HRC and Lawyers’ Committee Request an Investigation into Anti-Transgender Incident in California

Today, HRC and the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, one of the nation’s premier racial justice organizations, released a letter requesting that California Attorney General Xavier Becerra conduct a thorough review and investigation into a recent anti-transgender incident in California. This past week, Jazmina Saavedra — a political candidate in California — recorded a non-consensual video of her following a transgender woman into a bathroom, harassing her and repeatedly and intentionally misgendering her. The candidate then posted the video online and later posted anti-transgender language on her social media platforms. If the incident as described and captured by the candidate is accurate, the incident may qualify as a hate crime, which under California law can include misdemeanors in addition to physical assault and other crimes. The letter to Attorney General Becerra asks for a full investigation into this potential hate crime and clear invasion of the harassed woman’s privacy.  

Read the letter here.

“Across our country, we are seeing a spike in hate crimes targeted at our nation’s most vulnerable communities. We urge State Attorney General Becerra to use every tool in his arsenal to determine whether Ms. Saavedra’s conduct violates state law,” said Kristen Clarke, President and Executive Director of the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law. “As the federal government continues to retreat from its responsibility to prevent and prosecute hate crimes, we urge state law enforcement agencies to step in, fill the void and protect the rights of survivors.”

“Jazmina Saavedra’s actions are dangerous. She invaded a woman’s privacy while harassing and misgendering the victim. This type of discriminatory behavior is unacceptable, especially from someone seeking to represent the people of California,” said HRC President Chad Griffin. “HRC joins Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law in requesting that Attorney General Becerra launch a full and thorough investigation into this potential hate crime.”

In November of 2017, the HRC Foundation and the Trans People of Color Coalition released a report detailing the epidemic of anti-transgender violence over the past five years.

The Stop Hate Project of the Lawyers’ Committee works to strengthen the capacity of local government as well as community leaders, law enforcement, and organizations around the country to combat hate by connecting these groups with legal and social services resources and creating new ones in response to identified needs.

www.hrc.org/blog/hrc-and-lawyers-committee-request-an-investigation-into-anti-transgender?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss-feed

We Need a Queer Army in Oklahoma (and Kansas and Alabama)

Blue staters, push your cynicism aside and help us.

www.advocate.com/commentary/2018/5/22/we-need-queer-army-oklahoma-and-kansas-and-alabama

Transgender kids’ brains resemble their gender identity not their biological sex

www.queerty.com/transgender-kids-brains-resemble-gender-identity-not-biological-sex-20180522?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+queerty2+%28Queerty%29

FBI Informant, Louis Spencer, Real Housewives, Oregon Bullying, Zombie Alert, American Idol, Chris Christie: HOT LINKS

OREGON. Settlement reached by ACLU in horrific bullying of gay Oregon students: “The settlements remove Principal Bill Lucero from his job and require that the school district work with the American Civil Liberties Union Foundation of Oregon (ACLU of Oregon) to develop policies and training to prevent future discrimination. The district will remain under Oregon Department of Education supervision for five years…Smith and Funk said the school was extremely hostile to LGBTQ students. Principal Lucero repeatedly failed to respond to LGBTQ students’ complaints, including when his son, who also attends the school, nearly hit the couple with his car while yelling a homophobic slur. According to an investigatory determination letter from the Oregon Department of Education (ODE), when some staff tried to support the students’ attempts to raise their concerns, district and high school leadership retaliated. Lucero also made students recite Bible verses as punishment, a fact that ODE confirmed was known by Superintendent Bill Yester.” Funk’s essay on the bullying…

TRUMP’S TWEETS. Aide ghost writers purposely misspell words and use bad grammar to sound more like Trump. “They overuse the exclamation point! They Capitalize random words for emphasis. Fragments. Loosely connected ideas. All part of a process that is not as spontaneous as Trump’s Twitter feed often appears.”

BELARUS. UK embassy slammed for flying rainbow flag: ‘In a lengthy statement, the Interior Ministry said the UK was challenging the country’s “traditional values”. “The LGBT community, and all this fight for ‘their rights’, and the very day of the community are just a fake!” A spokeswoman for the embassy said it would not comment. Homosexuality is not illegal in Belarus but it is a taboo.’

REAL HOUSEWIVES…OF THE ’60S? Bravo to send housewives back in time “into a traditional decade where men made the money, women made the home, and teenagers actually did as they were told.”

