April, 2015 News (137 Articles with 807,148 total views)
On the cover of the print edition for April, 2015 Season Crannell and son John at the GEAE Gives Back event benefitting the Mental Health Association of NWPA held at the Maennerchor Club on March 21.
This began publication in December 2002 after a hiatus
Category for this issueCalendar & Upcoming Events
Calendar of Local GLBT Events |
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Local and Regional News
April 2-3: Sexuality and Gender Studies Conference at Penn State
Faculty, staff and students will gather together for "Telling Our Stories."at the Reed Union Building at Penn State Behrend begining Thursday, April 2 at 10 AM to Friday, April 3 at 5 PM. Panels and workshops are free and open to the public. Anyone is warmly welcomed to attend!
Drenched Fur's 11th Year Approaches
Drenched Fur is celebrating its 11th year with a fun filled 'Pop Goes the 80s' theme weekend for the broader bear community from Erie, PA and beyond. Over 200 bears, cubs, and admirers will be attending Drenched Fur 11 the weekend of April 9th-12th. We invite you to join us for some rad times!
Candidate Forum on April 16
NW PA Pride Alliance Inc and the Mental Health Association of Northwestern PA will be co-sponsoring a Spring candidate forum at the Mental Health Association at 1101 Peach St, Erie PA 16501 on Thursday, April 16, 2015 at 6:30 pm. Doors open at 5:30 and parking is available on street and in the Toni & Guy parking lot. Candidates for Erie City and Erie County councils will be invited. Candidates will be asked questions by a moderator and attendees are encouraged to provide questions for the moderator. The event provides constituents the opportunity to meet local politicians and hear their views on topics concerning the LGBTQ, mental health and Erie City & County communities as a whole.
Become a 2015 Pride Donor!
As the Northwest PA (NW PA) Pride Alliance begins its fifth year, we are delighted to see how much we have grown. The support of individuals and organizations in our community has been the catalyst for furthering the Alliance's mission: Improving the visibility of the LGBTQIA community and facilitating communication and collaboration between groups and individuals. We are asking for your support in 2015.
Crime Victim Center 3rd Annual Speaker Series Featuring NHL Star Theo Fleury
On April 23, 2015, Crime Victim Center of Erie County will host our third annual speaker series featuring former NHL Star Theo Fleury as the keynote speaker at the Bayfront Convention Center, 1 Sassafras Pier, Erie PA 16507 at 6:30 p.m. This event will allow Mr. Fleury to share his story of overcoming child abuse to become a hockey superstar and will help us educate the public on the services we provide to our community. Awareness and prevention education are the focus this year and we hope the public will walk away with a grasp of the impact that prevention can have in our community.
McKean Students Support Troops in a Collection Drive
MCKEAN, PA (March 5, 2015) -- This month, McKean Elementary Challenge Students are collecting items to include in care packages to military personnel currently deployed overseas.
Entertainment and Travel
Rosie O'Donnell to Interview Author Michelangelo Signorile for Exclusive SiriusXM Town Hall Special
NEW YORK – March 31, 2015 – SiriusXM today announced that television personality Rosie O'Donnell will host an intimate Q&A session in front of a select group of listeners featuring journalist, author, and gay rights activist Michelangelo Signorile for the SiriusXM "Town Hall" series on Thursday, April 2.
RuPaul's Drag Race Gets Eighth Season Renewal
NEW YORK, NY – March 20, 2015 – Hot off the heels of the seventh season premiere of "RuPaul's Drag Race," Logo today announced the greenlight for an eighth season. The recent season premiere saw a ratings spike of nearly 20% from last season's kickoff among P18-49 and now ranks as one of the most watched debuts in the show's history. Continuing the upward trajectory, the second episode of the season outpaced the premiere by double digits. Production on the new season kicks off today with a nationwide casting call to seek out the fiercest queens across the land to compete in this genre-defining, battle royale of drag.
Dreams of Hope Presents multiMEdia A sQool workshop and event series
sQool at Dreams of Hope presents multiMEdia, a four-part workshop series surrounding intersectionality and art, led by program manger Cavanaugh Quick and featuring local artist Katie Kaplan (pennysmasher.tumblr.com). The workshop is hosted at Winchester Thurston Upper School in conjunction with their student Gay-Straight Alliance and will culminate in a free and public youth reception on Friday, April 10, at the Winchester Thurston Upper School, 555 Morewood Avenue, in Pittsburgh's Shadyside neighborhood. Over the course of four sessions, students will work with Dreams of Hope teaching artists to engage in critical analysis of art across a range of mediums, including music, prose, and visual pieces. This workshop will focus on the intersection of queerness with other social identities, in an examination of multidimensional systems of privilege and oppression. Students will work together to create a mixed-media paneled mural in response to their analyses, to be unveiled at the youth reception. For more information about the youth reception, please email cav@dreamsofhope.org.
Political, Activism and Legal
Georgia RFRA Dies in Face of National Backlash
NEW YORK - April 3, 2015 – Legislation that could have allowed businesses and individuals to use religion to discriminate failed Thursday night in Georgia following a national backlash to similar laws that passed in Indiana and Arkansas.
DOJ files brief in SPLC suit seeking justice for transgender inmate in Georgia prison
April 3, 2015 - The Department of Justice today filed a statement of interest in Diamond v. Owens, et al., a case filed by the Southern Poverty Law Center seeking relief for Ashley Diamond, a transgender inmate in a Georgia prison, who is being denied medically necessary treatment.
Drupal Connect Launches Campaign To Fight Anti-LGBTQ Measures
NEWPORT, R.I., April 3, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Drupal Connect announced today that it is spearheading a massive nationwide fundraising campaign to help efforts to combat recent legislative measures that discriminate against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered, and questioning individuals.
Sen. Toomey Announces Ted Martin to Attend U.S. Army War College National Security Seminar
WASHINGTON, D.C. - April 2, 2015 – U.S. Senator Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) announced today the appointment by the U.S. Army War College of Ted Martin to the War College's National Security Seminar (NSS). The NSS, which will take place this spring, is a capstone event for all War College students and faculty.
GLSEN Statement on Religious Freedom Restoration Acts in Arkansas and Indiana
NEW YORK (April 2, 2015) – GLSEN's Executive Director, Dr. Eliza Byard, made the following statement on the status of the Religious Freedom Restoration Acts in Arkansas and Indiana.
Arkansas Gov. Rejects Indiana Copycat Bill and Signs New, Flawed RFRA into Law
LITTLE ROCK, Ark - April 2, 2015. – Gov. Asa Hutchinson today signed SB 975 into law, a revised bill that sought to improve upon Religious Freedom Restoration Act HB 1228, which closely resembled Indiana's controversial RFRA.
Indiana Governor Signs Measure Limiting Damage of RFRA, but LGBT Hoosiers Remain at Risk
WASHINGTON - April 2, 2015- Facing tremendous economic damage and mounting public pressure from fair-minded Americans and business leaders, today Indiana Governor Mike Pence signed legislation limiting the damage of the state's new Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) but falling far short of providing a full solution. The measure fails to explicitly ensure that the RFRA won't be used to undermine the full scope of Indiana existing non-discrimination laws, and does not add LGBT non-discrimination protections to the state's civil rights laws.
