HRC to Host Webinars for Social Service Providers During Transgender Awareness Week

HRC to Host Webinars for Social Service Providers During Transgender Awareness Week

Post submitted by: Jean-Phillipe Regis, Senior Manager, All Children – All Families

This Transgender Awareness Week, HRC Foundation’s All Children – All Families is hosting two free webinars to help social service professionals improve their practice with transgender and gender-expansive youth and adults.

On November 14 at 2 p.m. ET, guest presenter Nia Clark, child welfare consultant and All Children – All Families trainer, will provide in-depth information on how to welcome, affirm and best serve transgender and gender-expansive youth in out-of-home care. Topics will include the diversity of identities and experiences among trans and gender-expansive young people, tips for ensuring an affirming presence in their lives and resources for advocacy.

Register here: Promising Practices with Trans & Non-Binary Parents

On November 15 at 1 p.m. EST, join HRC for an introduction to our resource guide for child welfare professionals on how to best welcome, affirm, recruit and serve transgender and gender-expansive foster and adoptive parents. This webinar will cover case studies highlighting promising practices identified through interviews with agency administrators, legal and policy experts and gender-expansive foster and adoptive parents.

Register here.

These webinars are vitally important because they help families like Nicole and Sam, who struggled to find an LGBTQ-inclusive foster agency that allowed them to provide a child with a loving home.

HRC Foundation’s All Children – All Families Project works year round to transform policies and practices within social service agencies, with a particular focus on child welfare, in order to assure that LGBTQ children, youth and families get the services they need and deserve. Interested organizations can request access to LGBTQ-inclusion resources using this form.  

In addition to being featured during Trans Awareness Week, these webinars are a part of All Children – All Families’ observation of National Adoption Month — a time to raise awareness of the urgent need for more loving homes for children and youth in foster care and awaiting adoption.

If you are interested in these two webinars, HRC’s team also has 20 additional free webinars that focus on supporting and caring for LGBTQ young people in care.

To learn more about All Children – All Families’ work to promote LGBTQ inclusion in child welfare, check out hrc.org/acaf. Want to stay up-to-date on All Children – All Families resources and activities? Subscribe to “Field Forward,” the program’s monthly e-newsletter at hrc.im/field-forward.

www.hrc.org/blog/hrc-to-host-webinars-for-social-service-providers-during-transgender-awaren?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss-feed

HRC Fights Trump-Pence Proposal to Incarcerate Immigrant Children

HRC Fights Trump-Pence Proposal to Incarcerate Immigrant Children

As the Trump-Pence administration escalates its attacks on immigrants and immigrant children, HRC continues to sound the alarm that families belong together. In September 2018, the administration announced that it was seeking to create a new rule that would fundamentally alter the long-standing “Flores Settlement Agreement” (FSA) — a move which would have devastating impacts on immigrant families.

Since 1997, the FSA ensures that children are not exposed to prolonged periods of immigration detention. In spring 2018, the Trump-Pence administration’s “zero tolerance” policy ran up against this vital safeguard. The administration stated that immigration authorities would detain and prosecute as criminals anyone who entered the U.S. without documentation. This stark change in policy led to the indefinite detention of thousands of immigrants, far beyond the scope of  previous detention policies.

The administration then began separating immigrant families at the border — due to the FSA, which mandates that children cannot legally be detained by immigration authorities for longer than 20 days. The public outcry against this inhumane, cruel family separation policy was overwhelming and, with more than 2,000 children separated from their families, the administration temporarily backed down.

The new rule that the Trump-Pence administration is trying to implement would mean that immigration authorities could hold children in detention with their families for far longer than the 20 days mandated under the FSA. This would allow them to detain immigrant families together without having to separate the children from their parents, but it would still lead to the indefinite incarceration of children, toddlers and even babies.

HRC responded to the 60-day open comment period on this proposed rule, strongly objecting to the change. “We are deeply concerned that the proposed rule will put LGBTQ immigrants, including LGBTQ immigrant children, at increased risk of discrimination and abuse,” HRC Government Affairs Director David Stacy wrote. “The lifelong impact of this regulation on individuals cannot be overstated.”

