LGBT Inclusion In Major League Baseball Is Long Overdue
“I was miserable in a sport that used to give me life, and ultimately I decided I needed to hang up my cleats for my own sanity.”
The post LGBT Inclusion In Major League Baseball Is Long Overdue appeared first on ThinkProgress.
thinkprogress.org/sports/2016/04/04/3766231/mlb-lgbt-inclusion/
Advocates Urge Governor Bryant and Mississippi Legislature to Reject Anti-LGBT HB 1523
This morning, advocates from HRC and ACLU of Mississippi gathered outside the Mississippi State Capitol to highlight the discriminatory effects of H.B.1523, urging House Speaker Philip A. Gunn to shelve the bill before this afternoon’s final vote. The outrageous legislation would allow individuals, religious organizations and private associations to use religion to discriminate against LGBT Mississippians in some of the most important aspects of their lives, including at work, at schools, in their family life and more.
Following the House’s expected vote this afternoon, advocates for HRC, the ACLU of Mississippi, Planned Parenthood Southeast, the Southern Poverty Law Center and more, will hold a rally with supporters across the state outside the governor’s mansion at 5:30pm CT, to call on Governor Bryant to veto the hateful legislation.
“H.B. 1523 is a vicious, unacceptable attack on fairness, equality and the rights of LGBT people,” said HRC President Chad Griffin. “Fair-minded Mississippians and the business community roundly condemn this legislation, and implore Governor Bryant and legislative leaders to stand on the right side of history. and follow the example of Georgia Governor Nathan and South Dakota Governor Dennis Daugaard, who vetoed similar anti-LGBT legislation. The people of Mississippi deserve better, and we remain committed to fighting until every Mississippian can live openly and authentically at home, at work and in their community.”
Some of the state’s largest employers — including Nissan Group of North America, Tyson Food Inc., MGM Resorts International, Toyota, and the Mississippi Economic Council — have come out against the discriminatory bill, joining national companies such as AT&T, IBM, Levi Strauss & Co, MassMutual. General Electric, and Hyatt Hotel Corporations. Yesterday, artists Lance Bass and Mary Elizabeth Ellis released a video calling on their fellow Mississippians to take action against H.B. 1523, and last week, the Episcopal Diocese of Mississippi released a strongly worded statement condemning the discriminatory legislation. It reads in part, “The Episcopal Diocese of Mississippi stands as one with our brothers and sisters in the LGBT community and the Human Rights Campaign. We respect their painful journey as they have sought full inclusion in our society. Many of them share a Christian faith that is deep and profound. We should embrace their quest for equality and justice rather than placing obstacles in their pathway.”
Under H.B. 1523, religion could be used by most any individual or organization to justify discrimination against LGBT people, single mothers, unwed couples, and others. Additionally, taxpayer-funded faith-based organizations could: refuse to recognize the marriages of same-sex couples for provision of critical services including emergency shelter; deny children in need of loving homes placement with LGBT families, including the child’s own family member; and refuse to sell or rent a home to an LGBT person — even if the organization receives government funding.
As introduced, H.B. 1523 would also allow foster families to subject an LGBTQ child to the dangerous and debunked practice of “conversion therapy,” and to shame an unmarried pregnant girl without fear of government intervention or foster care license suspension. It would even allow state-compensated counselors to refuse to provide services to all eligible individuals, including veterans, based on the counselor’s beliefs about LGBT people or single mothers.
Additionally, schools, employers and service providers could implement sex-specific dress and grooming standards, as well as refuse transgender people access to sex-segregated facilities that are consistent with their gender identity — all in conflict with the United States Department of Justice’s enforcement of federal law. H.B. 1523 even legalizes Kim Davis-style discrimination, allowing government employees to abdicate their duties and refuse to license or solemnize marriages for LGBT people.
The Mississippi Senate voted 31-17 last week to advance H.B.1523, but the bill was sent back to the House for a procedural vote on a new amendment. The attacks on fairness and equality in Mississippi are part of an onslaught of anti-LGBT bills being pushed this year by anti-equality activists across the country. HRC is currently tracking nearly 200 anti-LGBT bills in 34 states. As of today, at least half of these bills have been beaten back around the country. For more information, visit:www.hrc.org/2016legislature.
Full list of business statements against H.B. 1523:
AT&T
AT&T supports our freedom of speech and religion just as vigorously as we oppose discrimination. Legislation that permits discrimination against any of our employees or customers conflicts with our core values. Our position on discrimination is simple; we oppose it.
