Seth Meyers Mocks Donald Trump’s Visit to a Black Church – WATCH

Seth Meyers ripped Donald Trump on Tuesday night for his paltry attempt at outreach to African American and Latino voters.

Despite Trump’s “well documented history of stoking racial resentment and attracting the support of white nationalists,” Trump apparently thought he could “overcome all that by going to a church in Detroit and awkwardly swaying back-and-forth like a dad who brought his kids to a Demi Lovato concert,” Meyers quipped.

He added, “Also, I love how anytime Trump engages in even the slightest physical activity, he has to check to make sure his hair is still there.”

As for being “the original Birther”, Trump now says only that he’s not talking about that anymore. Which as Meyers points out, isn’t exactly a sufficient answer to questions about accusing the President of the United States of orchestrating a vast left-wing conspiracy to hide the true country of his birth. Joked Meyers, “You’re a presidential candidate. Not Ben Affleck being asked about Gigli.”

Despite his attempts to appeal to non-white voters, Trump can’t seem to escape the fact that his campaign has been built on “tough talk” meant to reassure “white voters who think they’re an endangered species.”

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Architects Inspired to Design Gender-Neutral Bathrooms; Speak Out Against Outdated Building Codes

Over the past several months, lawmakers across the nation have introduced and passed harmful anti-transgender legislation, including a number of measures targeting transgender students by seeking to prevent them from using the correct sex-segregated facilities.

But those discriminatory efforts have inspired an unexpected group to advocate for gender-neutral public restrooms: architects.

“The public restroom has become a symbol of change—or resistance, depending on which side of the debate you ask—at both a societal level and a legislative level,” Fast Company’s Co.Design.com reports. “For transgender rights to progress, social norms need to shift and laws need to hold people who discriminate by gender accountable. But because this civil rights debate is centered around a public space, it’s also a design issue. Thoughtful design can transform a public restroom into a space that is equitable and comfortable for all, and subtly change social attitudes in the process.”

Currently, 19 states and the District of Columbia have laws on the books extending to transgender people non-discrimination protections in access to public accommodations and the ability to use the restroom consistent with their gender identity. More than 75 percent of Fortune 500 companies have adopted gender identity protections.

Architects are pushing back on measures like North Carolina’s hateful HB2 law, which forces  transgender students in public schools to use restrooms and other facilities inconsistent with their gender identity. They are finding their own creative solutions to make safe space for everyone.

“Architects have been missing from this fight,” Maxwell Ng, an architect at Boston-based DiMella Shaffer and steering committee chair for Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition, told Co.Design.com. “I do genuinely see it as a design issue. And I genuinely believe that anything can be solved with good design. Architects love a good challenge.”

To learn more about what architects are doing to create gender-neutral bathrooms, click here.

For more information, check out the Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration Guide to Restroom Access for Transgender Workers.

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#AM_Equality Tip Sheet: September 7, 2016

TONIGHT’S COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF FORUM COMES AT CRUCIAL MOMENT FOR LGBTQ RIGHTS IN THE MILITARY: Ahead of tonight’s “Commander-in-Chief Forum” on NBC featuring Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump, HRC warns about the disastrous effect Trump would have on the historic gains made by the LGBTQ community — including the repeal of the discriminatory “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” law. “I’ve seen firsthand how the progress we’ve made toward LGBTQ equality in the Armed Forces has improved military and family readiness,” said HRC’s Stephen Peters (@StephenPeters2), a Marine veteran and founder and president emeritus of the American Military Partner Association. “LGBTQ service members can go to work and serve their country without having to worry about hiding who they are. We cannot allow Donald Trump and Mike Pence to take that away from our brave men and women in uniform.” The forum will focus on national security, military affairs and veteran issues — Hillary Clinton would continue building on President Obama’s equality legacy, ensuring that all service members are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve. More here.