New Arkansas RFRA Still Empowers Discrimination
WASHINGTON - April 2, 2015 — Today, the Arkansas legislature passed and Governor Asa Hutchinson signed legislation that improves the disastrous H.B. 1228 but falls short of providing needed non-discrimination protections to all Arkansans. Though an improvement, the legislation can still be used as a weapon to discriminate against LGBT people, people of color, minority faiths, women and other Arkansans at risk. The earlier legislation, H.B. 1228, is still on Governor Hutchinson's desk, and HRC calls on the Arkansas House to recall that hateful bill immediately. HRC also calls on Governor Hutchinson to make good on his suggestion yesterday and issue an executive order protecting state employees from discrimination.
HRC Hails Historic Hire of Openly Gay Scout Leader by Greater New York Councils of Boy Scouts of America
WASHINGTON - April 2, 2015 - Today, the Greater New York Councils of the Boy Scouts of America confirmed that it has hired an openly gay man to serve as a Boy Scout summer camp leader, marking the first time in the history of the national organization that one of its local councils has acknowledged hiring an out gay person.
ACLU Statement on Proposed Amendments to Indiana RFRA
NEW YORK - April 2, 2015 – The ACLU has issued the following statement in response to the Indiana legislature proposing amendments to address the harmful effects of SB 101, a Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) bill:
UPDATE: Over 70 Tech Industry Leaders Join In Unprecedented Call To Legislators
WASHINGTON - April 2, 2015 – More than 70 technology industry leaders have joined in an unprecedented statement to legislators calling for the addition of non-discrimination protections for LGBT people to civil rights laws. Launched yesterday in response to a host of anti-LGBT bills pending or signed in to law in states around the country, well over three times the number of the initial signers have been added as of today. More are expected to continue signing on to the historic call for action.
While Indiana Measure Limits Damage, LGBT Hoosiers Deserve Better
WASHINGTON - Facing tremendous economic damage and mounting public pressure, particularly from leading businesses both in and outside of the state, Indiana lawmakers today moved to limit the scope and application of the state Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) in important ways. However, the proposal fails to explicitly ensure that the RFRA won't be used to undermine the full scope of Indiana existing non-discrimination laws. The proposal also falls far short of adding non-discrimination protections for LGBT Hoosiers to the state's civil rights laws, and future legislative sessions have an obligation to return to fix both the RFRA and this glaring hole in Indiana's laws protecting their own citizens.
Unprecedented Report Highlights Harm Military Families Suffer From Transgender Ban
WASHINGTON - March 30, 2015 – Today, the American Military Partner Association (AMPA) joined forces with the Transgender American Veterans Association (TAVA) to release an unprecedented report highlighting the harm that the military's transgender ban continues to inflict on transgender service members and their families. This first of its kind report focuses on the impact the outdated transgender military regulations have on the entire family and includes personal stories from transgender service members and their families.
Progress Seen in Arkansas RFRA Fight As Governor Hutchinson Halts Bill
WASHINGTON - April 1, 2015 --Today, in response to the announcement that Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson will ask the Arkansas Legislature to recall the discriminatory H.B. 1228, amend it to mirror the provisions of the federal Religious Freedom Restoration Act, and that he will consider an executive order granting an unspecified set of protections for LGBT state employees, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) released this statement from its President, Chad Griffin.
GLSEN Reacts to Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson's Call for Changes to Religious Freedom Restoration Act
NEW YORK (April 1, 2015) – GLSEN's Executive Director, Dr. Eliza Byard, reacts to Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson's refusal to sign HB 1228, the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, and instead asking the Arkansas legislature to recall and revise the bill.
Tech Industry Leaders Make Joint Statement to Legislators: Add LGBT Non-Discrimination Protections to Civil Rights Laws
WASHINGTON - April 1, 2015 – Today, in response to a host of anti-LGBT bills pending or signed in to law in states around the country, tech industry leaders signed an unprecedented joint statement supporting the addition of non-discrimination protections for LGBT people to civil rights laws. Other leaders are also expected to sign on later toda
American Airlines, Levi Strauss, Microsoft, Orbitz, Replacements, Starwood Hotels, Symantec, and Wells Fargo Say Enough
WASHINGTON - March 31, 2015 – Today, major corporations signed on to launch a statement by businesses speaking out against an onslaught of anti-LGBT legislation being considered in states around the country. The statement, launched today by the Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, calls on public officials to defeat or abandon efforts to enact these harmful pieces of legislation. Other corporations are expected to sign on to the growing list in the coming days, reflecting an ever increasing momentum to stop these bills.
BREAKING: Wal-Mart Asks Governor Hutchinson to Veto H.B. 1228
WASHINGTON - March 31, 2015 — In response to the Arkansas House sending Governor Asa Hutchinson H.B. 1228 to sign into law, Wal-Mart released a statement from its CEO, Doug McMillan, asking the governor to veto the bill. H.B. 1228 would permit discrimination against LGBT people, people of color, religious minorities, women and other minority groups across the state based on "sincerely-held religious beliefs."
EXCLUSIVE: NIKE President and CEO Condemns Indiana’s New Anti-LGBT Law
WASHINGTON – As major corporations, business leaders, and organizations continue to speak out against the discriminatory new anti-LGBT law in Indiana, NIKE, Inc. President and CEO Mark Parker provided the following statement to the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization:
HRC to Governor Hutchinson: Don't Mimic Indiana, Veto H.B. 1228
WASHINGTON - March 31, 2015 — Today, in light of the final passage of H.B. 1228 by the Arkansas legislature, the Human Rights Campaign re-iterated its call on Governor Asa Hutchinson to veto the bill. The legislation, nearly identical to similar language passed in Indiana, empowers discrimination against LGBT people, people of color, religious minorities, women and other minority groups across the state. HRC joins dozens of leaders and businesses in denouncing the bill, including two members of the historic ‘Little Rock Nine', Ernie Green and Carlotta Walls Lanier, who integrated Little Rock's Central High School. Others who have condemned the legislation include civil rights leader Julian Bond, Apple and its CEO, Tim Cook; Acxiom, one of Arkansas' largest employers; Arkansas-based Wal-Mart; Yelp; PayPal; the Arkansas Municipal League and the Little Rock Regional Chamber of Commerce.
Where Is Texas Headed? At Least 20 Vicious Bills Attacking LGBT Texans and Their Families
AUSTIN - March 31, 2015 – At least twenty vicious anti-equality bills attacking lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) Texans and their families have been introduced in the Texas legislature – more than in any other state this year. Today, Equality Texas, the state organization advocating for the elimination of discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, and the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest LGBT civil rights organization, joined forces to call on members of the state legislature to stop the attacks on LGBT people and their families and embrace a future of fairness and equality for all Texans.
HRC to Pence: Add LGBT Protections and Exempt Civil Rights Laws to Truly Fix This Bill
WASHINGTON - March 31, 2015 – Today, Indiana Governor Mike Pence tried to limit the economic damage and public humiliation he brought to Indiana by signing a widely-denounced, discriminatory anti-LGBT law last Thursday. While the national backlash against the harmful measure has been swift and brutal, Pence today asked for legislation to be sent to his desk this week that makes clear that the law cannot be used to deny services to anyone. However, Pence did not offer specifics to his request and did not offer support for LGBT non-discrimination protections.
