Category: LGBT

TLDEF and Pro Bono Partner Lawyers Support Transgender Americans Letter

October 24, 2018

New York, NY –  TLDEF and pro bono partner attorneys respond to anti-transgender Trump Administration memo…  “As law firms, attorneys and advocates, we proudly support human rights and human dignity for all transgender and gender nonbinary Americans. We are deeply troubled by the leaked Department of Health and Human Services memo proposing a discriminatory definition … More TLDEF and Pro Bono Partner Lawyers Support Transgender Americans Letter

StartOut Announces Winners of 2018 StartOut Awards

September 13, 2018

San Francisco, CA (September 13, 2018)– StartOut, the largest national nonprofit to empower, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) entrepreneurs and business leaders, announced the winners for its upcoming 7th Annual StartOut Awards, which will take place on Friday, September 21st at the St. Regis Hotel in San Francisco, in a ceremony presented by … More StartOut Announces Winners of 2018 StartOut Awards

BART allows Advertisement from Holocaust Denial Hate Group

September 12, 2018

Bart officials defend decision to approve advert from Institute for Historical Review, known for publishing antisemitic views BART, Bay Area Rapid Transport, the public transit agency in San Francisco, has approved advertisements from a group that promotes Holocaust denial and antisemitic views, claiming the organization has a “free speech” right to buy train station billboards. … More BART allows Advertisement from Holocaust Denial Hate Group

Anti-Gay Extremist Scott Lively Loses on This One!

August 11, 2018

Appeals Court Bats Away Anti-Gay Extremist Scott Lively’s Attempt to Censor Judge This week the First Circuit Court of Appeals dismissed anti-gay extremist Scott Lively’s attempt to appeal a ruling from the district court to remove language that harshly criticized his role in the persecution of the LGBTI community in Uganda in the case Sexual … More Anti-Gay Extremist Scott Lively Loses on This One!

National LGBT Bar Association Launches Important COMMIT to INCLUSION Campaign

July 24, 2018

National LGBT Bar Association Launches COMMIT to INCLUSION CampaignNationwide Initiative Urges Attorneys to Reject Anti-LGBT Legal Groups and Deny Pro Bono Services that Would Advance their Discriminatory Agenda  Washington, D.C. The National LGBT Bar Association announces a new campaign that asks attorneys across the nation to COMMIT to INCLUSION by repudiating anti-LGBT legal groups like … More National LGBT Bar Association Launches Important COMMIT to INCLUSION Campaign

Heathrow Airport Did Something Stunning for Pride

July 9, 2018

If you fly from the West Coast of the united Sates to South Africa, like me, you have probably spent many hours at Heathrow Airport. I report this with great PRIDE! Heathrow has embraced the colors of the rainbow in celebration of Pride in London and commissioned a unique interpretation of the iconic flag, created … More Heathrow Airport Did Something Stunning for Pride

London Pride and SF Dyke March Note that A Handful of Lesbian Separatists Are not Who We ALL Are!

July 8, 2018

Keeping things in focus – this is less about the Pride and Parade organizations as a whole and the majority who adhere to inclusion and more about a tiny handful of bigoted jerks who want to exclude members of our community! Most lesbians are not separatists wanting to exclude transgender people from our community. I have … More London Pride and SF Dyke March Note that A Handful of Lesbian Separatists Are not Who We ALL Are!

African Despots Benefit from Taxing and Restricting Social Media

July 8, 2018

Mo Ibrahim called internet shutdowns “a crime” that shouldn’t be tolerated. Authoritarian governments, despots and dictators stand to benefit from restricting social media and making it unaffordable! The trend to tax social media and clamp down on internet use is quietly spreading across African countries and they seem to be influencing each other. Ugandans may want … More African Despots Benefit from Taxing and Restricting Social Media

NAACP Convention to Host LGBTQ Town Hall

July 6, 2018

Also past San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown to receive an award. 109th NAACP Annual Convention in San Antonio, TX, to bring together social justice activists, artists/entertainers, Elected Officials; Civil Rights, Business, Social Justice Leaders   BALTIMORE (July 5, 2018) - Ahead of the 2018 midterm elections, and as the nation suffers the effects of President Trump’s administration, thousands … More NAACP Convention to Host LGBTQ Town Hall

My Tweets to Trump Led to Navy Cancelling my Pride Speaking Tour

July 2, 2018

The navy hired me to speak for their NAVAIR Warfare Weapons Center Division LGBTQI Pride Month event, at 2 bases in Southern California. While filling out the security form to access the base, I received this: “We recently became aware of several comments you’ve made on Twitter regarding our nation’s current administration. While those comments … More My Tweets to Trump Led to Navy Cancelling my Pride Speaking Tour

