LGBT Horror and Heroism in Arizona

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.

Presidential Appointments (Amidst Disappointments)

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.

ACT NOW! The ENDA Summer

The window for passing the federal Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) is rapidly closing, but there's still a chance to get it passed, and you can help!

ENDA has a record number of cosponsors in the House. That means we have a real chance to get ENDA passed. Despite broad support, though, our allies in Congress are refusing to even put ENDA on the agenda.

With midterm elections just around the corner and a very real possibility that the next Congress will be more hostile to LGBT equality, we must act now!

Currently it is still perfectly legal for employers in 29 states to fire someone for their sexual orientation and in 38 states to fire someone for their gender identity or expression. North Carolina has no employment non-discrimination protections for any LGBT folks.

ENDA would be a huge step forward for LGBT equality in the country (though we'll still need state-level protections to fully protect workers!).

The folks from Congress are currently back in their home districts trying to save their jobs in upcoming elections, but gay folks are left waiting for this legislation that would protect ours. Without federal job protections, millions of LGBT Americans are in danger of losing their jobs at any time in an arbitrary, capricious manner.

The threat of being fired for who you are also reinforces the closet, intimidating many folks into hiding their lives for fear of repercussions. It's much harder to be out if you're worried about being fired for it!

This is a moral issue for all Americans, not just gay ones. Everyone benefits when the best person is hired for a position, and it reassures everyone when people are evaluated based on their skills and abilities and performance instead of some intrinsic, irrelevant characteristic. Without ENDA, anyone could be discriminated against for not conforming to gender stereotypes, or fired for acting “too gay.”

GetEQUAL has put together a plan of action for their "ENDA Summer" campaign. They've targeted specific legislators to push on this issue, and two of them are here in North Carolina. For more information and to take action, go to their "Fighting for ENDA in North Carolina" page.

"Mike McIntyre is a Democratic Representative who has a track record out of line with the party's platform of LGBT equality. He opposed ENDA in 2007, opposed Hate Crimes last year, and opposed the repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" this year. He is, of course, leaning no on ENDA if it comes up for a vote this year.

Heath Shuler is a also Democratic Representative with the same anti-LGBT track record as Rep. McIntyre. He opposed ENDA in 2007, opposed Hate Crimes last year, and opposed the repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" this year. He is also, of course, leaning no on ENDA if it comes up for a vote this year.

There are other states in which GetEQUAL is targeting Republicans, specifically those who serve heavily LGBT constituencies, yet continue to vote against LGBT equality. In North Carolina, however, Democrats who vote against LGBT equality AND who vote against their own party's platform must be held accountable. Since the Democratic party continues to fund these lawmakers, it is up to us to let them know that voting against us is not OK."

It's easy enough to do something. Take action, and make a difference, now!

What the activist saw ...

... at last night's LGBT Pride Month reception in the White House. Equality NC's Executive Director Ian Palmquist was in attendance.

You can watch the video here at the White House's website.

Here's the text:

THE PRESIDENT: Hello, hello, hello! (Applause.) Hello, everybody! (Applause.) I was going to say welcome to the White House -- but you guys seem like you feel right at home. (Laughter.) You don't need me to tell you -- it’s the people’s house.

A couple of acknowledgements that I want to make very quickly -- first of all, our Director of the Office of Personnel Management, who has just done an extraordinary job across the government -- give John Berry a big round of applause. (Applause.)

AUDIENCE MEMBER: All right, John.

THE PRESIDENT: All right, John! (Laughter.)

Our chair of the Export/Import Bank, helping to bring jobs here to the United States of America -- Fred Hochberg. (Applause.) Our chair of the Council on Environmental Quality, doing outstanding work each and every day -- Nancy Sutley. Where is she? (Applause.) Nancy is a little vertically challenged, but I see her over there. (Laughter.)

We've got here a trailblazer for federal appointees -- we are so proud of her -- Ms. Roberta Achtenberg is here. Give Roberta a big round of applause. (Applause.) And then I understand we've got a terrific country singer -- Chely Wright is in the house. (Applause.)

In addition -- I know they had to leave because they had votes, but you guys obviously don't have just fiercer warriors on your behalf than a couple of our openly gay and lesbian members of Congress -- Tammy Baldwin and Jared Polis. (Applause.) They are openly terrific. (Laughter.) They do great work.

And it is also great to have so many activists and organizers from around the country -- folks who fight every day for the rights of parents and children and partners and citizens to be treated equally under the law. And so we are very proud of all of you. (Applause.)

Oh, and by the way, the guy standing next to me -- this is Joe Biden. (Applause.) Just because he’s a Phillies fan -- he’s from Delaware. (Laughter.)

Now, look, the fact that we’ve got activists here is important because it’s a reminder that change never comes -- or at least never begins in Washington. It begins with acts of compassion -– and sometimes defiance -– across America. It begins when ordinary people –- out of love for a mother or a father, son or daughter, or husband or wife -– speak out against injustices that have been accepted for too long. And it begins when these impositions of conscience start opening hearts that had been closed, and when we finally see each other’s humanity, whatever our differences.

Now, this struggle is as old as America itself. It’s never been easy. But standing here, I am hopeful. One year ago, in this room, we marked the 40th anniversary of the Stonewall protests. (Applause.) Some of you were here, and you may remember that I pledged then that even at a time when we faced enormous challenges both on the economy and in our foreign policy, that we would not put aside matters of basic equality. And we haven’t.

We’ve got a lot of hard work that we still have to do, but we can already point to extraordinary progress that we’ve made over the past year on behalf of Americans who are gay and lesbian, bisexual and transgender.

