Tag: LGBTQ

Oklahoma Governor Signs Dangerous Anti-LGBT Child Welfare Bill Into Law

May 11, 2018

Governor gives go-ahead to legalize discrimination WASHINGTON – Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin today signed SB 1140 into law, codifying discrimination against legally married same-sex couples and others looking to adopt, and imperiling the well-being of youth in the state’s child welfare system. The new law will permit taxpayer funded adoption agencies to turn away same-sex … More Oklahoma Governor Signs Dangerous Anti-LGBT Child Welfare Bill Into Law

Inside Out Toronto LGBT Film festival Announces Lineup

May 5, 2018

 FULL LINEUP FOR 28TH EDITION RUNNING MAY 24 – JUNE 3. Brett Haley’s HEARTS BEAT LOUD to close festival; World Premiere of Christiaan Olwagen’s CANARY selected as Centerpiece Gala. TORONTO, ON – May 4, 2018 – The 28th annual Inside Out Toronto LGBT Film Festival, one of the largest events of its kind in the world, revealed its … More Inside Out Toronto LGBT Film festival Announces Lineup

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

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:

PFAW Sues DOJ, HUD To Release Information On Secret LGBTQ Policy

March 1, 2018

People For the American Way filed suit in federal court today against the Department of Justice and the Department of Housing and Urban Development to demand the release of documents concerning reported changes in federal policy toward LGBTQ people. Last year Right Wing Watch, a project of PFAW, filed Freedom of Information Act requests with both … More PFAW Sues DOJ, HUD To Release Information On Secret LGBTQ Policy

U.S. Department of Education Leaves Transgender Students Behind

February 12, 2018

Office of Civil Rights will no longer take action on transgender discrimination WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Department of Education will not investigate or take action on any complaints filed by transgender students who are not able to use the restroom that aligns with their gender identity. BuzzFeed was first to report the news. Under President … More U.S. Department of Education Leaves Transgender Students Behind

Republican Speaker of Virginia House Kills Pro-LGBT Legislation

February 8, 2018

House Subcommittee Votes Down Four Nondiscrimination Bills, Including Two That Passed Virginia Senate in January RICHMOND, V.A — Lawmakers in Virginia’s House of Delegates today summarily killed four bills that would have ensured more equal treatment under the law for LGBT people across the Commonwealth. Several of the bills dismissed today enjoyed bipartisan support in … More Republican Speaker of Virginia House Kills Pro-LGBT Legislation

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

Callen-Lorde Community Health Center Sending Emergency Medical Team to Aid in Relief Efforts in Puerto Rico

October 12, 2017

New York, NY- Callen-Lorde Community Health Center announced that it is sending an emergency medical response team to provide medical relief to Puerto Rico as part of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s Empire State Relief and Recovery Effort. The team is comprised of Spanish-speaking medical providers and nurses with experience in emergency response, and will be … More Callen-Lorde Community Health Center Sending Emergency Medical Team to Aid in Relief Efforts in Puerto Rico

National Black Justice Coalition Names Executive Director

September 13, 2017

Washington, DC— The leadership of the National Black Justice Coalition announced today that David J. Johns has assumed the role of Executive Director as of September 1, 2017. Headquartered in Washington, DC, the National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC) is a civil rights organization dedicated to the empowerment of Black lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer … More National Black Justice Coalition Names Executive Director

Campus Pride Releases Shame List of Worst Campuses for LGBTQ

September 13, 2017

Campus Pride today releases its 2017 Shame List highlighting for the second year in a row a national listing of “The Absolute Worst Campuses for LGBTQ Youth.” Up from 102 campuses last year, the national listing includes 139 campuses that openly discriminate against LGBTQ youth in policies, programs and practices as documented on the site … More Campus Pride Releases Shame List of Worst Campuses for LGBTQ

LGBT Community Mourns the Death of Edie Windsor

September 12, 2017

By Melanie Nathan,  September 12, 2017 Today millions of LGBTQI Americans will mourn the loss of Edith Windsor. She will be remembered with deep admiration and fondness as an LGBTQI rights icon and champion. Edie passed away peacefully today at age 88.  She touched the lives of so many people beyond her activism and beyond … More LGBT Community Mourns the Death of Edie Windsor

