October, 2017 News (103 Articles with 387,601 total views)
On the cover of the print edition
for October, 2017 Oh my, someone's excited that the NW PA Pride Picnic is kid-friendly! Recap is here.
Photo by Michael Mahler
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
General McLane to raise money for Houston Schools
It’s been only a couple of weeks since General McLane High School’s National Honor Society Induction ceremony took place, but students are already to work.
Regional GSA Meetings Begin This Month
We hear it in the news almost every day. Young people struggling with discrimination and bullying due to their gender identification or sexual orientation. They need support and help to advocate not only for themselves, but for their friends and family. GEAE is hoping to help meet that need by providing a safe and enjoyable learning environment where they can network and learn from leaders in the community and from their peers. We have developed a regional GSA that is open to all high school and undergraduate students in the Erie area. Students from public, parochial, private, and homeschool environments are welcome.
GEAE hosts LGBT senior care professional symposium
Tickets are now available for the 2017 Greater Erie Allaince for Equality Intersections of Equality professional development Symposium: Increasing LGBT Competency in Care for Seniors. The event will bring together health professionals and allies whose work in professions seeks to improve the lives of older adults in our communities. Both days will be held at the Manufacturers Association Conference Center.
General McLane High School Senior Named Semi-Finalist
Edinboro, PA (September 15, 2017) – General McLane High School senior Alex Lofgren has been named a semi-finalist in the 2018 National Merit Scholarship Program.
Board Members sought for NW PA Pride Alliance, Inc
NWPA Pride Alliance is looking for applicants to fill positions with our board of directors. NWPA Pride Alliance is seeking to diversify its membership to best address the needs of the LGBT community, persons of all sexual orientations, gender identifications, marital status, ethnic backgrounds and educational experiences are welcome to apply. All positions are unpaid, volunteer positions. We are looking for people who want to become more involved with the LGBT community, working with our members to extend outreach to the community as a whole.
Greg Rabb running for re-election as Jamestown City Council Member at Large
Greg was first elected as an openly gay candidate for Jamestown City Council in 2007. On January 1, 2008 he was chosen by his colleagues to be the President of that body. Now after five two year terms he is running again for re-election as the only openly gay elected official in the eight counties of WNY.
Community Access TV (CATV) Fall Rummage Sale on October 7
Community Access TV (CATV) will be holding their Fall Rummage Sale at the CATV Studio, 142 W 12th St, Erie PA, on Saturday, October 7 from 8AM to 4 PM. Electronics, Housewares, Clothing, Collectibles, Toys, Games, Books, Videos, Sporting Equipment, & Much More! All of the proceeds from this sale benefit programs at CATV For more information or to donate items please contact Jacob Bartko at 454-2226 or jbartko@catverie.org
Deadline for October 2017 print edition (issue # 263) of Erie Gay News is Friday, September 15
For the next print edition of Erie Gay News (issue # 263, cover dated for October 2017), please send in calendar events, news items, and other info for late September 2017 and beyond by Friday, September 15. We expect that the next print edition will come out on Tuesday, September 26.
25th Annual Pride Picnic recap
On Saturday, August 26, 2017, about 250 people attended the 25th Annual Erie Pride Picnic held at the Rotary Pavilion at Presque Isle State Park. The family-friendly event was organized by NW PA Pride Alliance Elected officials attending included Erie County Councilmember Kathy Fatica. Local TV news crew WICU/WSEE covered the event. Organizations represented at info tables at the event included ACLU of PA, Children’s Aid Society of Mercer County, Crime Victim Center of Erie County, Drenched Fur, Erie County HIV Task Force/Erie County Department of Health, Erie County Suicide Prevention Task Force, Families United Network, Inc., Greater Erie Alliance for Equality (GEAE), Lake Erie Counseling Associates, LBT Women of Erie, Pennsylvania Equality Project, Persad Center, PNC Bank, Safe Kids Erie, SafeNet Center, St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, The Cocoa Exchange, TransFamily of NWPA Transgender Support Group, and Unitarian-Universalist Congregation of Erie.
Entertainment and Travel
PACA Presents "Rocky Horror Show" Live - Oct 6-29
This is it, kids. The last time on the PACA stage. The final "Rocky Horror Show." Get your tickets now at paca1505.com. To keep things moving smoothly for our growing theater, remember that our doors typically open a minimum of 30 minutes prior to showtime. Get here early and find your seats, have a drink! As always, PACA is BYOB for those 21+ w/ Valid ID, bring proof of your purchase to the ticket booth. The show runs from October 6-Oct. 29. Fridays: Curtain @ 8PM Saturdays: Curtain @ 8PM & Midnight Special S.I.N Show 10/29 @ 8PM Doors open 30 minutes prior to curtain. Tickets are $15. Audience participation popcorn bags available for purchase at the door. No outside props, please.
Tattoosdays at the Erie Art Museum
September 20, 2017, Erie, PA-- In conjunction with its current exhibition Ancient Ink: Mark Perrot, which is currently on display in the Museum's Nancy & Warner Bacon Gallery through January 28, the Erie Art Museum is offering free Tuesday admission to all visitors sporting visible tattoos.
Erie Art Museum Presents Afro-Peruvian Jazz Concert
September 15, 2017, Erie, PA – The Erie Art Museum presents the Gabriel Alegría Afro- Peruvian Sextet. Fusing contemporary American jazz with the ancient rhythms of his native Peru, Gabriel Alegría will bring his unique form of world jazz to the Museum's stage on Sunday, October 29, at 3:00pm. Suggested donation is $20/per person, $15 for Museum members.
The Crucible at All An Act
All An Act Theater presents "The Crucible." This exciting drama about the Puritan purge of witchcraft in old Salem is both a gripping historical play and a timely parable of our contemporary society."The Crucible" won the 1953 Tony Award for Best Play. This production is directed by J. D. Mizikowski and runs September 29 to October 15. Starring Nicholas Emmanuele, Emily Olszewski, Chad Santos, Audrey Ward, Nicholas Carver, Jade Mitchell, Sue Hansen, Karl Seman, Dennis Karle, Victor Kuehn, Joseph Butoryak, Peggy Brace, Natalia Abbott, Benjamin Robson, Aaron Holman, Lexi Gilchrist, Marie Glaser, Brittney Shaw, Giovanni Ciminella. See "The Crucible" Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 PM, Sept 29, 30, Oct 6, 7, 13, 14. Sundays at 3:00 PM October 1, 8, & 15.
