The United States has come far in recognizing LGBTQIA+ rights with all 50 states legalizing gay marriage in 2015. But not all countries allow their citizens to have gay rights and many countries reflect hate onto members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Countries across the globe are still struggling to acknowledge LGBTQIA+ human rights. According to a study conducted by the Pew Research Center, many of these countries are in the Middle East and Africa.

According to The William Institute, just in America, roughly nine million identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender. That’s about the size of New Jersey.

Just think about how many people in other countries there are who are closeted and aren’t supported to come out.

I don’t think anybody should have restrictions on what they can and can’t do, Russia on the other hand disagrees.

A 2013 study by Pew Research Center shows that out of roughly 100 people, 70 to 90 percent of Europe accepts the right to be gay, but in Russia, only 16 percent agree with the lifestyle.

On Youtube there’s a video named “Homophobia in Russia,” and it was of two boys walking through Moscow holding hands. This social experiment made citizens very angry and several people walking by made degrading comments and one man even physically got in the middle of them both.

Homosexual individuals in Russia are allowed to have relationships, but there aren’t any laws prohibiting discrimination. And homosexuals are allowed to join the military under the “Don’t ask, don’t tell” policy.

Although this is not the case for Middle Eastern countries like Egypt where, according to the Pew Research Center, 95 percent of Egyptians believe that homosexuality shouldn’t be accepted in society.

Homosexuality and cross-dressing aren’t criminalized in Egypt but has provisions that criminalize any behavior considered immoral, scandalous or offensive to the teachings of religious leaders.

The U.S. still struggles with religious people accepting homosexuality, but for a majority of the population, Americans have become very accepting of the LGBT QIA+ community.

Accepting homosexuality is going to bring a lot more love to America with less family heartache, abandonment and shame.