Legal Teams Announce Advocates Who Will Argue in Supreme Court Marriage Equality Cases
(Washington, DC, March 31, 2015)—Counsel for plaintiffs from the Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and Tennessee marriage lawsuits today announced that Mary L. Bonauto and Doug Hallward-Driemeier will represent the plaintiffs at the cases' scheduled April 28 arguments before the U.S. Supreme Court.
GLAD's Mary Bonauto to Argue Marriage Cases Before U.S. Supreme Court
March 31, 2015 - Mary L. Bonauto, the Civil Rights Project Director for Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders, will argue before the U.S. Supreme Court on April 28, 2015, behalf of same-sex couples who are currently being excluded from marriage. She will stand on behalf of the Michigan case DeBoer v. Snyder and the Kentucky case Love v. Beshear.
HRC Blasts Bush for Supporting Pence and New Indiana Law
WASHINGTON - March 30, 2015 – In a radio interview with Hugh Hewitt earlier today, former Florida Governor Jeb Bush embraced the widely-denounced and discriminatory anti-LGBT legislation that Indiana Governor Mike Pence signed into law last Thursday. While the national backlash against the harmful measure has been swift and brutal--and as Pence and Indiana lawmakers who supported the law have said they're seeking to "clarify" it--Bush spoke up today to defend the law. His support comes as many private-sector leaders have denounced the legislation and others like it, including Apple CEO Tim Cook.
LGBT, Civil Rights Groups Urge Support for Fairness for All Hoosiers Act
INDIANAPOLIS - March 30, 2015 – In an open letter to Gov. Mike Pence and leaders in the Indiana House and Senate, national LGBT and civil rights groups call on lawmakers to quickly enact legislation fixing SB 101, which could allow discrimination against gay and transgender people, and end the firestorm of protests that have engulfed the state.
Acxiom-One of Arkansas' Largest Employers-Denounces H.B. 1228
WASHINGTON- Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) and HRC Arkansas lauded a letter from top executives at Acxiom-one of Arkansas' largest employers and a leading generator of tax revenue in the state-to Governor Asa Hutchinson calling on him to veto H.B. 1228. The controversial legislation is almost identical to a similar bill that has generated national condemnation in Indiana and has been denounced by everyone from Apple CEO Tim Cook to the Arkansas Municipal League.
Largest federal employee union denounces Indiana's freedom to discriminate law
WASHINGTON, March 30, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The American Federation of Government Employees, the nation's largest union representing federal workers, today denounced the new Indiana law that opens the door to state-sanctioned discrimination.
HRC Endorses 'The Fairness for All Hoosiers Act' To Protect LGBT People In Indiana From Anti-LGBT Law
WASHINGTON - March 30, 2015 – Today the Human Rights Campaign, the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, endorsed the "Fairness for All Hoosiers Act" as a solution to stop the damage caused by the new Indiana anti-LGBT religious discrimination law signed in to law by Governor Pence.
Another Major Tech CEO Condemns Arkansas' Discriminatory Anti-LGBT Legislation
LITTLE ROCK - March 30, 2015 —Today, Max Levchin, co-founder of PayPal, CEO of Affirm, chairman of Yelp and Glow, and director at Yahoo!, condemned Arkansas' discriminatory H.B. 1228, which, if passed into law, will allow individuals to use religion as an excuse to discriminate against LGBT people and other minorities. On Friday, the measure passed the Arkansas Senate, and will likely be soon on its way to the Governor's desk. A similar bill was signed into law last week in Indiana. However, corporate leaders from across the country are now taking action against bills like H.B. 1228 that are actively being considered in states across the country.
Apple CEO Tim Cook Pens Op-Ed Calling on Corporations to Oppose Surge of Indiana-Like Bills Across Country
WASHINGTON - March 29, 2015 —This evening, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) celebrated a new op-ed by Apple CEO Tim Cook opposing so-called "religious refusal" legislation in dozens of states. The legislation, chronicled here by HRC , is similar to the Indiana law that has caused a national outcry.
Must Watch: HRC Video Highlights Pence Dodging Questions About Indiana's New Law and LGBT Equality
WASHINGTON - March 29, 2015 —Following Indiana Governor Mike Pence's brutal interview this morning on ABC's This Week with George Stephanopoulos, HRC released its own new video that highlights the eight different times that he ducked, dodged, and declined to answer simple, straightforward questions about Indiana's new law and whether discrimination against LGBT Hoosiers should be illegal. The video is available here.
HRC to Governor Mike Pence: No Phony 'Clarifications' of S.B. 101
WASHINGTON - March 29, 2015 - In light of Indiana governor Mike Pence's appearance on ABC's This Week to tamp down a national outcry over his decision to sign viciously anti-LGBT S.B. 101 last week, the Human Rights Campaign issued the following statement from HRC President Chad Griffin:
Angie's List Stops Major Project in Indianapolis Over New Anti-LGBT Discrimination Law
WASHINGTON - March 28, 2015 – Today over concerns of Indiana's new anti-LGBT law, Angie's List announced it was stopping its campus expansion project in Indianapolis. The so-called "Religious Freedom Restoration Act" -- signed into law by Indiana Governor Mike Pence despite protests from corporations and civil rights leaders -- has been widely condemned over concerns that it will allow individuals to use religion as an excuse to discriminate against LGBT people and other minorities.
HRC: Senate Under Harry Reid Fundamentally Changed the Lives of LGBT Americans
March 27, 2015 - The following is a statement from HRC's President Chad Griffin upon news that Senator Harry Reid will retire from the U.S. Senate after the completion of his current term. As leader of the Democratic Caucus since 2005, Reid has played a key role in ensuring legislation critical to the LGBT community passed the Senate, from new Hate Crimes protections, to ENDA, to the repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell, to an updated Violence Against Women Act, the first federal sexual orientation and gender identity non-discrimination statute.
American Civil Rights Leader Dr. Julian Bond Expresses Outrage at Dangerous Anti-LGBT Legislation in Arkansas
WASHINGTON - March 26, 2015 – Today, Dr. Julian Bond, a major leader in the American civil rights movement, expressed outrage at discriminatory anti-LGBT legislation in Arkansas -- H.B. 1228 -- that if passed into law will allow individuals to use religion as an excuse to discriminate against LGBT people and other minorities.
GLSEN Statement on Indiana Gov. Mike Pence's Signing of Religious Freedom Restoration Act
NEW YORK (March 26, 2015) – GLSEN Executive Director, Dr. Eliza Byard, expressed outrage over Indiana Gov. Mike Pence's decision to sign the Religious Freedom Restoration Act after it was passed by the state legislature earlier this week.
Max Levchin, Cofounder of Paypal, CEO of Affirm, and Chairman of Yelp Reacts to Anti-LGBT Indiana Law
WASHINGTON - March 26, 2015 – The fallout over Governor Pence ignoring the warnings of corporations and civil rights advocates continued today after the Governor signed in to law a sweeping bill allowing individuals to use religion as an excuse to discriminate against LGBT people and other minorities.