Logo's NewNowNext Adds LGBT Columnist Michael Musto to its Masthead with Weekly "Musto Unfiltered" Column
New York, NY – September 11, 2017 – Logo, the Emmy® award-winning and leading entertainment brand inspired by the LGBT community, today announced that award-winning writer Michael Musto will join the network's digital site NewNowNext as a weekly columnist. Titled "Musto Unfiltered," the weekly column will bring readers a regular taste of Musto's humorist take on the personalities, issues and gossip affecting the LGBT community.
Political, Activism and Legal
Equality California: U.S. Death Penalty Vote Highlights "abdication of any role advancing" Civil Rights
Los Angeles - October 3, 2017 – In response to today's "no" vote by the United States on a United Nations Human Rights Council resolution condemning discriminatory use of the death penalty, including in countries where it is directed at LGBTQ people, Equality California executive director Rick Zbur issued the following statement: "We are disappointed but not surprised that our country today once again chose to stand, not with other industrialized democracies, but with Iraq, Saudi Arabia and China in supporting a resolution that simply calls upon U.N. member states to not apply the death penalty in a discriminatory manner. As the resolution recognizes, the death penalty has been used disproporationately around the world to target the poor, foreign nationals, political dissidents, women, ethnic and religious minorities and LGBTQ people.
Missouri Court of Appeals Says Non-Biological Parent Can Seek Custody Based on Significant, Bonded Relationship
(St. Louis, MO, October 3, 2017)-Today, the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) won an appeal on behalf of Kathleen M., a lesbian mother in Missouri who has been allowed to seek shared custody or visitation with her son. In the case K.M.M. v. K.E.W., the Missouri Court of Appeals, Eastern District ruled that a non-biological parent who raised a child from birth can seek custody or visitation.
Movement to End Police Violence in St. Louis is Met with Police Violence
WASHINGTON-DC - October 3, 2017: The National LGBTQ Task Force strongly condemns the ongoing police assaults of peaceful demonstrators in St. Louis as near daily protests continue following the verdict of not guilty in a first-degree murder case involving St. Louis police officer Jason Stockley. St. Louis Circuit Judge Timothy Wilson announced his not guilty verdict on Friday, September 15 in Stockley's killing of Anthony Lamar Smith, a black man. Like the community's response to the police officer's exoneration in the killing of Mike Brown, St. Louisans have protested the Stockley verdict in the streets, at the malls, and frequently within the area surrounding Busch Stadium, home of the St. Louis Cardinals.
GLAD & NCLR Join as Co-Counsel in Equality CA Lawsuit Against Pres Trump's Transgender Military Ban
LOS ANGELES (October 2, 2017) – Equality California announced today that the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) and GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders (GLAD), the LGBT legal organizations leading the fight against the Trump Administration's transgender military ban, have joined as co-counsel in its lawsuit challenging the ban, Stockman v. Trump. Equality California is a plaintiff in the suit together with seven individual plaintiffs who are currently serving or have taken steps to enlist.
Civil Rights Progress At Stake In New Supreme Court Term Opening Next Week
September 29, 2017 - The new term of the United States Supreme Court beginning Monday comes at a critical moment for civil rights. Several cases pose major implications for racial minorities on issues like prohibitions on class action lawsuits, voting, and equal access under public accommodations laws. In addition, the Court may consider the constitutionality of President Trump's Muslim ban, a case that was postponed in light of the administration's third attempt to justify discrimination on the basis of religion and country of origin.
Civil and Human Rights Coalition Calls on Trump to Nominate HHS Secretary Dedicated to the Health of All
WASHINGTON - September 29, 2017 – Vanita Gupta, president and CEO of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, issued the following statement following the resignation of Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price: "Secretary Price's gross misuse of taxpayer funds may have been the ultimate cause for his resignation, but he failed in many ways to honor the legacy of his office. He was an integral part of Republican efforts to take health care away from millions and end the Medicaid program, and he called for massive budget cuts to our health system.
Commission Approves LGBTQ-Inclusive Textbooks for Adoption by CA State Board of Education
SAN FRANCISCO - On Thursday, Sept. 29, the California Department of Education's Instructional Quality Commission (IQC) voted to approve 10 History-Social Science K-8 textbooks which were inclusive of the LGBTQ content mandated by the state's 2016 History-Social Science Framework. Most were approved conditional upon edits provided by the FAIR Education Act Implementation Coalition, a group of LGBTQ advocacy and educational organizations formed to ensure implementation of the state's 2012 FAIR Education Act, which requires the inclusion of the political, economic, and social contributions of LGBTQ people and people with disabilities in California textbooks.
PFAW Releases New Digital Ad Opposing Nomination of Anti-LGBTQ Extremist Jeff Mateer to a Federal Judgeship
WASHINGTON DC - September 29, 2017 -Today, People For the American Way (PFAW) released a digital ad urging viewers to call their senators and demand that Jeff Mateer's nomination to the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas be withdrawn. The ad features footage from a 2015 speech titled "The Church and Homosexuality" in which Mateer said transgender children are part of "Satan's plan" of "destruction." In addition, it includes video footage of far-right pastor Kevin Swanson advocating for the death penalty for gay people during a 2015 conference he organized and where Mateer agreed to speak.
National LGBTQ Task Force Statement On Census Victory
WASHINGTON-DC - September 28, 2017: Today, the US Census Bureau reversed a previous decision to exclude a question on sexual orientation from the Census Barriers, Attitudes and Motivators Study. In response to this victory, Rea Carey, Executive Director of the National LGBTQ Task Force, issued the following statement: "Make no mistake - public pressure on the Trump Administration works. It was messages from the members of the National LGBTQ Task Force and our partner organizations that compelled the Census Bureau to reverse their appalling decision to stop counting us. Thanks to the efforts of people across the country, the Census will continue collecting data about sexual orientation. We also will continue to push them to collect data about gender identity. Data about the LGBTQ community is absolutely crucial to ensuring that we are distributed the resources we need, that we are represented, and that the most vulnerable in our community are protected."