IBM
IBM is disappointed by the Mississippi legislature’s passage of H.B. 1523, because we believe this legislation will permit discrimination against people based on their marital status, sexual orientation, or gender identity or expression.
IBM urges Governor Bryant not to approve H.B. 1523, and will continue to support passage by Congress of the Equality Act, which would provide federal non-discrimination protections to all Americans.
IBM’s stance on Mississippi H.B. 1523. pic.twitter.com/LbHUBmO1mL
— IBMPolicy (@IBMpolicy) April 1, 2016
Levi Strauss & Co.
We believe that treating all people equally and fairly is good for business, and discrimination has no place anywhere. #NoOnHB1523
— Levi Strauss & Co. (@LeviStraussCo) April 1, 2016
Mass Mutual
Diversity is a core value @massmutual. We encourage Gov. @PhilBryantMS to keep MS open for business and veto #HB1523 pic.twitter.com/6tQWZ9sUD2
— MassMutual (@massmutual) April 1, 2016
Mississippi Economic Council
As the State Chamber of Commerce for a state that has proven its hospitable and business-friendly approach, MEC opposes efforts that would intentionally or unintentionally prevent Mississippi businesses from implementing and enforcing non-discrimination policies or that would limit diversity and inclusion impacting their customers and employees.
MGM Resorts International
MGM Resorts does not support the “Freedom of Conscience” bill. We respect the diversity of our employees, guests and people in our communities. Laws that permit businesses to decline to provide services to individuals because of this diversity result in decreased tourism and hurt the local economy
Nissan Group of North America
Nissan is committed to providing our employees with an inclusive workplace environment that supports diversity. It is Nissan’s policy to prohibit discrimination of any type, and we oppose any legislation that would allow discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals
Toyota
Toyota does not condone discrimination in any form and believes that inclusive treatment of all people is good for the workplace, marketplace and society as a whole. In our experience, the best ideas come when everyone is equally engaged and valued
Tyson Foods Inc.
While we value religious freedom, we oppose legislation that allows discrimination. Our core values call on us to be respectful of each other and our policies prohibit unlawful harassment and discrimination in the workplace involving race, religion, color, age, national origin, veteran status, disability, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other protected status under federal, state, or local law.
New trans character to debut on 'Faking It'
credit: GLAAD
The MTV series Faking It will introduce Noah, a new transgender character, in the episode “Jagged Little Heart” on Tuesday night. Elliot Fletcher, a young trans actor, was cast in the role following a nationwide casting call. Noah is described as “charismatic, confident and hip. and is equal parts charming and vulnerable. He’s the boy next door with a leather jacket and a rock ‘n roll attitude who plays guitar or bass for a band that competes in a battle of the bands contest.” Tomorrow night’s episode is also directed by out trans director, Silas Howard.
Faking It is one of the most LGBT-inclusive shows on television, and has been nominated for two GLAAD Media Awards. Carter Covington, the show’s creator, said that in adding Noah to the cast, he wanted to “tell a story that was groundbreaking, but also relatable. And to make every effort to cast a trans actor in the role as well as to incorporate more transgender characters in the speaking roles and in the background.”
GLAAD worked closely with the show as they put out the casting call and developed the character of Noah. Previously GLAAD collaborated with the show, and with the intersex advocacy group interACT, when the show revealed that the character of Lauren is intersex. Last season Laverne Cox had a guest star role as drama teacher Margot on the show.
Check out a sneak peek of Noah’s first appearance here and then tune in to MTV on Tuesday, April 5, 2016 at 10:30pm ET/PT to see the entire episode. Noah will return on April 26 for the last four episodes of season three.
Auburn in a little black dress (square version for reddit)
SecretJess posted a photo:
A dress I bought early on, but only finally tried out. I like it a lot! :D.
While Flickr will always have the most images of each outfit, follow me on Instagram (/secretjess42) to see the latest pics!