MISSOURI MURDERS INVESTIGATED AS POSSIBLE HATE CRIME: Law enforcement officials have arrested Steven Endsley in connection with the Missouri murders of Theresa Jackson and her daughter, Danielle Smith. After learning that Endsley and Smith had an “ongoing disagreement” over Smith’s sexual orientation, officials began investigating whether the murder was a hate crime. Jackson and Smith’s deaths come in a year of disturbing and heart-wrenching attacks on LGBTQ people and their communities. Earlier this year, a Georgia man and his boyfriend were attacked with scalding water while they were sleeping, leaving them with severe burns. At least 17 transgender people have been murdered in the U.S. since 2016 began—most recently 28-year-old Rae’Lynn Thomas of Columbus, Ohio, who was killed by her mother’s boyfriend. And in June, 49 LGBTQ and allied people — almost all Latinx — were killed in Orlando at Pulse Nightclub. It was  the country’s deadliest mass shooting by a single shooter. More from HRC.

• Attack in Washington State also possible hate crime: Police in Olympia say an assault on two women early Sunday is being investigated as potentially motivated by sexual orientation or gender identity. “Hate crimes will not be tolerated in our community,” Police Chief Ronnie Roberts said Tuesday.

SIA’S POWERFUL TRIBUTE TO PULSE: Sia’s (@Sia) latest music video for “The Greatest” is a powerful tribute to the 49 LGBTQ and allied victims of the Pulse Nightclub shooting. It features 49 dancers, including Maddie Ziegler, who paints rainbow-colored tears on her face. More from NewNowNext.

Must watch: Powerful music video tribute from @Sia to honor the 49 victims of the #Orlando shooting. #StopTheHate t.co/ER8UISFGyV

— HumanRightsCampaign (@HRC) September 6, 2016

ALL 35 PULSE SURVIVORS AT ORMC DISCHARGED: Yesterday, the Orlando Regional Medical Center tweeted that all the survivors of the Pulse Nightclub shooting in their care have been discharged.

❤️ t.co/LIliWSRC13

— HumanRightsCampaign (@HRC) September 6, 2016

WHAT WE’RE READING WEDNESDAY: The Associated Press breaks down a new study released by the Media, Diversity and Social Change Initiative at the University of Southern California’s Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism about diversity in the movie business. The study shows a slight — but not significant — increase in LGBTQ portrayals in the past year. Read the full piece here.

STATE DEPT. TO FUND EFFORTS TO COMBAT GLOBAL STIGMA, VIOLENCE AGAINST LGBTQ PEOPLE: LGBTQ people have long faced violence in many parts of the world, which often prevents them from seeking or receiving HIV-related services. To help combat this, the U.S. State Department’s Global AIDS Coordinator recently announced the creation of a $100 million fund to reduce stigma and violence against LGBTQ people and other groups. The Global AIDS Coordinator’s Office is accepting funding applications through October 21. More from HRC.

SPEAKING OF… NIGERIAN PRESIDENT REUPS ATTACKS ON LGBTQ PEOPLE: Nigerian President Mohammed Buhari has reintroduced his so-called “War Against Indiscipline” (WAI), which is being used to directly attack the LGBTQ community. In this Washington Blade piece, LGBTQ Advocate Adebisi Alimi (@BisiAlimi) shares his experience growing up under WAI, and what the reintroduction means for the country.

READING RAINBOW

The Telegraph profiles the first openly gay athlete carrying British flag at Rio Paralympics… The Guardian interviews the  Church of England bishop speaking out about being in a same-sex relationship… Sky News profiles the first openly-lesbian Miss America pageant contestant… Erasing 76 Crimes breaks down a new study on corporate influence in countries with anti-LGBTQ laws… Advocate details a new program in San Francisco that’s creating safe spaces and community-based resources for LGBTQ survivors of violence…

Have news? Send us your news and tips at [email protected]. Click here to subscribe to A.M. Equality and follow @HRC for all the latest news. Thanks for reading!

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PHOTOS: It Was All Skin And Sin At Southern Decadence In New Orleans

Thousands and thousands (and thousands) of people turned out for Southern Decadence in New Orleans over the holiday weekend. The streets in the French Quarter were awash with shirtless guys, drag queens, speedo-clad go-go boys, a few hot girls, revelers, rabble rousers, and onlookers.