Lambda Legal Applauds Rep. Ellison's Resolution Calling for Better Policies To Protect Transgender Americans
Washington, DC - September 28, 2017 – Lambda Legal today applauded U.S. Rep. Keith Ellison for introducing a House Resolution that calls for increased attention to the violence and discrimination faced by transgender women of color and the creation of better policies and practices to protect transgender Americans.
National LGBTQ Task Force Fights Trump Census Bureau Erasure
WASHINGTON-DC - September 27, 2017 : On Tuesday, the Census Bureau announced that it is removing the planned sexual orientation question from a national survey "Who and how the Census counts has enormous consequences for resource distribution, representation and LGBTQ protections," said Rea Carey, National LGBTQ Task Force Executive Director. "We shouldn't have to keep telling this administration that we count. In case we weren't clear: we count. Our experiences matter. Our needs matter, so count us."
Birmingham Enacts LGBTQ-Inclusive Nondiscrimination Ordinance
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (Sept 26, 2017) - After a public hearing and over five years of groundwork, the Birmingham City Council has passed a fully inclusive nondiscrimination ordinance, and Mayor William Bell has committed to signing the ordinance into law immediately.
BREAKING: Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dunford Opposes Transgender Military Ban
WASHINGTON, D.C. - September 26, 2017 - Today, the American Military Partner Association (AMPA), the nation's largest organization of LGBT military families, responded to testimony from Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dunford indicating he opposes President Trump's transgender military ban.
Palm Center Statement on Support by Gen. Joseph Dunford, Jr., Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, for Transgender Ser
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - September 26, 2017 – Palm Center Director Aaron Belkin released the following statement after General Joseph F. Dunford, Jr., Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told senators that all transgender troops capable of meeting standards of fitness and deployability should be permitted to remain in service: "President Trump has consistently said that he would listen to the generals when making military policy. The highest ranking member of our armed forces, Gen. Joseph F. Dunford, Jr., could not have been clearer when asked his views about transgender military service: He believes that 'any individual who meets the physical and mental standards and is worldwide deployable and is currently serving should be afforded the opportunity to continue to serve.' An estimated 12,800 troops currently defending our country are transgender, and they are no less deployable than their peers. As Gen. Dunford told the Senate, these troops are serving 'with honor and valor.' The military does not want to reverse its promises to its service members, or to disrupt readiness by wasting badly needed talent and ripping apart cohesive units. Only the politics of division could take aim at these American patriots."
237 Organizations Urge Senators to Oppose the Graham-Cassidy Plan
WASHINGTON - September 25, 2017 – Today, The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, the National Health Law Program, the National Partnership for Women & Families, along with 234 other organizations, sent a letter to Senators urging them to oppose the Graham-Cassidy proposal to eliminate affordable quality health care for millions of Americans by gutting the Affordable Care Act (ACA); slash federal funding and destroy Medicaid by turning its funding into per capita caps; eliminate the Medicaid expansion; and defund Planned Parenthood health centers.
Equality California's 2017 Legislative Wrap-Up: Two Resolutions Pass, Seven Bills to Governor's Desk
Sacramento, CA - September 22, 2017- The California Legislature has sent seven Equality California-sponsored bills to Governor Jerry Brown for his signature. In addition, lawmakers approved two resolutions sponsored by Equality California. If the bills are signed into law, it will bring to 127 the number of pieces of legislation advanced by Equality California to advance the health and wellbeing of LGBTQ people.
Changes to Title IX Guidance will impact student, survivors of sexual violence
HARRISBURG - Sptember 22, 2017 -Today, the rights of student victims of sexual violence took a step backward. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos announced major changes to guidance aimed at schools responding to and investigating sexual assault and Title IX violations. These changes could prove to be will be detrimental to efforts to prevent and respond to sexual assault in educational institutions.
Civil and Human Rights Coalition to Secretary DeVos: Protect Civil Rights and Support Survivors of Sexual Violence
WASHINGTON - September 22, 2017 -Vanita Gupta, president and CEO of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, issued the following statement following the announcement by Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos that the department is rescinding guidance related to Title IX and schools' obligations regarding sexual violence and educational opportunity: "The Secretary of Education must follow the law and ensure that students are able to learn in safe environments – today's announcement shows yet again that Betsy DeVos is unwilling to do just that. This is yet another step in Secretary DeVos' ongoing, mean-spirited attack on students' civil rights. While Title IX and its obligations to protect the civil rights of students remain the law of the land, this announcement will only serve to silence the voices of survivors of sexual assault. Campuses must provide all students an educational environment free from sex discrimination and violence, and the department should make it easier, not more difficult, to achieve that goal. Secretary DeVos must remember that equal opportunity in education is a fundamental American value. While the department may be retreating from its obligations, we urge schools to follow the law and provide welcoming and supportive environments for their students."
Civil and Human Rights Coalition to Secretary DeVos: Protect Civil Rights and Support Survivors of Sexual Violence
WASHINGTON - September 22, 2017 -Vanita Gupta, president and CEO of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, issued the following statement following the announcement by Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos that the department is rescinding guidance related to Title IX and schools' obligations regarding sexual violence and educational opportunity: "The Secretary of Education must follow the law and ensure that students are able to learn in safe environments – today's announcement shows yet again that Betsy DeVos is unwilling to do just that. This is yet another step in Secretary DeVos' ongoing, mean-spirited attack on students' civil rights. While Title IX and its obligations to protect the civil rights of students remain the law of the land, this announcement will only serve to silence the voices of survivors of sexual assault. Campuses must provide all students an educational environment free from sex discrimination and violence, and the department should make it easier, not more difficult, to achieve that goal. Secretary DeVos must remember that equal opportunity in education is a fundamental American value. While the department may be retreating from its obligations, we urge schools to follow the law and provide welcoming and supportive environments for their students."
SPLC statement on nomination of Jeff Mateer to federal judgeship
September 21, 2017 - The following statement is from David Dinielli, deputy legal director for the Southern Poverty Law Center, on President Trump's nomination of Jeff Mateer to the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas: "President Trump has once again demonstrated his complete disregard for the LGBT community by nominating a person to the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas who opposes LGBT rights and dignity. The nominee's past statements prove that he cannot and will not rule fairly on issues affecting the LGBT community.
