Equality NC Blog

Pastor’s Message God Showed Us

2011-05-24T18:55:00.004-04:00

By Rev. Susan Smith

[Article featured in Rev. Smith's weekly column for The County News, a newspaper reaching Caldwell, Catawba, Rowan, Cabarrus and Mecklenburg counties, on the recent faith press conference sponsored by Equality NC.]

Acts 10:27-28 (NIV)

“While talking with him, Peter went inside and found a large gathering of people. He said to them: “You are well aware that it is against our law for a Jew to associate with or visit a Gentile. But God has shown me that I should not call anyone impure or unclean.”

Last week I was invited to join other faith leaders from across the state at a press conference in Raleigh to stand together in opposition to the Defense of Marriage Act which would prohibit all forms of legal relationship recognition for gay and lesbian couples. We were from different denominations and faith traditions, serving the one God who is in all, and through all.

Faith-based condemnation against gay and lesbian people is at the root of the legalized discrimination they face in our country today. Those who quote scriptures chapter and verse continue to rail against the growing demands for full and equal civil rights for gay, lesbian, bi- sexual, transgender, and questioning people. “We cannot allow them to marry because we are standing on the word of God!” say those who are fighting to stop them.

The case to deny full and equal civil rights to others based on religious arguments is an old one. Standing on the word of God was used to justify and defend slavery, deny women the civil right to vote, and deny people of different races the civil right to marry. Scripture was used to justify and defend segregation. The KKK holds Bibles in their hands while they burn crosses. It is a tragedy that the good news of Jesus Christ has been such bad news historically in the struggle for full and equal civil rights for all of God’s children.

In Acts 10, Peter was a Jew called to a Gentile’s house by God. His faith tradition required him to reject them as unequal, but God gave him a revelation that expanded his spiritual consciousness. He said to them, “You are well aware that it is against our law for a Jew to associate with or visit a Gentile. But God has shown me that I should not call anyone impure or unclean.”

So it is today with faith leaders who have had a revelation about sexual orientation. Science has proven conclusively that it is seated in the brain, not the genitals. People do not choose minority sexual orientations to be gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender or questioning. They have the same normal desires for family and marriage as heterosexuals.

Marriage in America is a civil right giving legal protections for committed couples in important areas such as family law, insurance coverage, property ownership and much more.

In the landmark 1967 civil rights case Loving v. Virginia; the United States Supreme Court unanimously decided that the State of Virginia denying marriage between people solely on the basis of racial classifications violated the Equal Protection and Due Process Clauses of the Fourteenth Amendment.

I believe that the civil rights movement for gay, lesbian, bi-sexual, transgender, and questioning people is moving in the same direction, and will be won for the same reasons. People of faith may continue to be divided on this for a long time. Some still use religious arguments to condemn interracial marriage, but they cannot deny the civil right of marriage to interracial couples.

Just like Peter, many faith leaders today have had a revelation. God has shown us that gay, lesbian, bi-sexual, transgender, and questioning people are his children, and that we need to accept them as equals before God just like Peter did with the Gentiles. Humanity is advancing, and our God consciousness is expanding. Faith leaders who do not agree will sooner or later have to accept their civil right to marry.

Not Exactly the Job-Creation Legislation We Voted For

2011-04-18T14:21:00.018-04:00

Last year’s midterm elections ushered in a new wave of North Carolina leadership on the promise of job creation in a state facing severe deficits and double-digit unemployment. Unfortunately, we’re not exactly getting the job-creation legislation we voted for.

Take for example the priorities of North Carolina Senator Jim Forrester who, at the beginning of the year, promised to forego an eighth attempt at a "Super DOMA" in the Tar Heel State in order to focus on more pressing economic issues. "It will probably be brought up next year," Forrester told the Gaston Gazette on January 19, 2011.

Fast-forward four weeks later, and Forrester went back on his word. While even his own hometown newspaper acknowledged that “there are more pressing issues to attend to,” the Gaston County Republican sponsored Senate Bill 106, a proposed constitutional amendment limiting marriage to opposite sex couples, as state statute already does, as well as outlawing civil unions or domestic partnerships. The N.C. House followed this month with its own narrower version (House Bill 777), that represents the same divisive, discriminatory and distracting legislation which would effectively write discrimination into our state's founding document.

The anti-LGBT amendment joins a host of other social legislation that prompted Taylor Batten, The Charlotte Observer's editorial page editor, to manifest what many were already thinking in his recent article "Lawyers, guns and money, but no jobs."

In it, Batten writes,

"...almost three months into the session, jobs have been the primary focus of very little legislation. What has your legislature, led by House Speaker Thom Tillis and Senate President Pro Tem Phil Berger, been doing instead?

Fighting to repeal federal health care reform.

Working to expand gun-owner rights.

Making emergency room doctors almost completely immune from any penalties for practicing sloppy medicine.

Trying to decline $461 million in federal money for high-speed rail that would instead go to another state.

Requiring photo identifications from voters.

Overturning already-completed annexations.

Contemplating a constitutional amendment banning gay marriage.

Working to bar the state from giving any money to Planned Parenthood.

Aggressively expanding charter schools.

And one out-of-touch freshman even introduced a bill creating a new currency based on the gold standard, in case the Federal Reserve defaults.

You may agree or disagree with some or all of those initiatives. Either way, they have next to nothing to do with creating jobs or balancing the state budget.

And those, sadly, were the two imperatives that deserved attention above all else."

But with your help, we can push our politicians to keep their promises as we also push for equal rights for all North Carolinians.

Contact Your Legislators.
We’ve made it easy for you to let state legislators know, that we, the people of North Carolina, are more interested in them keeping their focus on creating jobs, and not furthering hateful discrimination.
"Write" the wrongs of this harmful legislation. Help us send a message to the legislature by volunteering to get people in your community to complete postcards to their legislators in opposition to the anti-gay amendment. We'll make it easy by sending you a kit with everything you need.

Build a State of Equality.
Join our statewide movement against this type of LGBT discrimination with a donation to Equality North Carolina today.

Help Others Stay Connected to the Action.
Recruit friends and family to join the Equality North Carolina Action Network so they too can receive important local alerts and updates on legislative affairs affecting them.

Join Us on Facebook and Twitter.
To quickly and easily share news and information with friends, fans and followers (like your rights depend on it…and they do), join Equality North Carolina where you already are—on Facebook (facebook.com/equalitync) and Twitter (@equalitync).

-Jen Jones, Equality NC

The STARTA Something Big? Rep. Barney Frank (D-MA) introduces the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA)

2011-03-29T22:39:00.012-04:00

A bill that would add “sexual orientation” and “gender identity” as prohibited basis for workplace discrimination was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives today.

Despite the fact that nearly 90% of Americans favor equal employment rights for LGBT citizens and the apparent readiness of President Obama to sign the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (or ENDA)—a bill that has been introduced in every Congress but one since 1994—it is unlikely to pass in the current House of Representatives.

Conservative opponents argue ENDA would disallow faith-based businesses from making personnel decisions based on their religious beliefs.

But these critics fail to see ENDA for what it really is: a long-overdue jobs bill.

Throughout the country, LGBT people live in fear that they will lose their job if their employer finds out that they are LGBT. It is intolerable that people are forced to hide who they are in order to secure or maintain employment. And with so much of our government’s focus on the economy and creating jobs, each job that is lost due to prejudice compounds the unemployment challenges not just for the LGBT community, but for our nation’s economy as a whole. It is a core American value to judge people on their work ethic and work product, not on who they are.

ENDA will make the American dream available to LGBT citizens nationwide.

Think this is all hyperbole? Think again.

The National Transgender Discrimination Survey results show that transgender people in throughout the U.S. suffer from tremendously high levels of job discrimination and economic security, with 26% losing a job just because of who they are and 90% experiencing mistreatment or harassment, or hiding who they are to avoid it. Transgender people experience twice the unemployment rate as the general population and almost four times the poverty.

Add to these facts the finding that in 2007, 28% of LGBT adults reported experiencing workplace discrimination with 21% reporting discrimination on a weekly basis.

Factoring in unemployment benefits, wasted training expenses, and lowered productivity—of both the abusers and their victims—discrimination against LGBT people in the workplace costs all of us as much as $1.4 billion per year in lost output. This amount is substantial by any measure, but given the need to restore our nation’s economic well-being, it is downright unacceptable.

Currently, 12 states and the District of Columbia recognize these realities and have already enacted anti-discrimination policies that protect employees on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. Over 100 localities have adopted similar policies. Taken together, these protections extend to 40% of the US population.

For the majority of our country however, including in North Carolina, there are either no laws protecting LGBT people from workplace discrimination and harassment or inadequate laws that do not protect all members of our community.

That is why we need a federal standard calling for equal treatment of all employees. That is why we need ENDA. Because whether or not you get to keep your job should not depend on where you live.

In the meantime, you can also catch this cause at work here at home. Yesterday (3/29), Equality NC secured introduction of House Bill 472: Nondiscrimination in State/Employment by Representatives Luebke, Brandon, Fisher and Harrison, along with 14 co-sponsors. Click here to learn more about this important legislation.

The vast majority of North Carolinians join the rest of the nation in opposing employment discrimination against LGBT people. And so this bill falls in line with public opinion, protecting state employees from discrimination on the basis of their sexual orientation and gender identity. It amends the State Personnel Act by adding sexual orientation and gender identity to the list of protected classes for discrimination in hiring; denial of promotion, transfer or training; retaliatory demotion, reduction in force or termination; and harassment.

Let’s hope ENDA can be the STARTA something bigger.

Until then, we must ensure that equality works here at home.

-Jen Jones, Equality NC

In North Carolina, Bullies Come In All Shapes and Sizes

2011-03-28T17:23:00.012-04:00

You may have caught last week’s Fresh Air, when Terry Gross interviewed columnist Dan Savage and Terry Miller about their marriage, the adoption of their son, and the impact of their “It Gets Better” movement, on teenage bullying.

The "It Gets Better" movement, as it's now called, spurred by a rash of teen suicides in 2010, is based on the premise that if older gay people offer hope and encouragement to gay teens, the teens would realize that their lives were worth living. Thereby, Savage and Miller created a YouTube video about their own experiences being bullied as teens, to tell teenagers a simple message about the future: It gets better.

The "It Gets Better" movement is now a global sensation, receiving over 10,000 video submissions, including entries from the likes of President Obama to Ke$ha. This month, Savage and Miller also published a companion book, It Gets Better: Coming Out, Overcoming Bullying and Creating a Life Worth Living, featuring essays from more than 100 of the video contributors.

Notwithstanding the recent success of Savage and Miller’s now-viral campaign and its premise of older advocates offering encouragement to gay teens, we’re proud to say that Equality North Carolina was ahead of the curve. In 2009, ENC helped to win passage of a historic law assuring North Carolina public school students have the inclusive anti-bullying protections they deserve. In the end, our hope was that by curbing bullying in North Carolina classrooms, we would lessen the likelihood that local teens would lose hope and be tempted to take their own lives.

But despite these past legislative successes, now, more than ever, it’s important to remember that bullies come in all shapes, sizes…and even ages.

Instead of dealing with pressing economic issues as promised, North Carolina Republican Senator Jim Forrester and a small group of NC legislators are pushing to pass an anti-LGBT constitutional amendment. The bill is meant to write discrimination into North Carolina’s founding document and, with a series of votes, write part of the state’s population out of rights and protections they deserve. This month, Mecklenburg County Commissioner Bill James revealed the real purpose behind the proposed amendment: making LGBT people unwelcome in the Tar Heel State. "We don't want them here," James told the Raleigh News & Observer.

That’s one heckuva message to gay teens.

What’s more, this proposed bill is considered the most extreme version of an anti-LGBT amendment, including:

not only limiting marriage to gay and lesbian couples, as state statute already does, but also prohibiting any other form of relationship recognition, such as civil union or domestic partnership--forms of recognition that a majority of North Carolinians clearly support;
potentially taking away private benefits such as health insurance for LGBT couples, unmarried opposite-sex couples, and their children and challenging private contracts between couples; and
writing bigotry and discrimination into our state's founding document, and, with the same stroke, removing the rights and responsibilities that are currently available to some couples.

Once again, Equality North Carolina is taking the lead in fighting these bullies for you and yours. And this time you can join ENC and other fair-minded North Carolinians who believe basic rights are not up for vote and these bullies need to be put in their place!

Join Us on the EQUALITY IN ACTION Tour.
Following the success of our Winston-Salem, Durham and Charlotte events, Equality North Carolina invites you to get informed and involved through a series of statewide town hall meetings devoted to discussing the proposed anti-LGBT constitutional amendment. Upcoming stops on the tour include Greenville, Raleigh, Wilmington and Asheville. Supporters who cannot attend a local stop on the EQUALITY IN ACTION Tour can follow the @equalitync action on Twitter at the hashtag: #equalityaction.

"Write" Anti-LGBT Wrongs With the EQUALITY IN ACTION Postcard
Getting our postcards signed by friends, family, neighbors, and coworkers is a great way to both bring the anti-LGBT amendment issue to light while also letting local legislators know that fair-minded voters in their district care about equal rights. Request your pack of postcards today.

Help Fund This Fight to Build a STATE OF EQUALITY.
Join our statewide movement against LGBT discrimination with a donation to Equality North Carolina today. A special thanks to everyone who has recently made donations, with an extra special thanks to all who have become monthly donors--a great way to provide sustained support during this pivotal time!

And as always, thank you for joining with Equality North Carolina—your statewide source for LGBT rights and justice—as we grow our own local movement to fight against this proposed legislation and for the shared rights of all North Carolinians.

With your help, it indeed does get better.

- Jen Jones, Equality NC

Remembering Legendary LGBT and HIV/AIDS Activist Elizabeth Taylor (1932-2011)

2011-03-23T15:52:00.022-04:00

She was a legendary silver screen beauty;

an Academy-award winner;

a friend of Michael Jackson.

But Dame Elizabeth Rosemond Taylor’s most important role came in her later years as an ardent HIV/AIDS activist and ally to the LGBT community.

Following the death of friend and fellow thespian Rock Hudson from an HIV/AIDS-related illness, Taylor was among the founders of the American Foundation for AIDS Research (amfAR) and started the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation (ETAF). In the process, Dame Taylor helped raise millions of dollars to fight AIDS. And, at a time when other stars stayed quiet, she became one of the first public voices to speak up about the AIDS crisis.

One of Taylor’s final tweets (yes, she was on Twitter): “ Give. Remember always to give. That is the thing that will make you grow.”

In that sense, Taylor had grown larger than the big screen she commanded.

And in this, we honor her life.

-Jen Jones, Equality North Carolina

Equality NC Takes Back the Town Hall Meeting

2011-03-21T15:39:00.031-04:00

The town hall meeting concept has taken a hit of late, evolving from simple public meetings to scenes of violent scuffles, most recently witnessed during the vitriolic health care debates of 2009. Night after night, in town after town, media outlets projected images of Congressional members placed in the proverbial firing lines of embittered constituents, changing the face of these public forums from havens of dialogue to hotbeds of anger.

But last week, Equality North Carolina “took back” the town hall meeting concept when representatives from the statewide LGBT rights organization hit the road to harness the energy of citizen engagement...this time “for good.”

Productive Dialogue on the Proposed Constitutional Amendment
The EQUALITY IN ACTION Tour—a series of statewide town hall meetings devoted to civil discourse surrounding the proposed anti-LGBT constitutional amendment, among other issues from the General Assembly—kicked off March 17, from the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Winston-Salem.

Instead of harkening back to the more polarizing town halls of old, in this fair-minded forum from the Triad, Equality NC began responding to the public’s desire for answers and action against the amendment, and, in the process, enlisted help from a packed room representing the majority of North Carolinians supportive of legal recognition for the state’s gay and lesbian couples.

Equality NC Executive Director Ian Palmquist and Director of Community Organizing and Outreach Rebecca Mann led dozens of statewide LGBT supporters through the ins and outs of the proposed anti-LGBT constitutional amendment, as well as other local legislation that could potentially impact all who care about equal rights.

Engaging Grassroots and Grasstops
Following an informative presentation and Q&A on pertinent legislative issues such as the anti-LGBT amendment, participants broke into smaller brainstorming sessions devoted to the many ways that local communities can become more involved in Equality NC’s grassroots and grasstops efforts.

From the grasstops, concerned citizens participated in group discussions on the best ways to address concerns and seek support from prominent political, business, and civic leaders in their local communities. Supporters were also encouraged to “get back to their grassroots” by “writing” anti-LGBT wrongs in the EQUALITY IN ACTION postcard campaign—a powerful way to bring the anti-LGBT amendment issue to light while also letting local legislators know that fair-minded voters in their district care about equal rights.

The EQUALITY IN ACTION Tour Comes to You
Following the success of the Winston-Salem kick-off, the EQUALITY IN ACTION Tour will take off across the state in separate town halls in Durham (March 22), Charlotte (March 24), and Greenville (April 6), as well as future events slated for Asheville, Raleigh, and Wilmington.

New Ways of Engaging
Can’t make a town hall meeting but still want to get involved? The power and principles of EQUALITY IN ACTION are also available in online advocacy, including:

Keeping Others CONNECTED TO THE ACTION.
Supporters can recruit friends and family to join the Equality North Carolina Action Network so they too can receive important local alerts and updates on legislative affairs affecting them.

Build a STATE OF EQUALITY.
Help us fund this important fight. Join our statewide movement against LGBT discrimination with a donation to Equality North Carolina today.

Joining ENC on FACEBOOK and TWITTER.
To quickly and easily share news and information with friends, fans and followers, supporters can join Equality North Carolina where they already are—on Facebook (facebook.com/equalitync) and Twitter (@equalitync).

The ENC social media mobilization extends to the town hall meetings themselves as supporters who cannot join us at each event can follow the @equalitync action on Twitter at the hashtag: #equalityaction. Share resources, ask questions, get answers, and make your voice heard—however virtually.

Because, in the end, the goal of these meetings is not simply to reframe town hall rhetoric, but rather to speak civilly to the rights and respect at stake—for all.

-Jen Jones, Equality North Carolina

March 10: Women and Girls and HIV/AIDS, Oh My!

2011-03-07T09:15:00.001-05:00

National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day is observed specifically on March 10 every year, and it is coordinated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Office on Women's Health (OWH). OWH encourages organizations to hold events throughout the entire month of March.

National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day is a nationwide observance that encourages people to take action in the fight against HIV/AIDS and raise awareness of its impact on women and girls.

According to the CDC, HIV/AIDS is a serious public health issue affecting nearly 280,000 women in the United States. While men account for most HIV/AIDS cases, the impact on women is growing. In addition, research shows that, when compared to men, women face gaps in access and care.

For a handy fact sheet, go here:

National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day Fact Sheet (PDF, 434 KB)

(The new healthcare law, the Affordable Care Act, will prohibit insurance plans from putting lifetime caps on the dollar amount that they will spend on benefits. In the past, patients with HIV/AIDS, cancer, or other chronic diseases ran the risk of hitting a lifetime cap and losing access to care. The law also restricts most insurance companies' use of low annual dollar limits on benefits. In 2014, annual limits will be eliminated. In addition, the Affordable Care Act will help those living with HIV/AIDS be better able to afford their medications.)

The Affordable Care Act and National HIV/AIDS Strategy are two important steps in the fight against HIV/AIDS, but HIV/AIDS is an issue that affects all people, and we each need to do our part ot make a positive difference. On National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, OWH calls on individuals and organizations across the country to take action and bring attention to the impact HIV/AIDS has on women and girls.