#AM_Equality Tip Sheet: April 4, 2016
ALL EYES ON MISSISSIPPI: LGBT ADVOCATES RALLY AGAINST H.B. 1523: Today, the Mississippi House is scheduled for a final procedural vote on HB 1523 — a discriminatory measure that would allow individuals, religious organizations and private associations to use religion to discriminate against LGBT Mississippians in some of the most important aspects of their lives, including at work, at schools, in their family life and more. HRC President Chad Griffin is on the ground with representatives from the ACLU of Mississippi, the Southern Poverty Law Center, Planned Parenthood and more, for a press conference and rally where they will urge the Speaker not to take it up for a vote, and call on the governor to veto the bill when it reaches his desk. Under HB 1523, religion could be used by most any individual or organization to justify discrimination against LGBT people, single mothers, unwed couples and others. Taxpayer funded faith-based organizations could: refuse to recognize the marriages of same-sex couples for provision of critical services including emergency shelter; deny children in need of loving homes placement with LGBT families including the child’s own family member; and refuse to sell or rent a for-profit home to an LGBT person — even if the organization receives government funding. Governor Bryant has not said whether he will sign or veto the measure: bit.ly/1UOlf6u
BUSINESSES COME OUT AGAINST HB 1523: Following HB 1523’s passage in the Mississippi Senate last week, some of the state’s largest employers are expressing concern over the measure. Nissan Group of North America which has 6,000 workers in the state said, “Nissan is committed to providing our employees with an inclusive workplace environment that supports diversity. It is Nissan’s policy to prohibit discrimination of any type, and we oppose any legislation that would allow discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals.” Similarly, Tyson Foods Inc., MGM Resorts International,Toyota and the Mississippi Economic Council, the state chamber of commerce, have all shared that they value diversity and inclusion, and cannot support discriminatory legislation. AT&T, IBM, Levi Strauss, and MassMutual also condemned the measures on Twitter. Also, check out the Sun Herald’s editorial against the bill here: bit.ly/1UOlf6u
EPISCOPAL DIOCESE OF MISSISSIPPI: OUR DOORS REMAIN OPEN TO ALL GOD’S CHILDREN: Reverend Brian Seage of the Episcopal Church of Mississippi released a statement saying he was “profoundly disheartened” by the advancement of the bill which legalizes discrimination. He writes of the LGBT community, “We respect their painful journey as they have sought full inclusion in our society. Many of them share a Christian faith that is deep and profound. We should embrace their quest for equality and justice rather than placing obstacles in their pathway.” The Jackson Free Press has compiled a list of companies, people and organizations that are asking the Governor to veto the bill when it reaches his desk.
DARK CLOUD HANGS OVER TONIGHT’S NCAA CHAMPIONSHIP: As the University of North Carolina (UNC) men’s basketball team heads to the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball National Championship game tonight, its hard work and success are being overshadowed by the reckless actions of North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory and state lawmakers. With his signature on the deeply discriminatory law, Gov. McCrory has placed North Carolina not only at risk of losing an estimated $4.5 billion of federal funding from the U.S. Department of Education, but also at risk of being denied the ability to host future NCAA and NBA events in the state. Jason Collins, the first active NBA player to come out as gay released the following statement, “I join other champions of equality in calling on Gov. Pat McCrory and the state’s elected leaders to repeal its grossly anti-LGBT law — not only, and most importantly, to protect its own citizens, but also to assure the NCAA that North Carolina is welcoming to all and deserves to retain its historic role as a leading host of league events.” Tonight’s championship game is being played in a city that the NCAA has said is also at risk of losing future NCAA events because of November’s shameful referendum that repealed the Houston Equal Rights Ordinance (HERO) – a critical measure that provided non-discrimination protections for LGBT and other minority Houstonians and visitors. The campaign to repeal HERO at the ballot was fueled by lies, scare tactics, and fear-mongering about transgender people – the same tactics used by anti-equality activists in North Carolina to pass House Bill 2. While it was horrible that HERO’s critical non-discrimination protections were never allowed to go into effect, HB 2 is worse because it targets LGBT people, and particularly transgender people, and writes discrimination against them into law.