Just stay with me here for a second. Last year, I met with Judy Shepard, Matthew Shepard’s mom, and I promised her that after a decade’s-long struggle, we would pass inclusive hate crimes legislation. I promised that in the name of her son we would ensure that the full might of the law is brought down on those who would attack somebody just because they are gay. And less than six months later, with Judy by my side, we marked the enactment of the Matthew Shepard Act. It’s now the law of the land. (Applause.)

Just a few moments ago, I met with Janice Langbehn and her children. Where did Janice go? There they are right there. And when Janice’s partner of 18 years, Lisa, suddenly collapsed because of an aneurysm, Janice and the couple’s three kids were denied the chance to comfort their partner and their mom -- barred from Lisa’s bedside. It was wrong. It was cruel. And in part because of their story, I instructed my Secretary of Health and Human Services, Kathleen Sebelius, to make sure that any hospital that’s participating in Medicare or Medicaid -– that means most hospitals -- (laughter) -- allow gay and lesbian partners the same privileges and visitation rights as straight partners. (Applause.)

After I issued that memorandum, I called Janice and I told her the news. And before we came out here today, I wanted to make sure that I had followed up -- Secretary Sebelius will officially be proposing this regulation. And I can also announce that the Secretary has sent a letter today asking these hospitals to adopt these changes now -– even before the rule takes effect. (Applause.) Nothing can undo the hurt that her -- that Janice’s family has experienced. And nothing can undo the pain felt by countless others who’ve been through a similar ordeal –- for example, Charlene Strong is here. She lost her wife, Kate Fleming -- and Charlene is here along with Kate’s mom, who said on behalf of all mothers, thank you. Because we think it’s the right thing to do. (Applause.)

In addition, I’ve issued an executive order[SIC]* to extend as many partnership benefits to gay and lesbian federal employees as possible under current law. And I’m going to continue to fight to change the law: to guarantee gay federal employees the exact same benefits as straight employees -– including access to health insurance and retirement plans. (Applause.) And in an announcement today, the Department of Labor made clear that under the Family and Medical Leave Act, same-sex couples –- as well as others raising children -– are to be treated like the caretakers that they are. (Applause.)

Because I believe in committed -- I believe that committed gay and lesbian couples deserve the same rights and responsibilities afforded to any married couple in this country, I have called for Congress to repeal the so-called Defense of Marriage Act. (Applause.) We are pushing hard to pass an inclusive employee non-discrimination bill. (Applause.) No one in America should be fired because they’re gay. It’s not right, it’s not who we are as Americans, and we are going to put a stop to it.

And finally, we’re going to end “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”. (Applause.) That is a promise I made as a candidate. It is a promise that I reiterated as President. It’s one that this administration is going to keep. Now, the only way to lock this in -– the only way to get the votes in Congress to roll back this policy -- is if we work with the Pentagon, who are in the midst of two wars.

And that’s why we were gratified to see, for the first time ever, the Secretary of Defense, Bob Gates, testify in favor of repeal. And the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Mike Mullen, has repeatedly and passionately argued for allowing gay men and women to serve honestly in the military. (Applause.) We know that forcing gay and lesbian soldiers to live a lie or to leave the military, that doesn’t contribute to our security -- it harms our security.

And thanks to Patrick Murphy and others, for the first time in history, the House has passed a repeal that would allow gay men and women to openly serve in our armed forces. And this repeal is authored so that the Pentagon can complete its review of the policy -- which is critical, by the way, not only to passage, but it’s also critical to making sure that the change is accepted and implemented effectively. In the Senate, the Armed Services Committee has approved repeal for the first time, and the full body is poised to vote soon.

So here’s the bottom line: We have never been closer to ending this discriminatory policy. And I’m going to keep on fighting until that bill is on my desk and I can sign it. (Applause.)

Of course, ultimately, change is about more than just policies in our government. And that’s why I want to close by recognizing all the young people who are here -– I had a chance to take a bunch of pictures with them, just really impressive folks who are advocating on their behalf. I know there are some in the audience who have experienced pain in their lives, who at times have been -- felt like outcasts, who have been scorned or bullied, and I know that there are families here on behalf of loved ones who are no longer with us, some in part because of the particularly difficult challenges that gay men and women still face.

This is a reminder that we all have an obligation to ensure that no young person is ever made to feel worthless or alone -- ever. Now, at the same time, I think there’s plenty of reason to have some hope for many of the young people including those who are here today. They’ve shown incredible courage and incredible integrity -- standing up for who they are. They’ve refused to be anything less than themselves.

And we all remember being young -- sort of. (Laughter.) But it’s not easy. It’s not easy standing up all the time and being who you are. But they're showing us the way forward. These young people are helping to build a more perfect union, a nation where all of us are equal; each of us is free to pursue our own versions of happiness.

And I believe because of them that the future is bright. It’s certainly bright for them. Of course, it does depend on all of us. It depends on the efforts of government and the activism of ordinary citizens like yourselves. It depends on the love of families and the support of communities. And I want you all to know that as this work continues, I’m going to be standing shoulder-to-shoulder with you, fighting by your side every step of the way. (Applause.)

So, thank you. God bless you. God bless the United States of America. (Applause.)

ACT NOW: Down To the Wire ... ENDA and DADT

Our best chance to address two major pieces of LGBT-related federal legislation is coming up this week.

Congress could vote on two key pieces of legislation that will mean a fairer workplace for millions of LGBT Americans. Every phone call we make now has double the impact. Here's why:

1) The House of Representatives is considering the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA), which bans workplace discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. It is time to vote this historic bill out of committee and move to a full floor vote.

2) In addition, both the House and the Senate have a real opportunity to repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" (DADT), the unfair policy that keeps patriotic LGBT Americans from serving openly in the armed forces - the biggest employer in the country.