It helps organizations across the country come together to offer support, encourage discussion, and teach women and girls about prevention of HIV, the importance of getting tested for HIV, and how to live with and manage HIV/AIDS.

Education is key to making a difference with the disease, but action items that people can do in response to HIV/AIDS are most empowering. Some ideas include:

Get tested for HIV, and encourage your friends to do so. If you can, offer incentives for people to get tested.
Encourage your newspaper or schools to sponsor an essay contest on the epidemic.
Submit an editorial or letter on local needs to your newspaper.
Encourage radio stations to air public service announcements.
Learn about the risk factors for acquiring HIV, and talk about them.
Make the choice to practice safer sex and avoid higher risk behaviors.
Talk about HIV prevention with family, friends, and colleagues.
Tell people about why this day is important to you and people you know.
Talk about the epidemic’s impact on your community with friends and family.
Provide support to people living with HIV/AIDS.
Volunteer at a local organization that serves people living with HIV.
Help fund an event for the Day or support it with in-kind donations.

Visit AIDS.gov for more information from the federal government about HIV/AIDS prevention, testing, treatment, research, and using new media in response to HIV/AIDS.

OutServe Posts DADT Training Materials

2011-03-02T21:01:00.008-05:00

The group OutServe has begun providing copies of the DADT repeal implementation materials. Here's what they have so far:

Early Army DADT repeal training

Share Posted on February 25, 2011

Below are 4 documents that show some training the Army has handed out. The Powerpoint is specific to JAGs, but the other documents are generic for Army Training for the repeal of DADT.

Army DADT FAQs

DADT_Enclosure_4_-_Army_Guiding_Principles

10 things you need to know for DADT Repeal

DADT Powerpoint JAG

Navy Tier 3 Training

Share Posted on February 28, 2011

The below links are from the Navy Tier 3 (General Population Training). The Tier 3 Training has now begun and the mobile teams in the Navy appear to be starting their training early next month at various bases.

Navy DADT Pamphlet

Navy DADT Slides

Navy DADT Presenter Guidance

Navy Lecture Handout

Marines Set Date of 31 May

Share Posted on February 16, 2011

Date Signed: 2/16/2011
MARADMIN Active 108/11 2011

R 161455Z FEB 11
UNCLASSIFIED//
MARADMIN 108/11
MSGID/GENADMIN/CMC WASHINGTON DC DMCS//
SUBJ/EXECUTION GUIDANCE FOR REPEAL OF DON’T ASK, DON’T TELL//
REF/A/MSGID:DOC/SECDEF WASHINGTON DC/22DEC2010//
REF/B/MSGID:DOC/TITLE 10 US CODE, SECTION 654/-//
REF/C/MSGID:MSG/CMC WASHINGTON DC/231709ZDEC2010//
REF/D/MSGID:DOC/CMC WASHINGTON DC/28JAN2011//
NARR/REF A IS SECDEF MEMO DON’T ASK, DON’T TELL REPEAL LEGISLATION ANNOUNCEMENT. REF B IS 10 U.S.C. SECTION 654 (DON’T ASK, DON’T TELL). REF C IS ALMAR 047-10, REPEAL OF DON’T ASK, DON’T TELL. REF D IS SECDEF MEMO, IMPLEMENTATION OF A REPEAL OF TITLE 10, UNITED STATES CODE, SECTION 654 INCLUDING THE TERMS OF REFERENCE.//
GENTEXT/REMARKS/

1. THIS MARADMIN PROVIDES EXECUTION GUIDANCE FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE REPEAL OF THE DON’T ASK, DON’T TELL POLICY.

2. ON 22 DECEMBER 2010, THE PRESIDENT SIGNED A LAW THAT SET THE CONDITIONS FOR THE REPEAL OF 10 U.S.C. SECTION 654, COMMONLY KNOWN AS DON’T ASK, DON’T TELL. THE REPEAL WILL BECOME EFFECTIVE 60 DAYS AFTER THE PRESIDENT TRANSMITS TO THE CONGRESSIONAL DEFENSE COMMITTEES THE CERTIFICATION REQUIRED BY THE STATUTE. UNTIL THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF REPEAL, 10 U.S.C. SECTION 654 AND ASSOCIATED POLICIES REMAIN IN EFFECT, AND HOMOSEXUAL CONDUCT REMAINS A BASIS FOR SEPARATION FROM MILITARY SERVICE.

3. SUCCESSFUL IMPLEMENTATION DEPENDS ON LEADERSHIP, PROFESSIONALISM, DISCIPLINE, AND RESPECT, WHICH MUST CONTINUE TO BE PRACTICED AT ALL TIMES AND IN ALL SITUATIONS. LEADERS AT ALL LEVELS MUST SET THE EXAMPLE AND MUST BE FULLY COMMITTED TO DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE (DOD) INTENT TO SUSTAIN UNIT EFFECTIVENESS, READINESS, AND COHESION. IN THE PROFESSION OF ARMS, ADHERENCE TO STANDARDS OF CONDUCT IS ESSENTIAL, EACH SERVICE MEMBER MUST BE TREATED WITH RESPECT AND DIGNITY, AND LEADERSHIP IS KEY TO CREATING AND SUSTAINING SUCH AN ENVIRONMENT AND COMMAND CLIMATE WHERE THE OPPORTUNITY TO ADVANCE AND ACHIEVE EXCELLENCE IS AVAILABLE TO ALL.

4. TRAINING
A. TRAINING REQUIREMENTS. ALL ACTIVE COMPONENT MARINES, RESERVE COMPONENT MARINES (MINUS INDIVIDUAL READY RESERVE (IRR) UNLESS ON ACTIVE DUTY), AND CIVILIAN SUPERVISORS OF MARINES MUST UNDERGO REPEAL IMPLEMENTATION TRAINING. IRR MARINES WILL BE TRAINED WHEN THEY NEXT ENTER INTO A FEDERAL STATUS. UNITS SCHEDULED TO DEPLOY WILL COMPLETE THE TRAINING PRIOR TO DEPLOYING. UNITS THAT WILL NOT REDEPLOY BEFORE 31 MAY 2011 WILL BE TRAINED WHILE STILL IN THEATER.
B. TRAINING PLAN. THE DON’T ASK, DON’T TELL COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW WORKING GROUP DEVELOPED A FRAMEWORK FOR IMPLEMENTATION WITH THREE TIERS OF TRAINING AND EDUCATION, EACH TARGETED TO DIFFERENT GROUPS.
(1) TIER 1 – EXPERT/SPECIAL STAFF LEVEL (E.G., STAFF JUDGE ADVOCATES, CHAPLAINS, RECRUITERS, MILITARY PERSONNEL AND ADMINISTRATIVE SPECIALISTS, MILITARY LAW ENFORCEMENT, MILITARY CRIMINAL INVESTIGATORS, FAMILY READINESS OFFICERS, MILITARY EQUAL OPPORTUNITY ADVISORS, INSPECTORS GENERAL, PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICERS AND HEALTH SERVICES PERSONNEL). SUBJECT MATTER EXPERTS FROM HEADQUARTERS MARINE CORPS (HQMC) WILL TRAIN AND EDUCATE THOSE WITHIN THEIR SPECIFIC COMMUNITY ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE NEW POLICY NO LATER THAN 15 MARCH 2011.
(2) TIER 2 – LEADER LEVEL (E.G., COMMANDERS, SENIOR ENLISTED ADVISORS AND CIVILIAN SUPERVISORS OF MARINES).
(A) DESIGNATED MARINE FORCE (MARFOR) AND MAJOR SUBORDINATE COMMAND (MSC) MARINES RECEIVED TIER 2 TRAINING AND EDUCATION AT HQMC ON 3 FEBRUARY 2011. THESE LEADERS WILL LEAD IN TRAINING THE REMAINING TIER 2 LEADERS WITHIN THEIR MARFOR/MSC NO LATER THAN 15 MARCH 2011.
(B) LEADERS TRAINED AT HQMC WERE PROVIDED WITH THE COMMANDER’S TOOLKIT WHICH INCLUDES THE COMMANDANT AND SERGEANT MAJOR OF THE MARINE CORPS VIDEO, EXECUTION GUIDANCE, PUBLIC AFFAIRS TALKING POINTS, FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS, VIGNETTES, TIER 1 POINT PAPERS, TIER 2 AND 3 BRIEFS, USMC PUBLICATION AND REFERENCE CHANGES, AND THE SUPPORT PLAN FOR IMPLEMENTATION. THE COMMANDER’S TOOLKIT WILL BE AVAILABLE ON THE MANPOWER AND RESERVE AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT WEBSITE ON 1 MARCH 2011.
(3) TIER 3 – MARINES, SAILORS ASSIGNED TO MARINE UNITS, AND CIVILIAN SUPERVISORS. COMMANDERS AND SENIOR ENLISTED ADVISORS DOWN TO THE BATTALION/SQUADRON/DETACHMENT LEVEL WILL CONDUCT THE TIER 3 TRAINING OF THEIR MARINES, SAILORS, AND CIVILIAN SUPERVISORS. FACE-TO-FACE DELIVERY BY COMMANDERS AND OFFICERS IN CHARGE (OIC) IS THE PRIMARY METHOD. PERSONNEL UNABLE TO ATTEND A COMMANDER/OIC TRAINING AND EDUCATION BRIEF (E.G., GEOGRAPHICALLY ISOLATED, PERMANENT CHANGE OF STATION/LEAVE, ETC.) WILL BE DIRECTED TO COMPLETE THE EDUCATION AND TRAINING VA MARINENET. TRAINING AND EDUCATION BRIEF WILL BE AVAILABLE ON MARINENET ON 1 MARCH 2011. TIER 3 TRAINING AND EDUCATION SHOULD BE COMPLETE BY 31 MAY 2011.

5. REPORTING PROCEDURES
A. ON A BI-MONTHLY BASIS, COMMANDERS WILL REPORT THEIR TRAINING AND EDUCATION PROGRESS THROUGH THEIR CHAIN OF COMMAND. MARFORS WILL REPORT PROGRESS TO THE DIRECTOR, MARINE CORPS STAFF. SPECIFIC REPORTING INSTRUCTIONS WILL BE PROVIDED VIA SEPARATE MARADMIN.
B. COMMANDERS WILL ENSURE COMPLETION OF TRAINING AND EDUCATION IS DOCUMENTED IN THE MARINE CORPS TOTAL FORCE SYSTEM (MCTFS) VIA THE MARINE ONLINE TRAINING MANAGEMENT SYSTEM OR UNIT DIARY/MANPOWER INTEGRATED PERSONNEL SYSTEM (UD/MIPS).
C. CIVILIAN SUPERVISORS WILL REPORT COMPLETION OF TRAINING AND EDUCATION TO THEIR RESPECTIVE HUMAN RESOURCES OFFICE (HRO). THE HRO WILL REPORT THE TRAINING AND EDUCATION TO THE CIVILIAN WORKFORCE MANAGEMENT BRANCH (MPC), MANPOWER AND RESERVE AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT.

6. UPON REPEAL OF THE DON’T ASK, DON’T TELL LAW, THE BELOW LISTED MARINE CORPS ORDERS AND DIRECTIVES WILL BE UPDATED. A MARINE CORPS BULLETIN WILL BE RELEASED TO PROMULGATE THE CHANGES.
A. MARINE CORPS MANUAL.
B. MCO 1040.31, ENLISTED RETENTION AND CAREER DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM.
C. MCO P1100.72C W/CH 1, MILITARY PERSONNEL PROCUREMENT MANUAL, VOLUME 2, ENLISTED PROCUREMENT.
D. MCO P1100.75D, PERSONNEL PROCUREMENT MILITARY ENTRANCE PROCESSING STATION (MEPS).
E. MCO 1130.80A, PRIOR SERVICE AND RESERVE AUGMENTATION ENLISTMENTS INTO THE REGULAR MARINE CORPS.
F. MCO 1752.5A, SEXUAL ASSAULT PREVENTION AND RESPONSE PROGRAM.
G. MCO P1900.16F, MARINE CORPS SEPARATION AND RETIREMENT MANUAL.
H. NAVMC DIRECTIVE 5040.6H, MARINE CORPS READINESS INSPECTIONS AND ASSESSMENTS.
I. MCO 5530.14A, MARINE CORPS PHYSICAL SECURITY PROGRAM MANUAL.
J. MCO 7220R.38C SELECTED RESERVE INCENTIVE PROGRAM.

7. GUIDANCE CONCERNING NEWS MEDIA COVERAGE OF TRAINING AT LOCAL COMMANDS WILL BE PUBLISHED VIA SEPARATE CORRESPONDENCE SUBSEQUENT TO RECEIPT OF DOD INSTRUCTIONS. UNTIL THEN, FORWARD ANY MEDIA REQUESTS CONCERNING REPEAL IMPLEMENTATION VIA THE LOCAL PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICES TO HQMC PUBLIC AFFAIRS DIVISION.

8. THIS MESSAGE IS APPLICABLE TO THE MARINE CORPS TOTAL FORCE.

MAPping the Movement

2011-02-28T20:30:00.006-05:00

MAP (the Movement Advancement Project) is releasing its 2010 National LGBT Movement Report. This report examines revenue and expenses, fundraising and fundraising efficiency, and other indicators of financial health for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) social justice advocacy organizations.

Surprisingly, less than four percent of all LGBT adults in the U.S. donated $35 or more to these LGBT organizations. While organizations are generally effective at retaining smaller donors (those giving $35 or more) year over year, the number of larger donors (those giving $1,000 or more) is dropping and not easily replaced.

The staffs of participating organizations are diverse, roughly mirroring the broader U.S. population: 32 percent identify as people of color (12 percent African American, 12 percent Latino/a, 7 percent Asian/Pacific Islander and 1 percent Native American or other). Also, 46 percent are women and 6 percent identify as transgender.

While movement organizations overall experienced significant declines in revenue in 2009 compared with 2008, their financial health remains strong due to reduced expenses and efficient fundraising. Movement groups are highly efficient in their fundraising and programming operations, with all 39 participants exceeding the efficiency standards of both the American Institute of Philanthropy and the Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance. An average of 79 percent of expenses is spent on programs and services, 9 percent on management and general expenses, and only 12 percent on fundraising.

The 2010 National LGBT Movement Report provides a comprehensive snapshot of the financial health of LGBT social justice advocacy organizations. The 39 organizations examined for the 2010 report collectively represent 69% of the budgets of all LGBT social justice advocacy organizations. Among the key findings:

Revenue and Expenses. Organizations are experiencing significant declines in revenue (down 20% from 2008 to 2009), a sign of the combined effects of the economic downturn and decreased giving in an off-election year (2009). Organizations are adjusting to revenue declines by cutting expenses; 2010 budget estimates are down 18% from 2009 to 2010.

Fundraising and Fundraising Efficiency. Organizations are faring relatively well at retaining smaller donors, but are losing larger donors who give $1,000 or more per year. Fewer donors are attending fundraising events and organizations show less income from these events as a result. However, despite recent fundraising challenges, LGBT social justice advocacy organizations continue to be quite efficient in their fundraising, with an average of 79% of expenses being spent on programs and services, 9% on management and general expenses, and only 12% on fundraising.

Other Indicators of Financial Health. Other indicators remain strong. Reduction of expense budgets has helped organizations maintain good average working capital, liquidity ratios, and cash and cash equivalents.

Participating Organizations:
ACLU LGBT & AIDS Project
CenterLink
COLAGE
Council for Global Equality
Empire State Pride Agenda
Equality California
Equality Federation
Equality Forum
Family Equality Council
Freedom to Marry
Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders (GLAD)
Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD)
Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund and Leadership Institute
Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN)
Gay-Straight Alliance Network
GroundSpark
Human Rights Campaign (HRC)
Immigration Equality & Immigration Equality Action Fund
In the Life Media
Lambda Legal
Log Cabin Republicans & Liberty Education Forum
MassEquality
National Black Justice Coalition
National Center for Lesbian Rights
National Center for Transgender Equality
National Gay and Lesbian Task Force
National Youth Advocacy Coalition
New York City Gay and Lesbian Anti-Violence Project
Out & Equal Workplace Advocates
The Palm Center
Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG)
Point Foundation
Servicemembers Legal Defense Network
Services & Advocacy for GLBT Elders (SAGE)
Soulforce
Sylvia Rivera Law Project
Transgender Law Center
The Trevor Project
(One organization wished to remain anonymous)

Protecting Marriage From ... Southern Conservative Christians!

2011-02-23T20:03:00.007-05:00

In light of the proposed antigay marriage amendment, here's some interesting news on a true threat to this institution.

From The Daily Texan: According to the National Center for Health Statistics, the average divorce rate in the United States is 47.9 percent. A recent study conducted by University of Iowa sociology professor Jennifer Glass found that conservative Christians, especially those in the South, are among the groups most likely to divorce.

Presenting her findings at the University of Texas at Austin Glass said, “Politically and religiously conservative states, especially in the Deep South, exhibit higher divorce rates than politically and religiously liberal states in the Northeast and Midwest.”

Glass identified a number of factors contributing to this statistical reality. She suggested that the prohibition of sex before marriage among Christians leads to marriage at an earlier age, and compared that to lower divorce rates among residents in more liberal and less religious areas who are more likely to live together for extended periods of time.

Glass also noted that teachings against abortion and birth control lead to “shotgun weddings,” which accelerate young conservative Protestants into adulthood and early marriages. She compared those teen marriages to the average age of marriage for American women, which is 27.  

The study also noted that young married conservatives in southern states have higher divorce rates because of financial concerns and problems relating to lower degrees of education and increased unemployment.

Despite these findings, Equality NC remains committed to the ideal that all citizens in North Carolina deserve access to the same rights (even conservative Christians, though are focus is on the marginalized and commonly discriminated against LGBT community). To help us work to stop the current attempt to make LGBT North Carolinians into second-class citizens, click here.

Face[book]ing LGBT Relationships

2011-02-21T21:45:00.004-05:00

Facebook has added "civil union" and "domestic partnership" to its "relationship status" options in user profiles, following an anti-bullying initiative called 'Network of Support' in consultation with LGBT groups that began last October.

GLAAD President Jarrett Barrios said, "Today, Facebook sent a clear message in support of gay and lesbian couples to users across the globe. By acknowledging the relationships of countless loving and committed same-sex couples in the U.S. and abroad, Facebook has set a new standard of inclusion for social media. As public support for marriage equality continues to grow, we will continue to work for the day when all couples have the opportunity to marry and have their relationship recognized by their community, both online and off."

LGBTs in Black History Month

2011-02-16T21:25:00.002-05:00

February is Black History Month, which means it's also the month to celebrate black LGBT folks in history. Check out BlackedOUT History:

"LGBTQ Black folks have been major contributors to society and social justice movements for hundreds of years! From the famous scientist George Washington Carver to the legendary blues singer Ma Rainey – LGBTQ Black figures have made long-lasting contributions and have had a significant influence on U.S. culture. It is important for GSAs to celebrate the contributions of Black LGBTQ people and to advocate for the visibility of these important historical figures. Recognizing how interconnected our oppressions are makes our movements stronger.

One way GSA clubs do this is by celebrating Black History Month every February. If your school has no Black History Month celebration, organize with your GSA to start an official commemoration at your school. Work with administration and staff, student groups, and others to ensure the lives of LGBTQ Black historical figures are included in your school’s activities.

Here are some helpful ideas of activities you can do at your school during Black History Month:

Teach Your School!