MUST WATCH VIDEO: GET THE FACTS ON NORTH CAROLINA’S HB2: Check out HRC’s newly released video that exposes the lies Governor McCrory has been peddling about HB 2. The bill, which was was rammed through the legislature on March 23, has eliminated existing municipal non-discrimination protections for LGBT people and prevents such protections from being passed by cities in the future. It also forces transgender students in public schools, as well as transgender adults in publicly owned buildings, to use restrooms and other facilities inconsistent with their gender identity. McCrory has continued to claim that the law does not take away rights from any groups, a claim that was rated as false by PolitiFact. Also, if you thought things couldn’t get worse, the Liberty Counsel, the same organization that represented anti-LGBT Kentucky clerk Kim Davis, has offered to defend the law free of charge. Watch the video here: bit.ly/1TvMeSR
NORTH CAROLINA FEDERAL FUNDING AT RISK: The New York Times reports that the Obama Administration is officially looking into whether North Carolina will lose federal funding over anti-LGBT law HB 2. Specifically, the Departments of Education, Transportation and Housing and Urban Development are all doing evaluations on the bill that was introduced, debated, voted on and signed into law in less than twelve hours nearly two weeks ago. Perhaps if lawmakers spent more time adequately discussing the possible impact of the law, they would have realized what a terrible idea it was. More here: nyti.ms/1V3arks
NOW MORE THAN 120 MORE BUSINESSES AND CEOs SAY GOV. MCCRORY MUST REPEAL HB 2: Since it’s initial release last Tuesday, more than 120 leading CEOs and business leaders have signed onto an open letter calling on Governor Pat McCrory and the North Carolina General Assembly to repeal the radical provisions in HB 2. Some of the latest signatories include executives from Hyatt, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Northrop Grumman, American Apparel and Pandora Media. The letter was released last week only a day after Georgia Governor Nathan Deal announced he would veto anti-LGBT legislation in Georgia after facing a sustained outcry from a broad chorus of advocates and companies. Signers like Google Ventures have already stopped funding investments in the state, TV and film productions have said they are leaving the state, and renowned Broadway composer Stephen Schwartz announced that he was banning all productions of Wicked in the state over the law. Read the full letter here: bit.ly/1pRgBHf
ICYMI FRONT PAGE NEWS IN NORTH CAROLINA: DRUG MAKER RECONSIDERS $20 MILLION N.C. INVESTMENT: While Governor McCrory and his allies insist that there will be no fallout from writing discrimination into state law, the headlines are starting to insist otherwise. The Associated Press reported, “Some companies are already reconsidering doing business in the country’s ninth-largest state.” Among them, New Jersey-based Braeburn Pharmaceuticals said it is “reevaluating our options based on the recent, unjust legislation” whether to build a $20 million manufacturing and research facility in Durham County. And Lionsgate had been hiring more than 100 workers in North Carolina for a shoot, but decided to shoot its pilot episode elsewhere. More here: abcn.ws/1MWFKpc and bit.ly/1qmisV1 Meanwhile, as businesses sound the alarm, Governor McCrory is fighting with — the Governor of New York?
HRC BRINGS TRANSGENDER CHILDREN AND THEIR FAMILIES TO WHITE HOUSE EASTER EGG ROLL: HRC brought together three amazing families with transgender children for a morning on the White House lawn, where they joined President Obama and the First Lady for the 138th Annual Easter Egg Roll. The kids met movie characters, rolled eggs, and were in the front rows for story time with the Obamas — and they were thrilled to get hugs from First Lady Michelle Obama! The families were featured in the president’s Senior Advisor Valerie Jarrett’s blog, and you can read more about the families in this terrific article in Metro Weekly.
HOPE ACT DELIVERS LIFE: Last week, physicians at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore, Maryland, announced they had successfully completed the nation’s first-ever transplant of an HIV-positive organ from a deceased individual to an HIV-positive individual. The landmark medical procedure was made possible thanks to the HIV Organ Policy Equity (HOPE) Act that lifted a twenty-five year federal ban on the use of such organs. The legislation was shepherded through Congress in 2013, with incredible bipartisan leadership from Reps. Lois Capps (D-CA), and Senators Barbara Boxer (D-CA), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Tom Coburn (R-OK), and Rand Paul (R-KY). More on this historic step here: n.pr/1TogHlD
STATE SNAPSHOT
