Author: Melanie Nathan

New Study Finds that Supportive Adults Are Key to Reducing HIV Among Transgender Youth

April 6, 2020

BOSTON, April 6, 2020—A new study published today in the journal Pediatrics found that high rates of HIV transmission among transgender youth may be reduced through interventions that include training on how to provide gender-affirming care for health care practitioners working with adolescents; the inclusion of all gender identities, sexual orientations, and definitions of sex … More New Study Finds that Supportive Adults Are Key to Reducing HIV Among Transgender Youth

Security and Assistance Support for LGBTI in Uganda during COVID-19 Pandemic

April 3, 2020

NOTE: Please make use of the COMMUNIQUE below if you are LGBTQI and/or have any human rights issues in Uganda during COVID-19.  Anyone reporting to these entities are welcome to copy CASEahrc@gmail.com and to report your situation and the result of your outreach to African Human Rights Coalition, which is deferring to organizations on the ground in … More Security and Assistance Support for LGBTI in Uganda during COVID-19 Pandemic

Marin COVID-19 Sheltering Order Changes Construction Permitting Process

April 3, 2020

County’s Building and Inspection Services altered by COVID-19 response San Rafael, CA – In response to an updated sheltering order related to the COVID-19 pandemic, the County of Marin has adjusted its building permit and inspection services to reflect restrictions on some types of construction work. The Community Development Agency (CDA) is directing the temporary … More Marin COVID-19 Sheltering Order Changes Construction Permitting Process

Ten Point Plan for Roommates and Family Sharing Shelter Place During COVID-19

April 2, 2020

WHERE at least one is an essential worker, or at lest one needs to leave the Shelter in Place premises for any reason: As the global COVID-19 Pandemic crosses the ONE MILLION CoronaVirus positive number, with USA almost at 250,000, many deaths and an unknown future for us all, here is PLAN for roommates and … More Ten Point Plan for Roommates and Family Sharing Shelter Place During COVID-19

Marin County Adds COVID-19 Virus Pandemic Restrictions in New Order

March 31, 2020

More time and additional restrictions needed to slow the spread and reduce future impact on local hospitals from COVID-19 San Rafael, CA – Health officers in seven Bay Area jurisdictions – including Marin County — are updating a previous stay-at-home order through May 3, 2020 in order to preserve critical hospital capacity across the region. … More Marin County Adds COVID-19 Virus Pandemic Restrictions in New Order

Emergency Funds Sought by ALLOUT African HRC for RefCEA and Kakuma LGBTI Refugees

March 31, 2020

ALL Out, African Human Rights Coalition and RefCEA Partner for COVID-19 Pandemic – DONATE HERE. My name is Geofrey and I’m one of the many LGBT+ refugees living in Kenya’s Kakuma camp, the largest refugee settlement in the world. I’m here because I had to flee my home country, Uganda. I would have been severely … More Emergency Funds Sought by ALLOUT African HRC for RefCEA and Kakuma LGBTI Refugees

Mayor Beats Homeless Youths Detained in Uganda Raid on LGBTI Safe Shelter

March 31, 2020

STATEMENT ON THE RAID OF THE CHILDREN OF THE SUN FOUNDATION SHELTER FOR LGBT YOUTHS IN UGANDA- 3/31/2020 Introduction and overview On the morning of 29th March, a shelter for LGBT youth operated by Children of the Sun Foundations (COSF) was raided by residents, and security forces. 23 people found at the shelter were arrested. … More Mayor Beats Homeless Youths Detained in Uganda Raid on LGBTI Safe Shelter

FRAMELINE Postpones the FRAMELINE44 LGBTI San Francisco Film Festival

March 31, 2020

SAN FRANCISCO INTERNATIONAL LGBTQ+ FILM FESTIVAL – Originally set to take place June 18-28, 2020, the film festival is now scheduled for Fall 2020, with expanded festival offerings throughout the year. Today,  Frameline Executive Director James Woolley announced the postponement of the Frameline44 San Francisco International LGBTQ+ Film Festival.  Originally set to take place June 18-28, 2020, … More FRAMELINE Postpones the FRAMELINE44 LGBTI San Francisco Film Festival

Some News that the COVID-19 Pandemic Upstaged

March 30, 2020

As COVID-19 dominates the headlines – and it should- what would have been the breaking or big news? For example, PG&E pleading guilty to 84 counts of involuntary manslaughter in the Camp Fire case, this would have been a news-heavy week even without the coronavirus stories that dominated headlines. Judicial Commission recommends removal of Sullivan … More Some News that the COVID-19 Pandemic Upstaged

