HRC Los Angeles Observes Transgender Day of Visibility

Submitted by Jim Wen, HRC Los Angeles Community Engagement Co-Chair​

HRC-Los Angeles (LA) was proud to participate in a Transgender Day of Visibility (TDOV) gathering on March 31. Lindsey Deaton, HRC-LA Membership Outreach Co-Chair, opened the event advocating for transgender and gender non-binary people’s justice on the steps of the Edward Roybal Federal Building in downtown Los Angeles.

Deaton was followed by genderqueer youth advocate Addison Rose Vincent (who uses they/them/their pronouns). Vincent spoke passionately, welcoming young community members and calling forth understanding and acceptance of the gender spectrum.  Speaking on behalf of parents, Gizella Czene affirmed PFLAG’s commitment to stand with the transgender and gender non-binary community. The event also recognized the one-year anniversary for the Los Angeles Transgender Advisory Council, chaired by longtime community advocate “Mama” Karina Samala, who was joined by her counterpart from the City of West Hollywood Transgender Advisory Board, Chair Coco LaChine,​to mark this milestone.  

In response to transgender housing needs, Alexandra Magallon, Chair for TransHaven LA, spoke about the organization’s services to help end homelessness.  Native American Navajo youth speaker Yue C. Begay gave a heartfelt message that reverberated against the walls of the federal building.

“No matter how much the colonized world tries to deny us, we have truth and compassion on our side,” Begay said. “That is our heritage and our legacy.”  

In addition, a youth representative from the LA LGBT Center and adult civil servant for the Los Angeles Police Department led a moving call and response affirmation pledging that cries of our community’s youth will be assuaged by accepting adults. In closing, Reverend Li Arnee from Unity Fellowship of Christ Church Los Angeles gave a spiritual blessing and reminded community members that we are made in the image of the creator. Ms. Deaton led an emotional group sing.  Individual hands began joining together until we were all connected as one people.

www.hrc.org/blog/hrc-los-angeles-observes-transgender-day-of-visibility?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss-feed

Republicans Successfully Stole a Supreme Court Seat

Conservative justice Neil Gorsuch — who’s shown animosity to women’s rights and ambivalence, at best, to LGBT rights — is now expected to serve for at least three decades on the high court.

www.advocate.com/politics/2017/4/07/republicans-successfully-stole-supreme-court-seat

Straight man can’t stop having gay incest dreams, seeks advice from professional dream expert
Zach recently started having sex dreams about his best friend, Jay, and Jay’s little brother, Dee.

www.queerty.com/straight-man-cant-stop-gay-incest-dreams-seeks-advice-professional-dream-expert-20170407?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+queerty2+%28Queerty%29

Ricky Martin to Play Gianni Versace’s Lover in Ryan Murphy’s Next ‘American Crime Story’

The next American Crime Story focuses on the murder of Gianni Versace by Andrew Cunanan, and Ricky Martin will be joining Édgar Ramirez, Penélope Cruz and Darren Criss in the cast, according to Deadline:

The 10-episode Versace examines the shocking July 1997 assassination of Gianni Versace (Ramirez) on the steps of his Miami Beach mansion by sociopath and serial killer Andrew Cunanan (Criss). Martin will play Versace’s longtime partner Antonio D’Amico; Cruz plays Versace’s sister Donatella.

This is a reunion for Martin and Murphy, who first cast the Latin music superstar in an episode of his Fox series Glee.

The post Ricky Martin to Play Gianni Versace’s Lover in Ryan Murphy’s Next ‘American Crime Story’ appeared first on Towleroad.

Ricky Martin to Play Gianni Versace’s Lover in Ryan Murphy’s Next ‘American Crime Story’

New Mexico Governor Signs Into Law Bill Protecting LGBTQ Youth From “Conversion Therapy”

Today, HRC and Equality New Mexico hailed New Mexico Republican Governor Susana Martinez’s decision to sign into law Senate Bill (SB) 121 — legislation protecting LGBTQ youth from the dangerous and discredited practice of so-called “conversion therapy.”

“This is an incredible victory for LGBTQ youth in New Mexico,” said HRC Legal Director Sarah Warbelow. “No child should be subjected to this dangerous practice that amounts to nothing more than child abuse. By signing this crucially important legislation into law, Governor Martinez is standing up for vulnerable youth who deserve to be loved and supported for who they are.”

“As a survivor of conversion therapy that happened right here in my home state of New Mexico, it’s a very special day to see this barbaric and dangerous practice banned in the place that I grew up and call home,” said Equality New Mexico Executive Director Amber Royster. “My hope is that parents and families everywhere will think twice before seeking to change their LGBTQ child or loved one, and now we have the legal mechanism to ensure it doesn’t happen at the hands of licensed practitioners in New Mexico.”

