May, 2015 News (80 Articles with 461,556 total views)
On the cover of the print edition for May, 2015 Leon Moses, Jeremy Snyder, Jeremy Bredeson, Phillip Cooke, Eric Linster, Russell Bowman (all members of the Between the Worlds community) at Drenched Fur's private after hours event at Splash Lagoon. Photo by Devin Lee.
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
Primary Candidate Forum Recap
On Thursday, April 16, NW PA Pride Alliance Inc and the Mental Health Association of Northwestern PA (MHA) jointly held a candidate forum at MHA's office, 1101 Peach St, Erie PA. The forum addressed both LGBT and mental health related issues. Candidates attending included Elvage Murphy for Erie County Court of Common Pleas, John Morgan for Millcreek Supervisor, and Nathaniel Strasser for Magistrate, 5th Ward, as well as Erie City Council candidates Sonya Arrington, Gary Grack, Bob Merski, Rebecca Styn, Richard Wagner, and Jon Whaley. Trish Catalano, candidate for Erie County Council District 5, also participated. About 30 voters attended.
GEAE Gives Back! to the MHA
On March 21, 2015, the Greater Erie Alliance for Equality (GEAE) held their first quarterly "GEAE Gives Back!" event of 2015 at the Erie Maennerchor Club, 1607 State St, Erie PA. This family-friendly event was held in order to benefit the Mental Health Association of NWPA's warming center and second-chance computers programs. Participants were encouraged to make donations of new underwear, all-weather boots, and used laptops. More than 50 people stopped by to share pizza, play duck-pin bowling, meet people from the MHA and GEAE, and have a lot of fun. Donations filled five large "lawn and leaf" bags with hundreds of pairs of underwear, about two dozen pair of boots, and five laptops.
Report on LGBT Roundtable Project
Over the past two months, a steering committee from the Northwest PA Pride Alliance (NWPAPA) and the Greater Erie Alliance for Equality (GEAE) has organized and held two LGBT Roundtable discussions. The committee invited leaders from various LGBT organizations from Erie and the surrounding counties.
Drenched Fur 11 has record turnout
The second weekend of April was the 11th where the Erie community hosted Erie's Exclusive Bear Weekend known as Drenched Fur. This year's theme was ‘Pop Goes the 80s' where the ‘Best Little Run for Fun' had a record turnout for the main event; an exclusive night time private event at Splash Lagoon, our local indoor water park resort. In addition to enjoying the fun wet times there, the weekend this year also included karaoke, daytime tours to local beer, food, and wine locations, as well as a comedy game show version of Jeopardy.
Weekly AA meetings
"Live and Let Live" an LGBT AA meeting is every Sunday at 7 PM at Community United Church, 1011 W 38th St, Erie PA., For more info, contact Charlene at (814) 504-1507 or cmn0626@gmail.com.
Moving Forward: Creating a Community Response to Cyberbullying
There will be a conference on cyberbullying on Friday, May 15th at the Jack Burke Research and Economic Development Center, Penn State Behrend, 4701 College Drv, Erie PA as part of Penn State BEHREND, Prevention of Aggression Resource Center Annual Conference for 2015. For more information, please visit our website. Register before May 1, 2015, to receive our special discounted rate.
9th Annual Housing Seminar on April 28
Join the Erie County Human Relations Commission for our 9th Annual Housing Seminar on Tuesday, April 28th, 2015 from 8:30AM to 5:00PM (8:00AM registration) at the Hirt Auditorium, Blasco Library, 160 E. Front Street, Erie, PA. Charge is $10. Registration Requested. Continental Breakfast/Lunch Included.