A vote is expected on May 27, and Senator Kay Hagan (D-NC), (202) 224-6342, serves on the Armed Services Committee and is in a critical position to make a positive difference.

For repeal to be included in the Senate version of the Defense Authorization bill, we need to reach 15 votes on the committee. And that's where we need your help - right now.

We've been asking for your help to move these Senators for months. If you've already called - call again. Urge your Senator to vote for DADT repeal this week. Just one vote on the committee could make the difference between victory and defeat.

Call today and say that waiting another year for repeal is not an option.

In summary:

• Call your Representative and tell him or her to repeal DADT and pass ENDA now. (Simply call the Capitol switchboard at 202-224-3121,give the operator your zip code and ask to be connected to your Representative.) Or send an email: Go to www.house.gov and click on"Write Your Representative."
• Tell both your Senators to repeal DADT now. Senator Kay Hagan (D-NC), (202) 224-6342, is in a critical position to make a positive difference and needs to hear from LGBT folks and allies. (You can also call the Capitol switchboard (202-224-3121) or go to www.senate.gov and click on "Find
  Your Senators.")
• Forward this information to your friends and urge them to call or email their members of Congress.

We need laws that protect, not discriminate against LGBT people. Don't let this moment pass without doing everything you can to stop discrimination.

Have Your Heard? A Few Steps Forward ...

Bad news always seems to be louder than good news. We become so accustomed to hearing how opposition groups have done something to stop equality that it's easy to miss the bits where equality actually moves forward.

The news is especially heartening when it occurs down here in the South, which is often characterized as being less progressive and inclusive.

Recently we've had two southern LGBT-positive news items that may not have gotten the lion's share of press but are certainly positive:

In Atlanta, a Lutheran church is reinstating a gay pastor and his partner to its clergy roster.

Rev. Bradley Schmeling and the Rev. Darin Easler have been approved for reinstatement to the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

Schmeling had previously served as pastor of St. John Lutheran Church in Atlanta but was removed from the church’s clergy roster in 2007 for being in a same-gender relationship with Easler.

Last month the church revised ministry policy documents to make it possible for “eligible Lutherans in publicly accountable, lifelong, monogamous, same-gender relationships” to serve as clergy.

Now that's some real good news!

Meanwhile, down in Florida, Leon County (which includes state capital Tallahassee) voted 5-2 to broaden its human rights ordinance to support gay folks.

The changes provided stronger protections from discrimination for LGBT folks in four areas: general provisions, employment discrimination, equal access to places of public accommodations, and fair housing.

Finally, though it's not in the South (of the United States, at least!), also be sure to check out the latest "Sports Illustrated," which has a profile of recently-out Welsh rugby player - called the "The World's Bravest Athlete" on the magazine cover - in the article "Gareth Thomas ... The Only Openly Gay Male Athlete."

America doesn't have an out and proud gay male athlete yet, but his time, whoever he is, is coming.

In the meantime, let's take pride in what we have. Baby steps forward are still steps.

April Fools?

There've been several stories in North Carolina news recently in need of a punchline. They may seem funny, but sadly the homophobia around them is no joke.

Did you hear the one about ...

Jesse Helms, Gay Activist and Civil Rights Champion?

The Jesse Helms Center, curator of "Senator No"'s legacy, are trying to touch up our most infamous antigay senator's legacy.

In the wake of the end to the HIV travel band, the center, located in Wingate, is challenging the idea that Helms was a homophobe or obstructive in the AIDS fight.

“It was Senator Helms who worked most tirelessly to protect the very principles of freedom that homosexuals are denied in many other nations.”

John Dodd, president of the Jesse Helms Center Foundation, disputed an editorial in the British newspaper The Guardian that vilified Mr. Helms for his role in the HIV travel ban. Mr. Dodd said that “two million Africans were alive” because of the senator’s work fighting HIV/AIDS.

For a bit of historical context, let's consider some of Senator Helms' own words:

• "There is not one single case of AIDS in this country that cannot be traced in origin to sodomy." - States News Service, May 1988
• "Homosexuals are weak, morally sick wretches." - 1995 radio broadcast
• "I despise the use of the once beautiful word 'gay.' They are not gay; they are repulsive." - Senate floor, February 20, 1992
• "I may be the most radical person you've talked to about AIDS ... somewhere along the line we're going to have to quarantine it if we are really going to contain this disease. We did it back with syphilis. We did it with other diseases and nobody even raised a question about it." - Raleigh News & Observer, June 15, 1987

His history of homophobia is pretty unimpeachable. With friends like that, who needs friends?

He wasn't the first antigay public official, however, nor will he be the last (unfortunately) ...

Morgan and Blake and Boles, Oh My!

Former House Republican Speaker Richard Morgan, who is running for a Senate seat now, attacked Rep. Jamie Boles in an open letter for voting for the antibullying bill that passed last year, protecting all students from harassment in school.

The letter, paid for and distributed by the Richard Morgan Campaign Committee, includes the line "... and up in Raleigh you’re the only Republican in the House voting with the Democrats to pass gay rights legislation."

Including gay students in antibullying protections is now gay rights? And the irony is that Boles didn't vote for final passage of the School Violence Prevention Act.

It's not news that the LGBT community continues to be an easy target for bigoted politicians to use in seeking power and raising money. Consider ...

The Forrester for the Trees ...

Remember back in February when state Sen. Jim Forrester spoke to the Iredell County Young Republicans? He told them that "Slick city lawyers and homosexual lobbies and African American lobbies are running Raleigh."

You'd think this was a setup for some satire on North Carolina's bigoted past, but sadly he was as sincere as could be.