Assembly Member Levine asks Marin Board for action re April 10 Property Taxes

March 30, 2020

Important Information About Your Property Taxes During the COVID-19 Emergency FROM ASSEMBLY MEMBER MARC LEVINE Dear Friend, More than ever, I hope this email finds you and your loved ones safe and healthy. This is an unprecedented time for families in the North Bay and across the nation. While in person contact with one another … More Assembly Member Levine asks Marin Board for action re April 10 Property Taxes

Concern as COVID-19 Restrictions Trigger Escalated Human Rights Abuses in Uganda

March 30, 2020

Following my post yesterday ( referenced below) where Ugandan authorities raided a homeless shelter, beating people and threatening beatings in exchange for confessions as to sexuality, reflects not only an abuse of basic human rights, but also an insidious and opportunistic excuse to cite COVID-19 as a justification to victimize the most vulnerable.  As well … More Concern as COVID-19 Restrictions Trigger Escalated Human Rights Abuses in Uganda

Ugandan Homeless Shelter Raided by Authorities in Homophobic Attack

March 29, 2020

The Ugandan Government has raided a safe shelter for homeless victims of human rights abuses. While sheltered in place and in protection form the Corona Virus outbreak, authorities sought fit to victimize the residents, with homophobic slurs and physical beatings to solicit confessions as to their sexuality. At this time we believe approximately 23 people … More Ugandan Homeless Shelter Raided by Authorities in Homophobic Attack

LGBTI and All Refugees in grave danger during COVID-19 Pandemic

March 29, 2020

Among the most predictably vulnerable during the Corona Virus pandemic is clearly the world’s refugee and migration population and the most vulnerable of all refugees are LGBTQI refugees, worldwide. Over 70 countries criminalize LGBTI people for their sexuality and gender identity. Many have compromised immune systems, major trauma, and underlying medical conditions, all an added … More LGBTI and All Refugees in grave danger during COVID-19 Pandemic

Helplines for Covid-19 Solitude, Caregivers, Families

March 28, 2020

There are many important and helpful hotlines for those experiencing specific mental health challenges and need immediate assistance. Disaster Distress Helpline Call 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746. The Disaster Distress Helpline (DDH) provides crisis counseling and support for anyone in the U.S. experiencing distress or other behavioral health concerns related to any natural or … More Helplines for Covid-19 Solitude, Caregivers, Families

International AIDS Conference AIDS 2020 to go VIRTUAL

March 27, 2020

The health and safeguarding of our community is our highest priority. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the 23rd International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2020), set to be held on 6-10 July 2020, in San Francisco, will become the first virtual edition of the International AIDS Conference. AIDS 2020: Virtual will enable delegates to access and … More International AIDS Conference AIDS 2020 to go VIRTUAL

Bay Area Extend School Closures through Due to CoronaVirus Pandemic

March 25, 2020

Campuses remain closed to students; Schools continue to offer meals, resources San Rafael, CA –Marin County has aligned with seven Bay Area county health officers, and county superintendents to make a unified, regional decision to extend school closures and student dismissals from regular school attendance through May 1, 2020 to slow the spread of novel … More Bay Area Extend School Closures through Due to CoronaVirus Pandemic

Property Taxes Remain Due April 10

March 25, 2020

Local agencies need tax revenue to fund essential services San Rafael, CA – Throughout Marin County, 120 local public agencies rely on property tax revenues to maintain essential public services, especially during the current COVID-19 public health crisis. Friday, April 10, remains the final day to pay the 2019-2020 second installment of property taxes without … More Property Taxes Remain Due April 10

Congress Failing to Protect Incarcerated People in COVID-19 Stimulus Deal

March 25, 2020

Congress Must Act to Reduce Jail, Prison and Immigrant Detention Populations, Support Safe Community Reentry and Protect the Health of Incarcerated People March 25, 2020 – Washington, D.C. – Below is a statement from Maritza Perez, Director of the Office of National Affairs of the Drug Policy Alliance, expressing grave concern over Congress failing to adequately … More Congress Failing to Protect Incarcerated People in COVID-19 Stimulus Deal

