HRC Marks Black History Month & Honors Black LGBTQ Leaders

HRC marked the beginning of Black History Month. Throughout the month, HRC will shine a spotlight on the long history of Black leadership in the LGBTQ movement and the ways in which Black LGBTQ and allied trailblazers have been, and continue to be, at the center of the fight for equality across movements. HRC will also highlight the barriers and challenges that remain.

“As we mark Black History Month and celebrate the barriers that have been broken by Black LGBTQ trailblazers in the struggle for equality, we must also confront the barriers that remain, and work to lift up the voices of Black and LGBTQ advocates challenging systems of power and oppression every day,” said HRC President Chad Griffin. “Throughout this month, we must not only celebrate our heroes but reflect on how we can bring long-marginalized voices within our movement to the forefront and accelerate the pace of progress toward an America where everyone within the LGBTQ community is equal.”

During Black History Month, HRC will lift up the history of Black leadership within the LGBTQ community, and spotlight a new generation of Black leaders who are fighting the violence and discrimination of white supremacy and other forms of hatred.

Several recent events — including the attack on Jussie Smollett and a brutal attack on Candice Elease Pinky, a Black transgender woman in Houston who was chased down and shot five times in broad daylight — have sparked a timely national dialogue about the epidemic of hate violence that disproportionately targets Black LGBTQ people. Last year alone, at least 26 transgender people, mostly transgender women of color, were brutally murdered.

HRC will amplify the work of the countless civil rights organizations and advocates that are on the front lines fighting against racial, social and economic injustices in America. They are leading our movement forward to restore civil rights protections through key measures like the Voting Rights Act.

This Black History Month, HRC further deepens our commitment to those in the LGBTQ community who are still too often at its margins as they advance their work in moving equality forward.

Follow HRC’s Black History Month content across our social media platforms and on our blog here.

www.hrc.org/blog/hrc-marks-black-history-month-honoring-black-lgbtq-leaders?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss-feed

Congratulations to Rachel and Brad from Wisconsin!

The best first dates are the ones where things just flow. Rachel and Brad can attest to this. Rachel writes: “For our first date, we planned a boating trip, where we were supposed to fish and then dock and have dinner. But when we got on the boat, the conversation was so good that we never even

The post Congratulations to Rachel and Brad from Wisconsin! appeared first on Zoosk.

about.zoosk.com/en/blog/success-stories/congratulations-rachel-brad-wisconsin/

#AM_Equality Tipsheet: February 1, 2019

HRC RELEASES 5th ANNUAL STATE EQUALITY RATINGS AS U.S. HOUSE POISED TO CONSIDER EQUALITY ACT: The State Equality Index is a comprehensive report detailing statewide laws and policies that affect LGBTQ people and their families, and assessing how well states are protecting LGBTQ people from discrimination. Because there are no comprehensive federal civil rights protections for LGBTQ people, the rights of millions of LGBTQ people and their families depend on which state they live in. In 30 states, LGBTQ people remain at risk of being fired, evicted or denied services because of who they are. For this reason, the new pro-equality majority in the U.S. House has made the Equality Act — a bill to establish comprehensive federal protections for LGBTQ people — a top priority. More from HRC and Pink News.

• From USA Today — “Sobering reality’: LGBT progress report shows gains, but most states still won’t grant rights”: Jorge L. Ortiz (@jorgelortiz) reports, “As the LGBT community continues to pursue equal rights, it can point to substantial gains at the state level, broad public support and increased momentum toward a federal Equality Act. On the other hand, a majority of states still lack laws banning discrimination…” More at USA Today.

.@HRC Foundation and @EqualityFed released our 2018 State Equality Index — a comprehensive report detailing LGBTQ-related legislation and policies, and assessing how well states protect LGBTQ people from discrimination. #StateOfEquality t.co/AENDvPH2f6 pic.twitter.com/nw9Gy6ebk5

— Human Rights Campaign (@HRC) January 31, 2019

Passing the Equality Act won’t only end discrimination against sexual orientation and gender identity, it’s a pivotal part in ending homophobia and transphobia and moving our culture forward to be more inclusive and respectful.

— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) January 31, 2019

HRC MARKS TODAY’S START OF BLACK HISTORY MONTH: “As we mark Black History Month and celebrate the barriers that have been broken by Black LGBTQ trailblazers in the struggle for equality, we must also confront the barriers that remain, and work to lift up the voices of Black and LGBTQ advocates challenging systems of power and oppression every day,” said HRC President Chad Griffin (@ChadHGriffin). “Throughout this month, we must not only celebrate our heroes but reflect on how we can bring long-marginalized voices within our movement to the forefront and accelerate the pace of progress toward an America where everyone within the LGBTQ community is equal.” Read more at HRC.

