
The last nine years have seen an immense amount of victories, both politically and socially, for members of the lesbian, gay, biseuxal and transgender (LGBT) community.
From the evolving nature of gay marriage to greater legal protections for transgender minors, the LGBT community is gradually gaining new levels of validity and recognition in the eyes of the mainstream public.
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In honor of Huffington Post's 9th birthday, we at HuffPost Gay Voices have put together a list of nine ways in which life for the LGBT community has improved since the site first launched in 2005. As we look back on these historic moments, let's both celebrate and still remember how much work there is still left to be done.
Happy birthday, HuffPost!
1
Freedom To Marry

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Though marriage equality is not yet a reality in may parts of the country, the Supreme Court's historic repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act opened the gates for legislators to begin extending marriage rights to same-sex couples at the state level. At this time, same-sex couples are able to wed in 17 states.
2
Serve Openly In The Military

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President Barack Obama signed the repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" in September 2011, reversing President Bill Clinton's 1993 legislation that barred lesbians and gays from serving openly in the military. Transgender individuals, however, are still not allowed to openly reveal their gender identity while serving.
3
Protection Under Hate Crime Legislation

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The Matthew Shepard & James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act expanded federal hate crime protection to cover assault based on sexual orientation, gender and gender identity after passing in 2010. Shepard was brutally murdered in 1998 after being tied to a split-rail fence, beaten and left for dead.
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Hospital Visitation Rights

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In 2010, President Obama ordered that hospitals receiving Medicare and Medicaid payments must grant patients the right to designate whom can visit and consult with them, enabling hospital visitation rights for same-sex couples.
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Celebrities Show Support For LGBT Community

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Over the past 9 years, a huge number of high-profile straight celebrities have made their supportive stance on LGBT issues public knowledge. Just a few of these LGBT allies include, Beyonce, Snoop Lion, Lena Dunham, A$AP Rocky, Macklemore, Anna Wintour and Jay-Z.
9
Identify As Gay While A Member Of The Boy Scouts

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The Boy Scouts voted last May to lift a ban on openly gay troop members. However, the ban still remains in effect for adult troop leaders, the implications of which have recently been making headlines.
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