Ironically, if what he said were true, there's no way he would have been able to say it or get away with it.


The sadness and humor of bigotry and ignorance are nothing new, but they serve as a constant reminder of the work we need to do. LGBT North Carolinians have come a long way in our struggle for fair and equal treatment, but there's still work to do.

To support Equality NC's work for equality for LGBT North Carolinians, please click here.

Queer The Census, and Make It Stick!

We already told you to be sure that LGBT families get counted in the 2010 census. Now we're asking you to tell the census to count us explcitly and not just indirectly. And you can get a free sticker to help you do this, too!

The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force are working to tell the U.S. Census Bureau: We're here. We're queer. And we want you to ask us about it. Go to their online petition link here.

You can also get a free sticker to put on the back of your 2010 census envelope - it's available from CREDO, the progressive communication company.

The census tries to get an accurate count of everyone in the country, but there's no question in the survey that asks if you are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender. This means that LGBT people are basically invisible in the national survey that is supposed to reflect the diversity of America's population.

The data collected impacts issues critical to every American, like health care, economic stability, and even safety. When gay folks aren't counted, then we also don't count when it comes to services and resources.

It's important that we participate and have our families counted, but it's also important that we get them to acknowledge us for who we are. Currently the census basically keeps the LGBT community invisible, making it that much easier to marginalize us. We need them to let us be out, visible, and a full part of our country.

Making Sure Our Families Get Counted in 2010

The new year is a great time for change and movement, and this year let's be certain that our families, i.e., LGBT families, get counted.

According to the 2000 US Census, more than 250,000 children in the United States are being raised by lesbian and gay parents, and they live in almost every county in the country.

Every 10 years, under the Constitution, the US Census Bureau attempts to conduct an accurate count of all Americans and households, and this includes us - lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender Americans and our families, both those with and without kids.

Census statistics guide many vital government decisions. Federal and state governments use census numbers to form congressional district boundaries and to distribute billions of dollars for social services. Nonprofit organizations use census statistics to plan services for individuals and their families, and these statistics can influence the location of schools, roads, and hospitals.

Census data is essential in countering anti-gay lies, myths and misperceptions about the diverse LGBT community, e.g., the census data shows that black and Latino same-sex couples are raising children at nearly the rates of their heterosexual peers, while earning significantly lower incomes.

It's easy to participate, it's safe, and it's important. To find out more, go to Our Families Count, a voluntary collaborative educational campaign whose only purpose is to educate and motivate all LGBT Americans and households to be visible in 2010, and to take part in the 2010 US Census.

(You can download a PDF of their information flyer here. It's also available in Spanish.)

Stand up and be counted!

The South Will Rise Again (In A Positive, Inclusive Way, That Is ...)!

It's easy to get caught up in some of the major LGBT news events that happen in other parts of the country (e.g., the gain - and then loss - of marriage equality in California and Maine), but we shouldn't lose sight of the incremental but significant victories that are occurring here in the South.

Our neighbors and fellow citizens believe in fairness, and the more open and visible LGBT folks become, the more progress we'll make in our neighborhoods and towns.

Consider:

• Georgia just elected the nation's first black lesbian legislator (an inclusive twofer!). Simone Bell, won a runoff election to represent Georgia State House District 58. For more than 20 years, she worked as an activist and advocate in Atlanta and across the South, tackling issues of workplace equality, access to affordable health care, fighting HIV/AIDS stigma and discrimination, safe schools for all children, youth empowerment, and women’s issues. She becomes the second openly LGBT member of the Georgia State House, joining Rep. Karla Drenner.

• Atlanta voters elected the city’s first gay man, and first Asian-American, (again, a two-in-one step forward) to the city council. Alex Wan will represent District 6 after winning an election run-off. He is development director of Jerusalem House, Atlanta’s oldest and largest provider of permanent, supportive housing for homeless or low-income individuals and families living with HIV/AIDS.

• Washington (not the original, historic one we have here in North Carolina, but instead that second one in D.C. that likes to hog the headlines) just had their city council vote in favor of marriage equality (in the first of two votes). This initial vote was almost unanimous with 11 against two voting to legalize same-sex marriage. And signs are positive for the next vote in a couple of weeks.
  
  (According to Our Families Count, D.C. has the largest percentage of same-sex couples in the nation, where 1.5 percent of all households comprise same-sex couples. This is more than double the documented percentage of any state.)
  

• Just a couple of weeks ago, the Charleston, SC, City Council passed legislation that prohibits discrimination in matters of public accommodation and housing and includes protection for LGBT folks. Now, South Carolina is not a bastion of progressive, gay-positive liberalism. This is a huge victory for fairness and equality.

• A few months ago, AAA South (the 4th largest AAA affiliate in the country, covering more than 4 million members in Florida, Georgia, Tennessee and Puerto Rico) said it recognized all spouses, regardless of gender or sexual orientation. The policy now lets gay married couples receive spousal discounts under AAA's Associate Membership program. This happened after Equality Florida launched conversations with AAA after receiving calls from gay couples who had been denied family memberships.

Add all that to our amazing wins in North Carolina this year and you see a region that is moving closer to equality day by day.

Change doesn't occur instantly. Instead, it happens bit by bit, locally and regionally before it finally culminates in larger, national progress.

Fairness doesn't come when the majority votes on rights for the minority. Instead, it comes when the minority is seen as ordinary, when LGBT struggles are seen as the regular travails of all folks, not something different or other. It comes from knowing our neighbors, being in the local PTA, shopping at the farmer's market, going to the movies as an out LGBT family.

Change is slow, but it does come, and it's happening all around us. It may sound hard to believe, but for the bright future of equality, look to the South.