KENTUCKY. Primary for candidate who will try and unseat Kim Davis happening today.

STEFAN A HALPER. FBI source who assisted Russia investigation was veteran of Nixon, Ford, and Reagan administrations: “In the summer and fall of 2016, Halper, then an emeritus professor at Cambridge, contacted three Trump campaign advisers for brief talks and meetings that largely centered on foreign policy, The Washington Post reported last week. At some point that year, he began working as a secret informant for the FBI as it investigated Russia’s interference in the campaign, according to multiple people familiar with his activities.”

LOUIS SPENCER. Prince Harry’s ‘hot cousin’ getting attention after royal wedding

FLORIDA. Lake Worth emergency alert system sends out “zombie” alert.

NET NEUTRALITY. Senators Pat Toomey (R-PA) and Jeff Merkley (D-OR) tell FCC to investigate millions of fake comments: “If you’re catching up, the FCC’s repeal of net neutrality was not only overwhelmingly unpopular, but the process was riddled with serious issues. Millions of fraudulent comments were submitted using real people’s names and addresses without their knowledge or consent. Some of those people even sent a letter to the FCC asking that the fraudulent comments made in their names be removed, and the agency refused.”

NORTH KOREA. Trump admits summit may not happen. ‘Trump made the remark while he met with Moon Jae-in, South Korea’s president, for pivotal discussions ahead of the American president’s planned meeting with the North Korean dictator. The summit is scheduled for June 12 in Singapore, which is widely viewed as a neutral site. Yet doubts continue to grow about whether the meeting will actually take place. Trump’s remarks Tuesday were the strongest indication yet that the summit might not happen as planned.’

BUT, BUT, THERE’S ALREADY A COIN…. Commemorative coin features Trump and Kim Jong Un. “What a superb money-making opportunity it is for a totally uncorrupt White House and an ethical AF president who definitely isn’t exploiting the office for his own personal wealth or glory…”

OMFG. “A commemorative coin featuring Trump & North Korea’s Kim Jong Un has been struck by the White House Communications Agency ahead of their planned summit next month. …A number of the coins are available for sale through the White House Gift Office.” t.co/FGAfshcybK pic.twitter.com/QQFlcOATiN

— Melissa McEwan (@Shakestweetz) May 22, 2018

EFFECTIVE. Chris Christie praises the Mueller probe: “You can’t argue the investigation hasn’t been effective so far…there’s no way to make an investigation like this shorter, but there’s lots of ways to make it longer. He’s executed on a number of those ways to make it longer.”

“Bob Mueller himself is not a partisan, he’s an honest guy, he is a hard working guy, he’s smart and you can’t argue that the investigation hasn’t been effective so far”

Chris Christie weighs in on Mueller investigation@NicolleDWallace & @Eugene_Robinson discuss pic.twitter.com/k3neN3Dya5

— Deadline White House (@DeadlineWH) May 21, 2018

SAD REUNION OF THE DAY. Former American Idol contestants reunite for “Where Are They Now?”

TOO HOT FOR TUESDAY. Cody.

The post FBI Informant, Louis Spencer, Real Housewives, Oregon Bullying, Zombie Alert, American Idol, Chris Christie: HOT LINKS appeared first on Towleroad.

FBI Informant, Louis Spencer, Real Housewives, Oregon Bullying, Zombie Alert, American Idol, Chris Christie: HOT LINKS

HRC Mississippi Hosts a House Party in Tupelo to Talk About Equality

Recently, HRC Mississippi staff joined members and supporters at a house party in Tupelo to discuss the ongoing work for full LGBTQ equality around the state. Rob Hill, HRC Mississippi state director, shared information about specific actions of HRC Mississippi and used the gathering as an opportunity to enlist support from those in attendance.

HRC has been very active in Tupelo and throughout northeast Mississippi over the last several years. HRC’s #LoveYourNeighbor campaign has shared videos and stories of the unique experiences of LGBTQ people and allies in Northeast Mississippi. The project was funded by a generous grant from Toyota, which has a manufacturing plant in Blue Springs, just outside of Tupelo.

Additionally, as part of the #LoveYourNeighbor campaign, HRC released two television advertisements that aired for two weeks in March of this year in the Northeast Mississippi media market, which includes the cities of Tupelo, Columbus and Starkville.