GLAD and NCLR Express Outrage Over Trump Judicial Nominee Calling Transgender Kids Part of 'Satan's Plan'
(WASHINGTON, D.C., September 20, 2017)-Today, the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) and GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders (GLAD), the LGBT advocacy organizations at the center of the transgender military fight, expressed outrage over comments made by Trump judicial nominee Jeff Mateer following reports that he called transgender children part of "Satan's Plan" and supported conversion therapy. NCLR and GLAD have said that Mateer's nomination, coupled with efforts to bar transgender Americans from serving in the military, continue to promote false stereotypes, scapegoating, and fears that will hurt our country.
Lambda Legal Blasts Trump Judicial Nominee Jeff Mateer Following News Reports of Vicious Attacks on Transgender Children
Washington, DC - September 20, 2017 – Lambda Legal issued the below statement today about President Donald Trump's nominee for the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, Jeff Mateer, who is coming under fire as news reports today are surfacing past remarks that reveal a record of extreme hostility toward the LGBT community, including Mateer's referring to transgender children as part of "Satan's plan," comparing same-sex marriage to bestiality, his endorsement of the controversial and widely-condemned practice of conversion therapy, and his extensive record of putting religious beliefs above the rule of law.
National Ad Challenging Adoption Discrimination Laws Rejected by Fox News as "Too Powerful"
Washington, D.C., September 20, 2017— As the American Civil Liberties Union announced the filing of a landmark lawsuit challenging LGBT adoption discrimination practices in Michigan, the Movement Advancement Project (MAP) unveiled a national ad and policy report underscoring the potential dangers that adoption-related religious exemption laws pose to children. The "Kids Pay the Price" ad, released in partnership with the Child Welfare League of America (CWLA) and the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), was targeted to debut on Fox News Channel's Tucker Carlson Tonight, but was rejected by the network. MAP has released the 30-second spot online; the ad can be viewed at www.KidsPayThePrice.org.
Outright Action International Reacts To President Trump At UN General Assembly
On September 18 and 19, President Trump addressed world leaders at the opening of the 72nd Session of the General Assembly in New York. Jessica Stern, Executive Director of OutRight Action International, reacted to President Trump's address. Time and time again, President Trump has threatened to curtail the United States' obligations to the international human rights system and to the United Nations itself. In his remarks today, the word he said most often - sovereignty - underscored that his political agenda promotes political isolationism and undermines the global cooperation that protects vulnerable people from natural disasters, corrupt governments, and civil war.
Pentagon reacts to chaos created by Trump's transgender military ban
(WASHINGTON, D.C., September 18, 2017)-On Friday, the Pentagon issued additional interim guidance regarding transgender troops. National Center for Lesbian Rights Legal (NCLR) Director Shannon Minter and GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders (GLAD) Transgender Rights Project Director Jennifer Levi, who together filed Doe v. Trump in federal district court to stop the transgender military ban, issued the following statement in response: "This 'guidance' simply underscores the serious and widespread harms being caused by President Trump's shocking and unsupported decision to ban transgender people from military service, reversing the policy of open service that has been in place for more than a year. This brief 'guidance' does nothing new: it does not stop the ban or the March target date for terminating current service members; it does not permit transgender people to join the military – now or ever; and it does not mitigate the most serious harms caused by this unprecedented assault on our nation's troops. President Trump's August 25 directive to ban transgender people from military service stated that the current policy remains in effect until March 23, so this iteration of that statement does nothing new. To the contrary, Secretary Mattis reiterated in Friday's memo that 'DOD will carry out the President's Policy and directives.'
California Legislature Passes Equality California-Sponsored Bill to Reform Sex Offender Registry
Sacramento, CA - September 16, 2017 – The California Legislature early Saturday morning approved a bill to reform California's sex offender registry, creating a tiered system that will make the registry a more effective tool for law enforcement and bring California's system in line with the rest of the United States. SB 384 was authored by Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) and co-authored by Senators Joel Anderson (R- Alpine), Holly Mitchell (D-Los Angeles), and Nancy Skinner (D-Berkeley). The bill was sponsored by Equality California, Los Angeles County District Attorney Jackie Lacey, the California Coalition Against Sexual Assault, and the California Sex Offender Management Board and was endorsed by the California Police Chiefs Association and various county sheriffs.
Resolution Condemning Transgender Military Ban Clears California Legislature
Sacramento, CA - September 15, 2017 –The California Legislature has passed a resolution condemning the Trump Administration's ban on service in the military by transgender people and calling on the governor of California to direct the California National Guard to take no action that discriminates against transgender service members on the basis of their gender identity or expression, unless superseded by federal law. Assembly Joint Resolution (AJR) 22 was authored by Asm. Evan Low (D-Silicon Valley) and sponsored by Equality California.
Post-Charlottesville Hate Crimes Summit Coalition Recommendations to the Department of Justice
September 15, 2017 Today, a broad coalition of civil and human rights, religious, and educational organizations, including The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, sent a letter to the Department of Justice to recommend concrete steps the Department can and should take in the wake of the white supremacist violence in Charlottesville and elsewhere. The letter also highlights the priorities of the broad coalition, which we hope will assist the Department in developing its plan of action following the June 29 hate crime summit.
California Legislature Passes Bill Creating Non-Binary Gender for State Identification Documents
Sacramento, CA, September 15, 2017 –The California Legislature last night approved a bill that would make it easier to change gender markers on state-issued identification documents as well as create a gender-neutral, non-binary category in addition to "male" and "female." Senate Bill (SB) 179, authored by Sens. Toni Atkins (D-San Diego) and Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) and sponsored by Equality California and the Transgender Law Center, would make California the second state in the country, after Oregon, to legally recognize a nonbinary gender.
Discriminatory Ban Already Harming Transgender Troops and the U.S. Military, Lambda Legal and OutServe-SLDN Tell Court
(SEATTLE, September 14, 2017) – Lambda Legal and OutServe-SLDN yesterday asked a federal court to halt immediately all steps taken to implement the Trump Administration's discriminatory plan to ban transgender individuals from serving openly in the U.S. Armed Services.
DNC on Senate Republicans Blocking Gillibrand/Collins Amendment to the NDAA
September 15, 2017 - In response to Senate GOP leadership's decision to block a vote on a bipartisan amendment to delay Trump's transgender military ban, DNC spokesperson Joel Kasnetz released this statement: "Last night, Republicans picked bigotry over security, and cowardice over taking a stand. By squashing even this incremental attempt to defend transgender members of the military against Trump's offensive executive order, Mitch McConnell and Senate Republican leadership are destroying lives and disrespecting the people who keep them safe.