Persad Center Art for Change Benefit on April 27
Great art can transform the way people see the world. Join Persad Center on April 27 fron 6 to 11 PM at Wyndham Grand Downtown Pittsburgh, 600 Commonwealth Pl, Pittssburgh PA for Art for Change 2015 and experience the power of positive change. PERSAD CENTER’s signature fundraising event will feature verbal and silent auctions of paintings, photography, sculpture, furniture and jewelry. Over 1,000 art lovers gather to bid, mingle and enjoy food from some of Pittsburgh’s finest restaurants. One hundred percent of the proceeds benefit PERSAD CENTER’S Free Care Fund, serving the LGBTQ community and people living with HIV. Tickets are on sale now at persadartforchange.com or for more information please contact Yas Hatcher at (412)441-9786 x226 or [email protected]
Entertainment and Travel
Kumu Hina showing on PBS in May
Kumu Hina is the story of Hina Wong- Kalu, a transgender native Hawaiian teacher and cultural icon who brings to life Hawaii's long-held embrace of mahu — those who embody both male and female spirit, and were traditionally respected as caretakers, healers, and keepers of ancient traditions.
Clarion University Theatre Department presents 'Dear Harvey'
Clarion University Theatre will present "Dear Harvey" by Patricia Loughrey with original music by Thomas Hodges at 8 p.m. April 22-25 and at 2 p.m. April 26 in Marwick-Boyd Little Theatre.
Political, Activism and Legal
Evan Wolfson on Supreme Court Marriage Arguments: 'The case for the freedom to marry and equal respect shone undimmed an
New York - April 28, 2015 – Today the U.S. Supreme Court heard historic oral argument in marriage cases out of Ohio, Michigan, Kentucky, and Tennessee. Evan Wolfson, founder and president of Freedom to Marry, was in the courtroom and issued this statement:
Equality Federation Statement on Oral Arguments on Marriage at the Supreme Court
Statement from Rebecca Isaacs, Executive Director, Equality Federation
Oral Argument Begins on Marriage in the Supreme Court
April 28, 2015: Statement from Ted Martin, Executive Director of Equality PA: "Today's oral argument at the Supreme Court is an historic moment that caps a collective decades-long movement for the freedom to marry. The question at issue is whether all people, including same-sex couples, are given the freedom to marry under the constitution. We believe that all loving and committed couples should have the freedom to marry—and we are very hopeful that the court will agree.
HRC Statement On SCOTUS Marriage Equality Oral Arguments
WASHINGTON - April 28, 2015 – Today, as the Supreme Court of the United States began hearing oral arguments in the marriage equality case of Obergefell v. Hodges, Chad Griffin, President of the Human Rights Campaign, the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, released the following statement:
Freedom to Marry Makes Closing Argument with National Ad
New York - April 26, 2015 – Ahead of Tuesday's oral arguments before the U.S. Supreme Court, Freedom to Marry released a national TV ad showing that America, all of it, is ready for same-sex couples to marry. The spot begins airing on three Sunday morning political shows and 60 Minutes, in addition to national cable programs throughout next week.
SCOTUS Marriage Equality Decision Will Significantly Impact Same-Sex Military Couples
WASHINGTON - April 25, 2015 - This coming Tuesday, the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) will begin hearing oral arguments challenging state bans on marriage equality, the outcome of which could lead to nationwide marriage equality. Today, the American Military Partner Association (AMPA), the nation's largest organization of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) military families, emphasized that the decision will significantly impact same-sex military couples who often have little to no choice as to whether or not they are stationed in a state that respects their marriage and family rights.
NCLR Applauds Jenner's Courage In Sharing Transgender Identity With the Public
San Francisco, CA, April 24, 2015)—Tonight, in a groundbreaking interview with Diane Sawyer of ABC News, Olympic Gold Medalist Bruce Jenner publicly talked about being a transgender woman.
Jenner: Athlete, Christian, Parent, Celebrity Advances Visibility and Understanding of Transgender People
WASHINGTON - April 24, 2015 - The Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, commended Bruce Jenner for making history tonight, sharing her powerful story and, in doing so, raising the visibility of transgender people and issues facing the transgender community.
Jenner Interview with ABC's Sawyer Highlights Increasing Visibility, Understanding of Transgender People
WASHINGTON - April 24, 2015 - Tonight, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, expressed optimism that Bruce Jenner's forthright conversation about being a transgender woman will encourage increased support and inclusion for others.