Create a PowerPoint presentation highlighting important Black LGBTQ leaders and present it to your classes. Make sure to include leaders that are not as well known. You can do your presentations in ALL of your classes because LGBTQ Black folks have made contributions in EVERY subject including music, literature, art, science, health and more.
Train your social studies and English teachers on Black LGBTQ authors and historical figures and suggest ways they could incorporate them and their biographies into their lessons.
Work with your school librarian or administration to make sure there is a Black History display board that includes LGBTQ people, as well as books by important authors like Langston Hughes and Lorraine Hansberry.
Organize with other student clubs, such as the Black Student Union, to make sure the month’s activities include LGBTQ leaders. To learn more about building successful coalitions, see our resource Coalition Building.
Invite speakers to your school who can talk about LGBTQ Black history.
Organize discussions on the current events related to LGBTQ Black folks that demonstrate how homophobia, transphobia, and racism affect their lives today.
Highlight local LGBTQ Black people who have given back to your community.
Screen a film like Brother Outsider, which documents the life of Civil Rights leader Bayard Rustin.

Be Creative!

Organize a poster art campaign or contest featuring LGBTQ Black historical figures. Create a display of pictures and biographies. You can find a list of some of these leaders at our BlackedOUT History page on GSA Network’s website.
Create an LGBTQ Black History Timeline and display it in your school.
Use your school’s public announcements to share stories! Play sound clips from legendary blues singers Ma Rainey and Bessie Smith. Read poetry from Audre Lorde and Countee Cullen, or read selections of important speeches by Bayard Rustin.

Use Social Media!

Highlight important figures via your GSA’s social networking sites like Facebook, Myspace, and Twitter. Make videos, post photos, tweet, and even make a Facebook or Wiki page for your favorite icon.
Learn about and celebrate the LGBTQ Black art of voguing! Host a workshop, watch videos online as a group, and research the history of this dance art.

Remember that having one month of commemoration of the lives of LGBTQ Black people is just the beginning! Have ongoing conversations with your GSA about why it’s important to acknowledge and celebrate the contributions of LGBTQ people of color to society and to social justice movements and why it’s important to build an anti-racist GSA. For more information, see our resource Building Anti Racist GSAs.

Most of all, have fun learning, teaching and celebrating some of our most important LGBTQ leaders and community members in history!

LGBTQ Black Historical Figures

Name	Date-of-Birth Date-of-Death	Profession	Quote
Alvin Ailey Jr.	Jan. 5, 1931 Dec. 1, 1989	Choreographer	“I am trying to show the world that we are all human beings and that color is not important. What is important is the quality of our work.”
John Amaechi	Nov. 26, 1970	Pro Basketball Player	“I am gay, black, British…and I am now asserting my activism.”
James Baldwin	Aug. 2, 1924 Nov. 30, 1987	Author	"I love America more than any other country in the world and, exactly for this reason, I insist on the right to criticize her perpetually."
Josephine Baker	June 3, 1906 Apr. 12, 1975	Singer and Dancer	“Surely the day will come when color means nothing more than the skin tone, when religion is seen uniquely as a way to speak one's soul; when birth places have the weight of a throw of the dice and all men are born free, when understanding breeds love and brotherhood.”
Jean-Michel Basquiat	Dec. 22, 1960 Aug. 12, 1988	Graffiti Artist	"SAMO© as an end to mindwash religion, nowhere politics, and bogus philosophy"
Gladys Bentley	Aug. 12, 1907 Jan. 18, 1960	Blues Singer
Octavia Butler	June 22, 1947 Feb. 26, 2006	Author	"People have the right to call themselves whatever they like. That doesn't bother me. It's other people doing the calling that bothers me."
George Washington Carver	July 12, 1864 Jan. 5, 1943	Scientist	“Where there is no vision, there is no hope.”
RuPaul Andre Charles	Nov. 17, 1960	Actor, Dancer and TV Show Host	“What other people think of me is not my business. What I do is what I do. How people see me doesn’t change what I decide to do. I don’t choose projects so people don’t see me as one thing or another. I choose projects that excite me. I think the problem is that people refuse to understand what drag is outside of their own belief system.”
Countee Cullen	May 30, 1903 Jan. 9, 1946	Poet	“My poetry, I think, has become the way of my giving out what music is within me.”
Lee Daniels	Dec. 24, 1959	Film Director
Angela Davis	Jan. 26, 1944	Civil Rights Activist	“Revolution is a serious thing, the most serious thing about a revolutionary's life. When one commits oneself to the struggle, it must be for a lifetime.”
Ruth Ellis	July 23, 1899 Oct. 5, 2000	Activist	“I never expected I’d be 100 years old. It didn’t even come to my mind.”
Sharon Farmer	June 10, 1951	White House Photographer	“Never turn down a chance to show what you can do.”
Peter Gomes	May 22, 1942	Theologian	“There can be no light without the darkness out of which it shines.”
Mabel Hampton	May 2, 1902 Oct. 26, 1989	Lesbian Pioneer	"I, Mabel Hampton, have been a lesbian all my life, for eighty-two years, and I am proud of myself and my people. I would like all my people to be free in this country and all over the world, my gay people and my black people."
Lorraine Hansberry	May 19, 1930 Jan. 12, 1965	Author and Playwright	“All real and lasting change starts first on the inside and works it way through to the outside. Politically speaking, each person being the change we wish to see in the world is the only stance that can make a lasting difference. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.”
E.Lynn Harris	June 20, 1955 July 23, 2009	Author	“I want people to know they don’t have to live their lives in a permanent ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ existence. Truth is a powerful tool.”
Sherry Harris	Feb. 27, 1965	Politician	“All real and lasting change starts first on the inside and works it way through to the outside. Politically speaking, each person being the change we wish to see in the world is the only stance that can make a lasting difference. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.”
Billie Holiday	Apr. 7, 1915 July 17, 1959	Singer	"A kiss that is never tasted, is forever and ever wasted."
Langston Hughes	Feb. 1, 1902 May 22, 1967	Poet	“Hold fast to dreams, For if dreams die, Life is a broken-winged bird that cannot fly, Hold fast to dreams, For if dreams go, Life is a barren field, Frozen with snow."
Zora Neale Hurston	Jan. 7, 1891 Jan. 28, 1960	Author and Folklorist	“Mama exhorted her children at every opportunity to ‘jump at de sun.’ We might not land on the sun, but at least we would get off the ground.”
Bill T. Jones	Feb. 15, 1952	Dancer and Choreographer	"Living and dying is not the big issue. The big issue is what you’re going to do with your time while you are here."
Representative Barbara Jordan (D-Texas)	Feb. 21, 1936 Jan. 17, 1996	Politician	"My faith in the Constitution is whole, it is complete, it is total. I am not going to sit here and be an idle spectator to the diminution, the subversion, the destruction of the Constitution."
Audre Lorde	Feb. 18, 1934 Nov. 17, 1992	Author	“When I dare to be powerful, to use my strength in the service of my vision, then it becomes less and less important whether I am afraid.”
Marsha P. Johnson	1945 July 6, 1992	Transgender Activist and co-founder of S.T.A.R.	When asked what the P stood for in her name, she replied "Pay it No Mind."
June Jordan	July 9, 1936 June 14, 2002	Activist, Poet, Teacher	"Bisexuality means I am free and I am as likely to want to love a woman as I am likely to want to love a man, and what about that? Isn't that what freedom implies?"
Miss Major	Unknown	Transgender, Public Health and Prison Activist
Gertrude "Ma" Rainey	Apr. 26, 1886 Dec. 22, 1939	Singer	"Went out last night with a crowd of my friends, They must have been women, 'cause I don't like no men. Wear my clothes just like a fan, Talk to gals just like any old man 'Cause they say I do it, ain't nobody caught me, Sure got to prove it on me."
Bayard Rustin	Mar. 17, 1910 Aug. 24, 1987	Civil Rights Activist	"We are all one. And if we don't know it, we will learn it the hard way."
Bessie Smith	Unknown July 1892 Sept. 26, 1937	Singer	“It's a long old road, but I know I'm gonna find the end.”
Sheryl Swoopes	Mar. 25, 1971	WNBA Player	"No matter how far life pushes you down, no matter how much you hurt, you can always bounce back."
Wanda Sykes	Mar. 7, 1964	Comedian	"If you feel like there's something out there that you're supposed to be doing, if you have a passion for it, then stop wishing and just do it."
André Leon Talley	Oct. 16,1949	Fashion Editor	“It's not about canceling shows, but initiating things on an individual level. When much is given to you, much is expected. If you're an honest American, you can't wake up and not be affected by the neglect of the government after Katrina. You can't be an honest American and not think about it every day.”
Alice Walker	Feb. 9, 1944	Author and Feminist	“The truest and most enduring impulse I have is simply to write.”
Phill Wilson	Apr. 29, 1956	AIDS Activist	"The price of the ticket for life is to leave the world in a different place than you found it, to leave the world a better place than you found it."
Jacqueline Woodson	Feb. 12, 1963	Author	“I think it's important that everyday we think about the work we need to do to make this world a better place. I mean, we should wake up thinking about it and go to bed thinking about tomorrow's tasks. There's an awful lot of change needing to be made around here.”

Black LGBTQI History Timeline

by In Our Own Words Project

1782: Deborah Sampson disguises herself as a male and enlists in the Continental forces under the name of Robert Shurtleff. Sampson’s gender is discovered when she is hospitalized for wounds suffered in battle near Tarrytown, NY. Some historians believe that Deborah Sampson was African American.

1790: George Middleton, leader of The Bucks of America, an all-black Revolutionary War regiment, and Louis Clapion, a French mulatto hairdresser build and live together in the oldest standing house on Beacon Hill, at 5 Pinckney St.

1860: Edmonia Lewis, African American/Native American sculptor, known for her masculine dress, studies and works in Boston. It was in Boston that she meets the group of feminists and artists, headed by actress Charlotte Cushman, with whom she is to live for several years in Rome.

1880: Angelina Weld Grimke, (often confused with her famous aunt, the white abolitionist Angelina Grimke Weld), is born in Boston into a distinguished biracial family. Grimke becomes a teacher and a poet of the Harlem Renaissance. Her love poems are written to women. “…Oh Mamie, if you only knew how my heart beats when I think of you, and it yearns and pants to gaze– if only for one second– upon your lovely face.”

1920: An artistic movement in New York that becomes known as the Harlem Renaissance...

To see a full timeline, visit In Our Own Words by the Metropolitan Community Churches.

More Resources!

More Black LGBTQ Historical Figures courtesy of the University of Delaware.
More Black LGBTQ Current and Historical Figures courtesy of AOL.
Black LGBTQ History Timeline.
Equality Forum also has a website, called The GLBT History Month, which highlights LGBTQ figures.
Build coalitions in your school.
Make your GSA an anti-racist GSA.
Have a visibility campaign at your school.

Photo of Bayard Rustin with School Children: Courtesy of Getty Images

Photo of Bayard Rustin Teaching: Courtesy of Bayard Rustin Film Project"

Valentiny Activism

2011-02-14T21:11:00.001-05:00

GetEQUAL and Marriage Equality USA are staging protests across the country to show the inequality in our nation's marriage laws.

"Over the weekend and this afternoon, LGBT activists across the country took action at marriage counters and city halls across the country, drawing attention to the fact that loving couples – some of whom have been together for decades – are still living as second-class citizens without the right to marry."

One of those protests is occurring right here in Asheville, NC.

“Today, we're so proud of all the people taking actions across the country,” said Robin McGehee, director of GetEQUAL. “We're thrilled with how many people across the country have decided that enough is enough, and have committed to organizing in their own communities in order to draw attention to their desire to marry the person they love.”

Molly McKay, media director of Marriage Equality USA, said, “The actions that have taken place across the country are just one more way that we are bringing discrimination out of the shadows and into the light, highlighting the loving relationships that are thriving throughout the country despite government-sanctioned discrimination.”

GetEQUAL will be posting photos and video on its Facebook page throughout the day.

CBS Sports Honors Late Out Pro Hockey Player

2011-02-09T09:40:00.001-05:00

Last year we had this blog:

Hockey, Homophobia, and A Father's Love for His Gay Son

This year, CBS featured a retrospective on this aforementioned gay son, who was an out pro hockey player when he died.

From www.towleroad.com

In a touching CBS Sports segment, Miami University hockey players and coaches remember Brendan Burke, who made international news with his coming out story, and died a year ago in an apparently weather-related car accident in Indiana.

83% of Kentuckians Support Fairness for LGBT Families!

2011-02-07T21:47:00.004-05:00

From the Kentucky Fairness Alliance

Today, the Kentucky Fairness Alliance is pleased to announce that a statewide survey commissioned by the Fairness Coalition shows that Kentuckians continue to believe that everyone should be afforded the opportunity to earn a living, put a roof over their heads, and have dinner at their favorite restaurant without being turned away just because someone doesn’t like who they are.

83% of registered Kentucky voters agree that gay and transgender people should be protected from discrimination in the workplace, in housing, and in restaurants or other forms of public accommodations.

Public opinion has come a long way since the last available data in 2004, when only 65% of voters supported these same non-discrimination protections. And while providing the same legal protections for gay couples as straight couples lags in the polls – currently 70% support compared to 63% in 2004 – Kentuckians believe in fairness for hardworking gay and transgender employees who simply want to earn a living and provide for their families, just like everybody else.

Read the survey results (including Congressional district breakdowns) here.

I Do - Making Marriage Mine

2011-02-02T20:50:00.000-05:00

We (LGBT people) want to get married for the same reasons everyone else does: to make a lifetime commitment to the person we love and to protect our families.

Freedom To Marry provides a ton of resources to help make this dream of equality into one of reality.

Here's some basic info they provide:

Elected Officials Guide: How to Support the Freedom to Marry

Moving Marriage Forward (pdf)

Why the UnAmerican Attacks on So-Called Activist Judges Must Stop (pdf)

One final note ... what do these celebrities have in common:

Barbara Bush (daughter of George W. Bush)
Cindy McCain(wife of John McCain)
Nelly Furtado
Rev. Jesse Jackson
Antonio Cromartie (of the New York Jets)
Betty White
Alec Baldwin
John Mellencamp
Christina Ricci
Kyra Sedgwick
Jason Ritter
Sally Field
Angela Lansbury
Peter, Paul & Mary
Miss Universe 2010, Ximena Navarrete
Roger Ebert
Fergie
Kylie Minogue
Eminem
Jeff Probst
Jason Mraz
Pink
Idina Menzel

They are a fraction of famous folks who support marriage equality!

Transnational: Passport Sex Marker Changes

2011-01-31T21:54:00.009-05:00

State Department Issues Amended Policy Guidelines on Passport Sex Marker Changes (from TLDEF)

In response to concerns raised by TLDEF and other organizations and individuals, the U.S. State Department today published amended policy guidelines for changing the sex marker on passports.

Among other things, the new policy guidelines:

allow you to submit a doctor's letter from any licensed doctor, eliminating the burdensome physician specialty requirements;

allow you to submit a letter from a doctor who has either treated you for "gender-related care" or who has reviewed and evaluated your "gender-related medical history"; and

allow passport holders to change their passport's sex marker by presenting an updated birth certificate instead of a doctor's letter.

We've only described a few of the highlights of the new guidelines here, but there's much more. Please read our comprehensive web-based guide to the updated policy. We are also available to answer any questions that you may have. If you need additional assistance, please contact us.

We are pleased to bring you this news and will continue to update you on any additional changes to these State Department policies and procedures.

By The Numbers: LGBT Stats in Early 2011

2011-01-26T01:47:00.001-05:00

Crossposted information from Gideon Alper's incredible blog on gay legal issues.

Gay Marriage Facts

States where gay marriage is legal:

Massachusetts (2004)
Connecticut (2008)
Iowa (2009)
Vermont (2009)
New Hampshire (2010)
Washington, D.C. (2010) (not a state)

States That Recognize Out-of-State Gay Marriages:

New York
California (only if the marriage is from before Proposition 8 was passed)

Gay Marriage Support

Should gays an lesbians be allowed to marry?

43% say yes.
47% say no.
10% are unsure.

Source: Pew Research Center.

Gays in the Military:

Should those who do not disclose their orientation be allowed to serve?

83% support it.
14% do not.
3% unsure

Should those who do disclose their orientation be allowed to serve?

17% say yes.
21% say no.
2% are unsure.

Source: The Polling Report.

Demographics

The 2000 census did not count gay marriages directly, so the following are estimates based on how people reported their household. It counts households with 2 members of the same sex that are unrelated. 2010 census information on gay couples has not yet been compiled.

Total Number of Gay Couples: 594,391
Number of People in a Couple: 1.2 Million
State With the Most Couples: California (92,138)
State With the Least Couples: North Dakota (703)
Highest Concentration of Gay Couple (% of all couples): Washington, D.C. (1.29%)
Lowest Concentration of Gay Couples (% of all couples): North and South Dakota (.22%)

Gay people make up 1-4% of the population in most cities, but are more concentrated in metropolitan areas.

Most Same Sex Couples by City:

New York, NY: 47,000
Los Angeles, CA: 12,000
Chicago, IL: 10,000

Source: 2000 Census.

Highest LGBT Concentration by Major Metropolitan City

San Francisco, CA: 15.4%
Seattle, WA: 12.9%
Atlanta, GA: 12.8%

Source: 2000 Census.

LGBTs in the House! HUD Proposes Rule To Ensure Equal Access

2011-01-24T21:21:00.004-05:00

While Equality NC can claim direct influence on the federal inclusive hospital visitation policy that went into effect, this new -- and welcome, and long overdue! -- proposed policy comes wholly from the current administration:

HUD No. 11-006
Brian Sullivan
(202) 708-0685
FOR RELEASE Thursday, January 20, 2011

HUD PROPOSES NEW RULE TO ENSURE EQUAL ACCESS TO HOUSING
REGARDLESS OF SEXUAL ORIENTATION OR GENDER IDENTITY

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development today proposed new regulations intended to ensure that its core housing programs are open to all eligible persons, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. View the proposed rule announced today.

“This is a fundamental issue of fairness,” said HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan. “We have a responsibility to make certain that public programs are open to all Americans. With this proposed rule, we will make clear that a person’s eligibility for federal housing programs is, and should be, based on their need and not on their sexual orientation or gender identity.”

HUD is seeking public comment on a number of proposed areas including:

Prohibiting lenders from using sexual orientation or gender identity as a basis to determine a borrower’s eligibility for FHA-insured mortgage financing. FHA’s current regulations provide that a mortgage lender’s determination of the adequacy of a borrower’s income “shall be made in a uniform manner without regard to” specified prohibited grounds. The proposed rule would add actual or perceived sexual orientation and gender identity to the prohibited grounds to ensure FHA-approved lenders do not deny or otherwise alter the terms of mortgages on the basis of irrelevant criteria.
Clarifying that all otherwise eligible families, regardless of marital status, sexual orientation, or gender identity, have the opportunity to participate in HUD programs. In the majority of HUD’s rental and homeownership programs the term “family” already has a broad scope, and includes a single person and families with or without children. HUD’s proposed rule clarifies that families, otherwise eligible for HUD programs, may not be excluded because one or more members of the family may be an LGBT individual, have an LGBT relationship, or be perceived to be such an individual or in such relationship.
Prohibiting owners and operators of HUD-assisted housing, or housing whose financing is insured by HUD, from inquiring about the sexual orientation or gender identity of an applicant for, or occupant of, the dwelling, whether renter- or owner-occupied. HUD is proposing to institute this policy in its rental assistance and homeownership programs, which include the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) mortgage insurance programs, community development programs, and public and assisted housing programs.