Pride Month: More Than One-Third of LGBTQ Adults Identify as Having a Disability

June 29, 2018

LGBTQ Pride Month: More Than One-Third of LGBTQ Adults Identify as Having a Disability Throughout LGBTQ Pride Month (June), the LGBTQ community has been reflecting on the past and looking forward to the future. Among lesbian, gay and bisexual adults, 30 percent of men and 36 percent of women also identify as having a disability. The … More Pride Month: More Than One-Third of LGBTQ Adults Identify as Having a Disability

The Amsterdam Dress for San Francisco Pride

June 22, 2018

San Francisco Pride, a melding of parade, resistance and celebration will take place this weekend, as the San Francisco LGBTI celebrations are kicked off with Friday afternoon’s Trans March, Saturday morning’s Pink Triangle launch at Twin Peaks, and Saturday afternoon’s Dyke March, all heralding the big Sunday morning Market Street Parade and entire weekend of festival at … More The Amsterdam Dress for San Francisco Pride

California Bill to Establish June as Pride Month Passes Senate Committee

June 13, 2018

SACRAMENTO—Legislation to establish June as Pride Month in statute passed the Senate Committee on Governmental Organization yesterday by a bipartisan vote of 9-0. Assembly Bill 2969 is authored by Assemblymember Evan Low (D-Silicon Valley), Chair of the California Legislative LGBT Caucus, and co-authored by all members of the California Legislative LGBT Caucus. AB 2969 is … More California Bill to Establish June as Pride Month Passes Senate Committee

Statements on SCOTUS Masterpiece Cakeshop Decision

June 10, 2018

On June 4, in the case known as Masterpiece Cakeshop, the United States Supreme Court ruled against the Colorado Civil Rights Commission for not, in the Court’s view, taking a more neutral stance on religious beliefs.  This is a limited ruling which only addressed the actions of the Colorado Civil Rights Commission.  However this could … More Statements on SCOTUS Masterpiece Cakeshop Decision

Oklahoma Lawmakers Pass Dangerous Anti-LGBTQ Child Welfare Bill

May 3, 2018

Advocates call on Gov. Mary Fallin to veto discriminatory bill WASHINGTON – At the eleventh hour, lawmakers in Oklahoma approved a bill that would allow adoption agencies receiving taxpayer funding to discriminate against legally married same-sex couples and LGBTQ youth, among others. The bill, SB 1140, was approved by both the House and Senate chambers … More Oklahoma Lawmakers Pass Dangerous Anti-LGBTQ Child Welfare Bill

California Bill to Establish June as Pride Month Passes Committee

May 2, 2018

SACRAMENTO—Legislation to establish June as Pride Month in statute passed the Assembly Committee on Governmental Organization by a vote of 15-0. Assembly Bill 2969 is authored by Assemblymember Evan Low (D-Silicon Valley), Chair of the California Legislative LGBT Caucus, and co-authored by all members of the California Legislative LGBT Caucus. AB 2969 is supported by … More California Bill to Establish June as Pride Month Passes Committee

Why Sacramento State LGBTQI Community Should Welcome the President of Ghana

April 24, 2018

Our responsibility as American LGBTQI on the global front is to first and foremost follow the lead and direction of the Ghanaian gay community … In writing this response to “EDITORIAL: Sac State shouldn’t break bread with repressive leaders – Persecution of LGBTQ, …….”,  and the Article of Claire Morgan, Managing editor, published in the online Sacramento State student … More Why Sacramento State LGBTQI Community Should Welcome the President of Ghana

HRC Endorses California Senator Dianne Feinstein for Re-Election:

April 18, 2018

You may know that back in February 26, 2018, I endorsed Senator Dianne Feinstein for U.S. Senate. I was upset that the Democratic Californian progressives had cast an inaccurate  shadow on her, in favor of her contender, Rep. Kevin de Leon and that prompted me to write a piece about the Senator, indicative of her … More HRC Endorses California Senator Dianne Feinstein for Re-Election:

Trinidad and Tobago Decriminalize Onerous Anti-LGBT Sexuality Laws

April 12, 2018

The High Court in Trinidad and Tobago delivered a verdict today striking down the old buggery law that criminalized homosexuality. ​Justice Devindra Rampersad will deliver his final ruling in three months and the Island LGBTQI communities celebrate: In March 2017, Jason Jones, an LGBT activist, took the government of Trinidad and Tobago to court, filing a lawsuit to strike down the so-called “buggery law”, … More Trinidad and Tobago Decriminalize Onerous Anti-LGBT Sexuality Laws

Short Memo on Trump Transgender Military Ban by Palm Center

March 27, 2018

Offers Expert Analysis of Meaning of Latest DOD Announcement  SAN FRANCISCO, CA – The Palm Center today released the below short memo describing the impact and status of the Trump administration’s ban on transgender service members. “Breaking Down the March 23, 2018 Transgender Military Ban” outlines what the Pentagon and White House released on Friday; explains … More Short Memo on Trump Transgender Military Ban by Palm Center