“Today’s historic action by Governor Martinez confirms that our shared commitment to protecting all children from abuse transcends party labels and ideological differences,” said New Mexico state Senator Jacob R. Candelaria, who sponsored the bill along with Representative G. Andres Romero. “In New Mexico, we value and celebrate every child for who they are. I want to thank Governor Martinez for having the courage to stand up for the simple truth that every LGBTQ kid in New Mexico is born perfect. I also want to thank the victims of conversion ‘therapy’ who came forward to support this bill. Their stories did not fall on deaf ears. They turned their suffering into a force for good, and because of them, and for them, we have made history.”

“Conversion therapy,” sometimes referred to as “sexual orientation change efforts” or “reparative therapy,” encompasses a range of practices that seek to change an individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity or expression. These practices are based on the false premise that being LGBTQ is a mental illness that needs to be cured, a theory that has been rejected for decades by every major medical and mental health organization.

HRC has partnered with the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) and state equality groups across the nation to pass state legislation ending conversion therapy.​ California, Illinois, New Jersey, Oregon, Vermont, New York, and the District of Columbia currently have laws or regulations ​protecting LGBTQ minors from the dangerous practice. Numerous municipalities also have these protections in place.

There is no credible evidence that conversion therapy can change a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity or expression. To the contrary, research has clearly shown that these practices pose devastating health risks for LGBTQ young people such as depression, decreased self-esteem, substance abuse, homelessness, and even suicidal behavior. The dangerous practice is condemned by every major medical and mental health organization, including the American Psychiatric Association, American Psychological Association, and American Medical Association.

In February 2016, the Human Rights Campaign, NCLR, and Southern Poverty Law Center filed a consumer fraud complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) against People Can Change, a major provider of conversion therapy. The complaint alleges that People Can Change’s advertisements and business practices which claim they can change a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity constitute deceptive, false, and misleading practices and can cause serious harm to consumers, all in direct violation of Section 5 of the Federal Trade Commission Act. The complaint urges the FTC to take enforcement action to stop these deceptive practices and investigate all practitioners making similar claims.

More information on the lies and dangers of efforts to change sexual orientation or gender identity can be found here.

www.hrc.org/blog/new-mexico-gov-signs-bill-protecting-lgbtq-youth-from-conversion-therapy?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss-feed

Stefano Gabbana has insane social media meltdown after being criticized for dressing Melania Trump
Donald “Twitter Fingers” Trump would be very proud.

www.queerty.com/stefano-gabbana-insane-social-media-meltdown-criticized-dressing-melania-trump-20170407?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+queerty2+%28Queerty%29

Senate Confirms Neil Gorsuch to Supreme Court After GOP Blows Up Rules

GOP members of the Senate have confirmed Neil Gorsuch to the U.S. Supreme Court, but only after denying a vote on the nomination of Merrick Garland, President Obama’s pick, and demolishing Senate rules so that from now on only a simple majority of votes is required to confirm a nominee.

The post Senate Confirms Neil Gorsuch to Supreme Court After GOP Blows Up Rules appeared first on Towleroad.

Senate Confirms Neil Gorsuch to Supreme Court After GOP Blows Up Rules

#AM_Equality Tipsheet: April 7, 2017

SHAMEFUL — SENATE LEADERS GO NUCLEAR TO GUARANTEE APPOINTMENT OF ANTI-EQUALITY NEIL GORSUCH TO SCOTUS: Yesterday, Senate Republicans deployed the “nuclear option” to hand anti-equality Judge Neil Gorsuch a lifetime appointment to the Supreme Court of the United States by shamefully changing Senate rules and bypassing the historic 60-vote threshold for high court nominees. “We are deeply disappointed by the Senate Republicans’ decision to pave the way for the confirmation of Neil Gorsuch, who throughout his career has dismissed the role of the courts in protecting individual and civil rights,” said HRC President Chad Griffin (@ChadHGriffin). “He does not believe the Constitution protects marriage rights for same-sex couples. He has twice ruled in cases that undermined equality for transgender people. In his Senate testimony, he repeatedly dodged answers about the fundamental equality of LGBTQ people. If you harbor any remaining doubt about his dangerous worldview, consider for a moment that Judge Gorsuch’s idol is none other than Antonin Scalia.”

• HRC supporters rallied on Capitol Hill yesterday to oppose Trump’s anti-LGBTQ Supreme Court nominee. Watch here.

