#AM_Equality Tipsheet: November 7, 2017

MORNING MUST-READ — HRC’S SARAH MCBRIDE ON THE HISTORY AND HOPE OF DANICA ROEM’S CAMPAIGN: McBride (@SarahEMcBride) writes: “Last November, Virginia voters rejected Donald Trump. Now, one year later, those same voters have the chance to make a national statement by rejecting the politics of hate once again by electing people like Danica Roem and Ralph Northam. Should that happen, for the first time ever, a twelve-year-old transgender girl from Manassas or Norfolk will be able to walk into that beautiful capitol designed by Jefferson and know that they are not alone, that someone in that legislature understands them. For that transgender youth, Danica’s election wouldn’t just be a headline or history. It would be hope.” More from HuffPost.

• Also in Virginia, HRC has endorsed Dr. Ralph Northam for Governor, Justin Fairfax for Lieutenant Governor and Mark Herring for Re-election as Attorney General.
• HRC has also endorsed Phil Murphy for New Jersey Governor, Jenny Durkan for Seattle Mayor, Cathy Woolard for Atlanta Mayor and Vi Lyles for Charlotte, N.C. Mayor.

.@pwcdanica‘s candidacy isn’t just a headline or history. It’s hope.

My piece on her candidacy ⬇️ t.co/rXm4xfdXrI

— Sarah McBride (@SarahEMcBride) November 6, 2017

HRC ENDORSES JULIE JOHNSON FOR HOUSE DISTRICT 115 IN THE TEXAS HOUSE: “Julie Johnson is a champion for working families who will fight for every day Texans,” said HRC Senior Vice President for Policy and Political Affairs JoDee Winterhof. “We proudly endorse her candidacy to represent Texas House District 115 and look forward to working with another strong, pro-equality voice in the Texas Legislature.”  The choice between Johnson and incumbent State Rep. Matt Rinaldi could not be clearer. While Johnson will fight to ensure the equal treatment of every Texan, Rinaldi is a hard-right legislator who sponsored Texas’ failed anti-transgender bill last session and enjoys support from some the state’s most egregious anti-equality groups. More from HRC.

U.S. GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION (GSA) REMOVES LGBTQ PEOPLE FROM EEO STATEMENT: “Yet again, we see the Trump-Pence Administration actively seeking to undermine rights for LGBTQ people,” said David Stacy, HRC Government Affairs Director. “The GSA’s move to exclude sexual orientation and gender identity from their Equal Employment Opportunity statement is mean-spirited, deceptive and irresponsible. The GSA’s EEO statement is meant to inform workers and applicants about their legal protections — protections that federal employees have had for decades. Cutting specific mention of sexual orientation and gender identity protections is a slap in the face to LGBTQ federal employees who proudly serve and sadly signals that this administration does not value them. The GSA should immediately restore the previous, accurate EEO policy.”  Read the GSA’s EEO here. More from the Washington Blade.

TUESDAY TWEET — HRC ON THE GROUND FOR PRO-EQUALITY CANDIDATES ON ELECTION DAY: Do you have a plan to vote? HRC members and supporters have been on the ground fighting for pro-equality candidates across the country. Today, it’s time get out the vote. Check out these guides from HRC if you live in Georgia, North Carolina or Virginia.

As polls open across Virginia in critical elections, @HRC is already on the ground for pro-equality candidates. Go vote today! #ElectionDay pic.twitter.com/VOfaQWsSh3

— HumanRightsCampaign (@HRC) November 7, 2017

WEDNESDAY — HRC, HUMAN RIGHTS GROUPS RALLY IN SUPPORT OF EGYPTIAN LGBTQ COMMUNITY: Over the last two months, Egyptian authorities have been rounding up and arresting LGBTQ people as part of a wider crackdown on human rights in the country. HRC, Human Rights First, Amnesty International and Egyptian LGBTQ advocates will be gathering to show solidarity with the Egyptian LGBTQ community, call on the Egyptian government to stop the crackdown, and urge the international community to condemn these human rights abuses. For more information on this event, please contact [email protected].

• ICYMI: Check out this story that highlights a recent troubling trip to Egypt by members of Trump’s evangelical advisory board. More from The Washington Post.

