Category: EVENTS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

California Legislators on COVID-19 Pandemic Impact on LGBTQ Community

March 17, 2020

Senator Wiener and Assemblymember Gloria’s Statement Regarding Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the LBGTQ Community Sacramento – Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) and Assemblymember Todd Gloria (D-San Diego), on behalf of the California Legislative LGBTQ Caucus, issued the following statement: “Coronavirus is impacting everyone regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, or immigration status. Yet, … More California Legislators on COVID-19 Pandemic Impact on LGBTQ Community

LGBTI Refugees in Kenya Dialogue for Financial Solutions

March 14, 2020

The Refugee Coalition of East Africa,(RefCEA) a strong body of refugees representing LGBTQI refuges in Kenya, is proving how dialogue and compromise can lead to solutions, through a series of meetings in Kenya. These meetings are undoubtedly serving the best interests of the tenuous LGBTQI refugee program’s ability to survive its stress and tests in … More LGBTI Refugees in Kenya Dialogue for Financial Solutions

At Town Council Meeting President of San Anselmo Chamber Shocks with White Only Remark

March 11, 2020

Last week I happened to tune into my local San Anselmo Town Council meeting, only to hear neighbors speak for and against the Town Council’s attempts to refuse to permit legal cannabis stores under Proposition 64, where Marin County voted to legalize marijuana. Last night, the Town Council sought to take extreme measures with a … More At Town Council Meeting President of San Anselmo Chamber Shocks with White Only Remark

Filmmakers Try to Shut Down LGBTQI Israel Film Festival

March 7, 2020

Over 100 LGBT Filmmakers Abroad Call for Boycott of Tel Aviv LGBTQI  Film Festival Haaretz is reporting that more than 100 LGBT filmmakers abroad have signed a petition calling for a boycott of the annual LGBT film festival in Tel Aviv, TLVFest, out of solidarity with the struggle by the Palestinian queer community. What a … More Filmmakers Try to Shut Down LGBTQI Israel Film Festival

Protesting In Kenya Dangerous for LGBTI Refugees

March 6, 2020

From African Human Rights Coalition HERE: A WARNING Regarding Refugee Protests 2020-03-06 | AFrican HRC, Volunteer Staff WARNING: WE ARE URGING LGBTI REFUGEES IN KENYA TO READ OUR ADVISORY BELOW AND CONSIDER REFRAINING FROM PROTESTS ANYWHERE IN KENYA AT THIS TIME WE ARE URGING POTENTIAL FUNDERS OF PROTESTS TO NOTE THIS ADVISORY To ALL refugees in Kenya: … More Protesting In Kenya Dangerous for LGBTI Refugees

Asking for Investigation on Termination of TPS After Death of Deported Salvadoran Immigrants

March 5, 2020

50+ Groups Release Letter Asking HFAC to Investigate Report on Termination of TPS After Death of Deported Salvadoran Immigrants Washington, DC – Earlier today, Temporary Protected Status (TPS) holders and immigration experts gathered to call on the House of Representatives to investigate the Trump administration’s termination of TPS in coordination with his 2020 re-election campaign. … More Asking for Investigation on Termination of TPS After Death of Deported Salvadoran Immigrants

Elephant Refugees to be Screened at Sonoma International Film Festival

March 3, 2020

Updated: The below Article was written  before the COVID-19 postponement of the Sonoma Film Festival’s decision to screen its Festival Online. Happily Elephant Refugees will be screened on the opening night platform , July 30, 2020: Sales have opened NOW as a package with another film, The Guardian Elephant Warriors Of Reteti. BOTH FILMS CAN BE … More Elephant Refugees to be Screened at Sonoma International Film Festival

Funding of Protests: Responsible Donors and Funders Context Africa LGBTQI

March 1, 2020

With a Focus on Kenya In a recent advisory written for African Human Rights Coalition it is noted that leadership has a heightened responsibility when staging protests, especially under circumstances that have wide far reaching impacts on entire LGBTQI refugee resettlement and protection programs. There has been widespread appreciation by those impacted, who have expressed … More Funding of Protests: Responsible Donors and Funders Context Africa LGBTQI

Ninth Circuit Halts Trump Administration’s Forced Return to Mexico Policy

February 28, 2020

San Francisco, CA (February 28, 2020) – Today the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals blocked the Trump Administration’s dangerous Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP), the policy which forcibly returns asylum seekers to Mexico to await their immigration court dates in perilous conditions. The Center for Gender & Refugee Studies (CGRS), American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), and … More Ninth Circuit Halts Trump Administration’s Forced Return to Mexico Policy

Coronavirus Patient from Travis Isolated at Marin Hospital

February 27, 2020

Marin assists in regional response to evacuees; No cases have been identified in Marin San Rafael, CA – Marin County Health and Human Services today confirmed the transfer of one patient with laboratory-confirmed novel coronavirus (COVID-19) from Travis Air Force Base in Solano County to a Marin County hospital. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control … More Coronavirus Patient from Travis Isolated at Marin Hospital

LGBTQI Leaders on Panel at Commonwealth Club: Picking the Democratic Presidential Candidate

February 19, 2020

With thanks to host Michelle Meow, famed Bay Area LGBTQI producer and TV show host, Commonwealth Club of San Francisco is platforming a discussion involving member of San Francisco’s LGBTQI community. This promises to be a robust discussion. Check it out.   Oh yes and I am on the panel too! My position may surprise … More LGBTQI Leaders on Panel at Commonwealth Club: Picking the Democratic Presidential Candidate