Other actions:

HUD is conducting the first-ever national study of discrimination against members of the LGBT community in the rental and sale of housing. Every ten years, HUD does a study of the impact of housing discrimination on the basis of race and color. HUD undertook this important research in 1977, 1989 and 2000 and is currently undertaking this study again. It is believed that LGBT individuals and families may remain silent because in many local jurisdictions, they may have little or no legal recourse. While there are no national assessments of LGBT housing discrimination, there are state and local studies that have shown evidence of this sort of bias. For example, a 2007 report by Michigan’s Fair Housing Centers found that nearly 30 percent of same-sex couples were treated differently when attempting to buy or rent a home.

HUD currently requires its recipients of discretionary funds to comply with local and state non-discrimination laws that cover sexual orientation or gender identity. In July, the Department issued new guidance that treats discrimination based on gender nonconformity or sex stereotyping as sex discrimination under the Fair Housing Act, and instructs HUD staff to inform individuals filing complaints about state and local agencies that have LGBT-inclusive nondiscrimination laws.

The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in rental, sales and lending on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability and familial status. Approximately 20 states, and the District of Columbia, and more than 150 cities, towns and counties across the nation have additional protections that specifically prohibit such discrimination against LGBT individuals. Under guidance announced last year, HUD will, as appropriate, retain its jurisdiction over complaints filed by LGBT individuals or families but also jointly investigate or refer matters to those state, district and local governments with other legal protections.

View the proposed rule announced today.

###

Healthcarelessness for Transfolks

2011-01-19T20:13:00.000-05:00

The National Center for Transgender Equality and the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force released the National Transgender Discrimination Survey: Report on Health and Health Care.

Not surprisingly, transfolks and gender non-conforming people face rampant discrimination in health care settings, are regularly denied needed care, and experience a range of health risks because they are transgender or gender non-conforming, according to this report of over 6,450 transgender and gender non-conforming people.

KEY FINDINGS

Survey participants reported very high levels of postponing medical care when sick or injured due to discrimination (28%) or inability to afford it (48%);
Respondents faced significant hurdles to accessing health care, including:
- Refusal of care: 19% of our sample reported being refused care due to their transgender or gender non-conforming status, with even higher numbers among people of color in the survey;
- Harassment and violence in medical settings: 28% of respondents were subjected to harassment in medical settings and 2% were victims of violence in doctor’s offices;
- Lack of provider knowledge: 50% of the sample reported having to teach their medical providers about transgender care;

Despite the barriers, the majority of survey participants have accessed some form of transition-related medical care; the majority reported wanting to have surgery but have not had any surgeries yet;
If medical providers were aware of the patient’s transgender status, the likelihood of that person experiencing discrimination increased;
Respondents reported over four times the national average of HIV infection, 2.64% in our sample compared to .6% in the general population, with rates for transgender women at 3.76%, and with those who are unemployed (4.67%) or who have engaged in sex work (15.32%) even higher;
Over a quarter of the respondents misused drugs or alcohol specifically to cope with the discrimination they faced due to their gender identity or expression;
A staggering 41% of respondents reported attempting suicide compared to 1.6% of the general population, with unemployment, low income, and sexual and physical assault raising the risk factors significantly.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Anti-transgender bias in the medical profession and U.S. health care system has catastrophic consequences for transgender and gender non-conforming people. This study is a call to action for the medical profession;
- The medical establishment must fully integrate transgender-sensitive care into its professional standards, and this must be part of a broader commitment to cultural competency around race, class, and age;
- Doctors and other health care providers who harass, assault, or discriminate against transgender and gender non-conforming patients should be disciplined and held accountable according to the standards of their professions.

Public and private insurance systems must cover transgender-related care; it is urgently needed and is essential to basic health care for transgender people.
Ending violence against transgender people must be a public health priority, because of the direct and indirect negative effect it has on both victims and on the health care system that must treat them.
Medical providers and policy makers should never base equal and respectful treatment and the attainment of government-issued identity documents on:
- Whether an individual has obtained surgery, given that surgeries are financially inaccessible for large majorities of transgender people because they are rarely covered by either public or private insurance;
- Whether an individual is able to afford or attain proof of citizenship or legal residency.
  Rates of HIV infection, attempted suicide, drug and alcohol abuse, and smoking among transgender and gender non-conforming people speak to the overwhelming need for:
  - Transgender-sensitive health education, health care, and recovery programs;
  - Transgender-specific prevention programs.
- Additional data about the health outcomes of transgender and gender non-conforming people is urgently needed;
  - Health studies and other surveys need to include transgender as a demographic category;
  - Information about health risks, outcomes and needs must be sought specifically about transgender populations;
  - Transgender people should not be put in categories such as “men who have sex with men” (MSM) as transgender women consistently are and transgender men sometimes are. Separate categories should be created for transgender women and transgender men so HIV rates and other sexual health issues can be accurately tracked and researched.

End Segre(gay)tion!

2011-01-17T09:28:00.004-05:00

In honor of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and MLK Day, it's important to note that civil rights struggles, whether for racial equality or LGBT equality, are all basically the same. MLK himself had a trusted openly gay advisor, Bayard Rustin, who is best remembered as the organizer of the 1963 March on Washington, one of the largest nonviolent protests ever held in the United States.

Here are some noted leaders of the racial civil rights movement voicing their support for the LGBT civil rights movement.

(Thanks to SoulForce, the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, the Lambda Defense and Education Fund, and Freedom To Marry for information and source references.)

Coretta Scott King

Coretta Scott King was the wife of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and a leader in the civil rights movement.

"I still hear people say that I should not be talking about the rights of lesbian and gay people and I should stick to the issue of racial justice... But I hasten to remind them that Martin Luther King, Jr., said, 'Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere' ... I appeal to everyone who believes in Martin Luther King, Jr.'s dream to make room at the table of brotherhood and sisterhood for lesbian and gay people."1

"Gay and lesbian people have families, and their families should have legal protection, whether by marriage or civil union. A constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriages is a form of gay bashing, and it would do nothing at all to protect traditional marriages."2

"We are all tied together in a single garment of destiny... I can never be what I ought to be until you are allowed to be what you ought to be," she said, quoting from her husband. "I've always felt that homophobic attitudes and policies were unjust and unworthy of a free society and must be opposed by all Americans who believe in democracy."³

"Gays and lesbians stood up for civil rights in Montgomery, Selma, in Albany, Georgia, and St. Augustine, Florida, and many other campaigns of the Civil Rights Movement. Many of these courageous men and women were fighting for my freedom at a time when they could find few voices for their own, and I salute their contributions."⁴

"We have a lot of work to do in our common struggle against bigotry and discrimination. I say 'common struggle,' because I believe very strongly that all forms of bigotry & discrimination are equally wrong and should be opposed by right-thinking Americans everywhere. Freedom from discrimination based on sexual orientation is surely a fundamental human right in any great democracy, as much as freedom from racial, religious, gender, or ethnic discrimination."⁵

"We have to launch a campaign against homophobia in the black community."⁶

"Homophobia is like racism and anti-Semitism and other forms of bigotry in that it seeks to dehumanize a large group of people, to deny their humanity, their dignity and personhood. This sets the stage for further repression and violence that spread all too easily to victimize the next minority group."⁷

¹ Coretta Scott King, 25th anniversary luncheon for Lambda Defense and Education Fund, March 31, 1998

² Coretta Scott King, speech at The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey, USA Today, March 24, 2004

³ Coretta Scott King, 25th anniversary luncheon for Lambda Defense and Education Fund, quoted in the Chicago Sun Times, April 1, 1998

⁴ Coretta Scott King, 25th anniversary luncheon for Lambda Defense and Education Fund, quoted in the Chicago Tribune, April 1, 1998

⁵ Coretta Scott King, Opening Plenary Session, 13th annual Creating Change conference of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, Atlanta, Georgia, November 9, 2000

⁶ Coretta Scott King, Reuters, June 8, 2001

⁷ Coretta Scott King, a speech at the Palmer Hilton Hotel, quoted in the Chicago Defender, April 1, 1998

Julian Bond

Since 1998, Julian Bond has served as Chairman of the Board of the NAACP.

"That's why when I am asked, 'Are gay rights civil rights?' my answer is always, 'Of course they are.'"

"Rights for gays and lesbians are not 'special rights' in any way. It isn't "special" to be free from discrimination -- that's an ordinary, universal entitlement of citizenship."

"No parallels between movements for rights is exact. African-Americans are the only Americans who were enslaved for more than two centuries, and people of color carry the badge of who we are on our faces. But we are far from the only people suffering discrimination -- sadly, so do many others. They deserve the law's protection and they deserve civil rights too. Sexual disposition parallels race -- I was born black and I had no choice. I couldn't and wouldn't change if I could. Like race, our sexuality isn't a preference -- it is immutable, unchangeable, and the Constitution protects us against prejudices based on immutable differences."

Julian Bond speaking at the 2008 Creating Change Conference. Bond was a founding member of SNCC in 1960. While a student at Morehouse College in Atlanta, he helped organize a sit-in movement at Atlanta University.

Source: Julian Bond's Creating Change 2008 Plenary Speech YouTube video, February 7, 2008. Also available from the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force as a pdf.

Mildred Loving

Mildred Loving, along with her husband, Richard, were plaintiffs in the historic Supreme Court decision "Loving v. Virginia" which overturned state laws preventing two persons of different races from getting married.

"Surrounded as I am now by wonderful children and grandchildren, not a day goes by that I don't think of Richard and our love, our right to marry, and how much it meant to me to have that freedom to marry the person precious to me, even if others thought he was the 'wrong kind of person' for me to marry. I believe all Americans, no matter their race, no matter their sex, no matter their sexual orientation, should have that same freedom to marry. Government has no business imposing some people's religious beliefs over others. Especially if it denies people's civil rights.

I am still not a political person, but I am proud that Richard's and my name is on a court case that can help reinforce the love, the commitment, the fairness, and the family that so many people, black or white, young or old, gay or straight seek in life. I support the freedom to marry for all. That's what Loving, and loving, are all about."

Source: Loving for All by Mildred Loving, June 12, 2007 (the 40th anniversary of Loving v. Virginia). Available from Freedom to Marry as a pdf.

Sports Outage

2011-01-12T10:48:00.006-05:00

Last week, sports columnist Steve Buckley came out of the closet. Given the amount of homophobia in the sports industry and the relative shortage of openly LGBT sports figures, having a noted columnist come clean about his gay sexual orientation is still a big deal (though fortunately it's becoming progressively less and less of a big deal).

Buckley's article in the Boston Herald, "Welcome to My coming Out Party," has been well received. Buckley says his mother told him to write the piece seven years ago, but when she died mere months later, he lost his nerve. “I’ve put this off long enough,” he said. “For too many years I’ve been on the sidelines of Boston’s gay community … figuratively and literally, as I feel I would have had a pretty good career in the (gay) Beantown Softball League.”

Every bit of visibility is good. Here are some of the most prominent LGBT names associated with various sports:

Martina Navratilova, tennis player, came out in 1981
Greg Louganis, swimmer, came out as gay and HIV+ in 1994
Mike Penner, sports columnist, came out as trans in 2007
John Amaechi, NBA player, came out in 2007
Gareth Thomas, rugby player, came out in 2009
Johnny Weir, figure skater, came out in 2011

Additionally, several retired NFL and MLB players have also come out of the closet, including David Kopay, Roy Simmons, Esera Tuaolo, Glenn Burke and Billy Bean.

Wikipedia has a "List of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender sportspeople," which currently includes these atheletes:

A

Allard, Jenny, US-American softball player^[1]
Amaechi, John, basketball player (2007)^[1]
Annan, Alyson, field hockey Gold medalist^[2]
Arndt, Judith, cyclist^[3]

B

Bagger, Mianne, pro golfer (2005)^[4]
Bean, Billy, baseball player (1999)^[5]
Berling, Thomas, footballer (2001)^[6]
Burke, Glenn, baseball outfielder (1993)^[7]
Byears, Latasha, basketball player (2003)^[8]

C

Calderon, J.P., volleyball player and coach (2007)^[9]
Cook, Natalie, beach volleyballer (2008) ^[10]
Cranston, Toller, figure skater ^[11]
Curry, John, figure skater (1976)^[12]
Cusack, Dónal Óg, hurler (2009)^[13]

D

Didrikson, Babe, athlete, golfer and baseballer^[14]
Drolet, Nancy, hockey player (2002) ^[15]
Dumaresq, Michelle, mountain biker (2002)^[16]
Duplitzer, Imke, Olympic fencer^[17]

F

Fashanu, Justin, footballer (1988)^[18]
Fernández, Gigi, tennis professional^[15]

G

Galindo, Rudy, Olympic figure skater (1996)^[19]
Gallagher, Ed, offensive lineman for the University of Pittsburgh (1985)^[20]
Giove, Missy, mountain biker (1994)^[21]
Goldstein, Andrew, lacrosse goalie (2003)^[22]
Guetschow, Joan, Olympic biathlete (1992, 1994)^[23]

H

Hall, Matthew, figure skater (1992)^[24]
Hammerseng, Gro, Handball player (2002)^[25]
Hawkins, Kyle, Collegiate lacrosse coach (2006)^[26]
Hayes, Bruce, Olympic swimmer^[27]
Holst, Erika, ice hockey player (2006)^[28]
Hull Jacobs, Helen, Tennis champion^[29]
Hundvin, Mia, Norwegian handball player^[30]

J

Jeffrey, Patrick, Olympic diver (1996)^[31]
Jones, Rosie, Golfer^[15]
Jordan, Orlando, American professional wrestler. (2006)^[32]

K

Karlsson, Peter, ice hockey player^[33]
Kenkhuis, Johan, Olympic swimmer (2004)^[34]
King, Billie Jean, tennis professional (1981)^[35]
Kloss, Ilana, Tennis player^[36]
Kopay, David, NFL running back (1975)^[37]
Kowalski, Daniel, Australian freestyle swimmer^[38]

L

Leduc, Mark, Olympic boxer (1994)^[39]
Lindberg, Ylva, ice hockey player (2006)^[28]
Louganis, Greg, Olympic diver (1994)^[15]

M

Mandlíková, Hana, tennis professional ^[40]
Martínez, Conchita, tennis professional^[15]
Mauresmo, Amélie, tennis professional (1999) ^[40]
McCall, Rob figure skater (posthumous) ^[41]
Metcalf, Holly, Olympic rower^[42]
Mitcham, Matthew, Olympic diver (2008)^[43]
Morgan, Chris, powerlifter^[44]

N

Navratilova, Martina, tennis professional ^[45]
Novotna, Jana, tennis professional ^[46]
Nepela, Ondrej, figure skater ^[11]
Newton, Rob, Athlete^[47]
Nyad, Diana, swimmer ^[48]
Nyberg, Katja, Handball player^[49]

O

O'Meara, Ryan, figure skater (ice dancing discipline) (2008).^[50]
Orser, Brian, Olympic figure skater (1998)^[51]
Owens, Nigel, Welsh International rugby union referee (2007).^[52]
Obziler, Tzipora (2007), tennis player^[46]

P

Paris, Bob, bodybuilder (1983)^[53]
Patterson, Pat, former professional wrestler^[15]
Pichler, David, Olympic diver (1996)^[54]
Pockar, Brian, figure skater (posthumous) ^[41]

R

Raymond, Lisa, tennis player^[55]
Richards, Renee, tennis player (1976)^[56]
Robbins, Kelly, Golfer^[57]
Roberts, Ian, rugby league player (1995)^[58]
Rossner, Petra, Cyclist^[3]

S

Sheehan, Patty, Golfer^[59]
Skofterud, Vibeke Westbye, Norwegian cross country skier ^[60]
Simmons, Roy, NFL offensive guard (1992)^[15]
Skjellerup, Blake, Olympic short-track speed skater (2010)^[61]
Smith, Jerry, NFL tight end (1977)^[62]
Spencer-Devlin, Muffin, golf professional (1996) ^[45]
Stubbs, Rennae, tennis professional^[63]
Swoopes, Sheryl, basketball player (2005)^[64]

T

Tait, Blyth Olympic Equestrian^[65]
Tewksbury, Mark, Olympic swimmer^[42]
Thate, Carole, Field hockey Bronze medalist^[2]
Tilden, Bill, tennis professional (1920)^[66]
Tinling, Ted, Tennis professional^[67]
Thomas, Gareth, Rugby Player - Cardiff Blues, Wales and British and Irish Lions professional rugby player (2009)^[68]
Tuaolo, Esera, NFL professional football player (2002)^[69]

V

Van Gorp, Michele, basketball player (2004)^[15]
Vaillancourt, Sarah, Canadian ice hockey player^[70]
Vizaniari, Lisa-Marie, Olympic Athlete and Boxer^[15]
Veatch, Dan, Olympic swimmer^[71]
Vizaniari, Lisa-Marie, Olympic Athlete and Boxer^[15]

W

Waddell, Tom, Olympic decathlete and creator of the Gay Games (1968)^[72]
Wallace, Ji, Australian trampoline gymnast^[73]
Wauters, Ann, basketball player ^[74]
Webb, Karrie, golfer^[75]
Whipple, Diane, lacrosse player^[76]
Wicks, Sue, basketball player (2000)^[77]
Wilson, David, figure skater, choreographer^[78]
Wüst, Ireen, Dutch ice speed skater^[79]
Wykes, Alissa, American footballer ^[15]

LGBT Horror and Heroism in Arizona

2011-01-10T10:20:00.003-05:00

Daniel Hernandez is shown with Giffords in this image from his Facebook page.

Everyone has heard of the attempted assassination this past Saturday of democratic Arizona Representative Gabrielle Giffords, who survived though is seriously injured.

Not everyone necessarily knows about the LGBT connections to this story, though.

Rep. Giffords was a strong LGBT-positive official. The Human Rights Campaign gave Giffords an 81 percent pro-LGBT rating on its congressional scorecard for the 110th Congress. She supported repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” and supports a trans-inclusive Employment Non-Discrimination Act.

HRC said, “We are shocked and saddened by the events involving Congresswoman Giffords and our hearts go out to her and the other victims of this awful tragedy. Gabby Giffords is a champion for LGBT equality and a principled leader for Arizona.”

Here's her support record:

1)	Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act (H.R. 1913):
2)	Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act Motion to Recommit (H.R. 1913):
3)	Murphy Amendment to National Defense Authorization Act (H.R. 5136):
4)	Souder Amendment to the Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act (H.R. 3293):
5)	Employment Non-Discrimination Act (H.R. 3017) (Co-Sponsorship):
6)	Tax Equity for Health Plan Beneficiaries Act (H.R. 2625) (Co-Sponsorship):
7)	Respect for Marriage Act (H.R. 3567) (Co-Sponsorship):
8)	Uniting American Families Act (H.R. 1024) (Co-Sponsorship):
9)	Early Treatment for HIV Act (H.R. 1616) (Co-Sponsorship):

The second gay connection is Daniel Hernandez Jr., a 20-year-old University of Arizona student who’d been working as an intern for Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords (for five days), who is credited with saving her life after she was shot on Saturday.

HE is openly gay and serves as a Commissioner on the Tucson Commission on Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Issues.

According to the Arizona Republic, Hernandez was standing about 30 feet from Giffords during the “Congress on Your Corner” event outside a Safeway store near Tucson. When the gunshots began, Hernandez ran toward them and began checking the pulses of people who’d been hit. When Hernandez got to Giffords, he used his hand to apply pressure to the entry wound on her forehead. He pulled her into his lap and held her upright so she wouldn’t choke on her blood.

Hernandez used his hand to apply pressure to the wound until someone brought clean smocks from the meat department of the grocery store. He stayed with Giffords until paramedics arrived, then climbed into an ambulance with her.