MISSOURI’S MISERABLE BILL: Over the weekend, the St. Louis Post Dispatch published another editorial making clear that religious freedom does not justify discrimination against the LGBT community. The board urges the state legislature to stop its attack on LGBT people by rejecting SJR 39 — a measure that would place on the ballot a proposed constitutional amendment to allow discrimination against LGBT people and their families. Taking notes from Georgia, the editorial board made clear that Missouri’s values are those of inclusion, not hate and discrimination. Senate Republicans passed the resolution after the Senate Democrats led a historic filibuster effort to stop the anti-equality majority. Missouri Governor Jay Nixon, St. Louis Regional Chamber, Dow Chemical Company and Monsanto, as well as Democratic presidential candidates Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders, have all come out against the measure, which will be considered in the House this week. Michael Sam, the NFL’s first openly LGBT player to be drafted took a stand against this discriminatory bill as well. As a reminder, if it passes, it would go directly to the ballot for final consideration by voters later this year. Governor Nixon would have no opportunity to veto it. Read the full editorial here: bit.ly/1S2PX4M
SAME-SEX ADOPTION FOR ALL 50 STATES!: Last week, U.S. District Court Judge Daniel P. Jordan III in Mississippi declared the state’s ban on adoption by same-sex couples unconstitutional, citing the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2015 marriage equality ruling in the historic case Obergefell v. Hodges. The federal lawsuit, Campaign for Southern Equality v. Mississippi Department of Human Services, challenged the constitutionality of a statutory ban on adoption by same-sex couples in Mississippi — the only state in the nation that still had an absolute ban preventing same-sex couples from adopting regardless of their qualifications. Roberta Kaplan, the lead lawyer in Windsor v. United States, the Supreme Court case that led to the demise of Section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act in 2012, represented the Mississippi plaintiffs along with Robert McDuff of the Mississippi-based law firm McDuff & Byrd. The lawsuit was filed on behalf of four same-sex couples seeking to adopt or foster children in Mississippi: Kari Lunsford and Tinora Sweeten-Lunsford; Jessica Harbuck and Brittany Rowell; Donna Phillips and Janet Smith; and Kathryn Garner and Susan Hrostowski. More here: bit.ly/1SFs7iF
BILL PERMITTING ONE MARRIAGE LICENSE FORM PASSES KENTUCKY HOUSE: Following Kentucky Governor Matt Bevin’s endorsement of Senate Bill 216, which would create one marriage license form for all Kentuckians, the House voted unanimously in favor of the bill on Friday. SB 216 is considered a fix to SB 5, which passed the Senate last month but drew sharp criticism. Since Kentucky clerk Kim Davis garnered national attention last year for refusing to comply with numerous court orders related to the landmark Supreme Court marriage equality ruling, legislators in Kentucky have been debating changes to marriage certificates in the state. Senate Bill 5 would have created two separate forms from which couples would choose when applying for a marriage license. One would list a “bride and groom” and the other, intended for same-sex couples, would list “first party and second party.” Senate Bill 216 gives marriage license applicants the option of checking “bride,” ”groom” or “spouse” and does not include the clerk’s name on the form. The bill now heads to the Senate. More here: abcn.ws/1otn7Tr
ANOTHER ONE BITES THE DUST — ANTI-LGBT ADOPTION BILL DIES IN NEBRASKA: The Lincoln Journal Star reports that the main sponsor of a bill that would allow taxpayer-funded adoption agencies to discriminate against same-sex couples withdrew his bill after threats of a filibuster in Nebraska’s unicameral Legislature. The bill had drawn outcry from child welfare organizations, and last month some of the most respected child placement organizations in the country released a letter urging senators to vote against the bill. The letter, from the Donaldson Adoption Institute, Voice for Adoption, North American Council on Adoptable Children and National Center on Adoption and Permanency, noted that more than two decades of research shows that children raised by lesbian and gay foster and adoptive parents fare as well as those raised by heterosexual parents and that qualified, eager parents should not be excluded because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. More here: bit.ly/1q01w6m
MASS. MOVEMENT ON TRANS INCLUSION: Massachusetts, the home of the Red Sox, Patriots, and marriage equality trailblazing, has been considering legislation that would explicitly prohibit discrimination on the basis of gender identity and expression in public accommodations. Some are concerned that with only four months left in this legislative session, and no official thumbs up or down from Governor Charlie Baker, the non-discrimination train could be coming to halt. Let’s not forget that professional sports teams out of New England — the New England Patriots, New England Revolution, Boston Celtics, and Boston Bruins, as well as the TD Garden arena — have all thrown their weight behind the bill, which already has support from the Boston Red Sox, U.S. Rep. Joe Kennedy III, Boston Mayor Martin Walsh, and Attorney General Maura Healey. Perhaps the fallout from North Carolina can help move the needle in favor of equality. More here: wbur.fm/25GjFH3
