HRC Arkansas Hosts Workshops for Teach for America Summit

Post submitted by James K Rector, HRC Arkansas Field Organizer

Earlier this month, HRC Arkansas presented three workshops to over 30 students in rural Arkansas at the Teach for America (TFA) Arkansas Student Leadership Initiative. TFA works to provide a diverse corps of recent college graduates that make a two-year commitment to give back to local urban and rural communities. Through this service they provide leadership in schools that in are in distress and help with educational inequity within schools.

The workshops were divided into middle school, high school and elementary school, but the content and structure remained the same. During the workshop, students were asked to think of places that they felt safe and unsafe and to compare the two. Diving deeper into the discussion, the students were then asked what made them feel unsafe. This discussion ultimately led to the topic of bullying in schools.

LGBTQ students continue to face challenges, especially at school.  HRC’s groundbreaking report, Growing Up LGBT in America, found that LGBTQ youth are twice as likely as their peers to say they have been physically assaulted, kicked or shoved at school. Twenty-one percent of LGBTQ youth identified school/bullying as the most important problem facing them right now. Shockingly, 92 percent of LGBTQ youth say they hear negative messages about being LGBT. The top sources are school and their peers.

By identifying bullying as a problem and focusing on what students could do to help in certain situations, they developed ally pledges with a goal of taking them back to their schools to share with teachers and students. The groups also discussed creating visibility about bullying through social media.

One pledge offered by a group of third graders was, “I pledge to be truthful, kind, and respectful as an ally to anyone, because everyone deserves to be heard and seen equally.”

This meeting was part of HRC and TFA’s formal partnership, allowing HRC to share our Welcoming Schools program broadly across the U.S.

The workshops were modeled after activities for classrooms that can be found on the Welcoming Schools website. Arkansas is one of two southern states in the U.S. that includes sexual orientation and gender identity in their state’s anti-bullying laws.

HRC Welcoming Schools is a comprehensive approach to creating respectful and supportive elementary schools with resources and professional development to embrace family diversity, create LGBTQ-inclusive schools, prevent bias-based bullying and gender stereotyping, and support transgender and gender-expansive students.

Being supported at home, in school and in the community is important for all children and youth – especially LGBTQ youth. From creating an inclusive learning environment for students – whether a student is in the process of transitioning or she has two moms – to understanding the challenges and resiliency of LGBTQ youth, HRC provides a wealth of resources for supporting LGBTQ youth. To learn more about how you can support LGBTQ youth, click here.

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HRC Participates in HIV is Not a Crime II Conference; Advocates to End Bad HIV Laws

Last week, I attended the HIV is Not a Crime II National Training Academy in Huntsville at the University of Alabama. Positive Women’s Network USA and the Sero Project, two groups leading the fight against HIV criminalization in the U.S., organized the conference. Co-sponsors included HRC, GMHC, the Southern AIDS Coalition, the Williams Institute and several others.

In a room of more than 300 advocates and activists, topics such as criminal justice reform, anti-Blackness and sex workers’ rights were discussed and debated in plenary sessions and workshops throughout the week. While everyone may not have agreed on every point or every issue, there was broad consensus that something had to be done to address the harmful effects of HIV criminalization laws, which run counter to public health and perpetuate stigma against people living with or affected by HIV.

The conference began with former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton who welcomed attendees, including several from Canada, Germany, Mexico and the United Kingdom, and reaffirmed her commitment to ending the unfair prosecution of people living with HIV and AIDS. In a plenary session entitled Anti-Blackness & HIV Criminalization: Grounding Ourselves in Racial Justice, Akil Patterson, Steven Thrasher, Isaiah Wilson and Tyrone Hanley discussed the racialized aspects of the Michael Johnson case and how Black LGBTQ advocates from across the country banned together to educate the LGBTQ community about his case. In April, HRC signed onto an amicus brief led by the National Center for Lesbian Rights in support of Johnson.

Conference attendees also heard from Kerry Thomas, a Black man who is currently serving 30 years in an Idaho prison for non-disclosure, even though he used a condom and did not actually transmit HIV to a partner. Other speakers included Mary Fisher, Joel Goodman and Colorado State Senator Pat Steadman.