Why this Progressive Liberal Endorses and Will Vote for Senator Dianne Feinstein

February 26, 2018

California Democrats rebuked Sen. Dianne Feinstein at their annual convention this weekend, denying her the party’s endorsement in this year’s Senate race, and giving a majority of their votes to her apparently more liberal primary challenger, Kevin de León. While many may slot Feinstein in the ‘moderate’ zone, I have seen her, through the years, as … More Why this Progressive Liberal Endorses and Will Vote for Senator Dianne Feinstein

Kenyan Court to Hear Case That Challenges Anti-LGBTI Penal Codes

February 20, 2018

This week, the Kenyan Court will be hearing a matter, at Milimani Law Courts in Nairobi, to challenge the Colonial Penal Codes that in essence serve to criminalize homosexuality and target the LGBTI community. The case has been brought by the National Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission (NGLHRC). The case seeks to enforce the … More Kenyan Court to Hear Case That Challenges Anti-LGBTI Penal Codes

New President of Zimbabwe Unlikely Good for Gays

January 26, 2018

Snipers took up positions around the Zimbabwe stadium amid tight security as jubilant Mnangagwa supporters streamed in to hail the new President of Zimbabwe, Emmerson Mnangagwa, as he was sworn in on Friday and LGBT community expect a replay of Mugabe’s virulent anti-homosexuality stance. The man known as “The Crocodile” wore a dark suit, red … More New President of Zimbabwe Unlikely Good for Gays

SCOTUS Denies Review in Cases Challenging Mississippi’s Anti-LGBTQ Law

January 8, 2018

Today the United States Supreme Court denied review in two cases, Campaign for Southern Equality v. Bryant and Bryant v. Barber, both challenging Mississippi’s HB 1523 passed in April 2016 and effective in October 2017. The Court’s decision not to hear the cases means the worst-in-the-nation anti-LGBTQ law will remain on the books in Mississippi. … More SCOTUS Denies Review in Cases Challenging Mississippi’s Anti-LGBTQ Law

Business Equality Network Announces Second Annual LGBTQ Business Equality Excellence Awards

January 3, 2018

NEW YORK, NY  January 3, 2018 — The Business Equality Network announces its second annual BEQ Pride LGBTQ Business Equality Excellence Awards. Our recipients include 156 major employers and four sports organizations, all of which have demonstrated their comprehensive commitment to LGBTQ business equality. The full list of winners and a geographic breakdown by state … More Business Equality Network Announces Second Annual LGBTQ Business Equality Excellence Awards

Generations of Strength, noted as Registration for San Francisco Pride 2018 Opens

December 22, 2017

Pride 2018: “We must ensure the stories of our generations of elders are not lost and that our youth know how to harness the strength built by generations. Most importantly, our youth need to know how to use their own strength both individually and collectively to face the future,” noted Larry Nelson whose San Francisco Pride theme … More Generations of Strength, noted as Registration for San Francisco Pride 2018 Opens

TLDEF Applauds Oklahoma Jury’s Verdict in Favor of Wrongfully Fired English Professor

November 20, 2017

New York, NY – Transgender Legal Defense & Education Fund applauds an Oklahoma jury’s verdict today in favor of an English professor who was fired from from her teaching job on the basis of her sex. Dr. Rachel Tudor was denied tenure and terminated from Southeastern Oklahoma State University in Durant, Oklahoma in 2011 after she … More TLDEF Applauds Oklahoma Jury’s Verdict in Favor of Wrongfully Fired English Professor

Huck Reflection on Vulnerable LGBT Refugees in Kenya

November 13, 2017

“Kenya has become a ‘safe haven’ for those fleeing war and famine in neighbouring states. But in secret hideaways and temporary homes, LGBT refugees are being forced – once again – to hide their true selves instead of walking out into the world with pride …” Article by Jacob Kushner – Huck Magazine DONATE TO … More Huck Reflection on Vulnerable LGBT Refugees in Kenya

Walmart Corporate Equality Index Rating Suspended

November 9, 2017

By Human Rights Campaign Based on TLDEF’s Anti-Discrimination Cases Based on two successful proceedings brought by the Transgender Legal Defense and Education Fund before the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), Walmart’s Corporate Equality Index (CEI) rating has been suspended by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC). The CEI is a rating of LGBT equality at corporations … More Walmart Corporate Equality Index Rating Suspended

United Nations Human Rights Address warns of Mounting LGBTQI Human Rights Violations

November 4, 2017

In a landmark address, the United Nation’s first-ever independent expert investigating violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity warned that LGBTQ people around the world are facing mounting human rights violations. Speaking before the U.N. General Assembly on Friday, Vitit Muntarbhorn, whose position was created last June, presented his full report on the global … More United Nations Human Rights Address warns of Mounting LGBTQI Human Rights Violations