Opposition Mounting Against Georgia's Anti-Gay Religious Exemption Bill
March 26, 2015 - Georgia lawmakers are considering the passage of a so-called "religious freedom" bill that would overturn all existing state and local civil rights ordinances protecting gay and transgender people. However, SB 129 stands to harm Georgians of all backgrounds. A police officer could refuse to work an event for a cause with which he does not agree. A paramedic could deny care to the child of a same-sex couple. A landlord could evict a hardworking single mother. A high school counselor could turn away a teenager struggling to come to terms with his sexuality.
Veterans Spouses Equal Treatment Act Reintroduced To Extend Equal Veterans Benefits for LGBT Veterans And Their Families
WASHINGTON - March 25, 2015 – The American Military Partner Association (AMPA) released the following statement today following the reintroduction of the Veterans Spouses Equal Treatment Act by Representative Dina Titus (D-NV) in the U.S. House of Representatives. The bipartisan legislation would change discriminatory language in Title 38 that prevents the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) from granting full access to earned veterans benefits to legally married same-sex couples living in non-marriage equality states.
TX Military Forces Takes Positive Steps to Address Issues of Processing Same-Sex Military Spouses for Federal Benefits
WASHINGTON - March 25, 2015 – On Friday, March 13, 2015, three same-sex military couples were denied assistance by the federal military identification card enrollment center at Camp Mabry, the headquarters of the Texas Military Forces (TMF), near Austin, Texas. All three couples were told by the center's employee that they would not be provided service because their marriages were not recognized by the state of Texas, regardless of the fact they were seeking federal military benefits.
OutServe-SLDN announces support for the Veteran Spouses Equal Treatment Act
(WASHINGTON - March 25, 2015) – Statement by Matt Thorn, Interim Executive Director of OutServe-SLDN on the reintroduction of the Veteran Spouses Equal Treatment Act in the U.S. House of Representatives this morning by Representative Dina Titus (1st District NV):
Senator Inhofe Throws Red Meat At Anti-LGBT Base
WASHINGTON - March 24, 2015 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign, the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, condemned an amendment introduced in the Senate as a last ditch effort to undermine marriage equality. Introduced by Senator Jim Inhofe (R-OK), the anti-LGBT amendment would endorse the idea that businesses and organizations should be allowed to use taxpayer funds to discriminate against married same-sex couples.
Int'l LGBT Human Rights: Response to Russia's Proposal at 5C
March 24, 2015 - Jessica Stern, executive director of the International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission, gave the following response today to the U.N. General Assembly 5th Committee vote to uphold U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon's "personal status bulletin" of June 2014 interpreting partnership benefits of U.N. Secretariat employees to include marriages performed outside of the country of the employee's citizenship. The vote on the Russian proposal failed 80 to 43 with 37 abstaining.
Pair of Harmful Bills Impede Adoption of Children in Need of Loving Homes
MONTGOMERY - March 24, 2015 - Today, HRC Alabama criticized the introduction of two bills, S.B. 261 and H.B. 296, which empower adoption agencies to discriminate against eligible parents and guardians-legislation which, if passed, will deny countless children from accessing loving, caring homes. Though written in the guise of allowing private agencies to cite religious reasons for turning down applications, the bills have a host of unintended consequences. Many of Alabama’s private adoption agencies maintain large public contracts, and the new bill would allow otherwise eligible interfaith couples, same-sex couples, and couples where one individual was previously divorced the opportunity to care for a child in need. Essentially, taxpayers will be funding adoption agencies who are allowed to discriminate.
HRC Hails Attorney General Harris' Efforts to Stop 'Sodomite Suppression Act' from Advancing
WASHINGTON - March 25, 2015 --Today, the Human Rights Campaign, the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, hailed California Attorney General Kamala Harris for seeking to stop an abhorrent and unconstitutional proposed ballot initiative that would seek to criminalize same-sex relationships and potentially threaten those convicted with death.
Federal Judge Blocks Legally Married Same-Sex Couples From Accessing FMLA Benefits
WASHINGTON - March 26, 2015 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign, the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, criticized a ruling by U.S. District Judge Reed O'Connor that blocked a recent rule change to the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) from the Department of Labor (DOL). Judge O'Connor's decision prevents legally married same-sex couples in Texas from exercising their FMLA rights.
Apple CEO Tim Cook Calls on Arkansas Governor to Veto Anti-LGBT Discriminatory Bill
WASHINGTON - March 27, 2015 – Today, Tim Cook, the CEO of Apple, decried Indiana's new anti-LGBT law allowing individuals to use religion as an excuse to discriminate against LGBT people and other minorities while calling on Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson to veto a similar bill being sent to his desk.
Indiana's Religious Freedom Law is an Affront to the Values of Organized Labor
WASHINGTON, DC - March 27, 2015- Yesterday, Governor Mike Pence of Indiana signed that state's version of a Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) bill, which would allow businesses, governments, and even first responders to discriminate against LGBT people and other minority groups on religious grounds. Versions of these laws are being pushed by legislators in many states in the wake of recent progress for LGBT marriage equality. Pride at Work opposes these bills and Executive Director Jerame Davis, an Indiana native, reacted strongly to the enactment of this law in Indiana:
Arkansas Senate Passes Indiana-Style H.B. 1228,Governor Hutchinson Must Veto Discriminatory Bill
LITTLE ROCK - March 27, 2015 — Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) and HRC Arkansas condemned the Arkansas senate's passage of H.B. 1228, an Indiana-style bill that will open the door to discrimination against LGBT people, people of color, religious minorities, women and other minority groups across the state. After a formal procedural hurdle, the bill will be on its way to Governor Asa Hutchinson's desk. HRC has repeatedly called on the governor to veto this legislation, including at a press conference featuring HRC president Chad Griffin yesterday.
Anti-LGBT Georgia Bill Moves Forward, Threatening to Undermine State's Economic Growth
ATLANTA - March 26, 2015 - Yesterday, a subcommittee of the Georgia House Judiciary Committee moved an anti-LGBT bill forward that could allow people to use their religion as an excuse to challenge or opt out of various laws - including local laws in Atlanta and other cities - that protect LGBT people and other minorities from discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations. Major local conferences have already threatened to move out of the state if the bill becomes law.
ACLU Comment on Indiana Gov. Mike Pence Signing Discriminatory 'Religious Freedom' Bill into Law
INDIANAPOLIS - March 26, 2015 – Gov. Mike Pence today signed a bill into law that would allow anyone to use their religious beliefs to claim that they have a right to refuse to follow anti-discrimination protections and other laws.
HRC Condemns Governor Mike Pence for Signing Dangerous Anti-LGBT Legislation
WASHINGTON - March 26, 2015 – In spite of overwhelming opposition by corporations and civil rights advocates, the Governor of the "Crossroads of America", Mike Pence, today signed in to law a sweeping bill allowing individuals to use religion as an excuse to discriminate against LGBT people and other minorities. The CEO of one major local employer, Salesforce, has already noted they are now forced to dramatically reduce investment in the state because of outrage from employees and customers over the new law.