California Legislature Passes Bill Facilitating Name Changes for Transgender Inmates
Sacramento, CA - September 14, 2017 - The California Legislature today approved a bill that would help ensure that transgender people are recognized for who they are while incarcerated and would increase their likelihood of successful reentry into society on release. Senate Bill (SB) 310, by Sen. Toni Atkins (D-San Diego), would require corrections officials to use the new name of a transgender person who obtains a name change, and to list the prior name only as an alias.
Health, Human and Civil Rights Advocates Warn Trump HHS Will Weaken Health Law's Nondiscrimination Provision
Washington - September 14, 2017 – Even as another attempt surfaces in Congress to repeal the Affordable Care Act and cut Medicaid funding, the Trump administration is working to revise a provision of the law (Section 1557) that outlaws discrimination against sex and gender identity in federally funded health programs.
ACLU Seeks Immediate Halt to Trump's Transgender Service Member Ban
BALTIMORE - September 14, 2017 - The American Civil Liberties Union and the law firm Covington & Burling LLP today asked a judge to immediately halt to the Trump administration's ban on transgender individuals serving in the U.S. military while their lawsuit challenging the ban moves through the court system.
California Legislature Passes "Bill of Rights" for LGBTQ Seniors in Long-Term Care
Sacramento CA - September 13, 2017–The California Legislature today approved a bill that would create a "bill of rights" for LGBTQ seniors in long-term care. Senate Bill (SB) 219, authored by Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) and sponsored by Equality California, would help protect seniors from discrimination or mistreatment in long-term care facilities and provide standards for culturally-competent care.
Lambda Legal Doubles Down on Opposition to Confirmation of Stephen S. Schwartz to the U.S. Court of Federal Claims
Washington, DC - September 13, 2017 – Last week, Lambda Legal and 27 other LGBT groups urged opposition to the nomination of Stephen S. Schwartz to the U.S. Court of Federal Claims, whose nomination is slated for consideration by the Senate Judiciary Committee at a markup hearing tomorrow morning. In the letter, organized and led by Lambda Legal, advocates argued that the Court of Federal Appeals has been of "tremendous importance to the LGBT community over the years, including most notably issues affecting LGBT people in the military," and also citing Schwartz's record in undermining the rights of LGBT people. The LGBT groups also said that Mr. Schwarz is unqualified for this position not only for his record, but also because of his lack of experience and his failure to meet the expectations set by the American Bar Association.
The Leadership Conference Opposes the Confirmation of Joan Larsen to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit
September 12, 2017 - The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights today sent a letter to the Senate in opposition to the confirmation of Joan Larsen, a justice on the Michigan Supreme Court, to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit.
Palm Center Statement on Gillibrand-Collins NDAA Amendment
SAN FRANCISCO, CA -September 11, 2017 – Palm Center Director Aaron Belkin issued the following statement in reaction to the proposed amendment by Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and Susan Collins (R-ME) to prevent President Trump from reinstating the military's transgender ban:
​"Congress would enhance military readiness by preventing President Trump from reinstating the transgender ban. Legislative action now would prevent uncertainty and disruption following from a ban and save money that would be wasted recruiting and training replacements. Many Republican leaders have made statements in support of transgender troops defending our nation, including Senators McCain, Collins, Murkowski, Hatch, Portman, Ernst, Tillis, Heller, Johnson, Toomey, Gardner, Shelby and Sullivan, and fifty-six retired Generals and Admirals have said that reinstating the transgender ban would degrade readiness.​
Resolution Condemning Chechnya Violence Against Gay Men Clears California Legislature
Sacramento - September 11, 2017–The California Legislature has passed a resolution calling on Congress and the president to condemn violence against gay men in Chechnya. Assembly Joint Resolution (AJR 16), by Assemblymembers Evan Low (D-Silicon Valley) and Jordan Cunningham (R-Templeton) and sponsored by Equality California, also calls on the president to encourage immigration authorities to grant asylum and refugee status to LGBTQ people and others fleeing persecution.
Bipartisan Amendment Introduced to Protect Transgender Service Members from President Trump
WASHINGTON, D.C. - September 12, 2017 — Today, the American Military Partner Association (AMPA), the nation's largest organization of LGBT military families, hailed Senators Collins' and Gillibrand's introduction of an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act that would prohibit the Department of Defense from removing qualified transgender service members from the military due to President Trump's transgender military ban.
Statement on Passing of LGBTQ Heroine Edith Windsor
Washington, DC - September 12, 2017 – Victory Institute President & CEO Aisha C. Moodie-Mills released the following statement in response to the passing of Edith Windsor, plaintiff in the landmark U.S. Supreme Court case United States v. Windsor: "Our fierce heroine Edith Windsor devoted her final years to her people – the LGBTQ community – and will be remembered as a seminal figure in our inevitable march toward equality. Edith felt deeply the injustice of being denied the right to marry her partner of more than 40 years, and she committed herself to fighting back with determination and a smile. I will never forget Edith standing on the steps of the Supreme Court, describing marriage as more than just rights and benefits but also as 'magic' – a powerful recognition of indescribable love. Edith opened the door for all LGBTQ Americans to experience this magic – and we are forever indebted to her because of it."
ACLU Mourns Edie Windsor
NEW YORK - September 12, 2017 - Edith Windsor, whose landmark Supreme Court case struck down the Defense of Marriage Act in 2013 and granted same-sex married couples federal recognition for the first time, died on Tuesday in Manhattan. She was 88.
TLC issues resources to prepare trans immigrants for ICE raids
(Oakland, CA) - September 8, 2017 – Today, Transgender Law Center released two resources in English and Spanish for immigrants in the transgender community to know their rights in the case of raids by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This follows the Trump administration's reversal of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program on Tuesday, leaks of a planned and allegedly canceled "mega" raid, and months of increased targeting of immigrant communities.
Civil and Human Rights Coalition: Sessions Justice Department Shamefully Supports LGBTQ Discrimination
WASHINGTON - September 7, 2017 – Vanita Gupta, president and CEO of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights issued the following statement after the Sessions Justice Department filed a brief today with the Supreme Court in Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission. In its brief, the government argues that businesses have a right to discriminate against LGBT customers: "It is shameful that the Sessions Justice Department is advocating for a constitutional right to discriminate against LGBTQ people. This disturbing action is counter to our Constitution, our anti-discrimination laws, and our core American values of justice, fairness, and inclusivity.