TLDEF Praises Bruce Jenner's Courage in Acknowledging Authentic Self
April 24, 2015 - The Transgender Legal Defense & Education Fund (TLDEF) congratulates Bruce Jenner, who tonight publicly came out as transgender. Jenner made the announcement in an interview with Diane Sawyer during a two hour special on ABC News, becoming one of the best-known openly transgender figures in the world and putting to rest widespread speculation about Jenner's identity in the national media.
Freedom to Marry, Religious Institute to Host National Weekend of Prayer
New York- April 24, 2015 — With the U.S. Supreme Court set to hear oral arguments in marriage cases on Tuesday April 28, Freedom to Marry in partnership with the Religious Institute and 18 other religious organizations is hosting the National Weekend of Prayer for the Freedom to Marry. Nearly 300 congregations representing 20 different denominations in 46 states across the country will come together in prayer services and at vigils to pray that the values of love and the Golden Rule prevail over fear and discrimination.
Ted Cruz's Heinously Anti-LGBT Constitutional Amendment Forces Other Presidential Candidates To Take a Position
WASHINGTON - April 24, 2015 — Today, the Human Rights Campaign, the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, responded to the news that the Texas Senator and Republican presidential hopeful Ted Cruz introduced two radically extreme anti-LGBT bills to try to stop nationwide marriage equality. Cruz's bills as reported by Bloomberg "would establish a constitutional amendment shielding states that define marriage as between one woman and one man from legal action" and "bar federal courts from further weighing in on the marriage issue until such an amendment is adopted." Ted Cruz's latest radical stunt follows his participation at a head-scratching gay reception in his honor in Manhattan.
HRC Launches Paid Media Campaign Telling 12 States: Don't Repeat the Mistakes of Indiana
WASHINGTON - April 24, 2015 – Today, the Human Rights Campaign, the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, launched an online ad campaign urging governors in 12 states to reject bills that would put LGBT people at risk for discrimination like the religious refusal bill passed earlier this year in Indiana.
Upon Entering Education System, LGBT People of Color Face Lifelong Risk of Living in Poverty
Washington, D.C. - April 23, 2015 — A new report released today documents how systemic failures to protect certain students, recognize modern families, and protect people from discrimination drive and trap lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people of color into a devastating cycle of poverty.
Texas Lawmakers Ignore Warnings, Push Forward With Dangerous & Extreme Anti-LGBT Legislation
WASHINGTON - April 23, 2015 — Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest organization of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, condemned the actions of anti-equality lawmakers in Texas in moving forward extreme anti-LGBT legislation, despite warnings from major corporations, technology leaders, and child advocacy organizations of the dangerous consequences.
Loretta Lynch Confirmed by U.S. Senate as Attorney General
WASHINGTON - April 23, 2015 – Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization congratulated Loretta Lynch on her historic confirmation as the Attorney General of the United States. After months of delay due to partisan politics, today the U.S. Senate finally confirmed her appointment.
Major Child Advocacy Groups Strongly Oppose Michigan's Extreme Anti-LGBT Adoption Bills
WASHINGTON - April 23, 2015 — Today, major child advocacy groups joined the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, in opposition to a package of extreme anti-LGBT adoption bills in Michigan that are dangerously close to becoming law. HB 4188, HB 4189, and HB 4190 would enshrine special discrimination rights into Michigan law by allowing adoption agencies contracted by the state to discriminate with taxpayer funds against prospective parents based on "the child placing agency's sincerely held religious beliefs."
Another Day, Another Poll Showing Americans Embracing Marriage Equality
WASHINGTON - April 23, 2015 -- Just days before oral arguments on marriage equality are scheduled to begin at the Supreme Court, a new Washington Post/ABC Poll has found overwhelming support for marriage equality.
Voters Guide
Candidates for Erie County Council and Erie City Council were asked about their positions on GLBT issues. Their responses appear below.
