IN ALL BUT the nine states that include sexual orientation in their human rights statutes, homosexuals legally can be fired or not hired simply because they are gay. Naturally, many gay men and lesbians fear discovery, knowing it may lead to their losing their jobs. Many worry that if they are fired they will not be able to pay for food, housing, and other necessities. Because the ability to earn a living is at the heart of personal freedom, gay civil rights efforts include the struggle for job protection and for job-related benefits.

Fighting for jobs

Gay men and lesbians have actively fought against job discrimination since the late 1950s when the U.S. government was openly antihomosexual. No gay man or lesbian could work for the U.S. government in any capacity, either civilian or military. This meant they...