Broken Access to Treatment makes Drug Users Vulnerable in COVID-19 Pandemic

March 25, 2020

Oakland, CA, Wednesday, March 25, 2020… In the rush to protect vulnerable populations from the COVID-19 pandemic, the risk to people struggling with addiction is especially high. And health professionals suggest this could undermine efforts to control the coronavirus spread. According to experts, people who use drugs are doubly at risk during this epidemic, not … More Broken Access to Treatment makes Drug Users Vulnerable in COVID-19 Pandemic

SONOMA Board of Supervisors Approves Eviction Defense Ordinance

March 25, 2020

The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors, which also serves as the Board of Commissioners for the Community Development Commission, today passed the COVID-19 Eviction Defense Ordinance, effective immediately for 60 days after the end of the local and public health emergency. The new ordinance aligns with the Governor’s Executive Order N-28-20 which authorized local jurisdictions … More SONOMA Board of Supervisors Approves Eviction Defense Ordinance

UNHCR and African HRC COVID-19 Corona Virus Advisories for Refugees in Kenya

March 25, 2020

CAUTION: Please refrain from portraying certain situations inaccurately. We would advise you to be cautious and to verify information and facts prior to circulating unconfirmed COVID-19-related information further.  This can cause an enormous amount of harm to everyone. Be sure of your facts before you post them on Social Media. We caution anyone spreading any information to sure off the … More UNHCR and African HRC COVID-19 Corona Virus Advisories for Refugees in Kenya

Marin Approves COVID-19 Relief Fund, Eviction Ban

March 24, 2020

Board Approves COVID-19 Relief Fund, Eviction Ban- County efforts aimed at helping our most vulnerable populations The resolution requires renters and lease holders to notify their landlord within 30 days after the rent is due that they are unable to pay because of financial impacts related to COVID-19. A landlord may seek payment of unpaid rent … More Marin Approves COVID-19 Relief Fund, Eviction Ban

Know Your Transgender Rights During COVID-19 Pandemic

March 23, 2020

In times of crisis, transgender and non-binary people among other communities are often at higher risk of violence and discrimination. The COVID-19 pandemic presents a series of unique challenges that may have long-term impact on transgender people and their families. Transgender Legal Defense & Education Fund (TLDEF) has prepared Know Your Rights guide for transgender and non-binary … More Know Your Transgender Rights During COVID-19 Pandemic

Photo of the Day: A Deathly Quiet JFK Airport on March 21, 2020

March 22, 2020

Day 06 of Shelter in Place, Marin: Photo of the day- My daughter, now in quarantine – just in case- took this photo of JFK airport upon her return home to Marin this weekend. Everything changed overnight for this NYU grad, as she left her NYC Apartment to join her family here in Marin. Out … More Photo of the Day: A Deathly Quiet JFK Airport on March 21, 2020

All Marin Parks Closed Amid COVID-19 Spread

March 22, 2020

Public Health issues order to stem influx of selfish visitors – ruining spaces for locals….. ugh… San Rafael, CA – The Public Health Division of Marin County Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued an order March 22 for the immediate closure of all Marin parks – from the Golden Gate National Recreation Area down … More All Marin Parks Closed Amid COVID-19 Spread

Dammit Marin This is not a Vacation its a Pandemic

March 21, 2020

Visitors Pack Coastal Marin Despite Order Public Health authorities urge that now is not the time to visit San Rafael, CA – The Marin County Department of Health and Human Services(HHS) is urging Bay Area residents not to travel beyond their communities as they engage in outdoor activities during the statewide shelter-in-place order. On Saturday, … More Dammit Marin This is not a Vacation its a Pandemic

NO DONALD TRUMP – YOU DO NOT SLAM THE DOOR ON ASYLUM SEEKERS -Not even in a Pandemic

March 20, 2020

As the world struggles, clinging to every speckle of humanity, Donald Trump chose to slam the door on the most vulnerable. Asylum seekers at our border, who have a right to show up for safety as they exile persecution, violence and possibly death will be turned away without due process. The once greatest nation on … More NO DONALD TRUMP – YOU DO NOT SLAM THE DOOR ON ASYLUM SEEKERS -Not even in a Pandemic

COVID-19 Social Distancing, Kids, Seniors and Things to Do

March 17, 2020

I hope to keep updating this: Many of us are sheltering in space, under orders enforceable by law. Those who are not – should be! Our Trump led Federal Government is failing us- so Governors and local authorities are stepping up. The numbers of cases of COVID-19 pandemic carriers and patients is on the rise, … More COVID-19 Social Distancing, Kids, Seniors and Things to Do