ANTI-LGBTQ HATE GROUP SUES MARYLAND SCHOOL FOR SUPPORTING TRANS STUDENTS: The suit, filed by lawyer allied with Alliance Defending Freedom on behalf of an anonymous student and her mother, seeks to dismantle the school’s policies that support transgender students. More from WBAL.

• The Frederick County Teachers Association, the Maryland State Education Association and the National Education Association have requested to intervene as defendants in the case. More from The Frederick News-Post.

ANTI-LGBTQ FLYERS LITTER UNIVERSITY OF WEST FLORIDA CAMPUS: University President Martha Saunders condemned the flyers, saying “we are committed to ensuring our institution is a safe and respectful environment for all. We do not tolerate acts of hate or prejudice targeting members of our community.” Campus police are investigating. More from The Associated Press and Pensacola News Journal.

WEBSITE HELPING LGBTQ FAITHFUL FIND WELCOMING PLACES OF WORSHIP: Church Clarity uses crowdsourcing to suggest churches that embrace LGBTQ people. More from South Florida Gay News.

SAN FRANCISCO TO HONOR HARVEY MILK WITH MEMORIAL: Designed by architecture firm Perkins Eastman, the memorial will be built on Harvey Milk Plaza in the Castro District. More from Dezeen.

• Additionally, an art installation in honor of the 40th anniversary of Milk’s historic election will be unveiled on Wednesday at the corner of Castro Street and Market Street. More from SBC San Francisco.

TRANS TEEN FINDS LOVE AND SUPPORT AT OHIO HIGH SCHOOL: Emily Flauto tells The Columbus Dispatch’s Kimball Perry (@KimballPerry) about the support she received from her family, friends and school during her transition, and why she’s the happiest she’s ever been. More from The Columbus Dispatch.

GAY NEW JERSEY PRINCIPAL FILES SUIT AFTER BEING FIRED: Timothy Hart, former principal of the Lincoln School in Edison, asserts he was fired for being gay. A school board member allegedly wrote a letter to the administration regarding Hart’s orientation and advocating for his removal. More from NJ.com.

VOTING ENDS IN NON-BINDING AUSTRALIA POSTAL VOTE ON MARRIAGE EQUALITY: Results are expected on November 15.

DESPICABLE — BERMUDA LAUNCHES BILL TO REVOKE MARRIAGE EQUALITY: The British Overseas Territory achieved marriage equality in May through a ruling of the country’s top court.  More from PinkNews.

READING RAINBOW

Fast Company interviews an openly gay teacher about how his students accept him; Advocate lists 10 companies leading the way on global LGBTQ equality; PBS News Hour shares a website that supports the work of non-binary actors; Youth Ki Aqwaaz looks at the unique struggles the Muslim LGBTQ community faces;

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-november-7-2017?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss-feed

We’re Not All Kevin Spacey

The actor perpetuated a dangerous myth in his coming-out, writes out politician Evan Low.

www.advocate.com/commentary/2017/11/07/were-not-all-kevin-spacey

Colbert, After Texas Shooting, Tells America to Vote for ‘Someone Who Will Do Something’ – WATCH

Stephen Colbert got contemplative on Monday’s episode of The Late Show, after another mass shooting at a church in Texas. Gunman Devin Kelley shot 26 people dead and injured around 20 others in the tragedy in Sutherland Springs Sunday. Colbert described how events such as the church massacre and the Las Vegas shooting in October—the largest…

The post Colbert, After Texas Shooting, Tells America to Vote for ‘Someone Who Will Do Something’ – WATCH appeared first on Towleroad.

Colbert, After Texas Shooting, Tells America to Vote for ‘Someone Who Will Do Something’ – WATCH

10 Emerging Wellness Spa Travel Trends For 2018 And Beyond
Forecasting the next big trends in wellness travel for 2018, I’m continually on the lookout for the next big thing. From mindful movement holidays, to happiness retreats and architectural wellness, here I predict the hottest new trends that will influence the wellness world in 2018 and beyond..