Voting for Gay Families Around the Country!

Next week's elections will have quite a reach for LGBT families in other parts of the country, which will ultimately affect ours. From Maine to Washington to Kalamzoo, here's what's happening:

• MAINE - REJECT QUESTION 1

In Maine, voters are going to the polls to weigh in on Question 1, a citizen's veto of the state's marriage equality law. Signed by Governor Baldacci on May 6 of this year, the law was scheduled to take effect in September, but was delayed when opponents collected enough valid signatures to place it before voters. If you know folks in or near Maine, please be sure to get them to vote early, take the pledge to protect equality, and volunteer time/resources to help get the community (the whole community, not just the gay community!) to vote in support of marriage equality for all.

• KALAMAZOO, MICH. - APPROVE ORDINANCE 1856

Voters in Kalamazoo, Mich., are being asked to approve an amendment to the City Code of Ordinances to prohibit discrimination in housing, public accommodations, and employment based on a variety of enumerated categories including an individual's sexual orientation or gender identity. Because all people - including lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people - deserve to be treated fairly and equally wherever they may live or work, if you know someone who lives or works in/around Kalamazoo, have them support this.

• WASHINGTON - APPROVE REF. 71

Voters in Washington State face Referendum 71, which is a vote to keep the domestic partnership law that provides legal protections for same-sex couples and seniors who are in committed relationships. If you have friends or family in or near Washington State, please tell them to vote early. You can spread the word, pledge your support online, and join a broad coalition to support equality for all Washingtonians.

A decade or so ago, this sort of legislative activity would have been unimaginable. The time are changing, though, and we can make sure the changes are positive, towards equality and fairness.

The road to equality in North Carolina goes through Maine, Washington, and yes, even Kalamazoo.

Is There a Single, One-stop, Equality for All, Federal Solution?

[reposted from the Equality Federation blog: http://tinyurl.com/federalsolution]

I’ve been hearing a lot of talk lately about this idea that we should demand a single federal solution for equality. I’ve heard it from donors, I’ve heard it from Equality March organizers, and I’ve heard it from angry LGBT Americans.

Much as that sounds like a great idea, equality is not going to happen that way.

A single federal solution is simply not possible. Here’s why.

1. The separation of powers between the federal and state governments means that states reserve all the powers not granted to the federal government by the Constitution. This means that states hold the power to regulate marriage and family matters, a power upon which the federal government has been loathe to intrude. When the federal government does act, it must rely upon constitutional protections (like equal protection or the right to due process) as grounds for regulating state rules or behaviors. And while the federal government also may use the power of the purse (tying highway funds to higher age limits for buying alcohol, for example), it is unlikely to impose new rules that don’t already have support or precedent in the states.


2. No historical precedent exists. Now, this does not mean that we couldn’t or shouldn’t try to create a new precedent. But it would be an uphill struggle. We could not do it in the courts (where cases are based on actual circumstances of individuals and must generally be limited to the most narrow, specific ruling available to resolve the litigated issues). We would have to do it legislatively. But see #4. Achieving equality for women or black Americans – the movements we most often look to for inspiration – did not happen with the passage of a single law covering voting rights, equal pay, status as property of whites/men, employment discrimination, housing rights, health disparities, and so on. Inequality breeds a whole range of harms, and to try to address all of them in one bill would fail to adequately address each of them. See #3. You think the health care legislation is complex?


3. Politics requires compromise. We may not like it, we may believe that equality should brook no compromise, but the fact remains that political maneuvering for power is how our democracy is implemented every single day. We can rail against it, or we can educate ourselves about how to navigate through the egos and fear tactics and cynicism and favor trading and all the rest so that we can actually achieve the change we seek. We must understand that politicians do not lead, they follow. Demonstrations and marches are important because they increase our visibility and force politicians to think about our issues. But we still have to get votes for our legislation. Unfortunately, the courageous politician is an exceedingly rare creature. Add to that the politics in our own movement. Plenty of folks love or hate particular leaders in the movement (especially those who lead movement organizations), but guess what? Those leaders are simply a microcosm of the larger community and we, too, have intense disagreements about which strategies are best or where we should prioritize the allocation of resources. So compromise is required in our own community in order to move forward.


4. We can’t amend the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This is a proposal I’ve heard many times, and on the face of it I think it’s a great idea. Why wouldn’t we add “sexual orientation” and “gender identity” to a bill that prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, and national origin? It’s a brilliant and simple strategy! Unfortunately, it’s really not. The fact is, civil rights laws passed after this great Act have been subject to attempts (many successful) to water down the kinds of protections they provide. So, for example, we have a pretty big religious exemption in ENDA that many of us don’t like but that we know we have to include if we are going to move this bill forward at all. And if we tried to amend the Civil Rights Act, we would certainly see amendments and exemptions to our simple, brilliant proposal that would actually weaken the law. Because of this, some of our strongest allies in the civil rights community could not and would not support us in trying to amend this law. And if leaders in the civil rights community actively opposed us in this approach, we would simply be unable to get the votes we needed to pass our proposal. So – we could try doing this, but it is not really a promising use of our resources or political capital.


5. Existing proposed legislation has momentum now and multiple bills are already lined up for passage. The Employment Non-Discrimination Act is currently moving through Congress and, if we all do our part, it should pass this year. Hate crimes legislation has had a hard road but it will also pass soon. The repeal of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell is inching forward and I expect to see it happen next year, hopefully in the spring. We are actively building support right now for immigration law reforms to end discrimination against lgbt families, as well as laws to extend domestic partner benefits to federal employees and to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act. Even if you think I’m wrong about everything else I’ve said here, this is not the time to abandon legislation that our community has been working on for years.


