What is equality? Is it just a political nomenclature or an ideological concept? Or it is about working to create a more just society in which every individual can enjoy their rights and freedom without any judgement, considering that "we will never have true civilization until we have learned to recognize the rights of others". Will Rogers (1924, p210). The task of this essay is not so much to find the bona fide implications of the word “equality” but rather to clarify its meaning for individuals. It will seek to analyze how oppression and discrimination are linked to inequality and will gradually develop into exploring how an individual's sexual orientation can lead to social exclusion. Towards the end, the essay will provide guidance to help organizations/professionals advocate for equality and fair opportunities for all by speaking out against oppression and discrimination. Discrimination, at its most basic level, is distinguishing differences. It seems like a trivial matter, but when we start attributing negative connotations to differences, negative discrimination appears and people are discriminated against (Thompson, 2003). Therefore a situation is created where people are treated less than favorably just because they don't fit the social norm or don't force themselves to COMPLIANCE??? to social rules (provided they do not harm other individuals). Difference is seen as a problem rather than an asset and instead of being valued, it unfortunately opens a door to exclusion or rejection – for example, a lesbian's application for promotion would be rejected because some of her new colleagues are homophobic. At the opposite end of discrimination is oppression. Although many seem to think the terms are similar... middle of paper... People's Commissioner for Wales (2011), Factsheet on sexual equality and orientation [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 experiences of homelessness of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people 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 tackling homophobic and transphobic harassment, A Guide for social housing providers and homelessness services: Scottish Housing Regulator [Online] Available at: http://www.stonewall.org.uk/documents/stonewall_housing_report_2__harassment__final.pdf [Accessed 01/12/13]