LOUISIANA GOV CONSIDERING RELIGIOUS EXEMPTION IN LGBT EXECUTIVE ORDER: Newly-elected Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards’ long-awaited executive order protecting LGBT state workers is finally coming, but not without a few changes. According to The Times-Picayune, the order will likely include religious exemptions for state contractors that have religious affiliations. His spokesman has said, “The executive order is still in its drafting phase. But he wants to be mindful of religious organizations.” While it remains to be seen what these exemptions will entail, it should be noted that once elected, Edwards wasted no time announcing plans to issue the order that would protect LGBT state employees and government contractors from discrimination. More here: bit.ly/23aG2lQ
SCHOOL LESSONS ON LGBT TOLERANCE PROMPT PROTEST PETITION – YES, YOU READ THAT CORRECTLY: Teaching tolerance elicits the most interesting reactions, no? In San Ramon, Calif., plans by Windemere Ranch Middle School to offer lessons in safety and respect during a week of tolerance awareness leading up to a National Day of Silence on April 15 aren’t sitting well with some parents. They’re petitioning to stop a plan by school leadership to delve into issues including bullying and acceptance, with a particular focus on the LGBTQ community. Characterizing the tolerance lesson as an “extended promotion of LGBTQ,” the petitioners are threatening to organize a walkout. The school says parents can just have their children opt out. Read more here: bit.ly/1Y41eqe
AROUND THE WORLD
FOOLS IN LOVE: Greenland was not fooling around on April 1st. After a long wait, same-sex couples could finally begin tying the knot on April 1st. Though marriage was supposed to come to Greenland in October, due to some political issues, same-sex couples in Greenland had to wait a little longer. Congrats you April love birds! More here: bit.ly/1W5htEI
YASSS QUEEN: Politicians from Queensland, Australia have passed a law recognizing same-sex partnerships and civil unions. Now, many are calling on the federal government to follow their lead but take it a step further by granting full marriage rights to same-sex couples. With over 70 percent of the country in support, we can’t help but wonder why the parliament continues to delay. Love cannot wait, and Australians are ready for marriage equality. Can’t we just do this?: bit.ly/1UYsLLA
COMING OUT IN KOSOVO, SERBIA AND BOSNIA: In light of ongoing rampant discrimination, advocacy organizations are using new data to support LGBT people in Kosovo, Serbia and Bosnia. Trying to draw attention to the plight of LGBT people in the region, supporters of equality are highlighting that not only do LGBT people exist, they deserve their basic rights. Momentum for human rights is growing as pressure from the European Union mounts.It is time to respect the rights of all people. More here: bit.ly/21Tn7cE
READING RAINBOW
Washington Blade covers a LGBT primary care clinic opening in Portland… Detroit Free Press shares a local school’s debate on trans policies… Out Magazine shared an inspirational video for Transgender Day of Visibility… Argus Leader strikes horror as they look at a South Dakotan lawmaker’s praise of North Carolina HB 2… The Los Angeles Times shares how Democrats can fight against anti-LGBT state bills… Time asks why so many anti-LGBT state bills are being proposed… Tucson News Now looks at the housing needs of the local LGBT community… The Asahi Shimbun interviews an openly-gay IBM employee in Japan’s fight for LGBT rights at work… The New York Times interviews U.S. Ambassador to the Dominican Republic James “Wally” Brewster and highlights his work promoting human rights despite the discrimination he faces as an openly gay man in the D.R… NBC News gives an overview of the trial for slain transgender woman Islan Nettles… The Advocate showcases how Wells Fargo celebrated Transgender Day of Visibility in North Carolina… ABC News shares a six-year-old’s adorable reaction to learning that her dad is transgender… Oregon Live introduce us to some of the transgender people who call Oregon home… NPR breaks down exactly why Mississippi’s religious refusal bill is so controversial… The Clarion Ledger talks to the same-sex couples in Mississippi who are finally able to adopt… Fortune looks at how Corporate America is stepping up for LGBT equality… The Huffington Post documents the Mississippi wedding of “Mad Men” actor Kit Williamson who hopes it can be a political statement against HB1523… The Tennessean shares an opinion piece about how anti-LGBT bills hurt people’s health… Associated Press covers a LGBT parental rights case in Massachusetts… and Advocate looks at the scary LGBT rhetoric of Ted and Rafael Cruz.
www.hrc.org/blog/am-equality-tip-sheet-april-4-2016?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss-feed
Demi Lovato, Ruby Rose, Troye Sivan, 'Sense8,' 'Carol,' 'I Am Jazz,' 'I Am Cait' among recipients at #glaadawards in LA
Photo Credit: Getty Images for GLAAD
Singer and actress Demi Lovato was honored with the Vanguard Award at the 27th Annual GLAAD Media Awards, presented by her friend and fellow musician/actor Nick Jonas. Actress Ruby Rose was presented with the Stephen F. Kolzak Award by Taylor Swift. Photos and videos of the event are posted at glaad.org/mediaawards.
Don’t miss the GLAAD Media Awards exclusive one-hour special airing on Logo tonight at 10pm ET/PT!
Following is a complete list of GLAAD Media Awards announced Saturday in Los Angeles:
GLAAD previously announced that it was acknowledging two web series, Beautiful As I Want To Be (Logotv.com) and This is Me (Amazon Instant Video) with Special Recognition Awards.