Related: Southern Decadence Is Not The Only Great Gay New Orleans Festival. It’s Just The Start

If you haven’t experienced the insanity and jubilance that is Southern Decadence, then you are truly missing out. Luckily, it’ll all happen again next year. In the mean time, we’ve gathered some photos from this year’s celebration.

Scroll down for pictures from the festivities…

Related: Why These 12 Only-In-New Orleans Experiences Need To Go On Your Bucket List

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A Kayaker Just Had a Very Close Encounter with Wild Orcas — He Swam With Them

A New Zealand kayaker just did something most would consider crazy (also very illegal) and jumped into the water to swim with an orca. Several others were nearby. The swim was captured by an overhead drone in Army Bay near Auckland on Monday.

RECENTLY: Fishermen Capture an Unusual Sight: Orcas Frolicking off of Cape Cod – WATCH

Tim Stewart, 57, told the New Zealand Herald that he was comfortable having been in the water and had similar encounters with dolphins.

Said Stewart:

“I wasn’t [scared] at the start. But when that other one – he was at my feet – and I went down under the water and I turned around and faced him, he had his mouth open! I turned back around to hop up to see where the kayak was going – towards the rocks. As I kept looking behind me, all I could see were his teeth on the end of my feet. I thought: ‘He just wants to play, but I hope he doesn’t drag me down for a play.’”

Stewart said he didn’t stumble upon the whales by chance – he had heard there was a pod nearby. The drone video was shot by photographer Sam Kynman-Colewho had also heard the orcas were in the area and had gone out to film them.

Under NZ Marine Mammal Regulations, the penalty for swimming within 100m of a whale is $10,000.

Check out the spectacular footage:

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Gay Equestrian Rider Lee Pearson Chosen as Flagbearer for Team GB at Paralympics

Out and proud equestrian rider Lee Pearson, who has won 12 Paralympic medals in four Games, has been chosen by his fellow Team GB athletes to carry the flag during the Opening Ceremonies of the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games tonight.

The BBC reports:

The 42-year-old needs two more golds to overtake wheelchair racer Tanni Grey-Thompson as Britain’s most successful Paralympian of the modern era.

“I am so proud and honoured to be the flagbearer for such a talented, strong and passionate group,” he said. “Being a diverse character myself means being voted by the athletes themselves has made this even more special.”

The Telegraph adds:

Pearson was nominated for the honour in a vote by his fellow 264 athletes from the 19 sports that make up the ParampicsGB team.

“I think that’s why I’m so proud of my fellow athletes. To vote a gay bloke to be in that position to lead them out through that tunnel and out into the Paralympic Games is an amazing honour. “What an amazing nation we have – we’ve got so many diverse characters, different religions and races.”

Pearson, 42, added: “Even if I died yesterday, to have done what I’ve done in my life is surreal. To be voted in this position, means we’ve moved on even further when people don’t give it any thought. I don’t want them to think ‘oh, he’s a gay bloke, let’s give him a chance’. I want them to think ‘he’s a nice bloke, who has done what he’s done for the country in previous Games’.”

Watch the announcement:

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‘Dallas Morning News’ Endorses Hillary Clinton; First Democrat in More Than 75 Years

Writing “we don’t come to this decision easily,” The Dallas Morning News has endorsed Hillary Clinton for President, its first Democratic endorsement for president in more than 75 years. Since before World War II.

Writes the paper:

We’ve been critical of Clinton’s handling of certain issues in the past. But unlike Donald Trump, Hillary Clinton has experience in actual governance, a record of service and a willingness to delve into real policy. Resume vs. resume, judgment vs. judgment, this election is no contest.

The paper also looks down upon “the politics of personal destruction” that have followed Clinton throughout her career:

Clinton has remained dogged by questions about her honesty, her willingness to shade the truth. Her use of a private email server while secretary of state is a clear example of poor judgment. She should take additional steps to divorce allegations of influence peddling from the Clinton Foundation. And she must be more forthright with the public by holding news conferences, as opposed to relying on a shield of carefully scripted appearances and speeches.

Those are real shortcomings. But they pale in comparison to the litany of evils some opponents accuse her of. Treason? Murder? Her being cleared of crimes by investigation after investigation has no effect on these political hyenas; they refuse to see anything but conspiracies and cover-ups.

