Governor's Advisory Commission on LGBTQ Affairs (31 Articles with 39,843 total views)
News and updates from the Governor's Advisory Commission on LGBTQ Affairs,
September, 2024
Governor's Commission on LGBTQ Affairs Meeting and Reception
On August 8, 2024, the Governor's Commission on LGBTQ Affairs traveled from across the commonwealth to attend their quarterly meeting in the PA State Library in Harrisburg! Afterward, we had the joy of meeting with the other advisory commissions at the Governor's Residence for a night of camaraderie, celebration, and strategizing! Stay tuned for some big things, and make sure to follow all commissions to stay up to date with ongoing initiatives! The Governor's Commissions are listed at https://www.pa.gov/en/governor/governor-shapiro-s-commissions.html, with links to their social media. The six commissions are the Advisory Commission on LGBTQ Affairs, the Advisory Commission on Asian American & Pacific Islander Affairs, The Advisory Commission on Latino Affairs, the Advisory Commission on LGBTQ Affairs, the Advisory Commission on Next Generation Engagement, and the Advisory Commission on Women.
May, 2024
State Boards Of Psychology And Osteopathic Medicine Adopt New Policies That Oppose The Practice Of Conversion Therapy On LGBTQ+ Minors
Harrisburg, PA - April 11, 2024 - The State Boards of Psychology and Osteopathic Medicine voted this week to adopt new Statement of Policies (SOP) that oppose the use of conversion therapy on minors in Pennsylvania. The new policies notify licensees that the Board considers the use of conversion therapy to be unprofessional, harmful conduct that may subject any licensee engaging in it to administrative discipline.
January, 2024
Applications Open for Executive Director of Governor's Commission on LGBTQ Affairs
The previous Executive Director of the Governor's Commission on LGBTQ Affairs has recently stepped down due to health issues. The Executive Director serves as an extension of the Governor's office in the LGBTQ community and is responsible for communicating the priorities and accomplishments of the Governor and his Administration. In this role, the Executive Director will seek to spread awareness and increase access to programs and services provided by the Commonwealth that benefit everyday LGBTQ Pennsylvanians. Applicants are encouraged to embark on an innovative and fulfilling career path within the Commonwealth and apply today at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/pabureau/jobs/4313574/executive-director-governors-commission-on-lgbtq-affairs! Pennsylvania was the first state in the nation to have a commission for the LGBTQ community as of 2018.
November, 2022
Department Of Aging Hosts 621 Attendees During Its Virtual LGBTQ Aging Summit And Institute On HIV
Harrisburg, PA - 10/12/2022 – The Pennsylvania Department of Aging today announced that 621 participants from 27 states and Washington D.C. in the continental U.S., and St. Croix, Guam, and parts of Canada, attended its virtual LGBTQ Aging Summit and Institute on HIV and Aging on October 6 and October 7.
LGBTQ History Month Reception at Governor's Residence
On Thursday, October 20, 2022, Gov. Wolf hosted the PA Commission on LGBTQ Affairs and supporters for an LGBTQ History Month reception at the Governor's Residence in Harrisburg. Outgoing Executive Director Rafael Alvarez Febo and Chair Anne Wakabayashi thanked Governor Wolf and his administration for their groundbreaking support of the LGBTQ community. Pennsylvania was the first in the nation to have a state-level LGBTQ commission when Gov. Wolf signed the executive order in 2018. Since then, only two additional states (Washington and Massachusetts) have created similar bodies at the state level.
September, 2022
Gov. Wolf Signs Executive Order to Protect LGBTQIA+ Pennsylvanians from Conversion Therapy
Harrisburg, PA August 16, 2022 - Today, Governor Tom Wolf signed Executive Order 2022-2 to protect Pennsylvanians from conversion therapy.
August, 2022
LGBTQ Affairs Commission, Stakeholders Denounce Legislation to Bring Discriminatory "Don't Say Gay" Bill to PA
Harrisburg, PA - June 22, 2022 - Today, the Pennsylvania Commission on LGBTQ Affairs and education and youth advocates denounced Senate Bill 1278, a copy-paste version of Florida's discriminatory "Don't Say Gay" bill that would harm students and set back human rights in Pennsylvania.
