There's multiple fronts to fight on. The academic studies clearly won't change the legislatures soon, but they do make a difference when making a challenge as to whether the laws the legislatures pass are constitutional. And a lot of judges truly believe that their job is to be fair to all citizens, not just the ones they might agree with politically.
Still, you are very correct that speaking up matters. We got Congress to back down on eliminating the Office of Congressional Ethics, after all. And the GOP has moved from "repeal Obamacare" to "repeal and replace the ACA" to "repair healthcare".
And being visible matters. Being a part of the LGBT movement all these years has highlighted that for me. Being visible and, well, _normal_ has made a huge difference in how people see us. Changing people's _hearts_ wins the day even when their minds aren't ready.
Re: You're welcome!
Still, you are very correct that speaking up matters. We got Congress to back down on eliminating the Office of Congressional Ethics, after all. And the GOP has moved from "repeal Obamacare" to "repeal and replace the ACA" to "repair healthcare".
And being visible matters. Being a part of the LGBT movement all these years has highlighted that for me. Being visible and, well, _normal_ has made a huge difference in how people see us. Changing people's _hearts_ wins the day even when their minds aren't ready.