"I grew up among heterosexuals, like all heterosexuals, that's where we gays come from... you heterosexuals." This is a quote from Ellen DeGeneres; an openly gay celebrity. Ellen, as well as thousands of other Americans, are taking a stand to end homophobia. Homophobia refers to discriminatory comments or actions directed at a lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender (LGBT) person. Homophobia has many harmful effects and for this reason it should be stopped. Some of the main effects of homophobia are discrimination at work, the emotional impact it has on homosexuals and the lack of family recognition. Discrimination against one's sexual orientation does not only happen on the street, but also in the workplace. US law should protect all US employees from any form of discrimination, whether racial, religious or sexual. This is stated in Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Dawson). That said, why doesn't this title seem to apply to the gay community? Data from a 1989-1991 national survey found that gay and bisexual male workers earned 11% to 27% less than heterosexual workers, regardless of their occupation (Badgett). It is statistically proven that in most cases LGBT workers earn less than heterosexuals. Discrimination of this kind can lead to low wages and underemployment for an entire subgroup of the population (Klobuchar). Most homosexuals choose to hide their sexual identity from their colleagues because of the discrimination they may face (Dawson). “Lesbian and gay men who voluntarily disclose their sexual orientation to employers and colleagues may risk career and gender identity impairment.” Joint Economic Committee. U.S. Government, November 2013. Web. January 29, 2014. O'Hanlan, Katherine A., et al. "Homophobia is a health hazard." United States Today (Farmingdale). November 1996: 26-29. SIRS Problem Researcher. Network. 08 December 2013.Rafferty, Anna. “Homophobia”. Palo Alto Medical Foundation. Sutter Health, October 2013. Web. November 25, 2013. "Should gay marriage be legal?" ProCon. 20 November 2013. Web. 01 December 2013.Tavernise, Sabrina. “Adoptions by same-sex couples are increasing, despite legal barriers.” New York Times. 14 June 2011: A.11. SIRS Problem Researcher. Network. 04 December 2013.Wolfson, Also. Homosexuals should be able to marry. Homosexuality. Ed. Auriana Ojeda. Farmington Hills: Greenhaven Press, 2004. 170-180. Print.Zeindler, Christine. “Psychological impacts of homophobia”. Concordia University. Concordia University, 02 February 2011. Web. 01 December. 2013.