In Diplomatic Breach, Vatican Ambassador Set To Speak at Anti-LGBT Rally in Washington
WASHINGTON - April 22, 2015 – Today, the Human Rights Campaign, the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, released an open letter addressed to His Holiness Pope Francis asking that Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò, the current Apostolic Nuncio, withdraw from his speaking role at the National Organization for Marriage (NOM)'s "Marriage for Marriage." The March, to be held this Saturday, April 25, will feature some of the most virulently anti-LGBT voices in an effort to convince the Supreme Court to rule against marriage equality in its deliberations this summer. The Apostolic Nuncio leads the Holy See's diplomatic mission to the United States.
Settlement Reached in Landmark Federal Lawsuit Against SC DMV on Behalf of Transgender Teen Forced to Remove Makeup for
New York, NY - April 22, 2015 - The Transgender Legal Defense & Education Fund (TLDEF) announces a settlement in a historic federal lawsuit against the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles on behalf of Chase Culpepper. Chase is a transgender girl who was targeted for discrimination in March 2014 when she attempted to get her first driver's license. She was told by DMV employees that she could not take her photo unless she removed the makeup that she wears on a regular basis. They told her that she needed to "look male" in her license photo and refused to provide her with her driver's license if she did not remove the makeup she was wearing.
HRC Survey Shows Striking Increase in Americans Who Personally Know and Support Transgender People
WASHINGTON - April 21, 2015 - Results from a new national survey commissioned by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender civil rights organization, reveal a significant uptick in the number of Americans who say they personally know or work with someone who is transgender, and a corresponding increase in favorable feelings toward transgender people.
San Antonio Shame: Mayor Calls LGBT Protections a 'Waste of Time'
WASHINGTON - April 21, 2015 – Taking part in a "faith forum" for mayoral candidates on Sunday, Mayor Ivy Taylor of San Antonio, Texas attacked a recently-enacted non-discrimination ordinance protecting lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) city employees and contractors from discrimination.
UNITE FOR MARRIAGE Rally Cleveland Ohio on April 26
There will be a UNITE FOR MARRIAGE Rally Cleveland Ohio on Sunday, April 26th at 1:30pm at FREE Stamp Willard Park, E 9th St and Lakeside Ave, Cleveland OH. Speakers include Nickie Antonio (House Rep State of Ohio), Matt Zone ( Cleveland City Council ) , Pastor Harris Franklin Circle Church and additional local and national speakers.
Rep. Suzan DelBene Supports LGBT Equality Efforts
WASHINGTON, D.C. - April 17, 2015 – Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) backed several legislative efforts this week to end discrimination and provide equality for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community.
Serious Concerns Raised Over Discriminatory Malawi Law Targeting LGBTI People
(New York - April 17, 2015) - The International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission (IGLHRC) today raised serious concerns about discriminatory provisions in a law signed by Malawi's President Mutharika that is expected to go into effect today. The Marriage, Divorce and Family Relations Law creates new forms of legal discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex individuals. While the law raises the minimum marriage age to 18—a positive move to combat child marriage—it also promotes a policy of exclusion against LGBTI Malawians that would likely translate into discrimination in education, housing, jobs and elsewhere.
HRC Sends New Case Study to 12 State Legislatures: Don't Repeat the Mistakes of Indiana
WASHINGTON - April 16, 2015 – Today, the Human Rights Campaign, the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, sent a new case study to state lawmakers across the country urging them to reject anti-LGBT bills like the religious refusal bill in Indiana that would put LGBT people at risk for discrimination. The case study comes after the Indianapolis Star reported this week that the state "plans to spend millions to repair [its] image after RFRA."
Major Child Advocacy Organizations Join HRC in Calling for Defeat of Anti-LGBT Legislation
WASHINGTON - April 16, 2015 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation and five leading national child welfare organizations joined forces to repudiate as harmful to children and families anti-LGBT legislation introduced in states across the nation.
Why Are Gay & Lesbian Troops Excluded From the Military Equal Opportunity Program and Non-Discrimination Policy?