In his letter, Stacy letter also made reference to the case of Roxsana Hernandez, a transgender woman who died in custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in May 2018 — a case that called into question the health and safety protocols in place for those in U.S. immigration detention. “Under the proposed rule, ICE would be able to detain LGBTQ people and their families for prolonged periods of time and, by lengthening the time they are detained and exposed to risks to their safety, increasing their risk of abuse.”

HRC stands with coalition partners in demanding the humane treatment of all undocumented immigrants and will not rest while LGBTQ migrants are subjected to horrific treatment based on their sexuality and gender identity.

www.hrc.org/blog/hrc-fights-trump-pence-proposal-to-incarcerate-immigrant-children?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss-feed

Wait, Why Was My Picture Deleted on POF?

Wait, Why Was My Picture Deleted on POF?

One of the most commonly asked questions we get here at POF from our users is “Where did my profile photo go” or “Why was my photo deleted?” We understand that it can be frustrating to have your photo taken down, especially if you’re not sure why, so I am here today to answer this […]

The post Wait, Why Was My Picture Deleted on POF? appeared first on PlentyOfFish Blog.

blog.pof.com/2018/11/wait-why-was-my-picture-deleted-on-pof/

A satisfying meme roundup of the biggest a-holes who lost in this week’s midterms

A satisfying meme roundup of the biggest a-holes who lost in this week’s midterms
Tuesday’s midterms may not have been the blue wave some were hoping for, but it certainly offered a glimmer of hope for the future of American politics.

www.queerty.com/satisfying-meme-roundup-biggest-holes-lost-weeks-midterms-20181108?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+queerty2+%28Queerty%29

Midwest’s First Gay Sheriff: Dave Hutchinson Elected Top Cop in MN’s Hennepin County in Stunning Upset

Midwest’s First Gay Sheriff: Dave Hutchinson Elected Top Cop in MN’s Hennepin County in Stunning Upset



Dave “Hutch” Hutchinson defeated pro-Trump, anti-immigrant three-time incumbent Rich Stanek to be elected sheriff of Hennepin County, Minnesota in a stunning upset.

pic.twitter.com/TB5KHDoUKS

— Hutch (@davehutch2018) November 7, 2018

Hutchinson won by more than 2,300 votes but Stanek has so far refused to concede, releasing this statement: “On behalf of Hennepin County Sheriff Rich Stanek, we thank everyone who voted in the Hennepin County Sheriff Election and to all the many volunteers who have supported this effort for the past several months. Yesterday’s election results were extremely close. The information we have shows that this race is too close to call, and that the results are not yet official. At this time the Sheriff Stanek Volunteer Committee will await the Hennepin County Canvassing Board meeting scheduled for next Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. before making further comment.”

The HuffPost reported: ‘Hutchinson’s campaign had adopted a progressive approach to race, focusing on increasing transparency within Minnesota’s law enforcement and embracing immigrant communities throughout the state. During the campaign, he pledged to end the sheriff’s office’s current relationship with Immigration and Customs Enforcement and said deputies would no longer ask individuals whom they come into contact with about their immigration status. “He’s married to an immigrant. This is personal for him,” Zoss said. “When he says he wants all people to feel safe to approach the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office, he 100 percent means it.”’

The post Midwest’s First Gay Sheriff: Dave Hutchinson Elected Top Cop in MN’s Hennepin County in Stunning Upset appeared first on Towleroad Gay News.


Midwest’s First Gay Sheriff: Dave Hutchinson Elected Top Cop in MN’s Hennepin County in Stunning Upset

Star actress Amiyah Scott to be honored with Rising Star Award from Pose actress Angelica Ross at GLAAD Atlanta Gala

Star actress Amiyah Scott to be honored with Rising Star Award from Pose actress Angelica Ross at GLAAD Atlanta Gala

Photo Credit: Amiyah Scott

Amiyah Scott, transgender advocate and actress on FOX’s Star will be honored at the 2018 GLAAD Atlanta Gala event on Friday, November 9 at The Estate (3109 Piedmont St.). GLAAD Atlanta is a celebration of national and local leaders accelerating LGBTQ acceptance and will be hosted by actress and recording artist Kat Graham.  For more info visit glaad.org/atlanta

Scott plays Cotton on Lee Daniel’s FOX series Star and will receive GLAAD’s Rising Star Award, which is given to young artists who are using their growing platform to accelerate LGBTQ acceptance. The inaugural award was presented to actor Tommy Dorfman last year at the event. Angelica Ross, friend of Amiyah Scott and star of FX’s Pose, will present the award.