Veto SB 101 Campaign Calls on IN Governor to Veto License to Discriminate Bill
Indianapolis, IN - March 23, 2015 – Moments ago, the Indiana legislature passed their so-called "religious freedom" legislation, Senate Bill 101. This law is the latest in a national effort by religious extremists to chip away at gains made by the LGBT community by codifying a license to discriminate into law.
HRC Calls on Former Gov. Jeb Bush to Explain Support for Anti-LGBT 'Religious Freedom' Legislation
WASHINGTON - March 23, 2015 – Today, the Human Rights Campaign, the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, called on former Governor Jeb Bush to clarify recent comments supporting new so-called "religious freedom" protections in states across the country that would put LGBT Americans and other minority groups at risk of discrimination.
GLSEN Statement on the Retirement of Steve Nash
NEW YORK (March 21, 2015) – Statement from Dr. Eliza Byard, Executive Director of GLSEN:"Congratulations to NBA star Steve Nash on a truly fantastic career. His legendary leadership and MVP contributions on the court were memorable, as has been his impact off the court. Steve was a pioneering ally to LGBT youth. He was instrumental in GLSEN's Think Before You Speak campaign, a partnership with the Ad Council that helped reduce the amount of homophobic language used in our schools. We thank him for his partnership and wish him all the best in this new phase of his life."
Young Conservatives for the Freedom to Marry Responds to Republican National Committee Growth and Opportunity Memo
New York- March 20, 2015 – This week the Republican National Committee released a memo outlining the strides they have made since the 2012 elections. The memo is an update on the progress of the recommendations of the Growth and Opportunity Project, which showed younger voters were troubled by the tone and messaging used by some in the GOP.
Puerto Rican Government Will No Longer Defend Island's Marriage Ban
New York - March 20, 2015 – Today the Puerto Rican government announced that it will no longer defend the territory's law barring same-sex couples from sharing in the freedom to marry. A federal case out of Puerto Rico is currently before the First Circuit Court of Appeals.
Ignoring Opposition by Corporations, Indiana Set to Pass Religious Discrimination Bill
WASHINGTON - March 20, 2015 – In spite of corporations' and civil rights advocates' outcry of opposition, the Indiana House of Representatives is expected to pass a sweeping bill early next week allowing individuals to use religion as an excuse to discriminate against LGBT people and other minorities. Astonishingly, the Governor is expected to sign the bill into law.
Anti-LGBT Legislation in Nevada Threatens Jobs, Economy & Minorities While Concealed in 'Religious Freedom'
WASHINGTON - March 19, 2015 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest LGBT civil rights organization sounded the alarm on anti-LGBT legislation in Nevada - SB272 in the Senate and AB277 in the Assembly - that threatens jobs, the state economy, and undermines the state's civil rights laws. The legislation would allow people to use their religion to challenge or opt out of various laws, including state and local laws, that protect LGBT people and other minorities from discrimination.
RiseUP Georgia and GetEQUAL Georgia Welcome Heterosexuals to Atlanta Airport
ATLANTA, GA - March 19, 2015-- As the Georgia General Assembly moves forward with Senate Bill 129, members of GetEQUAL and Rise Up Georgia took to the Delta terminal at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport to welcome heterosexual tourists to the state of Georgia. These two bills would allow the state government, corporations, and privately-owned businesses to discriminate on the basis of their "strongly held religious beliefs." GetEQUAL and Rise Up Georgia members recognize that these bills would make travel to the state of Georgia unadvisable for LGBTQ people, and took to the airport to welcome the heterosexual tourists that the state of Georgia has clearly indicated it would prefer.
Campus Pride and GLSEN Host Hundreds of Students and 50 Colleges for Inaugural LGBTQ-Friendly Online College Fair, Prese
NEW YORK (March 19, 2015) – Hundreds of students will meet with representatives from 50 colleges today during the first-ever online college fair specifically focused on helping lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and/or questioning (LGBTQ) and ally students find colleges and universities that are inclusive and supportive.
VICTORY! Texas Military Forces Spokesperson Says Refusal To Process Same-Sex Military Spouses Was 'Mistake' And Will Be
WASHINGTON - March 17, 2015 - After intervention today by representatives of the American Military Partner Association (AMPA), the Texas Military Forces clarified that three same-sex couples should not have been denied assistance at the federal military identification card enrollment center at Camp Mabry, the headquarters of the Texas Military Forces, near Austin, Texas. All three couples had been turned away on March 13th after being told that they would not be provided service because their marriages were not recognized by the state of Texas. One of the couples was contacted today and given a priority appointment to enroll for their benefits and ID card.
Legal Teams Submit Proposal to U.S. Supreme Court Regarding Oral Argument in Marriage Cases
(Washington D.C. March 17, 2015) — Today counsel representing all plaintiffs from the Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and Tennessee marriage lawsuits submitted a proposal to the U.S. Supreme Court requesting that argument time be divided equally among the cases from the four states.
Legal Teams Submit Proposal to U.S. Supreme Court Regarding Oral Argument in Marriage Cases
WASHINGTON - March 17, 2015 –Counsel representing all plaintiffs from the Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and Tennessee marriage lawsuits today submitted a proposal to the U.S. Supreme Court requesting that argument time be divided equally among the cases from the four states.
HRC Poll Shows Overwhelming Support for Federal LGBT Non-Discrimination Bill
WASHINGTON - March 17, 2015 – The Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, today released new polling data showing strong support for a federal non-discrimination law protecting LGBT people from discrimination in employment, housing, access to public places and other areas.
Anti-LGBT Bills Defeated in West Virginia, Fairness and Equality Prevail
CHARLESTON - March 16, 2015 - On Saturday in West Virginia, the legislative session came to an end at midnight, in effect killing extreme anti-LGBT bills which had failed to move forward - including a bill to abolish local liberty (HB 2881) and two so-called "religious freedom" bills (HB 2508 and SB 487). Fairness West Virginia, the statewide civil rights advocacy organization dedicated to fair treatment and civil rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) West Virginians, and the Human Rights Campaign, the nation's largest LGBT civil rights organization, claimed victory in stopping these extreme anti-LGBT bills from moving forward and vowed to continue the fight for fairness and equality in the state.
Equality Texas, HRC, and NCLR Applaud Introduction of Bill to Protect Kids from Conversion 'Therapy' in Texas
AUSTIN - March 13, 2015 —Today, Texas State Representative Celia Israel introduced a bill that would protect youth and their families from the discredited practice of conversion therapy. The bill— HB 3495 —reflects the unanimous view of medical, mental health, and child welfare experts that attempts by therapists to change a young person's sexual orientation or gender identity are ineffective and unsafe, putting youth at risk of lifelong damage, including depression, substance abuse, isolation, and even suicide.
Oklahoma Pro-Conversion 'Therapy' Bill Dies on State House Floor
Oklahoma City - March 12, 2015 —This afternoon, a bill introduced to the Oklahoma State House by Representative Sally Kern that would legalize anti-LGBT therapy died without coming to a vote. The defeat follows months of extensive grassroots organizing by national and state organizations working in coalition to educate parents and families about the ineffective and harmful practices of conversion therapy on LGBT youth.
