matters regarding the legal and tax treatment of same-sex unions, according to an article on the Wall Street Journal, or they may face discrimination lawsuits.

Freedom of Speech

Based on personal accounts - such as in one  of the accounts above, as well as comments on social media, there is a general fear of speaking out for one 's honest personal opinion, lest it would be construed as hate – from both sides of the fence, either in favor or against the new ruling. 

One such example wherein freedom of speech may be impaired is this story of a judge in Oregon [who] has issued a gag order denying two Christian bakery owners from speaking out against same sex marriage. - Read more here:

Caitlyn Jenner and the SC Ruling

Caitlyn Jenner's social popularity has soared even higher with her recent transitioning as a woman. Thus when she joined the annual Gay Pride March after the US Supreme Court’s landmark ruling to legalise gay marriage...she dazzled crowds. - See more here:

  

However, it was also noted that she still remained a Republican at heart – as this report says: Caitlyn may very well be “happy” with the changes the country is making, but she’s still playing the old boys’ political game. We’re told Cait is true to her Republican party and doesn’t want to come off sounding too Pro-Obama.

With all these diversity of views, opinions, stance concerning the legalization of same-sex marriage, it seems the Supreme Court decision has divided the nation; as to what extent, that remains to be seen.  It can be assumed that radical changes are afoot in the American society.

Let us know what you think about the SC ruling on same-sex marriage. How will this impact American society? What changes do you foresee?

What role can a social celebrity like Caitlyn Jenner have to steer a meaningful conversation on a divisive issue such as same-sex marriage?
  

DiversityWorking.com, the largest diversity job board online, is a career opportunity resource and job search engine for the cultural diversity marketplace. Through DiversityWorking.com, you can post jobs for veterans who can readily fill your diversity and equal employment opportunity requirements. Visit DiversityWorking.com now.