WASHINGTON - Today, the American Military Partner Association (AMPA), the nation's largest organization of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) military spouses and their families, highlighted that although Indiana may have recently been in the nation's crosshairs over a battle encompassing non-discrimination protections for LGBT people, there's another sector of society that lacks these protections that is being completely overlooked. Its members number over 2.5 million, and they're the very people trusted to safeguard the rights and freedoms of all Americans: the United States military.
Momentum Continues: Verizon CEO, Leaders Sign On To Historic Tech Leaders Statement
WASHINGTON - April 14, 2015 – Today, the Human Right Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, announced that Verizon's Chairman & CEO Lowell C. McAdam, Executive Vice President & President of Operations John G. Stratton, and Executive Vice President & President of Product Innovation & New Businesses Marni M. Walden added their names to a historic statement calling for comprehensive non-discrimination protections for LGBT people. The news comes as more than 100 anti-LGBT bills make their way through state legislators across the country. The leaders from Verizon join over 120 other prominent leaders in the tech industry who have taken the unprecedented stance of calling for an end to anti-LGBT legislation and for nationwide protections based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
NCLR Welcomes Congresswoman Speier's Resolution Calling on States to Protect LGBT Youth from Conversion Therapy
(San Francisco, CA, April 14, 2015)—Today, U.S. Congresswoman Jackie Speier (CA-14th) introduced the "Stop Harming Our Kids" (SHOK) Resolution of 2015, calling on states to pass laws protecting LGBT youth from conversion therapy, a set of dangerous and discredited practices that falsely claim to be able to change sexual orientation and gender identity. Congresswoman Speier has been a longtime advocate for efforts to end conversion therapy, having introduced a similar resolution in 2012. Her move comes one week after the White House, Surgeon General, and other national leaders joined the call to support LGBT youth by ending these ineffective and harmful practices for good.
Congresswoman Speier Introduces Stop Harming Our Kids Resolution To End Converstion Therapy
Washington DC - April 14, 2015 —Today, Congresswoman Jackie Speier re-introduced the Stop Harming Our Kids (SHOK) Resolution, the first proposed federal action to put an end to so-called "conversion therapy." The Stop Harming Our Kids Resolution calls on states to protect minors from efforts that promote or promise to change the gender identity or sexual orientation of individuals.
HRC to Reeling Governor Pence: Don't Pay for PR Advice, We'll Give It to You for Free
WASHINGTON - April 14, 2015 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) reacted to news that the state of Indiana's Economic Development Corporation has retained a public relations firm to help repair the damage caused by the recent passage of anti-LGBT legislation that led to a national outcry. The news emerged the same day that new polling commissioned by HRC revealed that 75 percent of Hoosiers believe the legislation damaged the state's economy—and that Governor Mike Pence's approval rating has dropped by nearly 20 points since February.
Poll Shows Gov. Mike Pence is Deeply Damaged Following Destructive 'Religious Liberty' Fight
WASHINGTON April 13, 2015 – Governor Mike Pence finds himself deeply damaged following the fight over Indiana's "religious refusal" bill that put LGBT Hoosiers at risk for discrimination, according to a brand new poll of Hoosiers by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC). And in a warning sign to governors in other states where similar anti-LGBT bills are pending, a stunning 75 percent of Hoosiers report that Pence's push for the "religious refusal" bill has damaged Indiana's business climate.
Civil Rights Groups Sue National Finance Company for Illegally Firing Transgender Employee
(New Orleans, LA, April 13, 2015)—A national Mississippi-based finance company fired a transgender man after he refused to agree to dress and be treated as female, according to a federal employment discrimination lawsuit filed today by civil rights advocates.
Southern Poverty Law Center Statement on Ashley Diamond Case
April 10, 2015 - The following statement was issued by SPLC Deputy Legal Director David Dinielli following the disclosure that the Georgia Department of Corrections has changed its policy relating to the provision of hormone therapy to transgender prisoners.