This #BlackHistoryMonth, @HRC honors Black #LGBTQ and allied people who are breaking down barriers for equality each and every day. t.co/wVVu4wCivf pic.twitter.com/2ofivkWekp

— Human Rights Campaign (@HRC) February 1, 2019

STATEHOUSE ROUNDUP — VIRGINIA HOUSE LEADERSHIP KILLS NON-DISCRIMINATION PROTECTIONS IN COMMITTEE: House of Delegates leaders refused to bring up two commonsense LGBTQ non-discrimination measures for a vote in the General Laws committee yesterday. Similar bills have passed the Virginia Senate with bipartisan support. More from HRC and On Top Magazine.

• Arizona lawmakers introduce a bipartisan non-discrimination bill to protect LGBTQ Arizonans. Polling shows that 70 percent of Arizona voters support such protections. More from Metro Weekly.
• Four of Texas’ LGBT chambers of commerce will hold a Day of Advocacy at the Texas Capital in support of LGBTQ Texans. More from Dallas Morning News.
• HRC urges the Mississippi House and Senate to bring up for a vote bills that would add sexual orientation, gender identity and disability to the existing hate crimes law. Read more from HRC.

WISCONSIN SUPREME COURT NOM BRIAN HAGEDORN’S HORRIFIC ANTI-LGBTQ COMMENTS ARE DISQUALIFYING: Hagedorn suggested that the U.S. Supreme Court’s landmark Lawrence v. Texas ruling could lead to the legalization of bestiality in the country. “Hagedorn’s anti-LGBTQ rhetoric is deeply disturbing, and as someone who has publicly and unabashedly voiced contempt for LGBTQ equality he has no place on the bench or in public office,” said HRC Wisconsin State Director Wendy Strout. Read more at HRC.

FEEL GOOD FRIDAY — NEW PHOTO OF JUPITER MIRRORS THE TRANS FLAG, LIGHTS UP THE SKY FOR EQUALITY:

��‍�� A sign from the universe! ✨

We already knew that the majority of Americans support trans rights…

and we think that the planets are on board too. t.co/S4pVklE2wO

— Human Rights Campaign (@HRC) January 31, 2019

TWO-THIRDS OF AMERICANS REPORT INCREASE IN HATE CRIMES SINCE 2016; PERPS IN 40 PERCENT OF INCIDENTS INVOKED TRUMP OR ALT-RIGHT:  Read more in the Communities Against Hate report, “Hate Magnified: Communities in Crisis”, here.

• Jussie Smollett’s family issues statement on the violent, homophobic and racist attack he suffered earlier this week in Chicago. Read it here.

GLOBAL EQUALITY NEWS

CANADIAN MAN ACCUSED OF MURDERING EIGHT GAY MEN, MOST OF SOUTH ASIAN OR MIDDLE EASTERN DESCENT, PLEADS GUILTY: Bruce McArthur, 67, remained at large for eight years, causing a rift between Toronto’s LGBTQ community and local police. More from The New York Times.

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

Colorado Public Radio interviews LGBTQ advocate Mikah Meyer (@MikahMey), who is challenging the lack of LGBTQ representation in the outdoor recreation industry; NPR explores how Lady Gaga’s legendary anthem ‘Born This Way’ was created

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-february-1-2019?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss-feed

HRC Foundation to Honor Olympian Adam Rippon and School Counselor Brian Coleman

Today, the Human Rights Campaign Foundation (HRC) announced that it will honor Olympic figure skater Adam Rippon and the 2019 American School Counselor Association School Counselor of the Year Brian Coleman with Upstander Awards at the organization’s sixth annual Time to THRIVE Conference on February 15-17 at the Anaheim Marriott in Anaheim, California. 

Rippon won the hearts of America and the world at the 2018 Winter Olympics in South Korea where, in winning a bronze medal in the team competition, he became the the first openly gay athlete to medal in a Winter Olympics. Known for his refreshing candor and wit, his rise to fame on the global stage has provided him with a platform to speak out in support of LGBTQ rights and the freedom to be oneself. He has inspired young and old with his passion and charm, becoming a role model and icon to millions.

“The word that best describes Adam Rippon is fierce,” said Vincent Pompei, Director of HRC’s Youth Well-Being Project and Time to THRIVE conference. “By being out and proud, Adam is taking LGBTQ visibility to a whole new level and inspiring countless LGBTQ youth around the world with his incredible talent and personality. He isn’t afraid to use his platform to speak out for equality, and we are proud to honor him at this year’s Time to THRIVE.”

Coleman is in his second year as department chair for the counseling team at Jones College Prep High School in Chicago Public Schools (CPS), where he also supports the school’s LGBTQ student group and a metorship program. In 2018, he was named both the Illinois High School Counselor of the Year and Illinois School Counselor of the Year by the Illinois School Counselors Association. And he is the American School Counselor Association’s 2019 National School Counselor of the Year.

“We are thrilled to honor Brian Coleman for his work to ensure that all young people have a safe and inclusive place to learn, and an equal chance to thrive in all aspects of their lives,” Pompei said. “Brian demonstrates to youth serving professionals what is possible, and we couldn’t be more proud to honor him at Time to THRIVE — a conference founded to provide cutting edge training and resources to educators and others across the country who are committed to the success of all young people.”