Official records of events tend to downplay sexual orientation, but even when done for the best of reasons (e.g., to protect someone's privacy or because it shouldn't matter) it creates a kind of historical closet. It's important for everyone to be aware of how gay people and allies who support equality for gay folk are involved in the ordinary and tragic events of life.

2011 Is So Gay!

2011-01-05T13:22:00.006-05:00

Every year, there are a variety of events, activities, and observances that are relevant to the LGBT community. It's difficult to get a comprehensive list, but here is a good start on upcoming days of observance to be aware of.

Truly, 2011 is so gay. As is every year!

Please feel free to leave a comment on other LGBT day or observance/holidays (holigays :) ) that you think should be added.

January

February

National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day - Feb 7
Feb 15 - TENTATIVE SAVE THE DATE! Equality NC Day Of Action in Raleigh (lobby day)

March

National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day - Mar 10

April

TransAction Day - Apr 8 in 2010
Day of Silence - Apr 16

May

National Foster Care Month - May
The International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHO) - May 17
Harvey Milk Day - May 22

June

LGBT Pride Month - Jun
Gay Days at Walt Disney World: the first week in Jun
National HIV/AIDS Testing Day - Jun 27
Stonewall Anniversary - Jun 30

July

August

September

Celebrate Bisexuality Day - Sep 23
National Gay Men's HIV/AIDS Awareness Day - Sep 27
NC Pride - around last weekend in Sep

October

GLBT History Month - Oct
National Coming Out Day - Oct 11
Ally Week - around Oct 18-22

November

National Adoption Awareness Month - Nov
Equality NC Equality Conference & Gala - mid Nov (date, location pending)
National Adoption Day is celebrated the Saturday before Thanksgiving
National Transgender Day of Remembrance - Nov 20

December

World AIDS Day - Dec 1

Happy Holidays, and Here's To 2011!

2010-12-22T10:06:00.006-05:00

Equality NC wishes you and yours all the best during the holiday season, and we look forward to working with you in 2011!

Family Blogging

2010-12-20T09:54:00.001-05:00

In the wake of the NC Supreme Court decision that voided gay second-parent adoption in the state (*sigh*), here are some gay family blogs.

While this decision is a setback here in North Carolina, there was an upside. The court decision also affirmed gay joint custody, which was decided by the Court of Appeals a couple of years ago.

If you're a co-parent, go here for a roadmap on how to take affirmative action - by your behavior, by conveying your intentions clearly to each other, by your agreements with each other, and by what you put in writing - to codify your desire to serve as co-parents.

Obviously you should consult a lawyer for creating legal agreements. The important thing, however, is to take steps now to show your intention to raise your kid(s) together.

In the meantime, however, share the joy (and hassle) of other LGBT families raising their children:

Celebrating All Families, celebratingallfamilies.blogspot.com/
Dads in the Burbs, dadsintheburbs.blogspot.com/
Jesus has Two Daddies, jesushas2daddies.blogspot.com/
Julie Shapiro (a lawyer’s blog on L/G adoption), julieshapiro.wordpress.com/
Me and She, me-n-she.blogspot.com/
Mother Issues, motherissues.wordpress.com/
My Two Dads, patrickandcarl.blogspot.com/
Those Two Daddies, thosetwodaddies.blogspot.com/
Two Dads, One Girl, twodadsonegirl.blogspot.com/

ACT NOW! Stop Anti-Gay Art Censorship at the Smithsonian

2010-12-15T20:35:00.010-05:00

From GLAAD

CALL TO ACTION:

Tell The Board of the Smithsonian That Anti-LGBT Bias Has No Place in America's Museum

We at GLAAD are adding our voices to the chorus of others who have strongly and rightfully criticized the Smithsonian's decision to hide a piece of LGBT-themed artwork from the public.

Most of us know the story by now. Following a brief series of high profile, far-right attacks-- and despite having not received a single complaint from the public-- the Smithsonian Museum pulled the piece "A Fire in My Belly" from an exhibition titled Hide/Seek at the National Portrait Gallery a few weeks ago.

The work in question is a 10-second video that shows ants crawling on a cross. The work is meant to illustrate the suffering of an AIDS victim in the late 1980s and early 1990s. The artist of the piece is David Wojnarowicz, who died of AIDS-related complications in 1992, at the age of 37.

This piece was considered important and valuable to the Hide/Seek collection when it was curated and when it opened in October. What changed on November 30, when the piece was taken out of the display? Whose voices did the board of the Smithsonian place above its own professional judgment?

As it happens, they were listening to people like Bill Donohue, Glenn Beck and John Boehner, who were once again using gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people for social division – and of course, fundraising. These are the same people who have been fighting tooth and nail against employment protections for LGBT people. These are the same people who didn't want the LGBT community added to hate crimes protections. These are the same people who are trying to keep the men and women of our military in the closet - and now they're throwing works of art in there with them.

Anti-gay activists and politicians are now setting their sights on the entire LGBT exhibit and the Smithsonian itself. Opponents of the Hide/Seek exhibit have since also shared their disgust at images in the exhibit that feature men kissing.

Throughout the course of history, art has served to provoke thought and challenge opinion. This work is a powerful statement about a critical period in the history of America's LGBT community, which should not be hidden from public view because of the grandstanding of a few disingenuous critics and politicians.

Several weeks ago, GLAAD placed an op-ed in the Washington Post by a faculty member of Yale's Divinity School who said, "The truly blasphemous abomination is the church's initial reluctance, even refusal to care for, speak out about, and show dignity to literal bodies of real people with HIV/AIDS." Patrick Evans wrote, "The religious and political leaders who used World AIDS Day in this holy season of Advent to cultivate political power and raise money by focusing on 11 seconds of an artistic work by a man who died of AIDS in 1992 would do well to remember the clear and unequivocal words of the savior whose wounds they are so quick to save from crawling insects."

But we all need to do more and raise our voices even louder. Tell the Smithsonian that anti-LGBT bias and political opportunism have no business in our treasured institutions.

Thank you for your time -- together, we can make a real difference.

"Supportive Families, Healthy Children" - Free Booklet!

2010-12-13T14:52:00.007-05:00

Last month, the Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Nursing featured an article "Family Acceptance in Adolescence and the Health of LGBT Young Adults." This study determined that positive and accepting family attitudes and behaviors towards LGBT children significantly increase their overall health in adulthood.

(Not exactly a newsflash, but it does provide solid, peer-reviewed data to support a bit of common-sense that many people still don't get. It's still not an uncommon event for kids to be completely rejected by homophobic parents. It's a cliche, but it's also an ongoing tragedy.)

The study shows that specific parental and caregiver behaviors, e.g., advocating for children when they are mistreated for being gay or supporting their gender expression, protect against depression, substance abuse, suicidal thoughts, and suicide attempts in early adulthood. In addition, LGBT youth with highly accepting families have significantly higher levels of self-esteem and social support in young adulthood.

Findings include:

Family accepting behaviors towards LGBT youth during adolescence protect against suicide, depression, and substance abuse.
LGBT young adults who reported high levels of family acceptance during adolescence had significantly higher levels of self-esteem, social support, and general health, compared to peers with low levels of family acceptance.
LGBT young adults who reported low levels of family acceptance during adolescence were over three times more likely to have suicidal thoughts and to report suicide attempts, compared to those with high levels of family acceptance.
High religious involvement in families was strongly associated with low acceptance of LGBT children.

Results of the research are being translated into practical tools for parents by the study's author, Dr. Caitlin Ryan, and her team at the Family Acceptance Project in collaboration with Child and Adolescent Services at the University of California, San Francisco, with funding from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

They use a behavioral approach to help ethnically and religiously diverse families decrease rejection and increase support for their LGBT children to reduce risk for suicide, depression, substance abuse, and HIV, to promote well-being, and to prevent homelessness and placement in custodial care. This work is being conducted in English, Spanish, and Chinese with families from all ethnic backgrounds, including immigrant and very low income families, and those whose children are out-of-home in foster care and juvenile justice facilities.

To download a copy of their booklet, just go here and enter your e-mail address and zip code (which they'll use to track where their materials are used and ask for any feedback on the booklet):
"Supportive Families, Healthy Children."

LGB Teens Bullied More ... By Schools, Police, and Courts

2010-12-08T14:55:00.005-05:00

You know that LGBT teens are more likely to be the victims of bullying in schools, but did you know that they are more likely to be bullied by schools, as well as by police and courts? (Note: The specific data only documents LGB kids, but it's reasonable to extend the findings to T folks, too.)

It's true! And this information comes from a couple of highly credible sources: The data is from a Yale University study published in the January 2011 issue of the journal Pediatrics. from the American Academy of Pediatrics.

==========
Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Teens Singled Out for Punishment

Lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) adolescents are about 40 percent more likely than other teens to be punished by school authorities, police and the courts, according to a study by Yale University researchers. Published in the January 2011 issue of the journal Pediatrics, the study is the first to document excessive punishment of LGB youth nationwide.

“We found that virtually all types of punishment—including school expulsions, arrests, juvenile convictions, adult convictions and especially police stops—were more frequently meted out to LGB youth,” said lead author Kathryn Himmelstein, who initiated the study while she was a Yale undergraduate. The research was supervised by Hannah Brueckner, professor of sociology and co-director of the Center for Research on Inequalities and the Life Course at Yale.

The study was based on the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health) and included about 15,000 middle and high school students who were followed for seven years into early adulthood. The study collected details on participants’ sexuality, including feelings of sexual attraction, sexual relationships and self-labeling as LGB. Add Health also surveyed participants about how frequently they engaged in a variety of misbehaviors, ranging in severity from lying to parents, to using a weapon. Add Health included detailed questions about school expulsions and contacts with the criminal justice system.

Himmelstein, who now teaches math at a public high school in New York City, said that adolescents who identified themselves as LGB were about 50 percent more likely to be stopped by police than other teenagers. Teens who reported feelings of attraction to members of the same sex, regardless of their self-identification, were more likely than other teens to be expelled from school or convicted of crimes as adults.

“Girls who labeled themselves as lesbian or bisexual were especially at risk for unequal treatment,” said Himmelstein. “They reported experiencing twice as many police stops, arrests and convictions as other girls who had engaged in similar behavior. Although we did not explore the experiences of transgender youth, anecdotal reports suggest that they are similarly at risk for excessive punishment.”

The study showed that these disparities in punishments are not explained by differences in the rates of misbehavior. In fact, the study showed that adolescents who identified themselves as LGB actually engaged in less violence than their peers.

“The painful, even lethal bullying that LGB youth suffer at the hands of their peers has been highlighted by recent tragic events,” Himmelstein notes. “Our numbers suggest that school officials, police and judges, who should be protecting LGB youth, are instead singling them out for punishment based on their sexual orientation. LGB teens can’t thrive if adults single them out for punishment because of their sexual orientation.”

Brueckner added, “The study provides the first and only national estimates for over-representation of LGB youth in the criminal justice system. We simply did not have any good numbers on this before. We need more research on the processes that lead to this to help us identify ways to make our institutions more equitable with respect to policing all youth, regardless of race, gender, or sexual orientation.”

Citation: Pediatrics Vol. 127, 1 (January 1, 2011)

— By Karen N. Peart

PRESS CONTACT: Karen N. Peart 203-432-1326

==========

Presidential Appointments (Amidst Disappointments)

2010-12-06T13:21:00.009-05:00

Amidst dwindling hopes of any significant legislative progress under the hand of our current national executive officer (that's you, DADT!), there's still a definite cause of LGBT celebration from the president. Less than halfway through his first term, Barack Obama has appointed more openly gay officials than any other president in history, as well as the first openly trans appointee.

Gay activists say the estimate of more than 150 appointments so far – from agency heads and commission members to policy officials and senior staffers – surpasses the previous high of about 140 reached during two full terms under President Bill Clinton. So, in less than half a term, Obama has had more LGBT appointments than any other president, including double-termed ones.

“From everything we hear from inside the administration, they wanted this to be part of their efforts at diversity,” said Denis Dison, spokesman for the Presidential Appointments Project of the Gay & Lesbian Leadership Institute.

In a sign of how times have changed, few of the appointees – about two dozen required Senate confirmation – have stirred much controversy. It’s a far cry from the 1993 furor surrounding Clinton’s nomination of then-San Francisco Supervisor Roberta Achtenberg as assistant secretary for Housing and Urban Development.

Achtenberg was the first openly gay official to serve at such a senior level, and she won confirmation despite contentious hearings and opposition from NC's former Sen. Jesse Helms, who denounced her as a “militant extremist.”

Gay activists, among Obama’s strongest supporters, had hoped he would be the first to appoint an openly gay Cabinet secretary. While that hasn’t happened – yet – Obama did appoint the highest-ranking gay official ever when he named John Berry as director of the Office of Personnel Management, which oversees the nation’s 1.9 million federal workers.

Other prominent names include Nancy Sutley, chairwoman of the White House Council on Environmental Quality, and Fred Hochberg, chairman of the Export-Import Bank. Obama also named Amanda Simpson, the first openly transgender appointee, as a senior technical adviser in the Commerce Department. And David Huebner, ambassador to New Zealand and Samoa, is the third openly gay ambassador in U.S. history.

White House spokesman Shin Inouye confirmed the record number, saying Obama has hired more gay officials than the Clinton and George W. Bush administrations combined. He said Obama “is proud that his appointments reflect the diversity of the American public.”

“He is committed to appointing highly qualified individuals for each post,” Inouye said. “We have made a record number of openly LGBT appointments and we are confident that this number will only continue to grow.”

Dison’s group lists 124 of the appointees on its website. He said the remainder are not listed because they are lower-level officials not formally announced by the White House.

“We learn about a lot of these through informal networks and then work to confirm that they are indeed appointed and that they are openly LGBT,” Dison said.

One Obama nominee who met some opposition was Chai Feldblum, a Georgetown University law professor nominated to serve on the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

Concerned Women for America accused Feldblum of playing “a major role in pushing the homosexual and transsexual agenda on Americans.” Other conservative groups blasted her role in drafting the Employment Nondiscrimination Act, a bill that would ban employers from discriminating on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.

Obama made Feldblum a recess appointment in March after an anonymous hold in the Senate held up her confirmation for months.

Another target for conservatives was Kevin Jennings, founder of the Gay, Lesbian, Straight Education Network, who was named to oversee the Education Department’s Office of Safe & Drug Free Schools. More than 50 House Republicans asked Obama to remove Jennings from the post after reports surfaced about advice he gave more than 20 years earlier after learning a gay student had sex with an older man.

Jennings conceded that he should have consulted medical or legal authorities instead of telling the 15-year-old boy that he hoped he had used a condom. The Obama administration defended Jennings and declined to remove him.

It was in early 2008 that the Gay & Lesbian Leadership Institute focused its Presidential Appointments Project on steering thousands of resumes of qualified gay professionals to White House jobs. Dison said that push has helped increase the numbers, though it certainly helped to have a more receptive White House.

The more LGBT folks that work within government at lower levels, the more visibility there is for the entire movement, and the more change will ultimately occur at higher levels.

In the end, lots of small advancements add up to huge ones.

Great Hate: Anti-LGBT Violence Tops Bias Crimes. Also, Big Homophobes Classified As Official Hate Groups

2010-12-01T12:51:00.008-05:00

Both the FBI and the Southern Poverty Law Study recently released data on hate crimes for last year.

The Southern Poverty Law Center reported that gays are far more likely to be victims of violent hate crime than any other minority group. Its conclusion are based on 14 years of FBI hate crime data covering 1995-2008.

The center said that gays or those perceived to be gay are:

more than twice as likely to be attacked in a violent hate crime as Jews or blacks
more than four times as likely as Muslims
14 times more likely as Latinos.

The FBI's data is here. The FBI notes that "The Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr., Hate Crime Prevention Act adds two new categories to our list of biases — actual or perceived gender and gender identity. Our Uniform Crime Reporting Program staff continues to work toward expanding its training for state and local law enforcement on reporting these new categories of biases, and then on incorporating them into our future publications."

In other words, they'll have much more comprehensive and accurate data on anti-gay hate crimes going forward. Still, even before being mandated to collect this data, they found anti-gay crimes to be 18% of all hate crimes (and again, this was before they were actively collecting this data). Of anti-LGBT bias crimes, the vast majority were motivated by bias specifically against gay males.

In other related news, the Southern Poverty Law Center, a long-respected authority on hate groups in America, has added some big homophobic names to their official list of hate groups.

These are noted for "their propagation of known falsehoods — claims about LGBT people that have been thoroughly discredited by scientific authorities — and repeated, groundless name-calling." Just being anti-gay isn't enough — hate groups have to be known to actively and maliciously lie and distort the truth.

Take a look at some of these newly-classified folks. These big names have long tried to argue that they're not about hate, but with their new hate status, they can no longer even pretend to be about anything more than bigotry. They include:

American Family Association
Concerned Women for America
Family Research Council
Family Research Institute
Liberty Counsel (affiliate of Liberty University Law School)
National Organization for Marriage
Traditional Values Coalition

Take a look at the full list of 18 antigay bigoted intuitions and specific reasons for this classification.

It's good to know where information comes from, as well as who can be trusted, and in this case, 18 groups who simply cannot. Lies can be repeated, but the truth does ultimately out. We gays now have pride, and those homophobes now have, officially, shame.

Trans Air - Flying the Not Necessarily Friendly Skies

2010-11-29T13:58:00.004-05:00

Over the holidays, with the prospect of lots of travel including airlines, there's been a lot of hullabaloo over the TSA(Transportation Security Administration)'s new security screening procedures for air passengers, requiring either a revealing electronic body scan or a manual full body pat down.

As is so often the case, certain groups of people will have a more difficult time with these procedures. Again, as is so often the case, these are folks who have additional struggles to begin with. With regard to the new TSA procedures, I'm specifically referring to trans folks.

Trans folks have the double-disadvantage in that they may have prosthetics (padded, underwire bras and breast forms, genital prosthetics), which may cause concern to airport screeners, and that they may be red-flagged if the screener notes a discrepancy with the gender they present, either subjectively or due to a difference between the gender markers on their ID.

The point is, the marginalized community, that already has it harder, gets to have it harder still. And of course, the TSA does not require nor necessarily provide training for its officers regarding sensitivity to the LGBT community.

Fortunately, the National Center For Transgender Equality (NCTE) has come out with a resource for trans folks and "What Travelers Need to Know," as well as a useful PDF on "Whole Body Imaging."

There's a lot of just good general information for all folks, like:

First, it is important that you KNOW YOUR RIGHTS. Even if TSA personnel are not always familiar with travelers' rights, such as the right to decline a full-body scan, you should know them. You may need to politely inform the officer of your rights and choices.
Second, calmly and clearly expressing your choices is very important. This makes it easier for the TSA agents to understand what your needs are and may help you get through the checkpoint more quickly.

... as well as some trans-specific facts:

You have the right to have manual search procedures performed by an officer who is of the same gender as the gender you are currently presenting yourself as. This does not depend on the gender listed on your ID, or on any other factor. If TSA officials are unsure who should pat you down, ask to speak to a supervisor and calmly insist on the appropriate officer.
You should not be subjected to additional screening or inquiry because of any discrepancy between a gender marker on an ID and your appearance. As long as your ID has a recognizable picture of you on it, with your legal name and birth date, it should not cause any problem.

During the holidays, the best way to ensure that all of us and our family and friends have safe and uneventful travels is to have the best information on travel policies that affect you.

Until we have full equality and inclusion, we simply deal with what we've got with as much grace and equanimity as possible. Travel safely!

Having Faith ... in Equality - New Report by FIA

2010-11-22T13:16:00.005-05:00

Faith In America has released a free report on "Addressing Religious Arguments to Achieve LGBT Equality."