Navy's Top Enlisted Sailor Supports Open Service by Transgender Troops
WASHINGTON, DC March 12, 2015 - Today, the American Military Partner Association (AMPA), the nation's largest organization of LGBT military families, responded to the report by the Navy Times that the senior enlisted sailor of the U.S. Navy - Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (AW/NAC) Mike Stevens - would support open and honest service by transgender troops if the ban caused by outdated regulations were lifted.
After GOP Legislature Passes S.B. 296, Governor to Sign Key Protections for LGBT Utahns
WASHINGTON - March 12, 2015 – After a marathon evening session, the Utah legislature gave final approval to S.B. 296, a non-discrimination bill extending existing employment and housing protections in Utah law to include discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. The bill was introduced last week, the result of a milestone compromise between LGBT advocates in Utah and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. The LDS Church continued to support the legislation as it made its way through both chambers.
LGBT Women Are Among Most at Risk of Poverty in America
Washington, D.C. March 12, 2015 — According to a new report released today by a broad coalition of research and advocacy organizations, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) women are among the most at risk of poverty in America. Due to discriminatory laws, America's 5.1 million LGBT women face lower pay, frequent harassment, compromised access to health care, and heightened violence. Anti-LGBT laws, together with inequitable and outdated policies, mean that LGBT women's economic security is compromised by reduced incomes and added costs ranging from healthcare to housing.
ACLU of Utah and Equality Utah Celebrate SB 296, Reject the Harmful Provisions of HB 322
SALT LAKE CITY - March 12, 2015 – After seven years of consideration, last night Utah lawmakers passed SB 296, which modifies the Utah Antidiscrimination Act and the Utah Fair Housing Act to address discrimination and religious freedoms by including sexual orientation and gender identity as prohibited bases for unequal treatment.
Washington Post Ad Showcases Broad Business Support for the Freedom to Marry Nationwide
New York - March 10, 2015 – Freedom to Marry today ran a full-page ad in the Washington Post highlighting the nearly 400 businesses that submitted a friend-of-the-court-brief on Friday in support of the freedom to marry for same-sex couples. Of the 379 businesses on the brief, more than half – 196 – had not previously signed onto friend-of-the-court briefs supporting marriage.
Social Security Sued for Discriminating Against SSI Recipients Married to a Same Sex Spouse and Demanding Refunds of Ben
March 10, 2015 - Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders (GLAD), Justice in Aging, and Foley Hoag LLP today filed a class action lawsuit, Held v. Colvin, against the Social Security Administration (SSA) on behalf of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients married to someone of the same sex in or before June 2013. The suit charges that SSA discriminated against these individuals for months, and in some cases more than a year, after that discrimination was held unlawful by the Supreme Court when it struck down the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) in June 2013.
Upcoming Egyptian Economic Conference Opportunity For Business Leaders to Champion LGBT Equality
WASHINGTON - March 10, 2015 –– Today the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), America's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, sent letters to prominent business leaders who are scheduled to speak at the upcoming Egypt Economic Development Conference (EEDC). HRC urged these high-level private sector speakers, many representing companies that have already demonstrated a deep-seated commitment to LGBT equality, to raise the issue of Egyptian human rights abuses in the context of foreign investment.
Casey, 211 Members of Congress File Supreme Court Brief in Support of Marriage Equality
Washington, DC - March 10, 2015 - Today, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) announced that he has joined 211 members of Congress in filing an amicus brief with the U.S. Supreme Court in support of marriage equality as the court considers the issue during this term. The four cases from Ohio, Tennessee, Michigan and Kentucky challenge state laws that prohibit same-sex couples from marrying and deny recognition to lawful marriages performed by other states. The Supreme Court will decide whether the Constitution guarantees same-sex couples the freedom to marry and to have their marriages respected nationwide.
Senator Silk, Unplugged
WASHINGTON - March 9, 2015 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) highlighted new comments from Oklahoma state Senator Joseph Silk, who has quickly attracted national infamy for his commitment to passing laws targeting his LGBT fellow Oklahomans.
Army Makes a Big Change in Discharge Policy for Transgender Soldiers
WASHINGTON, DC - March 6, 2015 - Today, the American Military Partner Association (AMPA), the nation's largest organization of LGBT military families, responded to the news that the Army has officially made a policy change regarding dismissal of transgender service members, who are still prohibited from serving openly. Removal of a transgender service member from the Army must now be approved by the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Manpower and Reserve Affairs, rather than by local unit commanders.
U.S. Army Takes Historic Step on Transgender Troops
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - March 6, 2015 – Today, the U.S. Army took an official and historic step by elevating responsibility for approving discharges of transgender Soldiers to an Assistant Secretary of the Army. The action follows a February 16 USA Today story quoting Aaron Belkin of the Palm Center about a draft version of the policy that became official today.
Human Rights Campaign and Plaintiff James Obergefell Deliver People's Brief With Over 200,000 Signatures for Marriage Eq
Washington, D.C. - March 6, 2015 – Today, the Human Rights Campaign, the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, delivered its historic "People's Brief" – with 207,551 signatories calling for full nationwide marriage equality – to the U.S. Supreme Court. HRC was joined by James Obergefell, the named plaintiff in Obergefell v. Hodges, the consolidated marriage equality cases set to be heard by the U.S. Supreme Court on April 28th and decided by late June.
Civil Rights Organizations Ask Federal Court In Alabama To Order Freedom To Marry Statewide
(Mobile, AL, March 6, 2015)—A group of leading national civil rights organizations today filed a motion requesting a federal district court to expand a lawsuit challenging Alabama's ban on same-sex marriage and to order all county probate judges in the state to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples.
In Utah, S.B. 297 is a Poison Pill that Targets Religious Minorities, Racial Minorities, and LGBT People for Discriminat
WASHINGTON - March 6, 2015 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) reacted to new, dangerous and harmful legislation (S.B. 297) introduced days after the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and LGBT rights organizations reached a key compromise on a non-discrimination bill (S.B. 296) in the state.
Broad Array of Business, Religious, Civil Rights, and Government Leaders Urge U.S. Supreme Court to Affirm the Freedom t
(Washington, D.C., March 6, 2015)—Dozens of friend-of-the-court briefs have been filed with the United States Supreme Court urging the Court to strike down marriage equality bans in Tennessee and three other states.
Vice President Biden Affirms Support for Federal Non-Discrimination Protections for LGBT People
WASHINGTON - March 6, 2015 - Today, Vice President Joe Biden affirmed his support for federal non-discrimination protections for LGBT people while giving remarks at the Spring Equality Convention for the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization.
Former Solicitor General Dellinger Authors Freedom to Marry's Amicus Brief for U.S. Supreme Court
New York - March 6, 2015 – Today, with former U.S. Solicitor General Walter Dellinger of O'Melveny & Myers as counsel of record, Freedom to Marry is filing a friend-of-the-court brief in support of marriage cases before the U.S. Supreme Court. The brief argues that sexual orientation discrimination should be presumed unconstitutional, even in the absence of explicit judicial heightened scrutiny, and that because there is no legitimate, evidence-based justification for marriage discrimination, the Supreme Court should affirm the freedom to marry throughout the land.