Preventative Health to Eliminate Disease

With preventable diseases responsible for approximately 70% of premature deaths worldwide each year (Global Wellness Institute, 2017), it’s more important than ever that we start to take our health in our own hands. As people become increasingly aware of how unhealthy habits and lifestyle can significantly increase the risks of illness, including heart disease, diabetes and cancer, there has been an increase in preventative health holidays to keep your well-being in check. Medi-spas usually involving a comprehensive health check-up, counselling and spa therapies are advancing to cater to disease prevention.

Architectural Wellness

A growing trend in the wellness industry , ‘wellness architecture’ is reshaping the luxury travel sector, providing spaces that are not only structurally beautiful, but also comfortable, functional and sustainable. With guest welfare at the forefront, more ‘healthy-for-human’ hotels are emerging, where both the design and materials used address the physical and mental health of the people inside. This includes ‘living’ buildings, with greenery that grows inside, and design that encourages human movement and mindfulness.

Break-up Breaks

Contrary to the belief that holidays are reserved for celebratory events such as honeymoons and anniversaries, more people are planning wellness holidays following the breakdown of a relationship. The stress and anxiety caused by major life changes like divorce, lead many individuals on a solo wellness trip, in order to tap into the transformative power of travel. Retreats are responding to this growing trend, with an array of emotional healing therapies, stress management and life coaching services.

Food as Medicine

A worrying 7 in 10 people take prescription medication, and this unhealthy pill-popping culture has led to an awareness of the need to replace pharmaceuticals with more natural remedies. We’re now seeing a growing trend towards ‘food as medicine’, with more people ditching the drugs in favour of treating their ailments with the right nutrients. This has also led to an increase in nutrition-friendly holidays, where guests can discover the best diet for their body type and health concerns.

Mindful Movement

Mindfulness has been a major buzzword in the wellness world over the last few years, and 2018 is set to be the year of ‘mindful movement’. With increased awareness of the connection between the mind and body, a shift towards mindful exercise is occurring, bringing attention and focus to one’s workout, whilst reaping the physical and psychological benefits of exercise. Next year will see a significant emergence of such workouts, as well as more retreats offering wellness programmes with equal focus on being active and mindful.

Technology for Wellness

It will come as no surprise that in this tech-dependent digital age, one of the biggest trends in the wellness industry is still technology. Spa and fitness technology has become increasingly sophisticated, with traditional treatments and activities being adapted to enhance results using technical approaches, from measuring your body composition to high-tech anti-aging medi-spa treatments. Despite the growing awareness of the need for regular ‘digital detoxing’, technological advances in wellness will only continue to accelerate to meet consumer demands.

Skip Gen Holidays

While last year we saw a rising trend for family and ‘multi-generational’ holidays; 2018 is set to be the year of ‘skip-gen’ trips, where grandparents take grandchildren on once-in-a-lifetime holidays, leaving parents behind. The reason for this shift can be attributed to the fact that the baby boomer generation are now retiring, with their top priorities being family and travel. Skip-gen holidays combine the two, providing the opportunity for major milestones such as graduations and special birthdays to be celebrated in style.

Happy Retreats

According to recent studies, experiences, not things, make us happy ; therefore, it’s no surprise that people are investing more on satisfying their wanderlust than buying material goods. English author Leigh Hunt writes, “The groundwork of all happiness is good health” and in the same vein, health resorts are highlighting the importance of wellness to achieve joyful bliss. Activities like morning hikes and beach circuit training all foster the production of serotonin (the ‘happy hormone’) and the likes of laughter yoga, smile-asanas and inner-smile meditation will soon fill your retreat schedule.

‘Now Age’ Holidays

Not shying away from the mystical world, more wellness retreats are beginning to tap into the healing powers of spirituality. The eclectic new-age practices of the 70’s are alive and flourishing in the ‘now’ society, with the integration of holistic or alternative healing therapies to modern western medicine. From crystal and energy healing, to reiki and light therapy, wellness retreats are bringing these unconventional healing techniques to achieve harmony of the mind, body and spirit.

Healthy Ageing Population

It’s no secret that we’re living longer, but want to look and feel younger, resulting in a boom of healthy-aging holidays to help maintain a youthful glow. Already highly popular with the Baby Boomer generation, the appeal of healthy-aging holidays are also rising in popularity with millennials; the oldest of whom are now in their mid-thirties! From collagen facials and vitamin C injections to non-surgical facelifts and menopause relief, spas and health retreats are offering consumers the opportunity to help slow down the clock.