"Our mission at Faith in America is to confront religion-based bigotry that lies at that heart of discrimination toward LGBT people. Full equality will not be achieved until the root of the issue is addressed. This report provides important information on how to start the conversation, persuade the movable middle and win the hearts and minds of those that will help bring an end to religion-based bigotry in all its forms."

This report highlights and refutes common assertions used by people of faith to justify bigotry and discrimination against LGBT folks. For example:

"Charge: Homosexuality is a sin … it says so in the Bible. Response: First, that is your interpretation of the Bible, and you should be aware that many others don’t interpret it that way. Second, we should all remember that millions of people have been harmed over the years because the majority’s religious teachings have determined minority groups’ civil rights. Religious teachings were used to support the horrors of slavery, deny women the right to vote, deny loving interracial couples the right to be married, deny black people their full and equal place in our society and deny minority religious groups equal rights. We have learned from these horrible mistakes that it is wrong to use religious teachings to dehumanize and marginalize any minority group. It is no less wrong today to use religious teachings to deny gay people full and equal civil rights."

The report also provides strategies and techniques for addressing this type of prejudice, e.g., "Talking about religion-based bigotry is more effective than using the term 'homophobia.' Using the term 'homophobia' is generally not effective with people of faith. 'Homophobia' is defined as an irrational or unreasonable fear of homosexuality. For many people of faith, especially those who hold to a literal interpretation of Scripture, there is nothing wrong or irrational about fearing sin."

It also provides facts solid facts to covey the importance and seriousness of their message:

Gay kids who experience family rejection are 8 times more likely to attempt suicide and 6 times more likely to report high levels of depression.
1,000+ rights and responsibilities are currently the exclusive right of heterosexual couples.
If a person believes sexual orientation is a choice, they are 70% more likely to be against LGBT equal rights. If a person believes sexual orientation is part
of how you are created, they are 70% more likely to be in favor of LGBT equal rights.

Faith In America was formed as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit educational organization in 2005 by Mitchell Gold with the goal of countering the messages of bigotry, prejudice, and hostility toward the LGBT community being taught under the guise of religious belief and religious teaching.

Don't Forget! Transgender Day of Remembrance

2010-11-17T10:18:00.004-05:00

This Saturday, November 20, is the Transgender Day of Remembrance. Equality NC's Transgender Policy Task Force and the LGBT Center of Raleigh will hold a candlelight vigil in downtown Raleigh to recognize the 12th annual Transgender Day of Remembrance.

TDOR was set aside to memorialize those who were killed due to anti-transgender hatred or prejudice. The event is held in November to honor Rita Hester, whose murder on November 28th, 1998 kicked off the Remembering Our Dead web project and a San Francisco candlelight vigil in 1999. Rita Hester’s murder — like most anti-trans murder cases — has yet to be solved.

Although not every person represented during the Day of Remembrance self-identified as trans (that is, as a transsexual, crossdresser, or otherwise gender-variant), each was a victim of violence based on bias against transgendered people.

The purpose of the day is to raise public awareness of hate crimes against transgender people. Transgender Day of Remembrance publicly mourns and honors the lives of transgender people who might otherwise be forgotten. TDOR gives transgender people and their allies a chance to step forward and stand in vigil, showing love, respect, and solidarity, and memorializing those who’ve died by anti-transgender violence.

Transgender Day of Remembrance can be used to educate students, teachers, and administrators about transgender issues, so we can try to prevent anti-transgender hatred and violence from continuing.

Ways you can observe TDOR include:

• Candlelight vigils and/or marches
• Discussion forums with activists, politicians, and/or school officials
• Performance art
• Poetry or spoken word readings
• Visual representation of the number of deaths with:

Cardboard tombstones of Remembered People
Paper cutouts of Remembered People
Chalk body outlines of Remembered People

• Teach-Ins and Speakers Bureaus
• Art/photo displays
• Trans movie screenings (such as “Boys Don’t Cry”)
• Trans 101 trainings

As with any awareness-raising day, it's not an end unto itself. TDOR is a tool towards the ultimate goal of the elimination of bigotry and prejudice against transfolks. It's important to use this day as a starting point for discussion and education. The work of TDOR can be continued by:
• Working to add “gender identity and gender expression” to laws and school antibullying policies
• Having a Trans 101 training for workers and educators
• Working to have some restrooms designated as gender neutral
• Collaborating with others on trans issues and teaching them how to be trans allies

For more information, go to the International TDOR website or the Gay-Straight Alliances Facebook Page. For a list of related sites and resources, go to this page from the Remembering Our Dead site.

What About The Children? National Adoption Month!

2010-11-08T14:37:00.000-05:00

My partner and I adopted our son through the foster care system here in North Carolina, so today's blog topic is a big deal to me.

November is National Adoption Month, celebrated throughout the United States in an effort to finalize adoptions from foster care, and to celebrate all adoptive families. (National Adoption Day falls on November 20 this year, the Saturday before Thanksgiving).

This year's National Adoption Month initiative targets adoption professionals by focusing on ways to recruit and retain parents for the 115,000 children and youth in foster care waiting for adoptive families. The National Adoption Month poster (PDF - 3569 KB) notes strategies adoption professionals can implement any day, week, or month to benefit children waiting for families. The Spanish National Adoption Month poster (PDF - 3599 KB) also provides suggestions for working with Spanish-speaking families throughout the year.

Now is a great time for LGBT folks to adopt, and the foster care system is a great place to look for kids who need homes and parents.

Thousands of children in North Carolina enter the foster care system each year, and range in age from infants to 18 years old. All foster children have unique backgrounds, experiences, personalities, strengths, and needs.

The NC foster care system is open to gay parents. (OK, well, technically, they're neither open nor not open.) Your actual experience will depend on any foster care agency you go through and/or the officials in any county DSS (Department of Social Services) that you deal with. We found everyone we interacted with to be extremely positive and supportive of us as a gay male couple looking to adopt - all they cared about was being sure that the kids in need found a good, loving home that could support and care for them.

During November, there are plenty of things you can do to observe National Adoption Month, either as a parent, prospective parent, or someone who has no plans to have children but wants to support adoptive families. Some ideas for this month include:

☼ Write down your family story and add it to a scrapbook.

☼ Contact your local paper about National Adoption Month, and ask them to publish a positive story about adoption.

☼ Contact a children's organization or foster care agency and ask how you can help.

☼ Create your family tree. Complete one about your child's birth family (if information is known) as well as your adoptive family.

☼ If you have one, ask your place of worship to offer a special prayer for children in foster care waiting for adoption.

☼ Watch a movie with an adoption theme.

☼ Donate books about adoption to your local or school library.

There are already thousands of children out there who need homes, and foster care and adoption are great ways to form your family.

(And if you're thinking about having kids or are already a parent, the Family Equality Council is a great resource.)

Adoption is a great way to make a positive impact in a kid's life, and it's also an investment in the future for yourself, LGBT folks, the country, and society as a whole.

It's easy to think that you won't be a good parent, but I can guarantee you that having you as a parent will be hundreds of times better than having no parent at all.

Exciting New GL(ibrary)BT Youth Award

2010-11-03T20:35:00.005-04:00

The American Library Association's annual children's prizes (which features the prestigious and influential Caldecott and Newbery medals) will now include an award for gay and lesbian literature.

The library association announced the "Stonewall Children's and Young Adult Literature Award" as a new addition to the ALA's Youth Media Awards, watched closely by educators and librarians as they decide which books to add to their collections.

The Stonewall prize honors "English-language works for children and teens of exceptional merit relating to the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered experience." Stonewall awards for adult books were started nearly 40 years ago, but the children`s category only now.

Books with gay and lesbian themes often place high on the association's yearly report of works most criticized and threatened with removal by parents and educators.

"And Tango Makes Three," Justin Richardson's and Peter Parnell's acclaimed picture story about two male penguins who become parents, topped the list from 2007 to 2009.

"Ours is a very inclusive profession and we represent a wide variety of viewpoints," says association president Roberta Stevens, who noted that the decision to add the Stonewall prize was made well before the recent wave of suicides by teens believed to be victims of anti-gay bullying. "Millions of children in this country are being raised by gay or lesbian parents. There are young people who are gay and sometimes they feel very alone. This is a real opportunity for youths who may be feeling alone to read about other like themselves."

The Youth Media awards, announced in January, already include a variety of categories, such as African-American literature, lifetime achievement and best children`s audio book.

Out Law - NC Bar Association Incorporates Anti-Bias Language

2010-11-01T09:48:00.009-04:00

Remember a few months ago the bit at the bottom of this about the NC Bar Association:

Bar None - American Bar Association Supports Marriage Equality

...?

Well, good news! It happened this past Friday. It, of course, refers to the inclusion of LGBT folks in suggested anti-bais language that encourages proper conduct for lawyers. This is an update to the preamble to its Rules of Professional Conduct that urges lawyers not to discriminate in their practices "on the basis of race, gender, national origin, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation or gender identity." (Those last two are the significant ones.)

[Information below is from the News & Observer: http://www.newsobserver.com/2010/10/30/769898/state-bar-oks-anti-bias-language.html#ixzz142SeS13Z]

"The regulatory body for North Carolina's lawyers has given final approval to language designed to discourage attorneys from having personal bias against representing gays and transgender people.

The N.C. State Bar Council voted 35-20 Friday in favor of changes to the preamble of their rules of professional conduct.

Some attorneys and interest groups were concerned because the proposal contained "sexual orientation" and "gender identity" in a list of eight characteristics that shouldn't lead to biased conduct. They said that could prevent lawyers from declining to take cases on moral grounds.

Council member Mark Merritt says lawyers can still withdraw from cases if they think they are unable to defend clients vigorously."

Another small step for inclusion .... In the long run, they mark the path to fairness and justice and victory for everyone.

Department of Education on Bullying

2010-10-27T14:54:00.003-04:00

Yesterday the U.S. Department of Education issued guidance to support educators in combating bullying in schools by clarifying when student bullying may violate federal education anti-discrimination laws. The guidance makes clear that while current laws enforced by the department do not protect against harassment based on religion or sexual orientation, they do include protection against harassment of members of religious groups based on shared ethnic characteristics as well as gender and sexual harassment of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender individuals.

Here's a copy of the Dear Colleague Letter:
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	Dear Colleague Letter PDF (296K)


	Fact Sheet PDF (117K)

October 26, 2010

Dear Colleague:

In recent years, many state departments of education and local school districts have taken steps to reduce bullying in schools. The U.S. Department of Education (Department) fully supports these efforts. Bullying fosters a climate of fear and disrespect that can seriously impair the physical and psychological health of its victims and create conditions that negatively affect learning, thereby undermining the ability of students to achieve their full potential. The movement to adopt anti-bullying policies reflects schools’ appreciation of their important responsibility to maintain a safe learning environment for all students. I am writing to remind you, however, that some student misconduct that falls under a school’s anti-bullying policy also may trigger responsibilities under one or more of the federal antidiscrimination laws enforced by the Department’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR). As discussed in more detail below, by limiting its response to a specific application of its anti-bullying disciplinary policy, a school may fail to properly consider whether the student misconduct also results in discriminatory harassment.

The statutes that OCR enforces include Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964¹ (Title VI), which prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin; Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972² (Title IX), which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973³ (Section 504); and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990⁴ (Title II). Section 504 and Title II prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability.⁵ School districts may violate these civil rights statutes and the Department’s implementing regulations when peer harassment based on race, color, national origin, sex, or disability is sufficiently serious that it creates a hostile environment and such harassment is encouraged, tolerated, not adequately addressed, or ignored by school employees.⁶ School personnel who understand their legal obligations to address harassment under these laws are in the best position to prevent it from occurring and to respond appropriately when it does. Although this letter focuses on the elementary and secondary school context, the legal principles also apply to postsecondary institutions covered by the laws and regulations enforced by OCR.

Some school anti-bullying policies already may list classes or traits on which bases bullying or harassment is specifically prohibited. Indeed, many schools have adopted anti-bullying policies that go beyond prohibiting bullying on the basis of traits expressly protected by the federal civil

¹ 42 U.S.C. § 2000d et seq.
² 20 U.S.C. § 1681 et seq.
³ 29 U.S.C. § 794.
⁴ 42 U.S.C. § 12131 et seq.
⁵ OCR also enforces the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, 42 U.S.C. § 6101 et seq., and the Boy Scouts of America Equal Access Act, 20 U.S.C. § 7905. This letter does not specifically address those statutes.
⁶ The Department’s regulations implementing these statutes are in 34 C.F.R. parts 100, 104, and 106. Under these federal civil rights laws and regulations, students are protected from harassment by school employees, other students, and third parties. This guidance focuses on peer harassment, and articulates the legal standards that apply in administrative enforcement and in court cases where plaintiffs are seeking injunctive relief.

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rights laws enforced by OCR—race, color, national origin, sex, and disability—to include such bases as sexual orientation and religion. While this letter concerns your legal obligations under the laws enforced by OCR, other federal, state, and local laws impose additional obligations on schools.⁷ And, of course, even when bullying or harassment is not a civil rights violation, schools should still seek to prevent it in order to protect students from the physical and emotional harms that it may cause.

Harassing conduct may take many forms, including verbal acts and name-calling; graphic and written statements, which may include use of cell phones or the Internet; or other conduct that may be physically threatening, harmful, or humiliating. Harassment does not have to include intent to harm, be directed at a specific target, or involve repeated incidents. Harassment creates a hostile environment when the conduct is sufficiently severe, pervasive, or persistent so as to interfere with or limit a student’s ability to participate in or benefit from the services, activities, or opportunities offered by a school. When such harassment is based on race, color, national origin, sex, or disability, it violates the civil rights laws that OCR enforces.⁸

A school is responsible for addressing harassment incidents about which it knows or reasonably should have known.⁹ In some situations, harassment may be in plain sight, widespread, or well-known to students and staff, such as harassment occurring in hallways, during academic or physical education classes, during extracurricular activities, at recess, on a school bus, or through graffiti in public areas. In these cases, the obvious signs of the harassment are sufficient to put the school on notice. In other situations, the school may become aware of misconduct, triggering an investigation that could lead to the discovery of additional incidents that, taken together, may constitute a hostile environment. In all cases, schools should have well-publicized policies prohibiting harassment and procedures for reporting and resolving complaints that will alert the school to incidents of harassment.¹⁰

When responding to harassment, a school must take immediate and appropriate action to investigate or otherwise determine what occurred. The specific steps in a school’s investigation will vary depending upon the nature of the allegations, the source of the complaint, the age of the student or students involved, the size and administrative structure of the school, and other factors. In all cases, however, the inquiry should be prompt, thorough, and impartial.

If an investigation reveals that discriminatory harassment has occurred, a school must take prompt and effective steps reasonably calculated to end the harassment, eliminate any hostile

⁷ For instance, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has jurisdiction over Title IV of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C. § 2000c (Title IV), which prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, or national origin by public elementary and secondary schools and public institutions of higher learning. State laws also provide additional civil rights protections, so districts should review these statutes to determine what protections they afford (e.g., some state laws specifically prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation).
⁸ Some conduct alleged to be harassment may implicate the First Amendment rights to free speech or expression. For more information on the First Amendment’s application to harassment, see the discussions in OCR’s Dear Colleague Letter: First Amendment (July 28, 2003), available at http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/firstamend.html, and OCR’s Revised Sexual Harassment Guidance: Harassment of Students by School Employees, Other Students, or Third Parties (Jan. 19, 2001) (Sexual Harassment Guidance), available at http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/docs/shguide.html.
⁹ A school has notice of harassment if a responsible employee knew, or in the exercise of reasonable care should have known, about the harassment. For a discussion of what a “responsible employee” is, see OCR’s Sexual Harassment Guidance.
¹⁰ Districts must adopt and publish grievance procedures providing for prompt and equitable resolution of student and employee sex and disability discrimination complaints, and must notify students, parents, employees, applicants, and other interested parties that the district does not discriminate on the basis of sex or disability. See 28 C.F.R. § 35.106; 28 C.F.R. § 35.107(b); 34 C.F.R. § 104.7(b); 34 C.F.R. § 104.8; 34 C.F.R. § 106.8(b); 34 C.F.R. § 106.9.

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environment and its effects, and prevent the harassment from recurring. These duties are a school’s responsibility even if the misconduct also is covered by an anti-bullying policy, and regardless of whether a student has complained, asked the school to take action, or identified the harassment as a form of discrimination.

Appropriate steps to end harassment may include separating the accused harasser and the target, providing counseling for the target and/or harasser, or taking disciplinary action against the harasser. These steps should not penalize the student who was harassed. For example, any separation of the target from an alleged harasser should be designed to minimize the burden on the target’s educational program (e.g., not requiring the target to change his or her class schedule).

In addition, depending on the extent of the harassment, the school may need to provide training or other interventions not only for the perpetrators, but also for the larger school community, to ensure that all students, their families, and school staff can recognize harassment if it recurs and know how to respond. A school also may be required to provide additional services to the student who was harassed in order to address the effects of the harassment, particularly if the school initially delays in responding or responds inappropriately or inadequately to information about harassment. An effective response also may need to include the issuance of new policies against harassment and new procedures by which students, parents, and employees may report allegations of harassment (or wide dissemination of existing policies and procedures), as well as wide distribution of the contact information for the district’s Title IX and Section 504/Title II coordinators.¹¹

Finally, a school should take steps to stop further harassment and prevent any retaliation against the person who made the complaint (or was the subject of the harassment) or against those who provided information as witnesses. At a minimum, the school’s responsibilities include making sure that the harassed students and their families know how to report any subsequent problems, conducting follow-up inquiries to see if there have been any new incidents or any instances of retaliation, and responding promptly and appropriately to address continuing or new problems.

When responding to incidents of misconduct, schools should keep in mind the following:

The label used to describe an incident (e.g., bullying, hazing, teasing) does not determine how a school is obligated to respond. Rather, the nature of the conduct itself must be assessed for civil rights implications. So, for example, if the abusive behavior is on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, or disability, and creates a hostile environment, a school is obligated to respond in accordance with the applicable federal civil rights statutes and regulations enforced by OCR.
When the behavior implicates the civil rights laws, school administrators should look beyond simply disciplining the perpetrators. While disciplining the perpetrators is likely a necessary step, it often is insufficient. A school’s responsibility is to eliminate the

¹¹ Districts must designate persons responsible for coordinating compliance with Title IX, Section 504, and Title II, including the investigation of any complaints of sexual, gender-based, or disability harassment. See 28 C.F.R. § 35.107(a); 34 C.F.R. § 104.7(a); 34 C.F.R. § 106.8(a).

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hostile environment created by the harassment, address its effects, and take steps to ensure that harassment does not recur. Put differently, the unique effects of discriminatory harassment may demand a different response than would other types of bullying.

Below, I provide hypothetical examples of how a school’s failure to recognize student misconduct as discriminatory harassment violates students’ civil rights.¹² In each of the examples, the school was on notice of the harassment because either the school or a responsible employee knew or should have known of misconduct that constituted harassment. The examples describe how the school should have responded in each circumstance.

Title VI: Race, Color, or National Origin Harassment

Some students anonymously inserted offensive notes into African-American students’ lockers and notebooks, used racial slurs, and threatened African-American students who tried to sit near them in the cafeteria. Some African-American students told school officials that they did not feel safe at school. The school investigated and responded to individual instances of misconduct by assigning detention to the few student perpetrators it could identify. However, racial tensions in the school continued to escalate to the point that several fights broke out between the school’s racial groups.

e.g.