Mayors for the Freedom to Marry Submits Amicus Brief on Marriage to Supreme Court
New York - March 6, 2015 – Three years after its launch in 2012, Mayors for the Freedom to Marry today signed onto a friend-of-the-court brief urging the Supreme Court to end marriage discrimination nationwide. The brief includes 226 individually named mayors as well as 40 cities across the country, from towns as small as Thompson, North Dakota, to the five largest cities in the nation, as well as the U.S. Conference of Mayors, the National League of Cities, and the International Municipal Lawyers Association.
Georgia Bill Attacking LGBT People and Other Minorities Passes Through Senate
WASHINGTON - March 5, 2015 - Today, by a vote of 37-15, the Georgia Senate passed a bill allowing people to use their religion to challenge or opt out of various laws - including local laws in Atlanta and other cities - that protect LGBT people and other minorities from discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations. In practical terms, S.B. 129 could allow businesses to refuse service to same-sex couples, a paramedic to refuse to provide life-saving services to an LGBT person, or a school counselor to refuse services to an LGBT teenager. The bill puts minority groups at risk of being denied service everywhere from the convenience store to the doctor’s office.
Ben Carson Faces Blowback After Human Rights Campaign Calls Him Out for His Anti-LGBT Rhetoric
March 5, 2015 - Following withering criticism from the Human Rights Campaign and LGBT advocates across the country for his offensive suggestion that prison proves that sexual orientation is a choice, presidential hopeful Ben Carson has tried to "walk back" his rhetoric. HRC's Fred Sainz released the following statement:
NCLR, EQCA, and TLC Sponsor California Equal Benefits Bill
(Sacramento, CA, March 5, 2015)—The National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR), Equality California (EQCA), and Transgender Law Center applaud the introduction of a California bill that prohibits state agencies from doing business with companies that discriminate against their employees based on gender identity, including by denying transgender workers the same benefits and health care coverage they offer all other workers.
Historic Day for Marriage Equality: Hundreds of Nation's Top Companies Urge Supreme Court to Strike Down Same-Sex Marria
WASHINGTON - March 5, 2015 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, commended hundreds of the nation's most prominent businesses for again standing on the right side of history by signing on to an amicus brief supporting marriage equality.
Supreme Court to Hear Marriage Equality Cases On April 28, 2015
(Washington, DC, March 5, 2015)—The United States Supreme Court will hear oral argument on April 28, 2015 in marriage equality cases from Tennessee, Kentucky, Michigan, and Ohio.
Travel Alert Issued for LGBTQ Travelers to Georgia
ATLANTA, GA - March 4, 2015 - Today, GetEQUAL Georgia — a statewide grassroots social justice organization working toward the full equality of all lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) Georgians — and Rise Up Georgia — a statewide grassroots organizing group working to create strong communities, invest in the future, and uphold dignity in public, at home, and in workplaces — issued a "travel advisory" to any LGBTQ person planning to travel to the state of Georgia.
ABA amicus brief argues 14th Amendment requires states to license same-sex marriages
CHICAGO, March 4, 2015 — The American Bar Association today filed an amicus brief in the U.S. Supreme Court, urging the justices to rule that the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment requires a state to license a marriage between two people of the same sex.
Historic LGBT-Faith Coalition Backs Nondiscrimination in Utah
SAN FRANCISCO - March 4, 2015 - Today, Equality Federation hails the progress made by Federation member Equality Utah in bringing together faith and political leaders to draft nondiscrimination legislation, Senate Bill 296, to ensure no hardworking Utahn is unfairly fired from a job or denied a place to live. This is a monumental first step towards the promise of opportunity and freedom for all Utahns, including those who are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender (LGBT).
ACLU of Utah Lauds Bill Providing Protections for Gay and Transgender Utahns
SALT LAKE CITY - March 4, 2015 – A historic piece of legislation was introduced today that will provide long-needed, express protections for gay and transgender Utahns from discrimination in housing and employment.
Health
CDC leading new efforts to fight HIV among gay, bisexual men and transgender people
March 31, 2015 - The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will lead new programs totaling more than $185 million in HIV prevention funding for men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender people, with a particular focus on addressing the needs of MSM of color. The multi-faceted strategy will respond to the severe burden of HIV among MSM and transgender men and women through three new programs enabling health departments and local HIV prevention partners to deliver the most effective HIV prevention tools.
AHF: FL Insurance Commissioner McCarty Announces Improved Nationwide Access to HIV Medications
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - March 27, 2015 – Florida Insurance Commissioner Kevin M. McCarty announced this week that Aetna, Inc. and Coventry Health Care of Florida, Inc. are revising their HIV/AIDS drug formularies for individual health plan members. The new change means a majority of HIV drugs currently labeled as specialty drugs in the highest cost tier of the drug formulary are being reclassified as either generic or non-preferred brand drugs and moved into the lower cost tiers.
HHS launches innovative digital storytelling project to support federal HIV response
March 26, 2015 - The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services today released Positive Spin, a comprehensive digital educational tool that uses personal storytelling to promote the importance of getting people with HIV into treatment. The project, which was developed by AIDS.gov with input from federal agencies, health care professionals, persons living with HIV and community-based HIV organizations, is available at https://positivespin.hiv.gov.
Mindfulness: How to Rewire Your Brain
Mindfulness is in the news lately: celebrities tout it, Oprah loves it. But, what exactly is it? And is it worth your time? Let's check it out:
Anti-herpes drug may help control HIV, NIH study finds
March 13, 2015 - Valacyclovir, a drug commonly used to control the virus that causes genital herpes, appears to reduce the levels of HIV in patients who do not have genital herpes, according to a study by researchers from the National Institutes of Health, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Emory University, Atlanta and Lima, Peru.
PERSAD CENTER is Moving to a New Home in Lawrenceville!
PERSAD CENTER is delighted to announce an exciting new chapter for the agency as we move to our new home at 5301 Butler Street in Lawrenceville. We're celebrating with an Open House for the community on Saturday, March 28 from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. Join us for a tour of our new facility and learn about how our expansion will enhance our service to the LGBTQ community and people living with HIV. "It's an important moment for PERSAD CENTER. Our new home is a visible symbol of support and inclusion for the communities we serve and gives us the space to expand our services with senior, youth, training and medical programs", says Executive Director, Betty Hill.
Organizations at Forefront of Fight Against HIV Given New Flexibility to Provide Treatment Services
WASHINGTON, D.C - March 12, 2015 — AIDS United welcomes the Health Resources Services Administration (HRSA) HIV/AIDS Bureau's new Policy Clarification Notice (#15-01) which revises an overly-restrictive interpretation of the Ryan White Program's 10% administrative cap.
More Ocular Syphilis Cases in West Coast Gay Men Prompt Health Warnings
LOS ANGELES (March 6, 2015) Since December 2014, as many as 15 cases of ocular syphilis—a sexually transmitted disease which has led to blindness in several of the individuals—have been reported in men who have sex with men on the West Coast. Confirmed cases in Washington State, San Francisco as well as two suspected cases found in Los Angeles that are currently under investigation are raising alarm among public health officials, community care providers and prevention specialists.