We are grateful to the people who showed up at the party and to the many people who shared their stories through the #LoveYourNeighbor campaign.  Their participation is having a tangible impact and moving equality forward in the Magnolia State, particularly in northeast Mississippi.

www.hrc.org/blog/hrc-mississippi-hosts-a-house-party-in-tupelo-to-talk-about-equality?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss-feed

Editor’s Letter: Never Forget the People Who Fought for You

Diane Anderson-Minshall on the shoulders we stand on.

www.advocate.com/commentary/2018/5/22/editors-letter-never-forget-people-who-fought-you

Adam Rippon just became the first gay person to win ‘Dancing with the Stars’

www.queerty.com/adam-rippon-just-became-first-gay-person-win-dancing-stars-20180522?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+queerty2+%28Queerty%29

A New Special from Tig Notaro, Michelle Wolf, ‘Killing Eve’ Wraps and More TV This Week

Check out our weekly guide to TV this week, and make sure you’re catching the big premieres, crucial episodes and the stuff you won’t admit you watch when no one’s looking.

Out comedian Tig Notaro already cemented her legacy as one of the best stand-ups of her generation with her incredible album Live, but hear the latest material from the former star of One Mississippi in her new special Happy To Be Here Tuesday on Netflix.

We’re dealing with a top six following a shocking double Shantay you stay on RuPaul’s Drag Race. How will the remaining queens handle this season’s makeover challenge featuring social media stars (and the utterly insufferable Frankie Grande). Find out Thursday at 8 p.m. Eastern on VH1.

Danielle Macdonald is a revelation as the titular aspiring rapper in Patti Cake$, but the real reason not to miss this charming ode to defiant dreamers everywhere is the powerhouse dramatic performance from cabaret comedian Bridget Everett. Catch the cable premiere Saturday at 8 p.m. Eastern on HBO.

Avert your smokey eyes, Sarah Huckabee Sanders, comedian Michelle Wolfe is hitting the small screen with a new weekly series The Break with Michelle Wolf premiering Sunday on Netflix.

You could tune into Killing Eve for the cat-and-mouse thriller, the queer tension between the leads or for queer actress Fiona Shaw, but the best reason not to miss this critical darling is Sandra Oh. The actress, whose talents should earn her a place beside the Big Little Lies leads as some of TV’s best, gets to do some of her most challenging and best work in this spy drama wrapping its first season Sunday at 8 p.m. Eastern on BBC America.

What are you watching this week on TV?

The post A New Special from Tig Notaro, Michelle Wolf, ‘Killing Eve’ Wraps and More TV This Week appeared first on Towleroad.

A New Special from Tig Notaro, Michelle Wolf, ‘Killing Eve’ Wraps and More TV This Week

#AM_Equality Tipsheet: May 22, 2018

MICHIGAN CIVIL RIGHTS COMMISSION AFFIRMS THAT SEX DISCRIMINATION INCLUDES SEXUAL ORIENTATION AND GENDER IDENTITY: “This is a welcome step forward in the fight for equality that will have a real impact on the lives of LGBTQ Michiganders who are not explicitly protected from discrimination,”  said HRC Legal Director Sarah Warbelow. “Consistent with federal courts across the country, today’s decision affirms that discrimination against an individual based on their sexual orientation or gender identity is fundamentally a form of sex discrimination — which is prohibited both under federal laws, such as Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and Michigan’s Elliott Larsen Civil Rights Act.” More from HRC, Detroit Metro Times and M Live.

PAKISTAN ENACTS MONUMENTAL LEGISLATION PROTECTING TRANSGENDER PEOPLE: The “Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill, 2018” went into effect this past weekend, providing comprehensive protections for transgender people across several important aspects of life, including employment, education, healthcare, housing, public transportation and a host of other areas. “This is a truly historic moment as Pakistan joins the ranks of a growing number of countries with non-discrimination laws that protect the transgender community,” said Ty Cobb (@tywesleycobb), director of HRC’s global program. “These are explicit, nationwide protections that we have yet to achieve here in the United States. Transgender people around the globe face high levels of discrimination, stigma, and violence, and Pakistan has now taken a historic step in addressing this heartbreaking tragedy.” More from HRC and Reuters.

BIDEN FOUNDATION AND THE YMCA LAUNCH LGBTQ EQUALITY INITIATIVE: In a powerful oped, Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) and YMCA CEO Kevin Washington (@KevinWashYMCA) write, “Every American deserves to be treated with dignity and respect, but too many in the LGBTQ community are denied this basic human right today. This is unacceptable in a country founded on the belief that we all are created equal. Equality and opportunity for all is the way to a brighter future, and at the Biden Foundation and the Y, this is the future we are working to create.” More from CNN.