Had the school recognized that a racially hostile environment had been created, it would have realized that it needed to do more than just discipline the few individuals whom it could identify as having been involved. By failing to acknowledge the racially hostile environment, the school failed to meet its obligation to implement a more systemic response to address the unique effect that the misconduct had on the school climate. A more effective response would have included, in addition to punishing the perpetrators, such steps as reaffirming the school’s policy against discrimination (including racial harassment), publicizing the means to report allegations of racial harassment, training faculty on constructive responses to racial conflict, hosting class discussions about racial harassment and sensitivity to students of other races, and conducting outreach to involve parents and students in an effort to identify problems and improve the school climate. Finally, had school officials responded appropriately

¹² Each of these hypothetical examples contains elements taken from actual cases.

Page 5

¹³

Over the course of a school year, school employees at a junior high school received reports of several incidents of anti-Semitic conduct at the school. Anti-Semitic graffiti, including swastikas, was scrawled on the stalls of the school bathroom. When custodians discovered the graffiti and reported it to school administrators, the administrators ordered the graffiti removed but took no further action. At the same school, a teacher caught two ninth-graders trying to force two seventh-graders to give them money. The ninth-graders told the seventh-graders, “You Jews have all of the money, give us some.” When school administrators investigated the incident, they determined that the seventh-graders were not actually Jewish. The school suspended the perpetrators for a week because of the serious nature of their misconduct. After that incident, younger Jewish students started avoiding the school library and computer lab because they were located in the corridor housing the lockers of the ninth-graders. At the same school, a group of eighth-grade students repeatedly called a Jewish student “Drew the dirty Jew.” The responsible eighth-graders were reprimanded for teasing the Jewish student.

¹⁴

e.g.

¹⁵

In this example, school administrators should have recognized that the harassment was based on the students’ actual or perceived shared ancestry or ethnic identity as Jews (rather than on the students’ religious practices). The school was not relieved of its responsibilities under Title VI because the targets of one of the incidents were not actually Jewish. The harassment was still based on the perceived ancestry or ethnic characteristics of the targeted students. Furthermore, the harassment negatively affected the ability and willingness of Jewish students to participate fully in the school’s

¹³ More information about the applicable legal standards and OCR’s approach to investigating allegations of harassment on the basis of race, color, or national origin is included in Racial Incidents and Harassment Against Students at Educational Institutions: Investigative Guidance, 59 Fed. Reg. 11,448 (Mar. 10, 1994), available at http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/docs/race394.html.
¹⁴ As noted in footnote seven, DOJ has the authority to remedy discrimination based solely on religion under Title IV.
¹⁵ More information about the applicable legal standards and OCR’s approach to investigating complaints of discrimination against members of religious groups is included in OCR’s Dear Colleague Letter: Title VI and Title IX Religious Discrimination in Schools and Colleges (Sept. 13, 2004), available at http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/religious-rights2004.html.

Page 6

e.g.

Because the school failed to recognize that the incidents created a hostile environment, it addressed each only in isolation, and therefore failed to take prompt and effective steps reasonably calculated to end the harassment and prevent its recurrence. In addition to disciplining the perpetrators, remedial steps could have included counseling the perpetrators about the hurtful effect of their conduct, publicly labeling the incidents as anti-Semitic, reaffirming the school’s policy against discrimination, and publicizing the means by which students may report harassment. Providing teachers with training to recognize and address anti-Semitic incidents also would have increased the effectiveness of the school’s response. The school could also have created an age-appropriate program to educate its students about the history and dangers of anti-Semitism, and could have conducted outreach to involve parents and community groups in preventing future anti-Semitic harassment.

Title IX: Sexual Harassment

Shortly after enrolling at a new high school, a female student had a brief romance with another student. After the couple broke up, other male and female students began routinely calling the new student sexually charged names, spreading rumors about her sexual behavior, and sending her threatening text messages and e-mails. One of the student’s teachers and an athletic coach witnessed the name calling and heard the rumors, but identified it as “hazing” that new students often experience. They also noticed the new student’s anxiety and declining class participation. The school attempted to resolve the situation by requiring the student to work the problem out directly with her harassers.

Sexual harassment is unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature, which can include unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal, nonverbal, or physical conduct of a sexual nature. Thus, sexual harassment prohibited by Title IX can include conduct such as touching of a sexual nature; making sexual comments, jokes, or gestures; writing graffiti or displaying or distributing sexually explicit drawings, pictures, or written materials; calling students sexually charged names; spreading sexual rumors; rating students on sexual activity or performance; or circulating, showing, or creating e-mails or Web sites of a sexual nature.
Page 7

e.g.

¹⁶

Title IX: Gender-Based Harassment

Over the course of a school year, a gay high school student was called names (including anti-gay slurs and sexual comments) both to his face and on social networking sites, physically assaulted, threatened, and ridiculed because he did not conform to stereotypical notions of how teenage boys are expected to act and appear (e.g., effeminate mannerisms, nontraditional choice of extracurricular activities, apparel, and personal grooming choices). As a result, the student dropped out of the drama club to avoid further harassment. Based on the student’s self-identification as gay and the homophobic nature of some of the harassment, the school did not recognize that the misconduct included discrimination covered by Title IX. The school responded to complaints from the student by reprimanding the perpetrators consistent with its anti-bullying policy. The reprimands of the identified perpetrators stopped the harassment by those individuals. It did not, however, stop others from undertaking similar harassment of the student.

i.e.

^{16 More information about the applicable legal standards and OCR’s approach to investigating allegations of sexual harassment is included in OCR’s Sexual Harassment Guidance, available at http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/docs/shguide.html.}

Page 8

sex, or for failing to conform to stereotypical notions of masculinity and femininity. Title IX also prohibits sexual harassment and gender-based harassment of all students, regardless of the actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity of the harasser or target.

e.g.

ad hoc

¹⁷

Section 504 and Title II: Disability Harassment

Several classmates repeatedly called a student with a learning disability “stupid,” “idiot,” and “retard” while in school and on the school bus. On one occasion, these students tackled him, hit him with a school binder, and threw his personal items into the garbage. The student complained to his teachers and guidance counselor that he was continually being taunted and teased. School officials offered him counseling services and a

¹⁷ Guidance on gender-based harassment is also included in OCR’s Sexual Harassment Guidance, available at http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/docs/shguide.html.

Page 9

psychiatric evaluation, but did not discipline the offending students. As a result, the harassment continued. The student, who had been performing well academically, became angry, frustrated, and depressed, and often refused to go to school to avoid the harassment.

e.g.

¹⁸

I encourage you to reevaluate the policies and practices your school uses to address bullying¹⁹ and harassment to ensure that they comply with the mandates of the federal civil rights laws. For your convenience, the following is a list of online resources that further discuss the obligations of districts to respond to harassment prohibited under the federal antidiscrimination laws enforced by OCR:

Sexual Harassment: It’s Not Academic (Revised 2008):
http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/docs/ocrshpam.html

Dear Colleague Letter: Sexual Harassment Issues (2006):
http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/letters/sexhar-2006.html

Dear Colleague Letter: Religious Discrimination (2004):
http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/religious-rights2004.html

Dear Colleague Letter: First Amendment (2003):
http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/firstamend.html

¹⁸ More information about the applicable legal standards and OCR’s approach to investigating allegations of disability harassment is included in OCR’s Dear Colleague Letter: Prohibited Disability Harassment (July 25, 2000), available at http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/docs/disabharassltr.html.
¹⁹ For resources on preventing and addressing bullying, please visit http://www.bullyinginfo.org, a Web site established by a federal Interagency Working Group on Youth Programs. For information on the Department’s bullying prevention resources, please visit the Office of Safe and Drug-Free Schools’ Web site at http://www.ed.gov/offices/OESE/SDFS. For information on regional Equity Assistance Centers that assist schools in developing and implementing policies and practices to address issues regarding race, sex, or national origin discrimination, please visit http://www.ed.gov/programs/equitycenters.

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Sexual Harassment Guidance (Revised 2001): http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/docs/shguide.html

Dear Colleague Letter: Prohibited Disability Harassment (2000): http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/docs/disabharassltr.html

Racial Incidents and Harassment Against Students (1994): http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/docs/race394.html

Please also note that OCR has added new data items to be collected through its Civil Rights Data Collection (CRDC), which surveys school districts in a variety of areas related to civil rights in education. The CRDC now requires districts to collect and report information on allegations of harassment, policies regarding harassment, and discipline imposed for harassment. In 2009-10, the CRDC covered nearly 7,000 school districts, including all districts with more than 3,000 students. For more information about the CRDC data items, please visit http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/whatsnew.html.

OCR is committed to working with schools, students, students’ families, community and advocacy organizations, and other interested parties to ensure that students are not subjected to harassment. Please do not hesitate to contact OCR if we can provide assistance in your efforts to address harassment or if you have other civil rights concerns.

For the OCR regional office serving your state, please visit: http://wdcrobcolp01.ed.gov/CFAPPS/OCR/contactus.cfm, or call OCR’s Customer Service Team at 1-800-421-3481.

I look forward to continuing our work together to ensure equal access to education, and to promote safe and respectful school climates for America’s students.

	Sincerely,
	/s/
	Russlynn Ali
	Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights

HUD for LGBT Fair Housing

2010-10-25T11:26:00.008-04:00

With all of the negative news around gay issues, let's hearken back to a positive develop that may have been overlooked. A couple of months ago, we got this announcement from the US Department of housing and Urban Development:

HUD No. 10-139
Shantae Goodloe
(202) 708-0685

HUD ISSUES GUIDANCE ON LGBT HOUSING DISCRIMINATION COMPLAINTS
Department addresses housing discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity

WASHINGTON- The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) today announced a new policy that provides lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) individuals and families with further assistance when facing housing discrimination. The new guidance treats gender identity discrimination most often faced by transgender persons as gender discrimination under the Fair Housing Act, and instructs HUD staff to inform individuals filing complaints about state and local agencies that have LGBT-inclusive discrimination laws. HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan announced the new guidance at HUD’s LGBT Pride Month Celebration.

"Our job to prevent and combat housing discrimination is not complete without addressing 21st Century issues," stated John Trasviña, Assistant Secretary for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity.　"Our fair housing staff will work with state and local civil rights agencies to investigate and refer discrimination cases and work to combat all aspects of gender discrimination."

The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in rental, sales and lending on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, disability and familial status. Approximately 20 states, and the District of Columbia, and over 60 cities, towns and counties across the nation have additional protections that specifically prohibit such discrimination against LGBT individuals. Under the guidance announced today, HUD will, as appropriate, retain its jurisdiction over complaints filed by LGBT individuals or families but also jointly investigate or refer matters to those state, district and local governments with other legal protections.

For example, if a man alleges that he is being evicted because he is gay and his landlord believes he will infect other tenants with HIV, then the allegation of discrimination may be jurisdictional under the Fair Housing Act based on disability because the man is regarded as having a disability, HIV/AIDS.　 Similarly, if a female prospective tenant is alleging discrimination by a landlord because she wears masculine clothes and engages in other physical expressions that are stereotypically male, then the allegations may be jurisdictional under the Act as discrimination based on gender.　　　　　　

Last October, HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan announced a series of measures to ensure that the agency’s core housing programs are open to all, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.　 Earlier this month, HUD announced that it will require grant applicants seeking HUD funding to comply with state and local anti-discrimination laws that protect LGBT individuals. In addition, HUD intends to propose new regulations that will clarify that the term "family" as used to describe eligible beneficiaries of HUD’s programs include otherwise eligible LGBT individuals and couples. The Department’s intent to propose new regulations will clarify family status to ensure its core housing programs are available to all families, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.　　　　　　　　　　

The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) will also instruct its lending community that FHA-insured mortgage loans must be based on the credit-worthiness of borrowers and not on unrelated factors or characteristics such as sexual orientation or gender identity. Finally, HUD will commission the first-ever national study of discrimination against members of the LGBT community in the rental and sale of housing. The Department is currently seeking online public comment from interested parties in how it might design this new study.

###

This announcement followed a series of policy changes from last November, including ensuring gay couples are covered under the term “family,” requiring grantees to comply with local gay-inclusive non-discrimination laws and specifying that any FHA-insured mortgage loan is free from anti-gay bias.

It's not a glamorous change but it is a significant one, and it will make a huge difference to a huge number of people. We must never lose sight of the positive amidst news of the negative. We'll always be encountering one step back, but let's focus on the two steps forward!

'Youth' Starts With 'You'

2010-10-20T09:23:00.009-04:00

Here on Spirit Day during Ally Week, we present some resources to help protect LGBT youth from bullying and harassment:

Out, Safe & Respected - This kit from Lambda Legal is designed to help you know your rights at school and make sure they’re respected, and to give you concrete ideas about how you can make a difference in your school and community.

You have the right to be who you are.

You have the right to be out, safe and respected at school.
Bending The Mold - Whether you’re transgender or gender non-conforming, questioning, or an ally, this kit from Lambda Legal is designed to help you make your school a safer place.

They’ve included ideas and information to help you advocate for change. There’s also an extensive list of resources to help you connect with the transgender community and find support.
Make It Better - This project, launched by the national GSA Network and endorsed by a zillion other groups, gives youth and adults the tools they need to combat anti-LGBT bullying and harassment and make schools safer for LGBT youth right now.

'Nuff said.

Act Now! We've Got Spirit, Yes We Do: Spirit Day, 10/20

2010-10-18T20:53:00.004-04:00

Wear Purple on October 20 for Spirit Day

Equality NC is happy to support Spirit Day on October 20 to support LGBT youth and remember those who have committed suicide because of bullying.

How can you help?

Wear purple on October 20!
Click here to turn your Twitter profile pic purple now through October 20
Click here to turn your Facebook profile pic purple now through October 20 - then click on the new photo and click "Make Profile Pic"
On Wednesday, post this tweet: I'm wearing purple to end anti-LGBT bullying - make your profile pic purple today #SpiritDay http://glaad.org/spiritday
On Wednesday, post this Facebook status: I'm wearing purple today to support LGBT youth - make your profile pic purple today for Spirit Day at http://glaad.org/spiritday
Help promote by downloading this graphic for your blog or website

On Twitter? Use the hashtag #SpiritDay in your tweets - let's make #SpiritDay a trending topic!

What is Spirit Day?

The idea behind Spirit Day, first created by teenager Brittany McMillan earlier this month, is a simple one, not dissimilar to the idea of "Spirit Week" held in many high schools, and can be summed up in three words: Everyone Rally Together.

Spirit Day honors the teenagers who had taken their own lives in recent weeks. But just as importantly, it's also a way to show the hundreds of thousands of LGBT youth who face the same pressures and bullying, that there is a vast community of people who support them.

Purple symbolizes 'spirit' on the rainbow flag, a symbol for LGBT Pride that was created by Gilbert Baker in 1978.

As one of the event's Facebook pages says: "This event is not a seminar nor is it a rally. There is NO meeting place. All you have to do is wear purple."

Wearing purple on October 20 is a simple way to show the world that you stand by these courageous young people and a simple way to stand UP to the bullies. Remember those lives we've tragically lost, and show your solidarity with those who are still fighting. 'Go Purple' today!

Please RSVP to these events on Facebook: "R.I.P. ;; In memory of the recent suicides due to gay abuse, wear purple" and Spirit Day, A GLOBAL Day of remembering.

Are You in Need of Immediate Help?

LGBT youth in need of immediate help should contact The Trevor Project 's 24/7 Lifeline at 866-4-U-TREVOR (866-488-7386) or The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

or more information, read GLAAD's blog post about GLAAD's work with Facebook on Spirit Day...

Watch this CNN video about Facebook working with GLAAD to fight anti-LGBT hateful speech:

Turn your profile pic purple now.

Mo' Media, Mo' Media: Staying in The (Froot) Loop!

2010-10-14T15:50:00.007-04:00

Check out media coverage from our press conference and delivery of Froot Loops to Rep. Larry Brown's office today.

Here's our YouTube video of Executive Director Ian Palmquist's comments:
http://bit.ly/cwdro9

And here's more cool media coverage:

[10/19/10 UPDATE] The American Independent - http://www.americanindependent.com/equality-nc-raises-money-from-rep-browns-email-comments/

[10/15/10 UPDATE] The Charlotte Observer - http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2010/10/15/1762580/froot-loops-serve-notice-to-legislator.html

Burlington Times - http://www.thetimesnews.com/news/lawmaker-37716-raleigh-slurs.html

The Pulse - http://pulse.ncpolicywatch.org/2010/10/14/rep-brown-youre-cereals-here/

Daily Comet - http://www.dailycomet.com/article/20101014/APN/1010140582?Title=Cereal-boxes-headed-to-NC-lawmaker-who-wrote-slurs

Winston-Salem Journal - http://www2.journalnow.com/news/2010/oct/14/equality-north-carolina-plans-deliver-empty-fruit--ar-457566/
WRAL.com - http://www.wral.com/news/local/story/8450755/

Bay Windows - http://www.baywindows.com/index.php?ch=news&sc=glbt&sc2=news&sc3=&id=111435

ABC11 - http://abclocal.go.com/wtvd/story?section=news/politics&id=7722551

It's That Time Again: Ally Week!

2010-10-13T15:31:00.001-04:00

Next week is all about the straight folks, or at least the ones that support us gay folks. (OK, it's also about the gay folks who support the other gay folks. It's about all of us!)

GLSEN (Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network) is sponsoring Ally Week.

Allies generally are non-LGBT people who are committed to ending bias and discrimination against LGBT people, but the term ally is more inclusive (particularly within the Safe Schools Movement) and can refer to anyone who supports ending anti-LGBT name-calling, bullying, and harassment in schools. For example, a bisexual adult can be an ally to LGBT students, and a lesbian student can be an ally to a transgender student.

During Ally Week, people are encouraged to take the ally pledge:

"I believe all students, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity/expression deserve to feel safe and supported.

That means I pledge to:

Not use anti-LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) language or slurs.
Intervene, if I safely can, in situations where students are being harassed.
Support efforts to end bullying and harassment."

This is one of the several easy things that you can do to take action.

Students are encouraged to sign up for specific events and activities on the website. You can also connect virtually through Facebook, MySpace, and Twitter.

On the website, you can download ally pledge cards and stickers, as well as order posters, t-shirts, and other promo materials. You can read and submit ally stories online, and you can learn about local and student organizing.

Ally Week is just one part in a larger program to create safe schools for all students and ultimately create a safe environment for all (including LGBT) people.

Rep. Brown's Homophobia - It Is To Laugh!

2010-10-12T09:57:00.003-04:00

Another NC politician dinged on "Saturday Night Live:"
http://blogs.newsobserver.com/tv/another-nc-politician-dinged-on-saturday-night-live#ixzz129XY7oL9

Check out this political cartoon from NC Policy Watch: http://www.ncpolicywatch.com/cms/2010/10/11/fruit-loops/

Come Out, Come Out, Wherever You Are! National Coming Out Day.

2010-10-11T09:48:00.008-04:00

October 11 is National Coming Out Day when people of all sexual orientations are encouraged to come out and live openly.

(Obviously this has more significance for LGBT folks, but straight allies are included in this. Sometimes in predominantly gay situations it can be difficult for straight folks to admit to being not gay. The whole point is one of acceptance for everyone and acknowledgment of our diversity.)

(And Ally Week is coming up, Oct 18-22, BTW!)

While being gay doesn't have quite the stigma it used to, there still isn't true acceptance and equality. And considering how hard it can be to be gay today, it's that much harder to be bi, or trans, or even LGBT within another minority group like people of color. It can be hard to be unsure and questioning, wondering about your sexuality.