Spirituality and Religion
North Carolina RFRA a Threat to the Core American Values of Equality and Religious Freedom
Washington, D.C., April 1, 2015 – In response to the introduction of a Religious Freedom Restoration Act in North Carolina, on the heels of RFRA in Indiana, Rachel Laser, Deputy Director of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism, released the following statement:
Indiana Religious Freedom Restoration Act Highlights Concerning Effects of Hobby Lobby Decision
Washington, D.C., March 30, 2015 – In the aftermath of Governor Mike Pence of Indiana signing a statewide Religious Freedom Restoration Act, Rachel Laser, Deputy Director of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism, released the following statement:
Central Conference of American Rabbis Statement on Misuse of Religious Freedom to Justify Discrimination
New York, NY – March 30, 2015 – The Central Conference of American Rabbis (CCAR) issued the following statement today regarding Indiana's recently enacted Religious Freedom Restoration Act:
Presbyterians approve marriage equality
Presbyterians on March 17 approved marriages for same-sex couples in the first-ever nationwide, grassroots vote on marriage equality by a faith tradition. The Presbyterian Church, USA now holds that marriage is between "two persons" rather than "a man and a woman."
New Catholic Group Joins Fight for LGBT Acceptance
With Pope Francis slated to visit the U.S. this fall, many Catholics are hoping for the pontiff to meet with LGBT people or address LGBT issues, and a new group has joined those pushing for this.
Presbyterian Church (USA), America's Largest Presbyterian Denomination, Votes to Approve Marriage Equality
WASHINGTON - March 18, 2015 – Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, commended the Presbyterian Church (USA) for its vote Tuesday to embrace marriage equality in the church's constitution.
Letters, Columnists and Opinion
History returns to Independence Hall, and in a patriotic and musical way
From Philadelphia Gay News: Something happened a few weeks ago that literally made me stop and take note of how far we have come in our struggle for equality.
The Amazon Trail: Helicopter Wife
My sweetheart called herself a helicopter wife and I laughed. Not long ago we couldn't even marry. Now we get to legally hover.
LGBT history at its best
From Philadelphia Gay News: Next week a press conference will be held. It's not unusual to have a press conference to announce almost any new program, but this one represents something that the world, and our community, is just beginning to recognize: the history of the struggle for LGBT equality.
Contests
Win Life Saver Boxer Briefs from Bernard Buie!
Win Life Saver Boxer Briefs from Bernard Buie! To enter the contest, fill out the form here between April 17 and May 8.
Enter to win Kiss All The Bullies Goodbye remix CDs from Sir Ivan ft. Taylor Dayne!
Enter to win Kiss All The Bullies Goodbye remix CDs from Sir Ivan ft. Taylor Dayne! "KISS ALL THE BULLIES GOODBYE" ft. Taylor Dayne. The empowering new single from Billboard chart topper and "Peaceman." SIR IVAN. Win special remix CDs with mixes by Paul Oakenfold, Tony Moran, Tracy Young & more! Available Now on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/kiss-all-bullies-goodbye-radio/id971387300. To enter the contest, fill out the form here between April 17 and May 8.
Enter now for your chance to win a digital copy of Love Somebody from Reba!
Enter now for your chance to win a digital copy of Love Somebody from Reba! LOVE SOMEBODY, the new album from the "Queen of Country" REBA. Featuring the hit single "Going Out Like That" plus "Enough," a new duet with Jennifer Nettles. Available Now: http://smarturl.it/rmlovesomebody. To enter the contest, fill out the form here between April 14 and May 5.
Enter to win Dear Future Husband from Meghan Trainor!
Enter to win Dear Future Husband from Meghan Trainor! "DEAR FUTURE HUSBAND", the new hit single from multi-platinum global superstar MEGHAN TRAINOR. From the Billboard #1 album Title - Available NOW on iTunes: http://smarturl.it/MTitle. Check out www.meghan-trainor.com for new U.S. MTRAIN tour dates! To enter the contest, fill out the form here between April 14 and May 5.
Win Such Good People from Breaking Glass Pictures!
Win Such Good People from Breaking Glass Pictures. To enter the contest, fill out the form here between April 14 and May 5.
Enter to win a For You remix EP from Anna Bergendahl!
Enter to win a For You remix EP from Anna Bergendahl! "FOR YOU", the debut U.S. single from Swedish singer ANNA BERGENDAHL. Win a special remix EP including the Broiler Remix - certified platinum in Scandinavia! Available now on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/for-you-ep/id978125097. To enter the contest, fill out the form here between April 10 and May 1.
Enter to win 2-CD Deluxe Editions of Little Earthquakes and Under The Pink from Tori Amos!
Enter to win brand-new 2-CD Deluxe Editions of Little Earthquakes and Under The Pink, the classic albums from the iconic TORI AMOS. To enter the contest, fill out the form below between April 10 and May 1. Featuring remastered audio, special B-sides, live tracks, and other rarities! Available April 14. Little Earthquakes (Deluxe Edition) and http://smarturl.it/LEdlx2CD and Under The Pink (Deluxe Edition) http://smarturl.it/UTPDlx2CD. Lucky winners will receive 2-CD Deluxe Editions of both Little Earthquakes and Under The Pink!
Enter to win Bicycling in Quicksand from Derek Bishop!
Enter to win Bicycling in Quicksand from Derek Bishop! Bicycling In Quicksand, the brand-new album from out artist DEREK BISHOP. Featuring "Baggage" and "Shutting Down." To enter the contest, fill out the form here between April 7 and April 28.
Win Adventure from Madeon!
Win The Dickumentary DVD from Breaking Glass Pictures!
Win The Dickumentary DVD from Breaking Glass Pictures! To enter the contest, fill out the form here between March 31 and April 21.
Win Fallen Jewel from Ariztical Entertainment!
Win Fallen Jewel from Ariztical Entertainment. To enter the contest, fill out the form here between March 31 and April 21.
Win The Circle DVD from Wolfe Video!
Win The Circle DVD from Wolfe Video! To enter the contest, fill out the form here between March 27 and April 17.
Win The Sound of Music FAQ by Barry Monush from Applause Books!
Win The Sound of Music FAQ by Barry Monush from Applause Books! To enter the contest, fill out the form here between March 24 and April 14.
Miscellaneous
Scholarships for Trans Students
This year Trans Students Educational Scholarships will be offering at least three small ($500-$2,000) scholarships for trans scholars! These scholarships are great if you're looking for some extra money to support you through the school year and help you with your activist efforts. Applications will open up in early April.
Jeffrey Tambor to Be Honored by Point Foundation
NEW YORK, March 6, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Point Foundation (Point) will honor actor Jeffrey Tambor, the 2015 Golden Globe winner for his performance in the hit Amazon series "Transparent," with the Point Courage Award. The Award recognizes an individual who has advocated for the future of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) community, and lives with the vision that investing in today's potential will produce a brighter tomorrow.
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