Ross stars as Candy on Pose and is a part of television history as the show features the largest transgender cast ever for a scripted series.  Ross is also the President of Miss Ross, Inc. and founder of TransTech Social Enterprises, an organization that helps people lift themselves out of poverty through technical training and digital work creating a social impact and bringing economic empowerment to marginalized trans and LGBTQ communities.

“Amiyah Scott is a talented actress and brilliant advocate who uses her voice to uplift transgender women of color and educate fans everywhere about transgender people and issues,” said GLAAD President and CEO Sarah Kate Ellis. “At a time when LGBTQ visibility in the South is critical to moving our community forward, we are proud to stand with women like Amiyah to promote messages of love and acceptance.”

Scott is the first transgender women of color to play a regular character in a scripted drama series on broadcast television.  Originally from New Orleans, she first made her mark as a teenager, blazing a trail through the city’s underground ballroom scene. Having overcome bullying and intimidation to emerge as a proud advocate for the LGBTQ community, she continues to focus her efforts on providing transgender females a voice.  Most recently she joined Laverne Cox, Janet Mock and other transgender leaders to speak out against the Trump Administration’s reported anti-transgender proposal.

The GLAAD Atlanta Gala is supported by presenting partners Coca-Cola, Delta Air Lines, Ketel One Family-Made Vodka and Turner, community partners Active Production & Design, Atlantic American/Gray Television, Georgia Power, Mercedes-Benz USA, and Wells Fargo.

For more information: glaad.org/events/2018/atlanta

November 8, 2018
Issues: 

www.glaad.org/blog/star-actress-amiyah-scott-be-honored-rising-star-award-pose-actress-angelica-ross-glaad-atlanta

SCOTUS Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg Hospitalized After Falling at Court

SCOTUS Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg Hospitalized After Falling at Court

Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg has been hospitalized after she fell at her office, according to a SCOTUS spokesperson. Said the statement: “Tests showed that she fractured three ribs on her left side and she was admitted for observation and treatment.”

Developing…

The post SCOTUS Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg Hospitalized After Falling at Court appeared first on Towleroad Gay News.


SCOTUS Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg Hospitalized After Falling at Court

#AM_Equality Tipsheet: November 8, 2018

#AM_Equality Tipsheet: November 8, 2018

OUR HEARTS GO OUT TO THOSE GRIEVING AFTER THE TRAGIC SHOOTING IN THOUSAND OAKS, CA:

Young people were senselessly murdered in Thousand Oaks, CA last night in yet another mass shooting — as was an armed police officer who was killed as he rushed to help. My heart breaks for their families and all those injured. t.co/aZACzKWvXt

— Chad Griffin (@ChadHGriffin) November 8, 2018

NEW HRC POLLING SHOWS THAT LGBTQ AND EQUALITY VOTERS PLAYED OUTSIZED ROLE IN SECURING THE NEW HOUSE DEMOCRATIC MAJORITY: The survey, and pre-election qualitative research by HRC, found that voters recognize in Trump a significant threat to the values of the country. Among Democrats who voted FOR a candidate — rather than against his or her opponent — the leading reason cited was, “they stand up for immigrants, people of color, LGBTQ people and others targeted by Trump and the Republicans.” Other significant issues for Equality Voters — those identified by HRC as supportive of LGBTQ issues — included expanding and lowering the cost of health care, and gun violence prevention and common sense gun laws. More from NPR. The survey also found that:

  • In both this and national exit surveys, self-described LGBTQ voters made up around 6 or 7 percent of the 2018 electorate — that’s at 2016 levels or higher. In national exit surveys, 81 percent of LGBTQ voters supported Democrats.  
  • Eighty-three percent of Equality Voters cast their ballots for Democrats this election.
  • Voters by a 2-to-1 margin oppose Trump’s plan to redefine “sex” based on gender assigned at birth.
  • Voters also overwhelmingly support the Equality Act, a crucial piece of legislation that would add comprehensive nondiscrimination protections for LGBTQ people to our nation’s existing civil rights laws.