Coming out is a process, and there is no right or wrong way to do it. It's a wholly personal thing, and it can be a lifelong process. It's also a continuum - you may be out to your family, but you may be closeted at work, or at the gym, or at your kid's school, or standing in line at the bank.

The most important thing is to take a step today, in a conscious way. Do something that feels safe to you, but still do something to come or be out of the closet, or even just give some more visibility to all or part of the community. You can talk about your partner, the gay contestant on a reality show, the HIV/AIDS epidemic, your going to Pride, your BDSM leather club, or whatever!

Sexual orientation and gender identity are aspects of who we are, but they do not completely define us. Still, the only way to make progress is to be honest - prejudice and bigotry are based in ignorance, and the more of that we can take away, the less discrimination there will be.

Coming Out Day is actually celebrated internationally. In the US, HRC provides many resources and activities. Here's a handy map for organized events:

View these events on a larger map »

And here are some resources:

Whoever you are, wherever you are, come out!

Extra! Extra! Loopy Lawmaker's Language Mobilizes Media!

2010-10-07T14:35:00.011-04:00

Our campaign to draw attention to Rep. Larry Brown's homophobic comments ...

http://bit.ly/Followyournose

... has succeeded. Media outlets across the country have picked up the story. We've been mentioned on the radio, TV, numerous blogs, and print media nationwide.

Check some of these out:

ABC11 - http://abclocal.go.com/wtvd/story?section=news/politics&id=7706642

AllVoices http://www.allvoices.com/news/6953392-equality-nc-plans-froot-loops-protest-for-antigay-pol

AmericaBlogGay http://gay.americablog.com/2010/10/equalitync-is-sending-froot-loops-to.html

AP - http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5g26-VzKaKAQ6lL7toVKKhm8IfCoAD9ILQBU00?docId=D9ILQBU00

Carolina Politics http://www.carolinapoliticsonline.com/2010/10/06/state-rep-brown-gay-people-are-fruit-loops/

Charlotte Observer http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2010/10/06/1743540/sending-senator-cereal-could-be.html

ChicagoPride.com - http://chicago.gopride.com/news/article.cfm/articleid/13728249

CNN - http://news.blogs.cnn.com/2010/10/07/n-c-republican-calls-gays-fruitloops-in-e-mail/

Connexion.org http://www.connexion.org/gay-news/news?id=768814

Daily Kos http://www.dailykos.com/story/2010/10/6/13243/5528

DailyMe http://dailyme.com/story/2010100600006379/gay-rights-group-send-cereal-nc-lawmaker.html

Dallas Voice http://www.dallasvoice.com/tag/fruit

DigTriad.com - http://www.digtriad.com/news/local/article.aspx?storyid=148909&catid=57

Edge Boston - http://www.edgeboston.com/index.php?ch=news&sc=&sc2=news&sc3=&id=111284

Edge Boston http://www.edgeboston.com/index.php?ch=news&sc=&sc2=news&sc3=&id=111284

Examiner.com - http://www.examiner.com/public-policy-in-charlotte/state-legislator-uses-anti-gay-slurs

Greensboro http://www.news-record.com/blog/55771/entry/100508

Idaho Statesman http://www.idahostatesman.com/2010/10/06/1369728_north-carolina-gop-state-legislator.html

JacksonvilleNews http://www.dailykos.com/story/2010/10/6/13243/5528

JoeMyGod http://joemygod.blogspot.com/2010/10/quote-of-day-larry-brown.html

Kentucky.com http://www.kentucky.com/2010/10/06/1467883/north-carolina-gop-state-legislator.html

Lezgetreal.com - http://lezgetreal.com/2010/10/nc-legislator-sends-out-homophobic-email-to-colleagues/

M2M POlitics http://intheloop.freedomblogging.com/2010/10/06/equality-nc-plans-to-send-legislator-boxes-of-froot-loops/1504/

McClatchy http://www.mcclatchydc.com/2010/10/06/101705/north-carolina-gop-state-legislator.html

Miami Herald - http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/2010/10/nc-legislator-uses-queers-fruitloops-in-anti-gay-e-mail.html

Miami Herald http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/10/05/1858532/north-carolina-legislator-uses.html

Michael Signorile - http://www.signorile.com/2010/10/today-on-signorile-show_07.html

MyFox8 - http://www.myfox8.com/news/wghp-story-lawmaker-criticized-101005,0,816512.story

MyNC.com - http://wake.mync.com/site/wake/news|Sports|Lifestyles/story/55952/nc-gay-rights-group-responds-to-email-containing-gay-slurs

NC News Network - http://www.ncnn.com/content/view/6464/26/

News 14 - http://charlotte.news14.com/content/local_news/triad/631196/gay-rights-group-asking-for-apology-from-legislator

News and Observer http://www.newsobserver.com/2010/10/07/725919/gay-rights-group-goes-sweet-n.html

On Top Magazine - http://www.ontopmag.com/article.aspx?id=6545&MediaType=1&Category=26

OpenSalon http://open.salon.com/blog/safe_bet/2010/10/06/profile_of_a_hater

Orange MyNC via USA Today http://orange.mync.com/site/Orange/news/story/55952/nc-gay-rights-group-responds-to-email-containing-gay-slurs/

Pam's House Blend http://pamshouseblend.com/diary/17551/help-equality-nc-send-fruit-loops-to-bigoted-state-representative-larry-brown

Perez Hilton http://perezhilton.com/2010-10-07-north-carolina-republican-representative-larry-brown-refers-to-gay-people-as-fruit-loops-on-e-mail-chain

Picked up by: Washington Post, Burlington Times News

QNotes http://goqnotes.com/8723/equality-nc-to-send-anti-gay-republican-boxes-of-froot-loops/

QueerWatch http://queerwatch.tumblr.com/post/1257358194/help-equality-nc-send-fruit-loops-to-bigoted-state

Sacramento Bee http://www.sacbee.com/2010/10/06/3085742/gay-rights-group-to-send-cereal.html

The Progressive Pulse - http://pulse.ncpolicywatch.org/2010/10/06/equality-nc-delivering-froot-loops-cereal-to-rep-brown/

The Progressive Pulse http://pulse.ncpolicywatch.org/2010/10/06/equality-nc-delivering-froot-loops-cereal-to-rep-brown/

The Stir - http://thestir.cafemom.com/in_the_news/110573/politician_says_gays_are_fruitloops

Towleroad http://www.towleroad.com/2010/10/equality-nc-plans-froot-loops-protest-for-anti-gay-pol.html

USA Today http://content.usatoday.com/topics/article/Organizations/Companies/Banking,+Financial,+Insurance,+Law/Bank+of+America/01x3gXrcWbfjA/1

WataugaWatch http://blog.wataugawatch.net/

Wikio London UK http://www.wikio.co.uk/culture/literature/authors/larry_brown

WRAL.com - http://www.wral.com/news/local/politics/story/8402744/

Winston-Salem Journal - http://www2.journalnow.com/news/2010/oct/07/gay-rights-activists-plan-cereal-campaign-ar-440333/

"Teenage Suicide (Don't Do It)"

2010-10-06T10:37:00.004-04:00

The title is a joking reference to a song from the black comedy Heathers, but the topic is serious. Literally, it is deadly serious.

In the short span of a few weeks, there have been six gay teen suicides across the country:

Tyler Clementi, 18, Rutgers University freshman, violinist
Justin Aaberg, 15, Anoka, Minnesota freshman, cello player
Asher Brown, 13, Houston, Texas eighth-grader and straight A student
Raymond Chase, 19, Johnson & Wales University sophomore, culinary student
Billy Lucas, 15, Greensburg, Indiana sophomore, animal lover
Seth Walsh, 13, Fresno, California middle school student, artist and fashion aficionado

LGBT youth are up to four times more likely to attempt suicide than their heterosexual peers, according to the Massachusetts 2006 Youth Risk Survey.

Adolescence is hard enough, but then gay youth have the additional stressors of more limited social and societal options due to discrimination, as well as less access to information and support, and an increased incidence of bullying and harassment.

In the wake of these high-profile deaths, though, many people have taken steps to provide additional support to prevent teen suicide, in addition to already existing resources.

Noted columnist Dan Savage created his "It Gets Better" project to send the message that suicide is not the way to go and to show that gay folks can have a good and positive future ahead of themselves, even if they may not see that at the moment. Noted celebrities who have participated include Tim Gunn, Sarah Silverman, Ashley Tisdale, Jewel, Eve, Perez Hilton, and Chris Colfer.
The Trevor Project (provides a national 24-hour, toll free confidential suicide hotline for gay and questioning youth)
The Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention Program
National Suicide & Crisis Hotline: 1-800-273-8255

Suicide is a preventable tragedy, and we must work to raise awareness of the plight of, and options for, suicidal youth. Over a decade ago, former U.S. Surgeon General David Satcher called suicide a "public health crisis," and sadly, it still is.

Warning Signs of Suicide

Ideation (thinking, talking, or wishing about suicide or obsessing over death)
Substance use or abuse (increased use or change in substance)
Puposelessness (no sense of purpose or belonging)
Anger
Trapped (feeling like there is no way out)
Hopelessness (there is nothing to live for, no hope or optimism)
Withdrawal (from family, friends, work, school, activities, hobbies)
Anxiety (restlessness, irritability, agitation)
Recklessness (high risk-taking behavior)
Mood disturbance (dramatic changes in mood, including sudden happiness or calmness, as well as)

If You See the Warning Signs of Suicide...

Begin a dialogue by asking questions. Suicidal thoughts are common with depressive illnesses and your willingness to talk about it in a non-judgmental, non-confrontational way can be the help a person needs to seeking professional help. Questions okay to ask:

"Do you ever feel so badly that you think about suicide?"
"Do you have a plan to commit suicide or take your life?"
"Have you thought about when you would do it (today, tomorrow, next week)?"
"Have you thought about what method you would use?"

Remember, always take thoughts of or plans for suicide seriously.

Never keep a plan for suicide a secret. It is better to lose a relationship from violating a confidence than it is to go to a funeral. And most of the time they will come back and thank you for saving their life.

Don't try to minimize problems or shame a person into changing their mind. Trying to convince a person suffering that "it's not that bad" or that "you have everything to live for" may only increase feelings of guilt and hopelessness. Reassure them that help is available, that depression is treatable, and that suicidal feelings are temporary. Life can - and does - get better!

If you feel the person isn't in immediate danger, acknowledge the pain as legitimate and offer to work together to get help. Help find a doctor or a mental health professional, participate in making the first phone call, or go along to the first appointment. If you need to, call 911 to get help.

Down To Business: Corporate Equality Index 2011

2010-10-04T11:33:00.005-04:00

The Human Rights Campaign recently released its 9th annual Corporate Equality Index 2011: Rating American Workplaces on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and
Transgender Equality.

This report assesses American workplaces on LGBT equality. For the first time this year, all Fortune 500 companies, including those that did not voluntary participate, are scored on their workplace practices.

The report evaluates more than 30 specific policies and practices covering aspects of employment for LGBT workers from non-discrimination protections and the training surrounding those policies to domestic partnership and legal dependent benefits to gender transition guidelines and LGBT employee resource groups.

(The report also discusses new criteria for future studies that will go into effect next year, as well as discusses how the evaluation process has changed over time. The new standards will include 18 additional criteria that relate to benefits discrimination for transgender employees and dependents, full equal benefits for same-sex partners and spouses, and organizational competency on LGBT workplace issues that go beyond written policies.)

A total of 337 major U.S. businesses earned the top rating of 100 percent, up from 305 last year .

A few of the survey’s highlights:

Corporate America protects LGBT workers from discrimination and provides benefits in ways that our own government does not. While only 29% of the U.S. population lives in states with statewide non-discrimination statutes that specify sexual orientation and gender identity, 99% of CEI-rated companies include sexual orientation and 76% include sexual orientation and gender identity in their non-discrimination policies. In 2002, only 5% of CEI-rated companies included gender identity among their non-discrimination policies.
In 2004, only 3% of CEI-rated companies addressed transgender health with limited benefit offerings. Today, 79% of CEI-rated companies provide this limited coverage and 85 companies specifically, including Google, Coca Cola, and AT&T, offer at least one healthcare plan option to all employees that covers many medically necessary transition-related treatments, including hormone therapies and sexual affirmation surgeries.
In 2002, 70% of CEI-rated companies provided domestic partnership healthcare benefits. Today, 95% of CEI-rated companies provide that coverage.

Several high-profile companies did not respond to HRC’s invitation to be rated. Notable non-responders include Pottery Barn and West Elm (both part of Williams-Sonoma Inc.), Bed Bath & Beyond, Dillard’s, PetSmart, Western Union, Dr. Pepper Snapple Group, Winn-Dixie Stores Inc., Tyson Foods, AFLAC, Foot Locker, DirecTV and News Corp. (owner of both Fox News and HarperCollins Publishers).

(Fifteen points were deducted from the otherwise perfect scores of Target, Best Buy, and 3M for failing to respond to requests to take corrective actions following their sizable contributions to MN Forward, a political committee supporting the election of an anti-gay candidate for governor of Minnesota.)

The report was released on the eve of this year's Out & Equal Workplace Summit.

GLBT History Month 2010

2010-09-29T14:00:00.008-04:00

During October 2010, Equality Forum is sponsoring the 5th annual LGBT History Month.

Beginning October 1, a GLBT Icon will be presented daily, with a video, bio, bibliography, downloadable images, and other resources – all provided for free. The 124 Icons with resources for 2006 – 2009 are also archived on the site. For five years, since 2006, Equality Forum has provided videos, bios, bibliographies, downloadable images, and other resources for 31 GLBT History Month Icons each October.

“Equality Forum offers a free GLBT History Month link to organizations, educational institutions, workplace groups, and the public,” stated Malcolm Lazin, executive director of the Equality Forum.

The 31 Icon videos can be embedded without charge on Web sites, blogs or social networking pages by following the instructions on the site. Once embedded, the video player will automatically update the daily Icon video.

GLBT History Month posters, Icon lists, graphically-designed Icon bios, and images can be downloaded or printed by clicking on “Resources.” These resources can be used to make a GLBT History Month Exhibit. Equality Forum and GLSEN are sponsoring a GLBT History Month Exhibit Contest for high school GSAs.

“This month is an opportunity for schools to acknowledge and celebrate the positive contributions of LGBT people whose identities are absent from history books. Gay-Straight Alliances across the country look forward to this month every year as a way to introduce positive LGBT role models to their members and classmates,” said Eliza Byard, Executive Director, GLSEN.

The U.S. Department of Education will recognize October as LGBT History Month, with U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan providing welcoming remarks at the Department's first LGBT History Month event.

"For a community deprived of its history, GLBT History Month teaches heritage, provides role models, builds community, and recognizes extraordinary national and international contributions," said Ora Alger, LGBTA Employees President, U.S. Department of Education.

(Starting in 2011, GLBT History Month will be renamed LGBT History Month. Information for GLBT History Month 2010 can currently be accessed at www.glbtHistoryMonth.com or www.lgbtHistoryMonth.com.)

National Gay Men's HIV/AIDS Awareness Day

2010-09-27T12:58:00.008-04:00

Today, September 27, marks the third annual National Gay Men's HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. This is a time to reflect on how profoundly HIV/AIDS has affected people in general and gay and bi men, specifically. It's also a time to recognize how much this group has influenced the development and implementation of strategies to prevent and treat the virus and the disease.

According to the CDC, nationally men who have sex with men (MSM) are 44 to 86 times more likely to be infected with HIV than their heterosexual counterparts.

Gay and bisexual men account for 53 percent of new infections, despite comprising only an estimated 2 percent of the total population. HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius even said recently "in some U.S. cities, it is estimated that nearly half of gay African-American men are HIV-positive."

While HIV/AIDS does not discriminate, it is clearly still a significant issue for the LGBT community. Social inequality is often associated with poorer health status, and members of the LGBT community are at increased risk for a number of health threats when compared to the heterosexual community.

It's important to note, however, that while there are a few differences in sexual behavior that account for some of these disparities, most are associated with social and structural inequities, such as the stigma and discrimination that LGBT populations experience. In other words, prejudice and ignorance are the problems, not a person's sexual orientation.

Communal urgency regarding the HIV/AIDS epidemic among LGBT folks has fallen, unfortunately. HIV/AIDS isn't the death sentence that it used to be, but it's still incurable and horrible. The gay community now tends to be more focused on civil rights issues (which are, of course, critically important) than HIV/AIDS, and HIV/AIDS activists are more likely to experience compassion fatigue than activists working on other issues.

We may no longer have weekly funerals for friends who have died from issues related to HIV/AIDS, but people are still suffering and dying. It's a dark irony that we were more invested in preventative, curative, and palliative care for HIV/AIDS when people we knew were dying on an almost daily basis. Now an AIDS death is a tragedy, but one that results less in activism and more in apathy.

Still, we do have more information available nowadays, as well as more ways to share it and connect with others.

On this day of awareness, please consider three things about HIV/AIDS:

Disease prevention is not an exact science. You can do everything correctly and still get infected. Conversely, perversely, you can also do everything wrong and unsafely and still escape unscathed and uninfected. Statistics may say that you're 99.9% likely to avoid disease transmission, but you never know when you are that 0.1%.

There are lists of behaviors to avoid (i.e. unprotected anal sex, sharing needles, etc.) and ones to follow (i.e. using condoms, knowing you and your sexual partner's status, etc.), but even by following those lists, it doesn't necessarily mean you will never become infected with HIV.

The take-away message is simply this: Be aware of risk, and be more thoughtful and careful than not in your sexual activity.
People who have been infected for less than three months are most likely to be infectious and most likely to falsely test negative.

If you are sexually active, get tested regularly, and actively discuss mutual testing status with any sexual partners you have.
You can make a difference. If you have HIV/AIDS, consider volunteer opportunities in research studies and clinical trials for treatments and vaccines. If you don't (or even if you do), volunteer with a hospice. Attend local fundraisers. Support your local HIV/AIDS organization. Simply do something to create positive change in you and other people's lives.

Here are some good resources on HIV/AIDS issues:

Bi, Bi, Bi! Encourage Visi-Bi-lity By Celebrating Bisexuality Day!

2010-09-22T10:13:00.006-04:00

Thursday, Sept. 23 (and events the following weekend) will mark the 19th annual Celebrate Bisexuality Day (CBD).

Supporters and friends are encouraged to use this occasion to celebrate with activities to encouarge visi-Bi-lity and show their pride while fundraising for national, regional, and local bi/pan/fluid organizations.

Did you know there's a bi pride flag? It's true! You can see it in the picture, and find our more about its history here. The pink color represents sexual attraction to the same-sex (gay and lesbian), blue represents sexual attraction to the opposite-sex (straight), and the resultant overlap color purple represents sexual attraction to both sexes (bi).

Bisexuality is often unfairly dismissed in the gay community as an interim label (sort of a midway point used by people who are in the process of coming out as simply gay but too scared to entirely give up the relative safety of self-identifying as straight). It's not, and it's importance for us to realize this.

While gay visibility has increased over time, bisexuality has remained fairly invisible - people tend to automatically label a couple as either straight or gay depending upon the perceived gender of the people involved. It's easy, but it's not always accurate (as we all know!).

Bisexuality is, of course, quite real, and is simply an attraction to others regardless of gender. Increasingly, though, bi-folks also self-identify as "fluid," "omnisexual," "pansexual," or eschew labels completely (let's call them "free-identifiers" :-) ).

CBD was created as a response to the marginalization of bisexual people by others in both straight and gay communities.

Here are some useful resources for finding out more about our bi brethren and sistren:

Let's take this opportunity to celebrate and affirm the diversity of identity and expression of all LGBT folks, family, and friends, regardless of labels.