The United States involved with lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) people, as well as the LGBTQ social movements they have built. [4][5] Up until the 20th century, it was uncommon for LGBTQ individuals to live open lives due to persecution and social ostracization. The nation's Protestant roots led to a heteronormative culture, reinforced through sodomy laws, often falsely.