At Time to THRIVE, Coleman and Rippon will join other special guests, including LGBTQ advocate and mother of Ellen DeDeneres Betty DeGeneres; President and Founder of the Dolores Huerta Foundation Dolores Huerta; parent-advocate, founder of FreeMomHugs and subject of an upcoming Jamie Lee Curtis project Sara Cunningham; transgender trailblazer Jazz Jennings and her mother Jeanette Jennings; Los Angeles Rams cheerleader Quinton Peron; and others. 

HRC previously announced that it will honor advocates E.J. Johnson and Judy and Dennis Shepard with an Upstander Award during the Time to THRIVE conference. A vocal advocate for social causes, E.J. has partnered with True Colors Fund, an organization that is dedicated to ending homelessness among LGBTQ youth. The Shepard’s work through the Matthew Shepard Foundation continues to inspire, bringing hope and support to LGBTQ people around the world who are striving to be who they are, often in the most difficult of circumstances. HRC’s Parents for Transgender Equality Council, HRC’s Youth Ambassadors and HRC’s Welcoming Schools Program will also be featured at the conference.

HRC’s Time to THRIVE Conference is the premier event addressing the safety, inclusion and well-being of LGBTQ and questioning youth. The event brings together a wide range of youth-serving professionals to discuss best practices for working with and caring for LGBTQ youth and their families in schools, community centers, health care settings and beyond. It is co-presented by the National Education Association and the American Counseling Association. BBVA Compass, AT&T and Toyota  are presenting sponsors of the event. 

The Time to THRIVE Conference features 65 workshops by more than 45 national and grassroots organizations dedicated to improving the lives of LGBTQ youth. HRC’s Youth Ambassadors and Welcoming Schools will also be featured at the conference. Additional speakers and honorees will be announced at a later date. To register, visit www.TimeToTHRIVE.org. 

www.hrc.org/blog/hrc-foundation-to-honor-olympian-adam-rippon-and-school-counselor-brian-col?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss-feed

HIV-Positive Man Arrested In Philly Suburb For Sex Work and Selling Meth: WATCH

Bucks County DA Matt Weintraub announced the arrest of resident Mark Andrew Kernan.

The 57-year-old
Kernan was charged with prostitution, possession with intent to deliver
methamphetamine and criminal use of a communication facility.

“This is a public health issue. We are not making morality judgments here,” said DA Matt Weintraub said in a press conference [you can watch below]. “If you’ve had sexual contact with this man, seek a medical evaluation immediately.”

Pennsylvania has relatively progressive laws surrounding the criminalization of HIV but it does have some throwbacks that were initiated during the plague years of the 1980s when incredibly draconian and ignorant criminal statutes were implemented to stem the transmission of the virus.

Weintraub warned of possible health risks following the arrest of a Yardley man for prostituting himself while knowing he had HIV. Although it wasn’t as stigma laden as some announcements about HIV by government officials have notoriously been he also made no mention of whether Kerns disclosed his status to his sexual partners and/or clients and made no mention of whether he’s being treated or is undetectable.

Kernan was arraigned Wednesday on felony charges including prostitution, possession with intent to deliver methamphetamine and criminal use of a communication facility.

The local NBC affiliate says that Bucks County police believe “Kernan has used his residence as a house of prostitution since at least December 2017 and previously lived in Philadelphia.”

Kernan told police that he knew he had HIV while making a living as a sex worker, according to an affidavit of probable cause. Investigators also said it was not immediately clear how long he has been living with the virus according to NBC.

Kernan met his clients via a posts on the website doublelist.com where he advertised “erotic male massage” in the Philly area.

Kernan’s jury appearance stems from an incident in January in which a man met with Kernan at his residence in response to one of Kernan’s posts said NBC.

According to the complaint, the man reported that while at Kernan’s home, he was provided with drinks that rendered him highly intoxicated as well as apparent drugs smoked from a pipe.

At the direction of investigators, CBS Philadelphia said, the man continued to communicate with Kernan, who solicited him to return for paid sexual services and methamphetamine for $575.

2017’s HIV Criminalization Sourcebook says Pennsylvania’s laws regarding HIV criminalization, “apply only to prisoners and sex workers. The first is contained in a felony law entitled “Assault by Prisoner” and includes exposing another to one’s bodily fluids when one is living with any communicable disease, including but not limited to HIV and Hepatitis B. The second treats prostitution while HIV-positive as a felony.”

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HIV-Positive Man Arrested In Philly Suburb For Sex Work and Selling Meth: WATCH

Trans Inmates Often Led to Slaughter, Even in Blue States

Massachusetts — viewed as a bastion of tolerance — only recently began recognizing the humanity of trans prisoners.

www.advocate.com/commentary/2019/2/01/trans-inmates-often-led-slaughter-even-blue-states