ICYMI → @HRC is deeply disappointed @SenateGOP changed rules to advance anti-LGBTQ SCOTUS nominee Judge #Gorsuch. t.co/y3ZuXLejOF pic.twitter.com/QtfYDSnbKK

— HumanRightsCampaign (@HRC) April 6, 2017

STATES AND CITIES AGREE — NORTH CAROLINA REMAINS UNSAFE FOR LGBTQ PEOPLE: Portland, OR; Portland, ME; Wilton Manors, FL; and Palm Springs, CA, join a growing chorus of cities and states reaffirming their travel ban to North Carolina. Other city and states protecting their LGBTQ state employees include: Minnesota; New York City; Washington, DC; San Francisco; Seattle; Los Angeles; Oakland; Santa Fe; Cincinnati; and Salt Lake City.

• Check out this ad from a broad coalition of civil rights organizations calling out this so-called ‘deal’ for what it is — doubling down on the discriminatory aspects of HB2. It appeared yesterday in The San Jose Mercury News and The (Raleigh) News & Observer. The ad also appeared in The Charlotte Observer earlier this week. More from The (Raleigh) News & Observer.

FEEL GOOD FRIDAY: In this heartwarming video, parents share affirmations with their transgender children — including “I am powerful,” “I can get back up again,” and “I know who I am.” The video includes parents DeShanna Neal and Jodie Patterson, both members of HRC’s Parents for Transgender Equality Council. Get your tissues ready and watch at The Scene.

These parents are teaching their transgender children that they are loved, confident, and so much more. pic.twitter.com/3OmKPPnaIh

— The Scene (@SCENE) April 6, 2017

SAFE SCHOOLS IMPROVEMENT ACT REINTRODUCED IN CONGRESS: Representatives Linda Sánchez (D-CA) and Carlos Curbelo (R-FL) have reintroduced the Safe Schools Improvement Act (SSIA), which would require schools to have anti-bullying policies that specifically include LGBTQ students. SSIA would amend the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) to require school districts in states that receive ESEA funds to adopt codes of conduct specifically prohibiting bullying and harassment, including on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, and religion. SSIA would also require that states report data on bullying and harassment to the Department of Education. More from HRC.

Thanks @RepCurbelo & @RepLindaSanchez for standing up for #LGBTQ youth with intro of Safe Schools Improvement Act! t.co/kFitxUMcRs

— HumanRightsCampaign (@HRC) April 6, 2017

NEVADA BILL TO PROTECT LGBTQ FOSTER YOUTH HEADS TO GOVERNOR’S DESK: Assembly Bill 99 would require prospective foster parents to participate in training on working with LGBTQ children. The bill also requires state and local agencies and facilities to provide children care consistent with their gender identity. It now awaits signature by Governor Brian Sandoval. More from Las Vegas Review-Journal.

MORE THAN 130 ANTI-LGBTQ BILLS INTRODUCED IN 30 STATES: As lawmakers continue to meet in State Capitols around the country, HRC is tracking more than 130 anti-LGBTQ bills in 30 states. Last week saw the beginning of what will become a steady increase in the number of legislatures adjourning. Legislatures have already gaveled out in Arkansas, Arizona, Kentucky, Montana, Virginia, West Virginia and Wyoming. Equality advocates have successfully stopped anti-trans measures from passing in those states. The Daily Beast recently took a deep dive into why lawmakers rejected those vile proposals.

SURVEY SHOWS TRANSGENDER ARKANSANS FACE HIGHER RISK OF UNEMPLOYMENT AND POVERTY: UA Little Rock Public Radio takes a deep dive into Arkansas-specific findings of the 2015 US Transgender Survey, conducted by the National Center For Transgender Equality. According to the survey, 11 percent of transgender Arkansans are unemployed and 37 percent are living in poverty. More from UA Little Rock Public Radio.

A FIRST — JAPAN RECOGNIZES SAME-SEX COUPLE AS FOSTER PARENTS: The city of Osaka officially recognized two men as foster parents of a teenage boy who has been in their care since February. The couple first submitted their request to officially become foster parents in 2015. More from Mashable and BBC.

NON-BINARY TV STAR HELPS CLARIFY EMMY AWARD CATEGORIES: Billions’ Asia Kate Dillon, a non-binary actor and the first person to portray a non-binary character on mainstream television, was able to choose the category they would be considered for in this year’s Emmy Awards — as opposed to being forced into “supporting actor” or “supporting actress.” More, including Dillon’s letter to the Academy challenging the categories, from Variety.

READING RAINBOW

BuzzFeed profiles a LGBTQ-welcoming Mosque in Toronto; The New York Times discusses the importance of using correct names and pronouns for story sources; The band A Great New World joins HRC’s Equality Rocks campaign; BuzzFeed shares a powerful photo series of LGBTQ people living in Delhi;

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

www.hrc.org/blog/am-equality-tipsheet-april-7-2017?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss-feed