December, 2021
Nov 12 PA Commission on LGBTQ Affairs meeting
The Pennsylvania Commission on LGBTQ Affairs had its quarterly meeting on November 12, 2021, at the Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center in Allentown. Executive Director Rafael Alvarez Febo reported that the commission has been addressing issues raised by HB 1893, which would change reporting and the right to know for health info. This legislation has potential privacy concerns for people living with HIV/AIDS and other conditions.
October, 2021
PA Commission on LGBTQ Affairs meeting on August 21
On August 21, the Pennsylvania Commission on LGBTQ Affairs held their quarterly meeting at the Governor's Regional Office in Pittsburgh. Executive Director Rafael Alvarez Febo reported on essential policies and executive orders that included the Department of Transportation changing gender markers on driver's licenses, supporting trans youth, and working with the Pennsylvania Human Relation Commission to update the definition of sexual discrimination to include sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression. State departments and agencies are working on collecting sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) data with other types of demographic data because knowing who we serve tell us how to serve. Executive orders are expected to support equal access to fertility therapy and cross-agency cooperation for name changes.
July, 2021
Gov. Wolf Supports Fairness Act, Highlights Need for LGBTQIA+ Protections Under State Law
Harrisburg, PA - June 15, 2021- Governor Tom Wolf joined state lawmakers and members of the LGBTQIA+ community to reintroduce the Fairness Act. The Fairness Act is bipartisan legislation that extends non-discrimination provisions in state law to protect against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender expression or identity.
Wolf Administration, Medical Professionals Emphasize Vaccination Safety for LGBTQ Communities
Harrisburg, PA - June 10, 2021 - The Pennsylvania Commission on LGBTQ Affairs hosted a discussion about the importance of ensuring LGBTQIA+ communities in Pennsylvania receive reliable and trustworthy information about COVID-19 vaccines. The Commission hosted a Facebook Live event entitled Vax Facts: Afternoon Tea on LGBTQ Health, the fourth in a series that seeks to provide relevant and accurate information about COVID-19 vaccines and address the questions of concerned citizens.
June, 2021
Pennsylvania Commission on LGBTQ affairs meeting on May 21
The Pennsylvania Commission on LGBTQ Affairs held its quarterly spring meeting via Zoom on May 21. Executive Director Rafael Alvarez-Febo reported that the commission has been working on COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy, particularly in LGBTQ intersectional communities. There will be a Pride flag-raising ceremony on June 15 at noon in Harrisburg, and there are other significant LGBTQ initiatives expected to be announced at that time.
April, 2021
PA Commission on LGBTQ Affairs Meeting on Feb 20
The Pennsylvania Commission on LGBTQ Affairs held their quarterly meeting on February 20, 2021, via Zoom. The report on the December 9, 2020, statewide LGBTQ town hall will define the issues to work on by the commission. About 120 people attended the virtual town hall, and we were delighted with the scope and perspectives shared by all of the speakers. The State Archives are currently transcribing the town hall, and the report will be issued to all State Assembly members and administration members.
January, 2021
PA LGBTQ Townhall on December 9
On Wednesday, December 9, the Pennsylvania Commission for LGBTQ Affairs hosted a statewide town hall for LGBTQ Pennsylvanians to talk about their experiences on issues such as discrimination, education equity, aging services, access and quality of health services, and housing, among others. About 120 people attended, The commission wanted to be as informed as possible in their advocacy for legislative and policy initiatives and help individuals and organizations find resources and support. Speakers representing a wide array of backgrounds and perspectives included Matt Haslam, Marshall Blount, Senator Tim Kearney, Janelle Crossley, Marilyn Blackburn, Terri Clark, Ceshia Elmore, Amanda Blouir, Trista Cochran, and Ciora Thomas.
December, 2020
PA Commission on LGBTQ Affairs meeting on Nov 13
The Pennsylvania Commission on LGBTQ Affairs held their quarterly meeting on Friday, November 20. After welcoming remarks from Governor Tom Wolf and Department of Health Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine, commissioners were sworn in. Pennsylvania was the first state LGBTQ commission in the nation when it was formed in August, 2018.