We reject the politics of personal destruction. Clinton has made mistakes and displayed bad judgment, but her errors are plainly in a different universe than her opponent’s.

The paper says that despite “all her warts,” Clinton is a “known quantity” who is not, like Trump, “exploiting base instincts of xenophobia, racism and misogyny — to bring out the worst in all of us, rather than the best.”

A recent Washington Post poll showed Clinton with a narrow lead over Trump in Texas:

Of all the states, Texas provided the most unexpected result. The Lone Star State has been a conservative Republican bastion for the past four decades. In 2012, President Obama lost the state by 16 points. For Democrats, it has been among the 10 to 15 worst-performing states in the past four elections.

The Post-SurveyMonkey poll of Texas shows a dead heat with Clinton at 46 percent and Trump at 45 percent. Democrats have long claimed that changing demographics would make the state competitive in national elections, but probably not for several more cycles.

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HRC to Honor Late Michel Richard at Chefs for Equality

For the fifth consecutive year, HRC Foundation and prominent food writer David Hagedorn are once again bringing together the capital region’s top chefs, pastry chefs, and mixologists for Chefs for Equality.

The fifth annual event will honor the late renowned chef Michel Richard – a strong supporter of the LGBTQ community and patron of Chefs for Equality since its inception – with a special table in his memory. The Washington Post said Richard’s “…innovative and whimsical fusions of French and American foods made him one of the country’s most influential chefs.”

“Chefs from all over the region are coming together for our incredible event to stand with the LGBTQ community and help raise crucial funds for the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s vitally important work,” said David Hagedorn. “Despite tremendous progress made, LGBTQ people still face unfair and unjust discrimination in far too many places across the country. And with more than 200 anti-LGBTQ pieces of legislation introduced in 34 states this year, the work of the HRC Foundation is more important than ever before.”

Chefs for Equality features savory tasting and drink stations headed by the national capital region’s top chefs, pastry chefs, and mixologists. As they have for the previous four years, Christopher Vazquez and Rick Davis of Amaryllis Floral Event + Design will enhance the Ritz-Carlton’s ballroom for the amazing event.

The jewels of the Chefs for Equality crown are eight personal chef tables – an opportunity to dine with celebrity chefs for a lavish five-course meal right in the middle of the action during the event. Celebrity chef groupings for these tables include: Jen Carroll, David Guas, and Ris Lacoste; Ian Boden, Bryan Voltaggio, and Jeremiah Langhorne; Victor Albisu, Amy Brandwein, and Nick Stefanelli; Cathal Armstrong, Erik Bruner-Yang, Scott Drewno, Danny Lee, and Yesoon Lee; Todd Gray, Vikram Sunderam, and Alex Levin; Tarver King, Marjorie Meek-Bradley, and Johnny Spero; Mike Friedman, Jamie Leeds, and Michael Schlow; Bill Smith, Joy Crump, and David Shannon.

In addition to these tables are two centerpiece tables for 16 guests, each matched with Washington’s most celebrated fine dining chefs, including Patrick O’Connell, Frank Ruta, Aggie Chin, Fabio Trabocchi, Robert Wiedmaier, and Eric Ziebold at one table.

The second centerpiece table is a tribute to Richard, and includes chefs David Deshaies, Cedric Maupillier, Roberto Donna, Kaz Okochi, Eric Krempp, Jeff Buben and Luigi Hervé. Baker Mark Furstenberg of Bread Furst will provide the bread for all 10 of the personal chef tables.

The full list of participating chefs, pastry chefs, bakers, and mixologists can be found at chefsforequality.org.

The fight for full LGBTQ equality is far from over. Even with nationwide marriage equality, 31 states lack explicit protections against discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations on the basis of both sexual orientation and gender identity. The HRC Foundation’s educational work is vital to raising awareness on these important issues.

Tickets for Chefs for Equality can be purchased at chefsforequality.org. Additionally, tickets for the after-party at Mike Isabella’s Kapnos restaurant can be purchased separately for $50. All proceeds will benefit the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s nationwide work for LGBTQ equality. 

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