Dark Day in Sunshine State: Florida House Votes for Discrimination, Against Best Interest of Children
WASHINGTON April 9, 2015 - Today, Equality Florida, the civil rights organization dedicated to securing full equality for the state's lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community, and the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest LGBT civil rights organization, condemned a vote by the Florida House that embraces a virulently anti-LGBT adoption measure that would use state taxpayer money to discriminate against LGBT and a host of other qualified foster and adoptive parents.
New National Poll Again Shows Americans Reject LGBT Discrimination
April 9, 2015 - A new poll released by Reuters/Ipsos today is the latest to show that voters reject so-called Indiana-style "Religious Freedom Restoration Act" (RFRA) bills that allow businesses to discriminate against LGBT citizens, the latest sign of growing momentum to ensure LGBT Americans are protected against discrimination.
New Study Shows Support for the Freedom to Marry Accelerates When State Bans End
New York - April 14, 2015 – Today UCLA's Williams Institute released a new report documenting that in states with the freedom to marry, support grows much more rapidly than in states that continue to exclude same-sex couples from marriage.
Chicago Couple Makes History in Clinton Ad
On Sunday, April 12, Nathan Johnson and Jared Milrad were out near their home in Chicago, Illinois, doing some shopping for their wedding, which they're looking forward to this summer after more than six years together as a couple.
Tax Day A Stark Reminder of Inequality for Many Legally Married Same-Sex Couples
WASHINGTON - April 14, 2015– Tomorrow's Internal Revenue Service (IRS) deadline for filing taxes can be a stark reminder for thousands of legally married same-sex couples of the inequality they face if they happen to live in a state that doesn't recognize their marriage. While they are able to file jointly at the federal level, tax day can be even more of a headache for these families because of the discrimination they face from their state.
President Obama Supports Efforts to Ban Conversion Therapy for Minors
Washington DC - April 8, 2015 —This evening, President Obama issued a response to the White House "We the People" petition calling for an end to so-called conversion therapy. The response was issued to the over 120,000 supporters who signed the petition. In the response, President Obama said:
Mormon Apostle's Criticism of LGBT Families Underscores Work Still Ahead To Ensure Full Equality
WASHINGTON Apr 8, 2015 - The Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, joined Equality Utah in expressing deep disappointment in recent comments by Mormon Apostle L. Tom Perry disparaging LGBT families and children as "counterfeit."
NCLR Applauds the EEOC's Decision Ensuring Restroom Access for Transgender Employees
(San Francisco, CA, April 8, 2015)—Today, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the federal agency charged with enforcing federal workplace anti-discrimination laws, ruled that an employer's refusal to allow a transgender employee access to restroom facilities consistent with his or her gender identity is sex discrimination under Title VII.
Groundbreaking EEOC ruling finds the Army discriminated against transgender employee by denying bathroom access, pronoun
April 8, 2015 -- In a landmark ruling issued on April 1, 2015, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) determined that some of the most common forms of harassment faced by transgender employees constitute unlawful discrimination under Title VII, the federal sex discrimination law. The decision found that the Department of the Army discriminated against Tamara Lusardi, a transgender employee who transitioned from male to female on the job, by barring her from using the same restroom as all other female employees, and by her supervisors' continued intentional use of male names and pronouns in referring to Ms. Lusardi after her transition. Transgender Law Center represented Ms. Lusardi with the pro bono assistance of Lieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein.
HRC Statement on Repeal of LGBT-Inclusive Ordinance in Springfield, MO
WASHINGTON April 8, 2015 – Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, praised the local leaders and advocates on the ground in Springfield, Missouri, for their tireless work on behalf of equality and the city's LGBT-inclusive non-discrimination ordinance that the city council passed earlier this year. Yesterday, residents narrowly voted to repeal the ordinance.
GLSEN Statement on 'Every Child Achieves Act of 2015'
NEW YORK (April 7, 2015) – GLSEN's Executive Director, Dr. Eliza Byard, made the following statement on the release of the 'Every Child Achieves Act of 2015' (ECAA), the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee's proposed bill for reauthorizing the Elementary and Secondary Education Act.