SPANISH-LANGUAGE NOMINEES
Nick Jonas presented the Vanguard Award to Demi Lovato. Taylor Swift presented the Stephen F. Kolzak Award to Ruby Rose. Comedian Ross Mathews hosted the event. Guests included: Patricia Arquette (Boyhood); Queen Latifah (Bessie); Lilly Wachowski (Sense8); Caitlyn Jenner, Jenny Boylan, Candis Cayne, Zackary Drucker, Ella Giselle, Chandi Moore (I Am Cait);Jazz Jennings and her family (I Am Jazz); recording artist Troye Sivan; Jill Soloway, Judith Light, Amy Landecker, Alexandra Billings, Rhys Ernst, Trace Lysette, Our Lady J, Silas Howard, Rain Valdez (Transparent); Peter Paige, Teri Polo, Sherri Saum(The Fosters); Elliot Fletcher, Michael J. Willett (Faking It); Daniel Franzese (Looking); Scott Turner Schofield (The Bold and The Beautiful); Tig Notaro (Tig); Jaime Camil (Jane The Virgin); Diego Boneta, Lea Michele, Keke Palmer (Scream Queens); Lena Waithe, Kelvin Yu (Master of None); Joel McKinnon Miller (Brooklyn Nine-Nine); Kat Graham (The Vampire Diaries);Zendaya (K.C. Undercover); Matthew Daddario, Harry Shum Jr. (Shadowhunters); Wilson Cruz (Red Band Society); Barrett Foa (NCIS: Los Angeles); Garcelle Beauvais (Grimm); Michael Harney (Orange Is the New Black); Sophie Ward (Heartbeat); Adrian Clemons, Kentrell Collins, Kareem Davis, Jerel Maddox, Tim Smith (The Prancing Elites Project); Bambiana, Bionka, LA, Nya,Xristina (Transcendent); Derek Hough (Dancing with the Stars); NeNe Leakes (Fashion Police); Paula Abdul (So You Think You Can Dance); TV personality Carson Kressley; stylist Brad Goreski; Gary Janetti (Vicious); Mercedes Soler (Realidades en Contexto); Robert Levine, Jonathan Steinberg (Black Sails); Sanaa Hamri (Empire); John Gidding (Secret Guide to Fabulous);Stephen Guarino (Dr. Ken); Jonathan Bennett, Adam Senn, Brent Antonello, James LaRosa (Hit the Floor); fashion designerAugust Getty; celebrity blogger Perez Hilton; out NFL player Michael Sam; former WNBA player and advocate Chamique Holdsclaw; recording artist Neil Amin-Smith; Jen Richards, Angelica Ross (Her Story); Carmen Carrera (Couples Therapy); model and advocate Geena Rocero; actor and trans advocate Nicole Maines; GLAAD President & CEO Sarah Kate Ellis.
Additional awards will be presented at the GLAAD Media Awards event at the Waldorf Astoria in New York on Saturday, May 14. Tickets are available now at glaad.org/mediaawards. To receive the latest updates on the GLAAD Media Awards, follow @glaad on Twitter and use the hashtag #glaadawards. The 27th Annual GLAAD Media Awards, presented by Delta Air Lines, Hilton, Ketel One Vodka, and Wells Fargo.
The GLAAD Media Awards recognize and honor media for their fair, accurate and inclusive representations of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community and the issues that affect their lives. They also fund GLAAD’s work to amplify stories from the LGBT community that build support for equality.
Follow GLAAD: Facebook | Twitter | Tumblr | Instagram | Donate to GLAAD
North Carolina Gov McCrory’s Reckless Anti-LGBT Law Casts Dark Cloud Over NCAA Championship
As the University of North Carolina (UNC) men’s basketball team heads to the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball National Championship game tonight, its hard work and success are being overshadowed by the reckless actions of North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory and state lawmakers.
With his signature on the deeply discriminatory law that was rammed through the legislature on March 23, Gov. McCrory has placed North Carolina not only at risk of losing an estimated $4.5 billion of federal funding from the U.S. Department of Education, but also at risk of being denied the ability to host future NCAA and NBA events in the state. The outrageous new law eliminated existing municipal non-discrimination protections for LGBT people, and forces transgender students in public schools and universities, as well as many transgender people in publicly-owned buildings, to use restrooms and other facilities inconsistent with their gender identity.