ICYMI (BUT HOW COULD YOU HAVE?) HOUSE FLIPS WITH HISTORIC VICTORIES FOR HRC-BACKED, PRO-EQUALITY CANDIDATES NATIONWIDE: HRC-backed candidates surged to victory last night and are poised to help pull the emergency brake on the Trump-Pence Administration with a pro-equality majority in the House. On a historic night, voters elected a record number of LGBTQ candidates. In the lead up to the midterms, HRC made a $26 million investment in the largest grassroots expansion in its 38-year history and deployed 150 HRC staff to more than 70 congressional, targeted senate and key statewide races across 23 states. More from HRC.

11/ @HRC backed more women and people of color in the #Midterms2018 than any election cycle in its history: 45 percent of our endorsees were women — including 55 percent of non-incumbent candidates — and nearly one-third were people of color.

— Human Rights Campaign (@HRC) November 7, 2018

THANKFUL THURSDAY — THANK YOU FOR HELPING US ALL MAKE HISTORY! HRC staff, members and supporters helped register more than 32,000 voters and recruited more than 4,200 volunteers, who worked over 8,500 shifts and clocked more than 30,000 volunteer hours. In the critical final four days of the campaign, HRC staff and volunteers in get-out-the-vote efforts alone knocked on more than 80,000 doors, and held 36,400 conversations with voters at their doors and by phone on behalf of our endorsed candidates.

������…

organized for 480 @HRC-endorsed candidates in 70 key races nationwide
mobilized 10 million LGBTQ voters & allies
helped elect a record number of women, people of color & LGBTQ candidates

On election night, we made history. Thank you. pic.twitter.com/xcaTGdhfNp

— Human Rights Campaign (@HRC) November 7, 2018

TRUMP-PENCE ADMINISTRATION FINALIZES RULES STRIPPING CONTRACEPTION COVERAGE OR THOUSANDS:

The Trump-Pence administration’s actions empower a wide range of employers to deny contraception coverage to their workers. This is beyond inappropriate for employers to have this kind of control over women and #LGBTQ people’s access to birth control. #HandsOffMyBC t.co/kATJ3XA14c

— Human Rights Campaign (@HRC) November 7, 2018

THREE TRANSGENDER PEOPLE FIGHT OFF ATTACKER IN DC: The attacker went after the group with a knife. The three are in hospital care with non-life-threatening injuries. More from ABC7.

HORRIFYING — LAWSUIT ALLEGES TRANS WOMAN REQUIRED TO SHOW JAIL EMPLOYEES HER GENITALS TO “DETERMINE HER SEX”: More from Dallas Morning News.

LONG ISLAND MAN ARRESTED FOR STEALING RAINBOW FLAG FROM CHURCH SIX DIFFERENT TIMES: More from ABC 7.

EZRA MILLER IN THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER, “I DON’T IDENTIFY AS A MAN. I DON’T IDENTIFY AS A WOMAN.” Read the full interview here.

GLOBAL EQUALITY NEWS

AWFUL — TEN ARRESTED IN TANZANIA ON SUSPICION OF BEING LGBTQ: Last week, a governor in the country called on citizens to report their fellow citizens they suspect are LGBTQ. More from BBC.

FORUM FOR LGBTQ CHRISTIANS CANCELLED IN ARMENIA: More from Eurasianet.

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

The New York Times interviews gay and bisexual ballet dancers; NPR interviews Joel Edgerton, actor and director of the new film ‘Boy Erased’; Autostraddle interviews 21 LGBTQ Jewish people

Paid for by Human Rights Campaign PAC (www.hrc.org) and not authorized by any candidate or committee.

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-8-2018?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss-feed