(All images supplied by Health and Fitness Travel)

www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/paul-joseph/12-emerging-wellness-spa-_b_18367602.html

Shame Sarah Huckabee Sanders, But Not for Her Looks

SNL and the L.A. Times seem fixated on the press secretary’s weight. What’s more relevant is her ability to spew outrageous lies with a straight face.

www.advocate.com/commentary/2017/11/07/shame-sarah-huckabee-sanders-not-her-looks

MPs And Labour Heavyweights Sign Letter Backing Richard Leonard For Scottish Labour Leader

A string of Labour heavyweights and union leaders have signed an open letter backing Richard Leonard for Scottish Labour Leader. 

The MSP is the clear favourite to win the contest after Kezia Dugdale’s shock resignation earlier this years. 

Anas Sarwar’s team insist their candidate is ahead among Labour members, claiming the party’s Holyrood health spokesman’s policy to support the single market is a dividing line, but Ladbrokes has Leonard as odds on to win at 1/6 while Sarwar lags behind at 7/2. 

Sarwar’s campaign faltered at an early stage after it emerged his family firm’s cash and carry business did not recognise unions or pay the living wage.

He has, however, a wide range of support amongst MPs, counting Edinburgh South MP Ian Murray – the sole survivor of the 2015 SNP landslide – and newly-elected MP Martin Whitfield as backers. 