Ultimately, HIV Is Not a Crime Training Academy II made clear to me that there are advocates and networks of activists all across the country who are working passionately to address the criminalization of HIV and sex work in the U.S.  I left with a greater responsibility to integrate those messages and personal narratives as often as I can into my daily work.

In more than 30 states, people living with HIV can be tried and imprisoned simply because a partner accuses them of hiding their HIV status. While originally thought to promote disclosure of one’s HIV status, there’s no proof these laws work. And they run counter to public health by discouraging HIV testing and treatment and perpetuating stigma. Join the Human Rights Campaign, National Center for Lesbian Rights, and Center for HIV Law & Policy as we raise awareness and work to end bad HIV laws. Click here to learn more.

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Guide Helps LGBTQ Youth Face Issues of Living Independently When Forced to Leave Unsupportive Homes

Today, HRC Foundation, in partnership with the True Colors Fund, co-founded by Cyndi Lauper, and Time Out Youth Center in Charlotte, North Carolina, released an innovative guide for LGBTQ youth facing the daunting prospect of living on their own after leaving unsupportive or abusive homes, or aging out of foster care.

On Our Own: A Survival Guide for Independent LGBTQ Youth is geared toward older teens and young adults forced to fend for themselves, typically without parental support and often lacking the skills or resources needed to live safely and begin building a successful life. The guide provides practical advice on essential topics ranging from finding housing, going to school and opening a bank account, to getting a job, accessing healthcare and living on a budget.

“As we work toward a more equal world for LGBTQ people, we know that our youth remain vulnerable, particularly when they are rejected by their families simply because of who they are,” said Mary Beth Maxwell, HRC Senior Vice President for Programs, Research, and Training. “The distressing reality is that far too many LGBTQ young people are forced to fend for themselves, and struggle daily to find housing, food, and other basic resources.”

“As the mother of a teenager, I’m constantly reminded of how important it is for young people to have help and guidance as they transition to adulthood,” Maxwell said. “We were honored to partner with True Colors and Time Out Youth to provide this practical roadmap for LGBTQ youth looking to independently establish stability and security in their lives.”

Across the country, LGBTQ youth are particularly vulnerable to homelessness. Research shows that of the nearly two million young people affected by homelessness each year, up to 40 percent identify as LGBTQ — even though they make up only five to 10 percent of the overall youth population. Many homeless LGBTQ young people say they have been rejected by their families. They also often face harassment or discrimination when attempting to access shelters and other services. The new guide highlights many LGBTQ-friendly service providers.

LGBTQ youth are also overrepresented in the foster care system, where they face unique challenges because of their identities, and often age out without the support necessary to live successfully on their own.

“LGBTQ youth experiencing homelessness may not know how to navigate certain situations, like opening a bank account, accessing healthcare, or locating food – and they may not have anyone to ask for guidance,” said Jama Shelton, Deputy Executive Director of True Colors Fund. “‘On Our Own’ provides the information and resources these young people need to thrive.”

“So many of our youth become independent at an early age and do not know where to turn for help or have the basic skills to survive on their own,” said Rodney S. Tucker, Executive Director, Time Out Youth. “We hope this guide will answer some of their big questions and get them on the path to stability.”

For more information on LGBTQ youth, including issues of homelessness and foster care, visit www.hrc.org/resources/topic/children-youth. 

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PHOTOS: Long Beach Pride Marks The Beginning Of This Year’s Pride Season

Thousands gathered in Long Beach last week to kick off the 2016 Pride season. This year’s festivities included live music, drag performances, a dyke march, a gospel fest, a street fair and, of course, a parade. The year’s Grand Marshal was none other than Charo. Yes, the Charo. Cuchi cuchi!

Scroll down for photos from the festivities. Happy Pride!

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When Your Friends Are A Soul-Sucking Pack Of Mean Gays

Everybody knows being gay is a competition, right?

No? Well it can sure feel that way sometimes.

And as anyone worthwhile who’s ever snagged a spot a the cool kids table can attest, mean gays never live up to the hype.