PA LGBTQ Townhall on December 9
The Pennsylvania Commission on LGBT Affairs will host a Pennsylvania LGBTQ Town Hall on Wednesday, December 9 from 6 to 7:30 PM on Facebook Live. Join Us and speak on issues affecting you and the LGBTQ+ community. Visit facebook.com/PACLGBTQ to join via Facebook Live. Speakers required to register by December 7 by December 7 at https://forms.gle/1QBxkS1gikzR8ZEA8
October, 2020
Pa. Commissions: Pass Bill to End LGBTQ Discrimination in Pennsylvania
Harrisburg, PA - September 15, 2020 - The Pennsylvania Commission on LGBTQ Affairs, joined by the Commissions on African American Affairs, Latino Affairs, Asian Pacific American Affairs, and Women, sent a letter to the General Assembly last week urging passage of legislation to amend the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act (PHRA) to include protections for sexual orientation and gender identity.
September, 2020
PA Commission on LGBTQIA Affairs meeting on August 7
On Friday, August 7, the Pennsylvania Commission on LGBTQ Affairs held their quarterly meeting via Zoom.
August, 2020
Gov. Wolf Issues Statement on Hate Targeting Transgender Pennsylvanians
July 22, 2020 - In response to a post made on Facebook by the Bloomsburg Fair mocking Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine, Governor Tom Wolf made the following statement: "The COVID-19 pandemic has brought hate and transphobia into the spotlight through relentless comments and slurs directed at Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine, who is a highly skilled, valued, and capable member of my administration and Transgender. The derogatory incident involving the Bloomsburg Fair is the latest of these vile acts, which by extension impact Transgender people across the commonwealth and nation.
June, 2020
LGBTQ Recommendations Submitted to PA Department of Aging
The Pennsylvania Department of Aging (PDA) is working on their four-year strategic plan for the Commonwealth. This contains broad strategic goals for the department and includes recommendations for not only the general aging population, but also targeted marginalized populations. For the first time, the LGBTQIA+ community is one of those targeted populations. The Aging Committee for the PA Commission on LGBTQ Affairs has submitted recommendations gathered from an input survey to be included in the strategic plan. There will be virtual listening meetings (most likely via Zoom) conducted by the PDA later in the summer, and one of these meetings is expected to be specifically for LGBTQ seniors. We will hopefully have a date for that meeting very soon, and we need everyone to engage their network to have as diverse and strong participation as possible in the online meeting. Look for more details soon and be prepared to spread the word.
Pennsylvania Commission on LGBTQ Affairs meeting on May 16
The Pennsyvlania Commission on LGBTQ Affairs held their spring meeting on May 15, 2020. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the meeting was held virtually on Zoom. New commissioners included DaVona Pacley, Naiymah Sanchez, Celena Morrison, and Xavier Garcia-Molina.
April, 2020
PA Commission on LGBTQ Affairs meeting on February 21
The PA Commssion on LGBTQ Affairs met on February 21 at the PSEA Headquarters in Harrisburg. Executive Director Rafael Alvarez Febo gave a report. Febo took over for previous director Todd Snovel, who departed in December for another position.
March, 2020
PA Dept of Aging Survey and LGBTQ Seniors
As a requirement of the Older Americans Act, each state is required to develop a State Plan on Aging every four years. The State Plan essentially works as a strategic plan for the state’s Department of Aging. It outlines priorities for services provided through the Department, including caregiver support programs, employment support, health and wellness programming, legal assistance, meal programs, transportation, protective services, the ombudsman program, and more.