Shameful US Justice Department Supports Discrimination Against LGBT America

September 8, 2017

The United States Justice Department, yet again reflected the known bigotry of its leadership, Donald J. Trump and Attorney General Jeff Sessions. Should be no surprise that the man, Sessions,  whose career has delivered / supported racist, homophobic and xenophobic commentary or policy, filed a brief today with the Supreme Court in the case of Masterpiece Cakeshop … More Shameful US Justice Department Supports Discrimination Against LGBT America

Reported Ban on Transgender Military Health Care and Deployment Condemned

August 24, 2017

Transgender Legal Defense & Education Fund Condemns Reported Ban on Transgender Military Health Care and Deployment New York, NY – Transgender Legal Defense & Education Fund today responded to reports that the White House is forwarding guidance to military officials that directs Defense Secretary James Mattis to implement policy within six months to cease all … More Reported Ban on Transgender Military Health Care and Deployment Condemned

More than 1 Lesson from Thiel’s Affair with Trump

August 10, 2017

I too have had some months to soak in all those Trump assurances.  Not that I was ever stupid enough to believe them: The “oh don’t worry about LGBT rights going backwards, Trump will be great to gays, after all he has ‘Ivanka the Wonderful’, who has sooo many gay friends, she will surely influence … More More than 1 Lesson from Thiel’s Affair with Trump

OHIO Urgent Call to Action to RESIST Judicial Appointments

July 13, 2017

Thanks to Lambda legal for providing the following call to Action: Two Trump judicial appointees with vicious anti-LGBT views are poised to become some of the most powerful judges in the country. People in Ohio have the chance to stop it. John K. Bush, nominated to fill a seat on the U.S. Court of Appeals … More OHIO Urgent Call to Action to RESIST Judicial Appointments

Chicago Dyke March Commits Religious Bigotry Against American Dyke Jews

June 26, 2017

See petition at end of this article: Chicago Dyke March, an annual event in Chicago turned Jewish marchers away from their event because they were carrying a rainbow flag with a Star of David embossed on it. . Laurie Grauer, a member of Chicago’s queer Jewish community and her friends were turned away from the … More Chicago Dyke March Commits Religious Bigotry Against American Dyke Jews

PUERTO VALLARTA PRIDE

June 9, 2017

Vallarta Pride 2017 Reaches Record Figures in Attendance – Mayor Arturo Dávalos Peña Joins the Parade  The fifth edition of Vallarta Pride was a historical festival for Puerto Vallarta, Mexico and its local and visiting LGBTQI community and its allies. Over 7,000 people attended the parade with 60 floats, a record for the festival which also … More PUERTO VALLARTA PRIDE

Historic Stonewall Inn to Launch “Stonewall Inn Gives Back” Initiative

May 23, 2017

Event Set for Thursday, June 1, 2017 NEW YORK, NY (May 19, 2017) – The historic Stonewall Inn, the very place where the spirit of LGBTQ Pride was born, is launching The Stonewall Inn Gives Back Initiative on June 1st. The event will feature remarks by special guest Chelsea Clinton and a performance by out … More Historic Stonewall Inn to Launch “Stonewall Inn Gives Back” Initiative

SC Mom Reflects on Gay Son’s Murder Speaking Out Against Anti- LGBTQ Violence

May 16, 2017

Greenville, South Carolina– On Tuesday, May 16, Greenville resident Elke Kennedy will observe the 10-year anniversary of her son Sean Kennedy’s death. Sean was brutally murdered in an anti-gay hate crime in 2007.  Ms. Kennedy has spent much of the last decade traveling the country and advocating for an end to hate violence. A decade after … More SC Mom Reflects on Gay Son’s Murder Speaking Out Against Anti- LGBTQ Violence