6. Assuming, for the sake of argument, that we actually could pass an all-purpose federal equality law, we will still need state laws to truly achieve equality. ENDA will be a great step forward for our community, and it will protect millions of American currently protected under no other laws. But it won’t actually cover everyone. Small businesses, for example, will mostly be exempt from ENDA based on the size of their staff. In most states with employment protections, more businesses are required to comply so millions of workers not covered by federal law are actually covered by state law. And even if we repeal DOMA, we still have to get marriage in as many states as we can if we are to have any hope of winning a court challenge to the constitutionality of state DOMA’s. In the American version of government, state and federal legislation may pass independently, but its impact is most often felt in the application of an interconnected web of laws.

In this country, democracy works in something of a circular pattern. Big social issues aren’t tackled first in our nation’s capital. Instead, they bubble up from our local communities, where the harms are closer to home and citizens can work to get their local governments to address those harms. State government action often follows, learning and improving upon strategies already implemented locally, and expanding protections across the entire state. When enough states have addressed a particular issue, the national understanding of that issue will begin to shift, so a critical mass of policy changes or a social tipping point is reached. Then we see the federal government begin to take action. Finally, the action at the federal level will reach back down to the state and local level in places where we have been unable to make local and state policy changes.

Or, a law is passed and the courts must rule it constitutional or not. The legislature may have to take action again. Or litigation is filed, and the outcome of that case may spur action by the voters. That’s the beautiful thing about democracy – there are many approaches we can take to changing public policy. Of course, that means we may also be attacked on any level (witness Kalamazoo, Maine, Washington state, and Congress generally).

My point is simply this. We will not achieve equality by abandoning our work at any level of the political process. We must continue to increase the pressure to achieve the promise of equality under the law at all levels and in all branches of government. There is no magic bullet. Our strategy must be focused while also casting a very large net. And that’s how we will finally achieve equal protection under the law.

Equality in the News August 29th-September 4th

By Equality NC Intern Jennifer

Before reporting on this week’s headlines, I’d like to introduce myself. My name is Jennifer and I will be picking up where Harmony left off. (I have big shoes to fill)! I’m interning (remotely) as a Communication’s intern out of Greenville.

In the State….

Marriage Discrimination Amendment in North Carolina

The News & Observer ran a nasty column opposing marriage equality and calling for passage of a marriage discrimination constitutional amendment. We've got to keep up our efforts to stop this amendment when it comes up again in next year's legislative session!

Chapel Hill to host Gay Travel Event

Q-Notes reports that Chapel Hill, N.C. has become one of the most gay-friendly municipalities across the state of North Carolina. On September 24-27^th Chapel Hill will host a “familiarization tour and symposium” for the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association . This event will attract travel trade professionals which will include media and tour planners. Events include cooking school at the kitchens of restaurant “A Southern Season” a private reception at an Antebellum Home, a back porch Musical concert and historic tours and chats with LGBT elected officials and others. For more information on this upcoming event click here: http://www.q-notes.com/3489/chapel-hill-to-host-gay-travel-event/

MeckPAC releases Primary Choices

Q-Notes reports that on Thursday August 27^th The Mecklenburg Gay and Lesbian Political Action Committee (MeckPAC) held its pre-election party at the Morehead Inn and endorsed seven candidates for the Charlotte City Council. This will make the first time MeckPAC endorsed two candidates in the same race as City Council District 1 primary will pit incumbent Patsy Kinsey and openly gay Owen Sutkowski against each other. Charlotte and Mecklenburg County voters head to the polls for their primary election on September 15, while other N.C. municipalities hold primary elections on Oct 6^th. A general election will be held November 3^rd.

Two Carolina Gay Pubs Merge

Q-Notes reports that the publisher of three LGBT-focused publications in the Carolinas is happy to report that his company is growing even in a time of economic uncertainty. Stereotypd’s Lin Orndorf, Proscha Yount and QnQ Network’s Jamie Seabolt announced on August 24^th that they plan to merge their companies. Currently Stereotypd is a monthly publication with a print circulation of 8,000 copies while QnQ Carolina Edition has a bi-weekly print circulation of 5,000 copies.

In the Nation…

N.Y. Governor Paterson Recommits Himself to Same-Sex Marriage

The Advocate reports that New York Governor Paterson recommits himself to including same-sex marriage on the agenda. Paterson quotes “After the loss of Proposition 8 in California, I’ve sensed a little confusion and maybe stunned reaction from a lot of the advocates…legalizing same-sex marriage in New York could help reignite the momentum started in the Northeastern states earlier this year.”

New Judge for Supreme Court?

The New York Time reports that there has been speculation that Justice John Paul Stevens (90) is preparing to leave the supreme court. Justice John Paul Stevens has been one of the most reliable friends of gays and lesbians. He is most noted for cases such as 2003’s Lawrence v. Texas (where he stated the decriminalization of gay sex should have happened years before the 2003 case), Romer v. Evans (preventing municipalities from enacting antidiscrimination protections of LGBT people).

Reno, N.V. approves domestic Partner Benefits

The Gay and Lesbian Times reports that The Reno City council adopted a resolution that will extent health care benefits to domestic partner (whether gay or straight), who register with the Nevada secretary of state under a new state law. Council members agree the decision is an issue of “fairness”. Other entities offering similar benefits to employees’ domestic partners are the Washoe County School District and the cities of Las Vegas and Henderson.

N.J. Catholic Bishops Campaign Against Same-Sex Marriage

The Gay and Lesbian Times in association with the Associated Press report that N.J. Roman Catholic bishops have begun a new campaign opposing marriage equality. The push comes from anticipation of a possible vote on the issue after the November election. A 2,300-word letter was distributed in parish bulletins last Sunday stating the long-standing Catholic teaching that marriage is “the union of one man and one woman”. Currently New Jersey already recognizes civil unions for same-sex couples.