185 Civil and Human Rights Groups Urge Congress to Immediately Pass the Dream Act
WASHINGTON – Today, The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights along with 184 civil and human rights groups sent a letter to Congress to urge lawmakers to immediately pass the Dream Act without amendment.
ACLU Comment on Justice Department Position in Masterpiece Cakeshop SCOTUS Case
WASHINGTON - September 7, 2017 - The Justice Department filed a brief today with the Supreme Court arguing that businesses that are open to the public have a constitutional right to discriminate against LGBT people.
National LGBTQ Task Force Response to DeVos Action on Title IX
WASHINGTON, DC, SEPTEMBER 7, 2017: The following statement can be attributed to Stacey Long Simmons, Director of Advocacy and Action, National LGBTQ Task Force: "Today's announcement by Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos and the Trump administration to revise guidance on campus sexual assault points to a reversal of needed protections, especially for LGBTQ students and students with disabilities. Shame on DeVos and the Trump-Pence Administration for yet another example of their utter disregard for those who are most marginalized.
Civil Rights Leaders Meet with Senate Democratic Leadership, Discuss Efforts to Combat Hate and Protect Civil Rights
WASHINGTON - September 7, 2017 – Today, civil rights leaders met with Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) and other members of the Democratic caucus to discuss post-Charlottesville efforts to combat hate and protect civil rights. The groups participating in the meeting, convened at the request of Leader Schumer, included The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights; Anti-Defamation League; Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law; Human Rights Campaign; MALDEF; Muslim Advocates; NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc.; and the Southern Poverty Law Center.
28 LGBT Groups Oppose Confirmation of Stephen S. Schwartz
Washington, DC - September 6, 2017 – Today, Lambda Legal and 27 other LGBT groups strongly opposed the confirmation of Stephen S. Schwartz to the U.S. Court of Federal Claims, given this court's "tremendous importance to the LGBT community over the years, including most notably issues affecting LGBT people in the military," and Schwartz's record in undermining the rights of LGBT people. In a letter organized by Lambda Legal and sent to leaders of the Senate Judiciary Committee – who are expected to consider Schwartz's nomination at a markup on Thursday – LGBT groups said that Mr. Schwarz is unqualified for this position not only for his record, but also because of his lack of experience and his failure to meet the expectations set by the American Bar Association.
GLSEN Responds To End Of DACA Program
(New York, NY) September 6, 2017 - The following statement, responding to Attorney General Jeff Sessions' announcement yesterday morning of plans to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, can be attributed to Eliza Byard, Executive Director of GLSEN: "An estimated 65,000 undocumented students graduate from high school each year, including many who are LGBTQ. Each and every one of them deserves the support and care they need to thrive. It is unconscionably cruel to threaten students with deportation from the only country they have ever known, simply because of how they came here. It is manifestly immoral to uproot their lives in the service of a political agenda. Moreover, it is a staggering breach of the trust these young people placed in our government by registering for the DACA program in the first place. GLSEN stands with the Dreamers, and urges all educators to provide whatever support they can for these students as they begin the school year in the shadow of this heartless and manipulative decision."
Equality California Files Suit Against Trump Administration to Block Transgender Military Ban
Los Angeles, CA - September 5, 2017 - Equality California filed a lawsuit today in United States District Court for the Central District of California challenging the constitutionality of President Donald Trump's August 25 directive banning transgender people from enlisting or serving openly in the military, and denying them medically necessary healthcare.
LGBT Asian Group Delivers 971 Postcards to Trump Preserve DACA
September 5, 2017 - Today, the National Queer Asian Pacific Islander Alliance (NQAPIA) delivered 971 postcards from lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) Asian Americans, South Asians, Southeast Asians, Pacific Islanders (APIs) and allies from across the country urging President Trump preserve the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. The program has helped thousands of LGBT API young people trying to work, study, and improve their lives in this country. The elimination of DACA till take away employment opportunities, educational opportunities, and even the slightest relief from fears of deportation.
Trump's Decision to End DACA Could Put 75,000 LGBT Young People's Lives At Risk
(WASHINGTON, DC, September 5, 2017)-National Center for Lesbian Rights Executive Director Kate Kendell issued the following statement in response to today's Trump administration announcement that it will be ending the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program: "Today, the Trump administration needlessly took aim at the estimated 800,000 young people, including over 75,000 LGBT people, who came to the United States as children, work, pay taxes, and are protected from deportation under DACA. In doing so, the Trump administration rescinded not only this program but our country's promise to protect these young people-many of whom have never known a life outside of the U.S.
Equality California: LGBTQ Americans Must Stand with Immigrants Following President's 'Inhumane' Order
Los Angeles - September 5, 2017 -Today, President Donald Trump issued an executive order revoking the temporary legal immigration status of hundreds of thousands of young people raised in the United States. The directive effectively voids an Obama-era program granting temporary legal status to undocumented immigrants under 30 who arrived in the United States as children. Enacted in 2012, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) allows those young people, often called DREAMers, to live and work in the United States for a renewable period of two years. Enforcement of the order will be delayed for six months to give Congress time to give Congress time to consider and pass legislation.
Transgender Law Center denounces DACA reversal
September 5, 2017 -Today, the Trump administration announced a reversal of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, through which hundreds of thousands of immigrants who were brought to the U.S. as children trusted the government with their information under the promise they would not be deported. Kris Hayashi, executive director of Transgender Law Center, the largest trans-led organization in the country, issued the following statement in response: "This is yet another unnecessary, cruel attack from the Trump administration that will devastate millions of families and communities across the country, including many transgender people who have only ever known the U.S. as home. At a time when the U.S. is raiding homes, militarizing the border, holding transgender people in abusive detention conditions, and denying asylum for transgender women who fear murder and persecution should they be sent back, this reversal is another act of violence adding to a climate of fear for our communities.