“On what should be a tremendously exciting night for North Carolina and its legions of fervent college basketball fans, the discriminatory actions of the state’s legislature and governor are casting a deep shadow over the Tar Heel state,” said Jason Collins, the first active NBA player to come out as gay. “I join other champions of equality in calling on Gov. Pat McCrory and the state’s elected leaders to repeal its grossly anti-LGBT law — not only, and most importantly, to protect its own citizens, but also to assure the NCAA that North Carolina is welcoming to all and deserves to retain its historic role as a leading host of league events.”
Over the past week, Gov. McCrory and state lawmakers have been coming under increasingly intense pressure to repeal the discriminatory law in the upcoming legislative session later this month. More than 120 major CEOs and business leaders from across the country are calling on state leaders to repeal the radical new law, and the outcry continues to grow. Mayors and governors across the country are banning travel to the state, and the New York Times editorial board calls North Carolina a “pioneer in bigotry.” Google Ventures is just one of many businesses that have stopped investments in the state until the anti-LGBT law is repealed.
Tonight’s championship game is being played in a city that the NCAA has said is also at risk of losing future NCAA events because of November’s shameful referendum that repealed the Houston Equal Rights Ordinance (HERO) – a critical measure that provided non-discrimination protections for LGBT and other minority Houstonians and visitors. The campaign to repeal HERO at the ballot was fueled by lies, scare tactics, and fear-mongering about transgender people – the same tactics used by anti-equality activists in North Carolina to pass House Bill 2. While it was horrible that HERO’s critical non-discrimination protections were never allowed to go into effect, HB 2 is worse because it targets LGBT, and particularly transgender people, and writes discrimination against them into law.
North Carolina’s HB 2 has eliminated existing municipal non-discrimination protections for LGBT people and prevents such protections from being passed by cities in the future. The legislation also forces transgender students in public schools to use restrooms and other facilities inconsistent with their gender identity, putting 4.5 billion dollars in federal funding under Title IX at risk. It also compels the same type of discrimination against transgender people to take place in state buildings, including in public universities. Lawmakers passed the legislation in a hurried, single-day session on March 23rd, and Gov. McCrory quickly signed it into law in the dead of night.
North Carolina has the unfortunate distinction of becoming the first state in the country to enact a law attacking transgender students, even after similar proposals were rejected across the country this year — including a high-profile veto by the Republican Gov. Dennis Daugaard of South Dakota. North Carolina school districts that comply with the law will now be in direct violation of Title IX, subjecting the school districts to massive liability and putting an estimated $4.5 billion of federal funding from the U.S. Department of Education, as well as funding received by schools from other federal agencies, at risk. This section of HB 2 offers costly supposed solutions to non-existent problems, and it forces schools to choose between complying with federal law — plus doing the right thing for their students — or complying with a state law that violates students’ civil rights. Read more about how this bill puts federal funding at risk here.
Tax Day: LGBTQ People Left Behind by “Qualifying Child” and “Qualifying Relative” Tests
For LGBTQ people and families, tax season can raise unique filing questions. Ahead of Tax Day, which falls on April 18 this year, HRC is highlighting some of the biggest issues impacting the LGBTQ community.
When it comes to filing taxes, LGBTQ people are often left behind because of “qualifying child” and “qualifying relative” tests.
The relationship test for determining a qualifying child is relatively broad. For example, a taxpayer could claim their step sibling’s grandchild as their “child.” This is because the tax code is designed to reflect the economic reality of the American family.
However, the tax code leaves out many LGBTQ people who are unable to adopt their child because of restrictive state laws, limited access to the legal system or courts or fears of discrimination at work, school or in housing. IRS guidance actually explicitly provides that a “girlfriend’s child” is not considered a “qualifying child,” regardless of the support the taxpayer provides for the child throughout the year.
This means that LGBTQ parents are unable to claim their child as a “qualifying child” for tax purposes.
While marriage equality is now the law of the land, which has simplified tax law immensely, these inequalities for same-sex couples and their families remain.
Stay tuned to HRC’s blog for more helpful hints when filing your taxes.
Need help filing?
Call the IRS’ hotline at 1-800-906-9887 or visit irs.treasury.gov/freetaxprep/ to locate a VITA site near you.
Call 1-888-227-7669 or visit www.aarp.org/money/taxaide/ to locate an AARP-sponsored Tax-Aide site near you.
For information about Free File, visit www.freefilealliance.org/.
If you’re planning to use a paid tax preparer, here are some tips from the IRS on choosing the right one: www.taxpayeradvocate.irs.gov/Individuals/ Choosing-A-Tax-Preparer.
LA Lovers
Abigail Gorden posted a photo:
Nick and Zach on the beach in Santa Monica.
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