Referendum in Washington over Gay Partnerships

The Associated Press reports that a referendum on an expansion of Washington’s domestic partnership law for gay couples has qualified for the November ballot. This decision was finalized Monday. Supporters of the expansion asked King County Superior Court judge to temporarily block the referendum from the ballot because of election officials accepting thousands of invalid petition signatures. If the referendum leads to a rejection of the law’s expansion legislation approved in 2007 and 2008 would be retained, but it would roll back the additional rights granted in the “everything but marriage bill” To read more about this story click here:

In The World

Moscow court Lesbian Marriage Causes Drama

The News & Observer reports that on Wednesday a case seeking to allow a lesbian couple to marry in Russia sparked debate inside a Moscow courtroom. In protest to the holdup in proceedings the two women locked lips outside of the courtroom. Homosexuality has been decriminalized in Russia, but there is little support for gay rights.

Embassies support Budapest Pride

The Gay & Lesbian Times reports that thirteen embassies in Hungary issued a statement August 28 in support of Budapest’s 14^th gay Pride events. Starting with a parade September 5^th, the weeklong festivities include music, parties, an “antifascist demonstration,” workshops, an open-mic night, a picnic and a wreath-laying ceremony at the grave of Karoly Kertbeny who “invented the term homosexuality,” according to Pride organizers. Last year right-wing extremists attacked the parade’s 1,500 marches and fought with police afterward.

Uruguay OK’s Gay Adoption:

The Gay & Lesbian Times reports that on August 27^th Uruguay’s Chamber of Deputies voted 40-13 to let same-sex couples adopt children. The Roman Catholic Church has fought against the measure, suggesting it violates natural law and human rights.

U.K. Foreign Office to Fund Foreign Gay-Rights Cases

The Gay & Lesbian Times reports that the United Kingdom’s Foreign office will help pay for legal challenges to gay rights in repressive nations such as Jamaica, Nigeria, Egypt, Iraq and Iran. Gay Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State Chris Bryant stated that British missions will also focus on gay legal issues in Ghana, Colombia, Uzbekistan and other nations.

That’s all for this week! I look forward to updating everyone on LGBT news throughout this semester!

Women's Equality Day

Last week the president issued a proclamation for Women's Equality Day, 2009.

This day is celebrated on August 26 of each year. First established in 1971, the date commemorates the passage of the 19th Amendment, woman's suffrage, to the U.S. Constitution, which gave women full voting rights in 1920.

Congressional Rep. Bella Abzug (D-NY) spearheaded the Women's Equality Day initiative. Known as "Battling Bella" and "Hurricane Bella," Abzug was a dedicated women's advocate who worked to promote the Equal Rights Amendment, the needs of working mothers, sexual nondiscrimination, national day care centers, and yes, gay rights.

Isn't homophobia just an extension of gender discrimination, after all? Antigay sentiment is a manifestation of the idea that there are certain distinct ways for men and women to act and to relate to each other. If people were truly treated equally, if gender identity and expression were irrelevant, then sexual orientation wouldn't matter.

Check of the National Women's Hall of Fame to celebrate the progress women have made, as well as to rededicate efforts to achieve equality of the sexes - and sexual orientations - in our country.

What Now?

Over the weekend, I was talking with a few folks about the recent election. (Surprise, surprise!) One of the guys I spoke with was particularly disheartened by the number of antigay initiatives that passed in other states. He wondered, “What's next? Where do we go from here?”

Well, first, we celebrate. Sure, there may have been some setbacks across the country, but here in North Carolina we have every right to be optimistic. Not only did a slew of LGBT-positive candidates get elected, but several antigay candidates and officials in the state lost.

We can go into next year knowing we have more allies in place and expect a more moderate, perhaps even progressive statewide government. This is particularly good news for our big antibullying initiative.

All of ENC PAC's Senate candidates won, including the embattled and openly-gay Senator Julia Boseman. Most of the endorsed representatives and judges were selected, and LGBT allies made some amazing advancements in the executive branch.

Even at the national level, a number of noteworthy homophobes are now out, and Barack Obama is the most pro-equality president ever elected. His message of inclusivity and equality bodes well for us all.

Of course, after celebrating we should also mourn. The loss of marriage equality in California was particularly bittersweet, as were the antigay state constitutional amendments passed in Florida, Arizona, and Arkansas.

Here in North Carolina, I was particularly saddened at Judge John Arrowood's loss – he was the first openly-gay judge at the state level in our judiciary. Having an out person in such a prestigious position was a great boon for our community, and John's loss diminishes the visibility of gay folks in the state.

Finally, though, we plan our future moves and start back working again. Every civil rights battle is filled with two steps forward and one step back (and we should all be glad we got that instead of the converse of one step forward and two steps back, which also tends to happen).

Every loss is an opportunity for more discussion. The more visibility our issues have and the more dialog we generate, the better we'll all be.

We have some great chances now to develop coalitions with our allies and teach people how gay issues are essentially issues of fairness, which affect everyone. If everyone's not equal then no one is equal.

Where do we go from here? Simple: We go forward.

-Shawn Long

The Upside of 8

Prop 8 (and the other antigay initiatives that passed in the election) were horrible, of course, but there are some good things that have come out of all the hullabaloo.

The first thing is that we actually had hullabaloo. We've had protests, locally and nationally. This surge of antigay legislation seems to have catalyzed some previously torpid activism.