Lambda Legal & Almost 50 Other LGBT Orgs Letter to DOJ Opposing Dreiband Nomination
Washington, DC - September 5, 2017 – Today, Lambda Legal and 46 other national, state, and local LGBT groups from across the country strongly opposed the confirmation of Eric S. Dreiband to serve as the Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division at the Dept. of Justice, citing his "overwhelmingly anti-civil rights record" and his efforts to "diminish the rights of LGBT people and other vulnerable communities." In a letter organized by Lambda Legal and sent to leaders of the Senate Judiciary Committee – who are expected to hear testimony from Dreiband at a confirmation hearing on Wednesday morning – LGBT groups said that in light of the moral crisis facing the nation in the wake of Charlottesville, Dreiband's record of opposing civil rights "strongly suggests that he will continue to promote the anti-civil rights agenda of this administration, rather than exercise the kind of leadership and willingness to defend civil rights that is needed … now more than ever."
Campus Pride releases Top 25 LGBTQ-friendly Listing of Colleges & Universities
September 5, 2017 - Campus Pride announced today the twenty-five colleges and universities leading the way for LGBTQ inclusion in policies, programs and practices across the United States.
Health
STDs at record high, indicating urgent need for prevention
September 26, 2017 - More than two million cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis were reported in the United States in 2016, the highest number ever, according to the annual Sexually Transmitted Disease Surveillance Report released today by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
12 Steps for the Rest of Us
While I am not a member of a 12 step program, I find the 12 steps are useful for anyone struggling with an addictiion. In reality, most of us have some kind of addictive or compulsive behavior that interferes with our happiness.
Victimization of Transgender Youths Linked to Suicidal Thoughts, Substance Abuse
AUSTIN, Texas - Sept. 19, 2017- In two peer-reviewed papers, researchers at The University of Texas at Austin have found that transgender adolescents are twice as likely to have suicidal thoughts as the general population, and they are up to four times as likely to engage in substance use. Depression and school-based victimization factored heavily into the disparities in both cases. The papers are the first set of studies using representative, population-based data to examine whether bias against transgender youths is associated with higher levels of suicidal thoughts and greater alcohol, cigarette and drug use.
Cleveland Rape Crisis Center opens Ashtabula office
Cleveland Rape Crisis Center announce the opening of a new Ashtabula Office, located at 5021 State Road. While this is located in Ohio, we are able to serve clients from Pennsylvania as well. The new Ashtabula Office will offer survivors of rape and sexual abuse in Ashtabula County with an option to access specialized services including counseling, victim assistance and support groups close to home.
AHF Praises Senator Bernie Sanders, Senate Colleagues on Introduction of 'Medicare For All' Legislation
WASHINGTON (September 13, 2017) AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) today praised the introduction of legislation that would make all Americans and U.S. residents eligible for Medicare.
Global Fund Partnership has Saved 22 Million Lives
GENEVA - September 13, 2017 – Programs supported by the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria have saved 22 million lives, according to a report released today. The report also shows significant increases in the number of people receiving treatment for HIV, diagnosis and treatment for TB and having an insecticide treated net to prevent malaria.
Trans people with HIV from across the country gather at USCA
(DC-September 6, 2017)- In a milestone for transgender people of color representation in US HIV/AIDS advocacy work, Transgender Law Center's Positively Trans program is at this year's United States Conference on AIDS (AIDS), September 7th to 10th in D.C. Through workshops and two tables at the exhibition hall, Positively Trans, a program run by and for transgender people living with HIV, will showcase the work of over a dozen trans advocates from across the country.
Letters, Columnists and Opinion
Glass half full of progress?
I saw a picture today of a young gay couple standing next to an older heterosexual couple. Then, I noticed that the two men were holding up their hands to show their wedding rings and the older couple must be one of their parents. It brought tears to my eyes, and I don't even know these guys. What went through my mind was, isn't it wonderful that we live in a time when not only can two people in love marry, but a majority of the country supports our rights?
Family of trans man sues Sharon Police Department over shooting death
SHARON, Pa.-- A federal judge has ordered mediation in the civil rights lawsuit over the officer-involved shooting death of Sean Hake, 23.
Applaud journalism
This weekend, NLGJA: The Association of LGBT Journalists has its annual convention, held this year in Philadelphia. The organization and its membership may not be what you expect. For the most part, the focus is not on LGBT media, but rather the organization serves as a place for LGBT journalists who mostly work in mainstream media, in places like CNN, MSNBC and news divisions of the three major networks - NBC, ABC and CBS - as well as print media like New York Times, Washington Post and, of course, Philadelphia Inquirer.
The Amazon Trail: Happy Hours
One day, out of the blue, I received an email from well-respected writer Renee Bess. In her thoughtful, elegant style, she asked if I would be interested in working together to produce an anthology about the role gay bars have played in our lives.
Rizzo, Philadelphia Gay News and the BBC
The British Broadcasting Company (BBC) is the world's largest broadcaster. It began in 1922 and has a stellar record for its journalism, both news and its fascinating documentaries, which at times seem to be pigeonholed to the most under-looked parts of humanity.
Contests
Enter to win Breaking Down the Walls of Heartache: How Music Came Out
Enter to win Breaking Down the Walls of Heartache: How Music Came Out by Martin Ashton from Backbeat Books! To enter the contest, fill out the form here between Tuesday, October 24 and Tuesday, November 14.
Enter to win Heartstone DVD from Breaking Glass Pictures!
Enter to win Heartstone DVD from Breaking Glass Pictures! To enter the contest, fill out the form here between Friday, October 20 and Friday, November 10.
Enter to win The All American Rejects "Sweat" sweatbands!
Enter to win The All American Rejects "Sweat" sweatbands! "SWEAT", the new anthem from one of Alternative rock's most successful hit makers, THE ALL-AMERICAN REJECTS. Out Now: http://smarturl.it/SweatAAR. Enter to win a The All American Rejects wrist sweatband and a "Sweat" head sweatband! To enter the contest, fill out the form below between Tuesday, October 17 and Tuesday, November 7.
Enter to win Dua Lipa's self-titled debut album!
Enter to win Dua Lipa's self-titled debut album! Dua Lipa, the self-titled debut album from from the UK Superstar featuring the hit single "New Rules!""If You're Under Him, You Ain't Gettin' Over Him!”Dua Lipa is available now: https://wbr.ec/dualipa-album. To enter the contest, fill out the form here between Friday, October 13 and Friday, November 3.
Enter to win "Complicated" from Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike with David Guetta and Kiiara!