Louisiana High School to Allow Lesbian Student to Wear a Tux to Prom
(Monroe, Louisiana, April 7, 2015)—Today, Carroll High School Principal Patrick Taylor and Monroe City School Board President Bishop Rodney McFarland Sr. contacted Claudetteia Love, who is being represented by the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR), to inform her that she will be allowed to wear a tuxedo to her senior prom on April 24.
Memo to Gov. Tom Wolf and Pennsylvania Lawmakers: Pass LGBT Non-Discrimination Protections Now
WASHINGTON April 6, 2015 – Over 100 technology leaders – including titans of the industry such as Yahoo!'s Marissa Mayer, Google's Eric Schmidt and Larry Page, Microsoft's Satya Nadella and Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg & Sheryl Sandberg – have joined in an unprecedented statement calling on legislators around the country to immediately pass non-discrimination laws that protect lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) Americans. Launched last week in conjunction with the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) in response to a host of anti-LGBT bills pending or signed into law in various states, technology leaders from coast to coast continue to sign on with their support in this historic call to action.
NEW & UNPRECEDENTED: 100+ Tech Leaders Now Call for LGBT Non-Discrimination Protections Nationwide
WASHINGTON - April 6, 2015 –- Reflecting an ever-increasing wave of support for LGBT equality, more than 100 technology industry leaders and counting have joined in an unprecedented statement to legislators calling for the addition of non-discrimination protections for LGBT people to civil rights laws. Launched last week in response to a host of anti-LGBT bills pending or signed into law in states around the country, technology leaders from coast to coast continue to sign on with their support in this historic call to action.
Health
Today Is The Day
Today is not yesterday and today is not tomorrow. It is today and you can get started on your way to wellness…today!
Making Major Life Changes
Congratulations to you both. You are both completing chapters of your life that you can each be proud of: finishing high school and a Master's program, respectively. Approaching major life changes usually brings up anxiety. What comes next is unknown, and for most of us, that's pretty damn scary.
Spirituality and Religion
LGBTQ Faith Leaders Travel to Cuba to Meet Faith and Government Leaders
April 21, 2015 - President Obama and Cuban leader, Raul Castro, made history in April of 2015 with a handshake. On April 28, leaders of Metropolitan Community Churches (MCC) will make history by traveling to Cuba at the invitation of leaders of the Baptist LGBTQ group, Abriendo Brechas de Colores, from the Federación de Iglesias Bastistas de Cuba. Leaders of Abriendo Brechas de Colores are bringing together LGBTQ people and their supporters at the Evangelical Seminary of Matanzas, Cuba. There, they will share their experiences of almost 50 years of ministry with people of faith who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ), and increasingly ministering to a people who are not LGBTQ but who are looking for a more open church community.
Letters, Columnists and Opinion
MARK MY WORDS: Of Iran, gay Pride and Rick Santorum
From Philadelphia Gay News: June will soon be upon us and when many of us think of June, we think of gay Pride.
The Amazon Trail: DNA: Dyke Now and Always
There are certain memories that glow unexpectedly brighter than the other million moments cataloged in my mind. Their significance demands attention, and for good reason. The accumulation of those quick seconds is the DNA that creates who I am. DNA being the acronym for Dyke Now and Always.
Contests
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Win First Period DVD! To enter the contest, fill out the form here between April 21 and May 12.
Enter to win Biscuit remix CDs from Ivy Levan!
Enter to win Biscuit remix CDs from Ivy Levan! "BISCUIT", the new single from rising pop star IVY LEVAN. Win special remix CDs including mixes by Dave Audé, Eric Morillo and more! Available Now on iTunes: http://t.co/xb5tCKhnJ1. To enter the contest, fill out the form here between April 21 and May 12.
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There's Power in Our Pride! Annual LGBT Community Survey
We would like to invite you to take a new survey about your opinions and preferences, from an LGBT perspective. There's power in our Pride! Participating in this study helps open doors-and minds-around the world, and influences positive changes for our community. Previous surveys have yielded 45,000 respondents from 150 countries! You may have seen Community Marketing & Insights quoted in the New York Times, USA Today, Wall Street Journal, etc.
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