Danielle Rowley MP

Monica Lennon MSP

Claudia Beamish MSP

Neil Findlay MSP

Rhoda Grant MSP

Hugh Gaffney MP

Ged Killen MP

Elaine Smith MSP

Paul Sweeney MP

Cathy Jamieson, former MP – deputy leader of Scottish Labour 2000-2008

Pat Rafferty, Unite the Union, Scottish Secretary

Gary Smith, GMB Scotland Secretary

Gordon McKay, UNISON Vice-President, Chair UNISON Labour Link Scotland

Dave Watson, UNISON, Scottish Organiser

Stewart Forrest, USDAW, Divisional Officer, Scotland

Karen Whitefield, USDAW, Training Officer, Scotland & former MSP

Liz Warren-Corney, TSSA, Scotland Organiser

Stevie Lawrence, TSSA, Executive Committee Member – Scotland

Kevin Lindsay, ASLEF Scotland Organiser

Lynn Henderson, trade unionist

Chris McLaughlin, Editor, Tribune

Mick Whelan, ASLEF General Secretary

Len McCuskey, Unite the Union General Secretary

Tim Roache, GMB General Secretary

Manuel Cortes, TSSA General Secretary

John Hannett, USDAW General Secretary

Mark Serwotka, trade unionist

Dave Ward, CWU General Secretary

Ronnie Draper, BFAWU General Secretary

Ian Hodson, BFAWU President

Councillor Joe Cullinane

Councillor Brian Gordon

Councillor Robert Bissett

Councillor Gerry Convery

Councillor Allyson Black

Councillor Margaret Brisley

Councillor Robert Burrows

Councillor Bill Butler

Councillor Angela Campbell

Councillor Harry Cartmill

Councillor Gail Casey

Councillor Dave Clark

Councillor Joan Coombes

Councillor Georgia Cruickshank

Councillor Eddie Devine

Councillor Margaret Richardson

Councillor Jim Reddin

Councillor Jim Sheridan

Councillor Bill Shields

Councillor Kenneth Stevenson

Councillor Derek Stewart

Grahame Morris MP, Easington

Ian Mearns MP, Gateshead

Rhea Wolfson, Labour Party NEC Member

Claudia Webbe, Labour Party NEC Member

David Watt, Socialist Educational Association Scotland

Chris Barbour, Scottish Young Labour Secretary

Leah Franchetti, Glasgow Labour Party member

Michael Connarty, former MP

Laura Pidcock MP, North West Durham

Dan Carden MP, Liverpool Walton

Owen Jones, author and campaigner

Gavin Strang, Former MP and minister

Fran Boait, Director of Positive Money

Matt Zarb-Cousin, former spokesperson for Jeremy Corbyn

Councillor Kenneth Earle

Councillor Angela Feeney

Councillor Robert Foster

Councillor Danny Gibson

Councillor Judy Hamilton

Councillor Jim Harte

Councillor Karen Kennedy

Councillor Matt Kerr

Councillor Danny Lennie

Councillor Mary Lockhart

Councillor Martin McCulloch

Councillor Andrew McGuire

Councillor Dom McGuire

Councillor George McIrvine

Nancy Platts, former trade union adviser to Jeremy Corbyn

Abi Wilkinson, Journalist

Billy Hayes, Labour Party CAC member

Fahd Ali Asif, Dundee new Scottish Labour Party Member

Cara Hilton, Former MSP, SEC member

Ann Henderson, SEC member

Siobhan McCready, SEC member

Lesley Brennan, SEC member and Vice Chair of CfS

Marlyn Glen, Former MSP

Prof. Christine Cooper, Strathclyde University, Professor of Accounting and Finance

Sam Tarry, President, CLASS

Stephen Wright, Musicians Union member

Maya Goodfellow, Writer

Hugh Henry, Former MSP

Councillor Davie McLachlan

Councillor AlexanderMcVey

Councillor Kathleen Martin

Councillor George Matchett

Councillor John Mooney

Councillor Jim Montgomerie

Councillor Gordon Munro

Councillor Alan Nimmo

Councillor Lawrence O’Neill

Councillor Pat O’Rourke

Councillor Ross Paterson

Councillor Clare Quigley

Dr Eric Shaw, University of Stirling, Honorary Research Fellow

Helen McFarlane, Scottish Labour Candidate 2017

Nathaniel Blondel, Chair, Glasgow Univerity Labour Club

Kate Shaw Nelson, Chair of Scottish Labour Students and Glasgow Kelvin CLP

Louis King, Co-Chair, Scottish Labour Young Socialists

Harry Lesley-Smith, Author and activist for the welfare state

Alan Cummings, Secretary, Durham miners

Councillor Elaine Murray, Former MSP

Seema Chandwani, Labour CAC member 

Mark Millar, Write

www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/richard-leonard-letter_uk_5a018b69e4b0368a4e86cef4

Races to Watch: Groundbreaking LGBT Candidates and Allies

www.advocate.com/politics/2017/11/07/races-watch-groundbreaking-lgbt-candidates-and-allies

김민수: 무지개로 모두 함께, 규슈 레인보우 프라이드
규슈지역을 대표하는 Pride Parade, 규슈 레인보우 프라이드가 지난 11월 5일 일요일, 후쿠오카에서 열렸습니다. 올해로 4회째를 맞는 규슈 레인보두 프라이드는 Rainbow City(레인보우 시티 후쿠오카, 모두와 함께라서 좋다!)라는 주제로 작년과 같은 레이센 공원에서 여러 공원과 결혼식 등의 다채로운 이벤트가 열렸습니다.

기사 보기: 보이스, 동성애, 성소수자, 규슈, 레인보두 프라이드, Korea News

www.huffingtonpost.kr/minsookim/story_b_18487334.html

Newsnight Viewers Mock Anthony Travers After Stock Exchange Chairman Dubs Paradise Papers ‘Fake News’

The chairman of the Cayman Islands Stock Exchange has been dubbed a “cartoon capitalist” by Newsnight viewers after branding the Paradise Papers “fake news” and calling for journalists to be jailed. 

Appearing on the show to discuss the leak of 13.4 million revelatory documents which claim to show how the rich and powerful have secretly invested vast sums in offshore tax havens, Anthony Travers denied that those involved are guilty of tax evasion, calling the claims “complete heresy”. 

“They pay 100% of the tax due in those jurisdictions,” he told presenter Kirsty Wark, claiming there is “no tax edge” to investing in so-called ‘havens’ such as the Cayman Islands. 

Referencing a similar leak in 2015, Travers – who was awarded an OBE in 1998 for his services to the government and financial sector – continued: “What have we actually had from the Panama Papers in terms of actual convictions in the UK for anything at all involving tax evasion or tax avoidance? The answer is nothing. Certainly nothing statistically relevant. 

Disgusting, repulsive, offensive behaviour by Anthony Travers, Chairman of Cayman Islands stock exchange, on #Newsnight. Fire him, now.

— Simon Wood (@SimonWood2k5) November 7, 2017