The United States has come a long way when it comes to gay rights. Today, the nation is home to over 120 million people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender (LGBT), and nearly 20 percent of all Americans are members of one of the country’s many LGBT communities.

And while we’ve come a long way from the days of the “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell” policy, there remains work to be done before full equality can be achieved across all sectors of society. As LGBT activists continue to fight for greater inclusion in schools, workplaces, and elsewhere, they must also remain vigilant against attacks on their civil liberties that threaten to roll back progress made so far.

Fortunately, it seems the tide is turning in favor of LGBT citizens. There have been several recent milestones in the struggle for equal rights that are worth noting, including increased support from Hollywood stars like Ellen DeGeneres, Lena Dunham, and Neil Patrick Harris; the legalization of same-sex marriage nationwide in 2015; and most recently, the announcement that President Trump would not seek to ban transgender individuals from serving openly in the military.

While these successes should inspire hope, they shouldn’t distract us from the hard work still ahead. Just last year alone, more than 700 anti-LGBT bills were introduced across 44 states. Many of these proposals sought to restrict LGBT rights by banning adoption or foster care for LGBT couples, restricting access to healthcare services, barring transgender students from using the bathroom of their choice, or otherwise limiting the civil liberties of LGBT citizens.

Despite this ongoing pressure, it appears American attitudes toward LGBT rights are changing at a rapid pace, and not just among the general population but within the LGBT community itself. As our society becomes increasingly accepting of the LGBT community, the number of LGBT individuals seeking out online gay chat rooms to connect with others is likely to increase as well.

In fact, a recent survey conducted by the Pew Research Center found that over two-thirds (72%) of the public in America believe homosexuality should be accepted by society, up from only 32% in 1990. Furthermore, while 44% of Americans say they personally know someone who identifies as LGBT, that figure has remained relatively unchanged since 2000. This suggests that the vast majority of Americans still don’t actually know anyone in the LGBT community, and yet they’re becoming more accepting of them nonetheless.

So what does this shift in attitude mean for the future of LGBT rights? It may take some time for this change to fully translate into legislative action, but there’s no doubt that the nation’s shifting views will make it easier for LGBT activists to lobby for greater inclusion and equality in the years to come.

With its easy-to-use interface and thousands of active users, GayChat.io could play an important role in helping to facilitate this movement. Whether you’re looking to meet local lesbians and gays, find a date, or simply chat about your favorite TV show, you’ll find something to enjoy here.

As the LGBT community continues to grow, more and more people are finding themselves attracted to others who share their sexual orientation. Unfortunately, this means that even if you feel comfortable enough to come out to friends and family, it might not be enough to protect you from discrimination or harassment in the workplace or school.

Fortunately, there are ways around this problem. If you want to chat with other LGBT singles without worrying about being discriminated against, you can always turn to an online gay chat room. With dozens of options available, it’s never been easier to connect with other members of the LGBT community.