Enter to win "Complicated" from Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike with David Guetta and Kiiara! "Complicated", the new party anthem from Superstar DJs Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike with David Guetta and Kiiara. Out Now: https://dvlm.lnk.to/Complicated. To enter the contest, fill out the form here between Tuesday, October 10 and Tuesday, October 31.
Enter to win a digital download of Future Friends from Superfruit!
Enter to win a digital download of Future Friends from Superfruit! Future Friends - the debut album from pop duo SUPERFRUIT! Featuring "Imaginary Parties," "Worth It (Perfect)" and more! Future Friends is Available NOW: http://smarturl.it/FutureFriends. To enter the contest, fill out the form here between Friday, October 6 and Friday, October 27.
Enter to win Tell Me You Love Me from Demi Lovato!
Enter to win Tell Me You Love Me from Demi Lovato! Tell Me You Love Me, the new album from international superstar DEMI LOVATO. Featuring "Sorry Not Sorry," "Sexy Dirty Love," and more! Out NOW: http://demilovato.co/TMYLMpreorder. To enter the contest, fill out the form here between Tuesday, October 3 and Tuesday, October 24.
Enter to Win Omnion by Hercules & Love Affair!
Enter to Win Omnion by Hercules & Love Affair! TTo enter the contest, fill out the form here between Tuesday, October 3 and Tuesday, October 24.
Enter to win a digital download of Younger Now from Miley Cyrus!
Enter to win a digital download of Younger Now from Miley Cyrus! YOUNGER NOW, the new album from global superstar MILEY CYRUS. Featuring the hit singles "Malibu," "Younger Now" and more! To enter the contest, fill out the form here between Friday, September 29 and Friday, October 20.
Enter to win B & B DVD from Breaking Glass Pictures!
Enter to win B & B DVD from Breaking Glass Pictures! To enter the contest, fill out the form here between Friday, September 29 and Friday, October 20.
Enter to win a pair of tickets to Gryffin Castle in the Sky Tour in Pittsburgh on Oct 24
Enter to win a pair of tickets to Gryffin Castle in the Sky Tour in Pittsburgh on October 24! To enter the contest, fill out the form here between Tuesday, September 26 and Tuesday, October 17.
Enter to win a 'Battle of the Sexes' Prize Pack!
Enter to win a 'Battle of the Sexes' Prize Pack! Fox Searchlight Pictures presents Battle of the Sexes. Enter to win a Battle of the Sexes Prize Pack including a retro-style t-shirt and a mini-poster! To enter the contest, fill out the form here between Tuesday, September 26 and Tuesday, October 17.
Enter to win Double Dutchess from Fergie!
Enter to win Double Dutchess from Fergie! DOUBLE DUTCHESS, the highly-anticipated new album & visual experience from global superstar FERGIE. Including "You Already Know" ft. Nicki Minaj. Out NOW: ferg.be/doubledutchess. To enter the contest, fill out the form here between Friday, September 22 and Friday, October 13.
Enter to win a pair of tickets to Mamma Mia from Erie Playhouse!
Enter to win a pair of tickets to Mamma Mia from Erie Playhouse, 13 W 10th St, Erie PA! Five lucky winners will get a pair of tickets to see this delightful musical! Please only enter this contest if you will be in Erie for the run of the show (October 26-29, November 1-5, 9-12, 16-19) Please note that dates changed from what was originally scheduled! Winners will need to call in to the box office (814-454-2852 x0), identify yourself as a winner, to make reservations before you come in. Tickets will NOT be sent, just pick them up at the theatre after contacting the box office. The Erie Playhouse will print out the list of winners to have here in the box office, but nothing will happen with the names until the winners call in. To enter the contest, fill out the form here between Tuesday, September 12 and Tuesday, October 17.
History
Stonewall Rebellion: It wasn't Judy!
Many things have been said and written about "Stonewall," the historic confrontation in June 1969 after a police raid at the Stonewall Inn, a Mafia-run gay bar on Christopher Street in New York City's Greenwich Village that ignited the Gay Revolution - and an incredible change in attitudes and feelings about queer people throughout the world.
Stonewall Strong
In 1961, Frank Kameny and Washington, D.C., native Jack Nichols organized the Mattachine Society of Washington, D.C., an affiliate of Harry Hay's original group in Los Angeles in name more than in style. Nichols had been deeply affected at age 15 when he read Edward Sagarin's 1951 book "The Homosexual in America." Nichols recounted decades later in a letter to "The Gay Metropolis"author Charles Kaiser that he was most touched by Sagarin's quotation from the prominent African-American activist and author W. E. B. Du Bois: "The worst effect of slavery was to make the Negroes doubt themselves and share in the general contempt for black folk." Nichols well understood the harmful effects of self-stigma in gay men's lives.
'Gypsy' the musical is LGBT history?
LGBT history can be found in every aspect of our lives. Sometimes it just comes as a surprise to learn that something, or someone, you've known about was gay. Given the title of this column, you may think this is going to be about the lyricist of "Gypsy" - my favorite Broadway composer, Stephen Sondheim, who's gay - it isn't. And if you think it's about another member of the production company of that original Broadway bombastic hit - so many of them were gay - again, it isn't.
Miscellaneous
Why Kids with Same-Sex Parents Aren't Different from Other Kids
To understand why kids with same sex parents aren't different from other kids, we must first look back at history. Back in 1960, over 70 percent of the children in the U.S. lived in a traditional household. A traditional household was considered to be made up of a mother and father in their first marriage. A lot has changed in the last 57 years. That figure has dropped to below half of the families in this country.
Erie Sailor assists in Hurricane Irma recovery efforts
ATLANTIC OCEAN (NNS) - September 13, 2017 -- The amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7), the amphibious transport dock ship USS New York (LPD 21) and the guided-missile cruiser USS San Jacinto (CG 56), along with various embarked air and amphibious landing assets, arrived on station off of Key West, Florida, Sept. 12, to support Hurricane Irma relief efforts.
Tips for Your First Open House
While some real estate agents say open houses are a waste of time, there are still a good number of homes that do sell at these events. In fact, about 20 percent of all homes on the market sell at an open house, which definitely makes it worth the time. However, don't make the mistake of assuming that your agent is going to handle everything. In fact, you'll have to put in some work for the open house, yourself. If you're not working with an agent, this task will be all on you.
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