SAN FRANCISCO PRIDE 2017 TO FEATURE ANITA BRYANT/BRIGGS “WE FOUGHT BACK!” CONTINGENT

May 16, 2017

San Francisco Pride is pleased to announce veteran organizers of the San Francisco Gay Freedom Day Parade will be highlighted in this year’s Pride Parade and March. 1977 and 1978 were turning points in the struggle for equal rights for LGBT people, when they fought back against attacks from political forces, personified by Anita Bryant … More SAN FRANCISCO PRIDE 2017 TO FEATURE ANITA BRYANT/BRIGGS “WE FOUGHT BACK!” CONTINGENT

San Francisco LGBTI Community to Rally for IDAHOT in the Castro

May 15, 2017

The date of Chelsea Manning’s liberation coincides with the IDAHOT, on May 17 The San Francisco Bay area community will gather for International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOT) on Wed., May 17, 2017, 6 to 7pm, at Harvey Milk Plaza (2401 Market at Castro Street.) Participants in IDAHOT events globally will be posting … More San Francisco LGBTI Community to Rally for IDAHOT in the Castro

Village Voice Partners with NYC Pride to Launch Awards

May 3, 2017

 ‘THE VILLAGE VOICE PRIDE AWARDS’  The Village Voice Pride Awards to honor LGBTQ local and global heroes contributing to the community’s growth, at VIP gala, June 21 New York, NY—May 3, 2017—The Village Voice announced today the launch of ‘The Village Voice Pride Awards,’ which recognizes local and global heroes in the LGBTQ movement. The … More Village Voice Partners with NYC Pride to Launch Awards

Growing List of Cities and States Banning Official Travel to North Carolina

April 13, 2017

An ever-growing chorus of cities and states are not fooled by North Carolina’s discriminatory “bait and switch” on HB2 WASHINGTON — Today,  Equality NC hailed the news that Chicago and California are maintaining their bans on taxpayer-funded travel to North Carolina. The announcements come after North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper, Senate President Phil Berger, and House Speaker Tim Moore passed … More Growing List of Cities and States Banning Official Travel to North Carolina

Voting Opens for San Francisco Pride Community Grand Marshal

February 20, 2017

It is time to cast your vote for the San Francisco Pride 2017 Community Grand Marshals! Annually, the general public votes for both an individual and an organization to be honored at the parade and celebration, which is held on the last weekend in June. Voting is live and will continue until 12:00 Noon on … More Voting Opens for San Francisco Pride Community Grand Marshal

Court Decision Allows LGBTQ Refugees to Continue Entering U.S.

February 11, 2017

Quoting the NBC Article by Julie Compton: African LGBTQ refugees hoping to come to the United States got the news they had hoped for Thursday night — they would not have to remain in countries where they face persecution or even death. The news came after a three-judge federal appeals court panel refused to reinstate President … More Court Decision Allows LGBTQ Refugees to Continue Entering U.S.

Californians Demand Senators Feinstein And Harris Oppose Any Trump SCOTUS Nominee

January 31, 2017

Californians Demand Sens. Feinstein And Harris Oppose Any Trump Supreme Court Nominee And Use Every Tool Available To Reject The Pick Thousands Join Courage Campaign in Urging California Democrats to “Just. Say. No.” CALIFORNIA — A new petition from the California-based Courage Campaign is calling on the state’s Senators — Dianne Feinstein and Kamala Harris … More Californians Demand Senators Feinstein And Harris Oppose Any Trump SCOTUS Nominee

Appeal by Family After Trans Teen Suicide

January 5, 2017

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Call 1-800-273-8255 Call for acceptance: “Remember how loving and passionate an activist Jai was…. Together we can make this world safer and softer for youth like Jai by treating everyone we meet with dignity and respect no matter how different they may appear.” After Bakersfield police confirmed that search crews found the body … More Appeal by Family After Trans Teen Suicide

Argentinian Subway Station To Be Named After LGBT Activist

September 3, 2016

News from Argentina – quoting The Bubble – Yesterday marked yet another important day for the LGBTQ community in Argentina. The Buenos Aires City legislature approved a measure to name the Sante Fe station of the newly inaugurated “H” subway line after Argentine LGBT activist Carlos Jáuregui. The memorializing of one of the country’s most impactful activists is … More Argentinian Subway Station To Be Named After LGBT Activist