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In the past century, there has been a great push toward equal rights for homosexual couples. In 2006, a study was performed that showed approximately 1/5 of the population has had homosexual feelings toward another person, so it is clearly a huge part of modern society. Some religious sects have beliefs that homosexuality is immoral, while others are embracing the lifestyle and fighting for the rights. Some of these rights include the ability to marry, obtain jobs, adopt children, and enlist in the military. Many larger companies offer health benefits to same-sex partners of employees at equal prices to those in heterosexual relationships.

There are groups of people who work hard to protect the rights and safety of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender individuals. There are laws in place in many of the states in America that restrict marriage between same-sex couples, instead calling them civil unions. However, with activist groups pushing for changes, there have been propositions added to local ballots that allow these unions to be recognized as marriages, and thus allowing these couples the same rights as married opposite-sex couples. Many early theorists discussed homosexuality long before the practice was recognized, such as Sigmund Freud and Carl Jung.

There are some preconceived ideas about those involved in the homosexual lifestyle, but many choose to be involved in committed relationships and live very similarly to conservative heterosexual couples. As the laws change, many of these notions are being washed away and gay and lesbian couples are receiving the same rights and liberties as any other couple.