December, 2019
PA Commission on LGBTQ Affairs meeting on Nov 15
The Pennsylvania Commission on LGBTQ Affairs held their quarterly on Friday, November 15 at the Bradley-Sullivan LGBT Community Center in Allentown PA. There were reports from the various action teams. The education action team reported that they are focusing on safety and policy, curriculum in schools, as well as training for educators. The Department of Human Services (DHS) is moving forward with an internal LGBT work group. The work group for aging is focusing on the PA Department of Aging's statement on addressing LGBTQ senior concerns and cultural competency. The work group on health is working on addressing policy barriers related to assisted reproductive technology. The PA Department of Health will be rolling out the statewide LGBTQ health needs assessment survey. Help is needed in getting participation from rural parts of the state. The newly formed work group on homelessness is looking at handling housing units for LGBT youth and also educating parents on LGBT in PA. We need to get a database of friendly space for LGBTQ youth. Homelessness and housing are addressed at the county level, so this is a challenge to work on at the state level Progress on passing anti-discrimination legislation at the state level has been slow and steady. It is hoped that this will be introduced in 2020. We need faith leaders, major businesses and health care providers to sign on. The web site for signing up is PAValues.org.
September, 2019
GEAE Welcome Reception Held for PA Commission on LGBTQ Affairs, Mayor's LGBTQ Advisory Council
Greater Erie Alliance for Equality (GEAE) hosted a Welcome Reception at Room 33 Speakeasy Cafe, 1033 State St. Erie PA on Friday, August 9 for the Pennsylvania Commission on LGBTQ Affairs, which held their quarterly meeting in Erie that day, as well as for the Mayor's LGBTQ+ Advisory Council. The event was also open to the greater community. There were appetizers and a cash bar, as well as a great chance for advocates from across the state to meet local community members.
PA Commission on LGBTQ Affairs meets in Erie
On Friday, August 9, the Pennsylvania Commission on LGBTQ Affairs held their quarterly meeting at the Crime Victim Center, 125 W 18th St, Erie PA. Among the topics discussed were strategies to pass non-discrimination legislation at the state level. Pennsylvania is currently the only state in the North East part of the US that does not include sexual orientation and/or gender identity and expression as protected classes for statewide non-discrimination laws. However, in August 2018, the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission - the government agency that enforces the commonwealth's nondiscrimination law - announced that it will accept and hear complaints of discrimination against LGBTQ people in employment, housing, and public accommodations as a form of sex discrimination. Legislation is currently in committee in both the state house and senate that would make that explicit. Legislation covering sexual orientation and gender identity/expression has never made it to the floor of either chamber for a vote. Over 50 municipalities across the commonwealth have passed local non-discrimination ordinances. Erie County passed anti-discrimination that included sexual orientation in 2002, and added legislation making gender identity protection explicit in 2018.
July, 2019
PA Commission on LGBTQ Affairs Meeting on May 3
On Friday, May 3, 2019, the Pennsylvania Commission on LGBTQ Affairs held their quarterly meeting in Philadelphia.
June, 2019
Gov. Wolf: Pennsylvania Must Protect LGBTQ Citizens from Violence, Discrimination
Harrisburg, PA - May 21, 2019 - Across the country, there has been an alarming trend of violence against LGBTQ citizens, especially trans women of color. Governor Tom Wolf and the Pennsylvania Commission on LGBTQ Affairs today reaffirmed its support for the LGBTQ community, denounced this violence and urged the approval of pending bills to provide LGBTQ citizens additional protections from hate crimes and ensure comprehensive, non-discrimination protections.
May, 2019
PA Commission on LGBTQ Affairs Quarterly Meeting on February 8
On Friday, February 8, 2019, the Pennsylvania Commission on LGBTQ Affairs held their quarterly meeting at the Center on Strawberry in Washington, PA. The commission came up with four major initiatives. Four groups were formed - two within Schools That Teach and one each for Government That Works and Jobs That Pay.
December, 2018
Report on Inaugural Meeting of PA Commission on LGBTQ Affairs
The inaugural meeting of the Pennsylvania Commission on LGBTQ Affairs was held on November 2, 2018 at Harrisburg University, There are about 40 commissioners from across the Commonwealth from a variety of backgrounds and experiences.
September, 2018
Governor Wolf establishes First PA Statewide LGBTQ Affairs Commission
Harrisburg, PA - August 6, 2018 – Governor Tom Wolf today will sign an executive order creating the Pennsylvania Commission on LGBTQ Affairs, the only one in the nation.