MORNING MUST WATCH: BuzzFeed released an exhilarating new video on the history of LGBTQ dance. From underground ball culture dominated by LGBTQ people of color as far back as the 1960s to modern, more mainstream depictions of LGBTQ joy, dance has always been a tool for expression and activism in the LGBTQ community. Watch the full video here.

JOIN THE NATIONAL BLACK JUSTICE COALITION FOR A TWITTER CHAT ON MASTERPIECE SCOTUS CASE: Today at 3 p.m. ET, use the hashtag #CakeToCare to join the conversation on Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission, one of the most significant cases to be heard this session by the Supreme Court of the United States. The court’s decision, expected by the end of June, could have sweeping consequences for every LGBTQ American: the justices will either protect the fundamental equality of LGBTQ people — or set a dangerous precedent giving businesses a license to discriminate.

SUPREME COURT RULES AGAINST WORKERS’ RIGHTS IN EPIC SYSTEMS CORP. V. LEWIS: Yesterday’s decision by the SCOTUS said that companies can use arbitration clauses in employment contracts to bar workers from joining forces in legal actions over problems in the workplace. This means that workers who are experience wage theft, are discriminated against or harassed are barred from utilizing lawsuits to achieve justice. More on this damaging decision from The New York Times.

1) Today’s #Gorsuch #EpicSystems will only encourage more employers to adopt forced arbitration policies. This is a terrible outcome, and it will make it harder to challenge harassment and other forms of discrimination.

— Fatima Goss Graves (@FGossGraves) May 21, 2018

CAN’T MAKE IT UP, FOLKS — WISCONSIN TAXPAYER $$$ USED TO SEND STATE ATTORNEY TO A CONFERENCE SPONSORED BY AN ANTI-LGBTQ HATE GROUP: Wisconsin Deputy Solicitor General Kevin LeRoy used more than $1,000 of taxpayer money to attend the Alliance Defending Freedom’s (ADF) Summit on Religious Liberty in California. More from Wisconsin Gazette.

OLYMPIAN ADAM RIPPON AND JENNA JOHNSON WIN ‘DANCING WITH THE STARS’: More from People.

From an Olympic medal to a mirrorball trophy, Adam Rippon slays all day. Congrats on your #DWTS win, @AdaRipp! ���� t.co/XyX2nt3csu

— Human Rights Campaign (@HRC) May 22, 2018

DOCUMENTARY TACKLES ANTI-LGBTQ PREJUDICE IN SPORTS: Alone in the Game, which premieres June 28, features Robbie Rogers (@robbierogers), HRC honoree Gus Kenworthy (@guskenworthy) and Megan Rapinoe (@mPinoe). More from NewNowNext.

LYFT DEACTIVATES DRIVER WHO OBJECTED TO SAME-SEX COUPLE KISSING:  The driver had ordered Ben Martella and Alec Jansen to exit their Lyft. The company also refunded the couple for the cost of their ride. More from IndyStar and NewNowNext.

GLOBAL EQUALITY NEWS

FIJI BECOMES FIRST COUNTRY IN THE PACIFIC TO HOST AN LGBTQ PRIDE PARADE: More from Gay Star News.

NEW REPORT DETAILS EXPERIENCES OF LGBTQ BOTSWANANS: HRC Global Innovator Tashwill Esterhuizen was involved in the new report.

NEW PHOTO SERIES CHRONICLES LGBTQ LIFE IN CUBA: More from Michael Lavers (@mklavers81) at Washington Blade.

Mi album de fotos sobre mi viaje a #Cuba acabo de publicar en el sitio web del @WashBlade. Tendré notas basadas en las entrevistas que hice en el país en las próximas semanas t.co/HPxpEne8i3 @LosAngelesBlade #LGBTI

— Michael K. Lavers (@mklavers81) May 21, 2018

READING RAINBOW – Bookmark now to read on your lunch break!

Loudwire honors LGBTQ rockstars; The Spectrum covers the recent Equality Celebration held by Equality Utah; Reuters explores a Chinese charity’s run to support LGBTQ people; GhanaWeb interviews three local LGBTQ advocates; The Hollywood Reporter interviews Mishel Prada (@MishelPrada), star of the show ‘Vida’

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-may-22-2018?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss-feed