In this week’s episode of Jimmy Fowlie‘s Go-go Boy Interrupted, Danny gets in with a new crew of A-gays (including Scott Evans) and you can smell the disaster from a mile away. Or did someone leave the gas on?

Either way shit’s about to blow up.

Watch below:

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Gay Couple Goes Viral After Defying Homophobic Neo-Nazi Mob With a Kiss: WATCH

A group of neo-Nazi protestors from far-right group Hogar Social Madrid were demonstrating in Madrid on Friday and a gay couple stood up them with a long romantic kiss. Photos and videos of the kiss have since gone viral.

The Local reports:

David Fernández and Gregor Eistert were just out for a Saturday stroll when they stumbled upon the demo.

“We completely forgot the demonstration was taking place and just like any other Saturday we were looking for a terrace in the centre of Madrid when we stumbled across a huge political rally,” Fernández told El Español.

The angry crowd started shouting homophobic abuse at the couple, such as “maricón!” (a derogatory Spanish word for a gay man similar to faggot) “You’ve got AIDS!” and “sickos” as they walked hand in hand.

So they reacted in the best way they could think of, a way that was bound to rile the crowd even more: they began kissing.

Said Fernandez: “It was completely spontaneous, it came from anger.”

The police removed the gay couple from the square, likely for fear of their safety.

Video of the kiss:

El beso gay que desafió a los neonazis en Madrid t.co/VUyN5tFgHYt.co/mph9cUyMiG

— El Español (@elespanolcom) May 22, 2016

Photo:

Que foton de. @lunanegra1976 pic.twitter.com/m7BYymSDXP

— juan carlos mohr (@juancarlosmohr) May 21, 2016

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Arkansas News Reporter Responds to Viewer Who Tells Him ‘I Can’t Stand Your Gayness’

Mitchell McCoy, a reporter for KARK and FOX16 News in Arkansas, received a note from a viewer which read:

“Dear Mitch, I watched KARK before you joined and it was a reputable broad cast until now. I have been holding back for months but I can’t stand your gayness. You are on television every night and our children should not be watching people like you. You are a disgrace to Arkansas and I will be asking your boss to take you off. Do not be offended but society is not ready for gay men reading news.”

McCoy shared the note, signed “Sincerely, kark Channel 4 fan,” to his Twitter feed with a defiant retort.

“I get many emails but this tops it. I’ve dreamt of being a reporter since I was 9 and I won’t stop on your behalf. With that said, no matter who you are or what you believe in – dream loudly and don’t let anyone get in your way. The minute you stop…is the minute you stop being who you are. It’s not worth it. #DreamOn #StepUpStopBullying“

I get many emails but this tops it. I’ve dreamt of being a reporter since I was 9 and I won’t stop on your behalf. pic.twitter.com/gyFCRHfPHi

— Mitchell McCoy (@MitchellMcCoy) May 23, 2016

KARK stood by McCoy in a statement to Arkansas Online.

“As public figures, our journalists often receive messages from viewers — some good, some bad,” KARK news director Austin Kellerman said in an email. “It’s part of our profession. Mitch is a great journalist, and we’re happy to have him on our team.”

McCoy’s retort has inspired a wealth of support, including from CNN’s Don Lemon:

@MitchellMcCoy keep on keeping on. Don’t let anyone get you down. There will always be haters. Make them your motivators. 👊🏾

— Don Lemon (@donlemon) May 23, 2016

Some of McCoy’s highlight reel, via Raw Story:

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Trump is No Moderate on LGBT Issues

In this political election season, we have heard some pretty vitriolic comments coming from the Republican candidates for president as well as others in the GOP including governors, state representatives and surrogates for right-wing, anti-gay organizations.  From Ted Cruz and Mike Huckabee to Ben Carson, Bobby Jindal, Jeb Bush, Marco Rubio we hear things like the LGBT community is “attacking religious liberty.” 

We’ve watched as North Carolina governor, Pat McCrory squirms in his seat during interviews as he tries to defend the anti-LGBT bill he recently signed into law.  Mississippi governor, Phil Bryant, who has a gay son, recently signed a similar bill into law in his state showing complete disregard for any dialogue on the issue. 

