What is equality? Is it simply a political nomenclature or an ideological concept? Or it is about working to create a more just society in which each individual can enjoy their rights and freedom without any judgment, considering that “[we] will never have a true civilization as long as we will not have learned to recognize the rights of others.” Will Rogers (1924, p. 210). The task of this essay is not so much to find the true implications of the word "equality", but rather to clarify its meaning with regard to individuals. It will seek to analyze how oppression and discrimination relate to inequality and will gradually move towards exploring how an individual's sexual orientation can lead to social exclusion. Towards the end, the essay will offer steps to help organizations/professionals support equality and fair opportunities for all by speaking out against oppression and discrimination. Discrimination, at its most fundamental level, is about distinguishing differences. This seems like such a menial issue, but when we start attaching negative connotations to differences, negative discrimination arises and people are discriminated against (Thompson, 2003). Therefore, this creates a situation where people are treated less than favorably simply because they do not fit the social norm or are not required to CONFORM??? social rules (provided they do not harm others). Difference is seen as a problem rather than an asset and, instead of being valued, it unfortunately opens the door to exclusion or rejection - for example, a lesbian's application for promotion would be refused on the grounds that some of his new colleagues would be homophobic. At the extreme end of discrimination is oppression. Although many seem to think the terms are similar... middle of document......People's Commissioner for Wales (2011), Equality and Sexual Orientation Factsheet [online] Available at: http://www. oldpeoplewales.com/Libraries/Factsheets_E/Equality_and_Sexual_Orientation_Factsheet.sflb.ashx [Accessed 24/11/13]Stonewall Scotland (2009) Understanding the housing needs and homelessness experiences of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people (LGBT) in Scotland, a guide for Social Housing Providers and Homelessness Services: Scottish Housing Regulator [Online] Available at: http://www.stonewall.org.uk [Accessed 24/11/13]Stonewall Scotland (2009 ) Recognizing and Addressing Homophobic and Transphobic Harassment, A Guide for Social Housing Providers and Homeless Services: Scottish Housing Regulator [Online] Available at: http://www.stonewall.org.uk/documents/stonewall_housing_report_2__harassment__final .pdf [Consulted 01/12/13]