ABSTRACT
The environment surrounding LGBTQ lobbying in Washington, D.C. effects the way people interact. I argue that D.C. is a toxic environment in which to operate and this means that there is a deference to heteronormative oppression over disruption of the status quo. To analyze this situation, I look at the motivating question of this book as being “who gets what, when, and how?” (Lasswell, 1936). This is used to analyze what factors have contributed to the failures and success of the LGBTQ issues in the United States during the past 20 years. This question is examined by looking at the hierarchy of social movement groups. This chapter also presents a critique of Pride as part of the queer environment and the way social and cultural perceptions impact the priorities of the LGBTQ advocacy community.