Tennessee Governor, Bill Haslam recently signed a law allowing therapists to opt-out of treating LGBT people if it conflicts with their religious beliefs.  Therapists!  So when someone is at their most vulnerable and reaches out to talk to someone, they now face rejection. Lord only knows what that rejection could cause them to do. Dare we mention the likes of hate groups like Family Research Council’s Tony Perkins or the Liberty Council’s Mat Staver and their involvement in the construction and defense of these laws nationwide?

So that’s our “set-up” for this opinion piece.  We now have a presumptive nominee for the Republican Party, the bombastic Donald J. Trump.  He seems to have been anointed a moderate on LGBT issues in the social media sphere as well as the news media. 

Maybe it’s because he’s a New Yorker?  Maybe it’s because he let Caitlyn Jenner pee in the ladies room at Trump Tower?  Let’s make one thing clear; Trump is NO moderate when it comes to LGBT equality.  He just has others like those listed above doing his dirty work for him and helping him win the votes of Evangelicals.  Trump is not afraid to use the LGBT community negatively to propel him into office. 

Let’s look at the facts.  This past January, Trump told Fox News Sunday he would appoint justices to the Supreme Court who would reverse nationwide marriage equality.  He later told the Christian Broadcasting Network that evangelical voters can “trust me” to oppose marriage equality, adding, “I was very much in favor of having the court rule that it goes to states and let the states decide.  And that was a shocking decision for you and for me and for a lot of other people.  But I was very much in favor of letting the states decide…” 

Well, we know what happens if it is left up to the states.  It could take generations until all 50 states come on board.  Just last week, Trump announced his 11 choices to fill any potential Supreme Court vacancy during his presidency that included many jurists appointed by anti-gay former governors Rick Perry and Tim Pawlenty as well as current governors of Utah and Michigan, Gary Herbert and Rick Snyder respectively (neither of whom have favorable views of the LGBT community). 

The Heritage Foundation, also no friend to the LGBT community, has praised the Donald’s list for including names that they had previously supported.

Donald Trump also has expressed his support for the “First Amendment Defense Act” which is a proposed law currently under consideration in Congress which, according to the Human Rights Campaign, “would allow organizations and businesses contracting with the federal government to circumvent critical federal protections designed to protect same-sex couples and their families from harmful discrimination.  It would also enable federal employees to refuse to fully perform their duties if they believe they conflict with their objection to same-sex marriage.” 

Trump has said, “If Congress considers the First Amendment Defense Act a priority, then I will do all I can to make sure it comes to my desk for signatures and enactment.”

We all have seen the backlash that has ensued in North Carolina since the passage of House Bill 2 or the “bathroom bill” which requires a trans person to use the bathroom in accordance to the sex on their birth certificate and not their gender identity.  Donald Trump says he doesn’t support such a law.  When asked about it, this is when he famously stated that Caitlyn Jenner could use whatever restroom she would like at a Trump property. 

However, on that same day, he told Fox News that a bill like HB2 should be left to the states to decide and that, as president, he would not interfere.  He also just recently told the Washington Post that he would rescind President Obama’s historic directives that were announced last week protecting transgender people from discrimination. 

We know what happens when states are allowed to decide these things.  You end up with separate water fountains and more county clerks like Kentucky’s Kim Davis.  As usual, Trump is talking out of both sides of his mouth. 

Out of one side, he says “states should come up with a policy that’s going to work for everybody and protect people” in attempts to appeal to moderate Republicans and Independents.  Out of the other side, he talks about supporting laws that are specifically designed to oppress the LGBT community, which appeals to his base, because they were passed at the state level.  You can’t have it both ways.  Trump is being a hypocrite when it comes to LGBT discrimination and trying desperately to look like a moderate.  

As each of us, Democrat, Republican or Independent, heads into the voting booth this election season and pulls the curtain to cast their ballot, we hope you remember what appeared when the curtain was pulled back on the Wizard of Oz.  Just like Donald Trump, Oz was a fraud.

Jeff Zarrillo and Paul Katami were one of the two plaintiff couples in the historic Hollingsworth v Perry Supreme Court case that restored equal marriage right in California.  LGBT rights activists, they host a weekly podcast, The Husbands, on UBNradio.com.

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