We had several protests here in North Carolina, including ones in Asheville, Charlotte, Raleigh, and Wilmington. The current LGBT movement hasn't been nearly as energized as it was earlier in the heyday of gay days (think Stonewall and ACT UP), and maybe, hopefully, we seeing a new generation of activism begin.

Now that the protesting has passed, though, it's important that we keep the momentum going. A rally shouldn't be the end. Instead, it should be the beginning. You don't take to the streets and then settle back down in your living room – you take that indignation and anger and energy and transform them into action. You activate. You bring it forward into ongoing action and lobbying and education.

The public response and outcry has brought a lot of attention to the inequities the LGBT community faces, as well as the discrimination. It easier to ignore unfairness when it's not being talked about by every major media outlook. The more marriage is talked about, the more obvious the disparities in rights become.

In addition to creating some positive conversations for the gay community, the publicity has also brought some negative attention to some of our opposition groups. When a church uses its money to fight gay marriage instead of feeding the hungry and clothing the poor, people begin to question how charitable and non-political it is. Casting a ballot takes on the appearance of casting a stone.

And finally, there were some great (tongue-in-cheek) protest slogans by gay protesters:

• “Do you really want me to marry your daughter?”
• “More gay marriage means less gay sex. Isn't that what you want?”
• “My gay friends deserve to be unhappy too!”

Presidential POVs on LGBT Rights

As the statewide nonpartisan advocacy group for North Carolina, Equality NC does not take positions on federal issues or races. However, we have been getting a lot of questions about the main 2008 presidential candidates and their stances on issues that affect the gay community.

Here are some comparisons between the positions of Barack Obama and John McCain on the broad topics that affect us.

Adoption

Obama supports adoption by LGBT folks.

McCain opposes adoption of children by gay couples.

Employment

Obama supports ending employment discrimination against the LGBT community and supports ENDA (Employment Non-Discrimination Act).

McCain opposes employment nondiscrimination for LGBT folks and opposes ENDA.

Hate Crimes

Obama supports hate-crime legislation that includes protections for LGBT people.

McCain opposes hate-crime legislation.

HIV/AIDS

Obama supports the Ryan White CARE Act (the largest federal program for people living with HIV/AIDS) and supports comprehensive sex education aimed at preventing HIV/AIDS.

McCain supports abstinence-only education to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS (he voted to end funding for outreach specifically to the gay community) and does not support the Ryan White CARE Act.

Marriage

Obama opposes same-sex marriage. He supports civil unions (with separate but equal rights) and opposes a federal anti-gay marriage amendment.

McCain opposes same-sex marriage. McCain says the issue should be left to the states and most recently opposed a federal anti-gay marriage amendment but supported a state one.

Military Service

Obama supports openly gay military and wants to end “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.”

McCain does not support gays and lesbians serving in the military and supports the military’s “Don't Ask, Don't Tell” policy.

-T. Shawn Long

How Low Can You Vote?

With North Carolina as a presidential swing state for the first time in a long, long time, we're getting a lot of attention from Barack Obama and John McCain. Of course that race deserves attention from all of us, but LGBT and Allied voters need to be paying attention all the way down the ballot.

There's no question that who is the next president, and who we elect to the U.S. Senate and House will mean real difference for the direction of our country. But state and local races are too often overlooked, and the candidates we elect have as much or even more impact on our lives.

No matter where you live in North Carolina, you can vote this year for Governor, Lt. Governor, the eight agency heads on the Council of State, a Supreme Court Justice, and six Court of Appeals Judges, not to mention your state Representative and Senator.

Before you vote, take a moment to educate yourself about the candidates for these offices and the local offices on the ballot in your area.

It's also important to remember a couple key things about the ballot. If you're planning to vote straight-ticket for the Democratic or Republican party, you must first separately vote for your Presidential choice, then vote straight ticket for the rest of the partisan offices. But you're not done! All Judicial races and some local offices are non-partisan, so you have go all the way down the ballot or flip it over and vote separately in those races. If you just check the straight ticket box, you won't have voted for President or Judges!

So how low can you vote this year?

-Ian Palmquist

What About the Children?

A great deal of attention has been placed on the recent constitutional marriage amendments in California, Arizona, and Florida. And the losses of all three certainly do represent an enormous setback to the rights of LGBT individuals. Seemingly lost in the shuffle of these amendments, however, was Initiative 1 in Arkansas. This constitutional amendment proposed making it illegal for anyone cohabitating outside of a valid marriage to adopt or provide foster care to minors. Sadly, the amendment passed by a wide margin of 14 points.

There are many ramifications from the passage of this amendment. Obviously, it will prevent any same-sex couples from adopting or providing foster care. Outside of the LGBT movement, however, it also prevents any unmarried heterosexual couples from adopting or providing foster care.

It is unsettling, to say the least, that the population of Arkansas has taken it upon themselves to decide, based solely on demographic information, who is worthy to care for a child.

Even more disturbing, however, is the fact that this amendment deprives myriad children from having stable, loving homes with same-sex or unmarried heterosexual couples. It is estimated that, at any given time, there are 3700 children in the foster system. Do the residents of Arkansas truly believe that these children are better off staying in the foster care system?

Countless research has shown that children who are in and remain in the foster care system are more at risk for dropping out of school, becoming substance abusers, and aging out into dire situations, including homelessness.

In August, Arkansas’ Department of Human Services was forced to investigate the deaths of four children in foster care homes. In light of these recent events, it’s troubling that Arkansas would move away from providing children in foster care with stable and loving foster and adoptive parents, simply based on demographics.

While the passage of this amendment may have occurred outside of the national spotlight, the plight of the children in the Arkansas foster care system, as well as the repercussions of this amendment for the LGBT movement, must be moved into the forefront.

-- Seth Maid and Nicole Stonestreet, ENC Interns