Pastor erects anti-gay sign after he discovers neighbors are same-sex couple

A church in Bossier City, Louisiana faced a protest after its pastor erected a sign on its front law indicating its objection to LGBTQ people.

Pastor Rex Cornwell, of the Bossier Church of Christ, erected the sign after learning that his neighbors – who he’d previously been friendly towards when he thought they were just roommates – are a married, same-sex couple.

One of the neighbors concerned, Lynda Slimer, last week posted to Facebook about what happened.

“This is the sign that my wife and I and our 2 daughters came home to today. This is a sign filled with hate and biblical mistranslations that is meant to make my family and I scared and uncomfortable in our own home.

“This is the sign we come home to in the yard of the Pastor who lives across from us, whose church website states “Everyone is welcome”. We’ve lived here a year, I’ve baked them cookies, invited them into our home and introduced them to our family.

“They have waved to us as they come and go and we have talked about the weather. They’ve told us if we ever need anything to just come knock on their door. All thrown out the window because they realized that we are wives and not roommates. This is not a representation of God. Jesus would not do this.”

She continued, “Jesus WAS in my neighborhood today though. Jesus was there in all of my neighbors that were upset and showed their support. Jesus was there in the policemen who showed up and asked them to remove the sign, knowing that all they could do was ask. Jesus showed up in the form of our family and friends that have loved on us today. For each and every one of you we are SO Thankful!

“Jesus was there as we told our children that He loves them and us as we are. Jesus is here in my yard, not across the street.”

Related: A Chicago priest burned a Pride flag outside his church, and people are pissed

The sign erected features a rainbow flag with a ‘Stop’/’No entry’ sign overlaying it, along with the wording: “God forbids homosexuality, so should we.”

Another neighbor also posted about the sign. Lyra Jousma posted, “This is BEYOND insane! A PASTOR has this sign in their yard!!! Right across the street from my house! This hits hard for my family because my daughter is gay.”

After Slimer’s Facebook posting was shared, a peaceful protest was arranged last Sunday outside the church. Around two dozen people showed up and held up rainbow signs saying ‘Love is Love’, ‘Love Thy Neighbor’ and other messages. Lynda and her wife, Shannon Slimer, were not in town that day but posted another message to Facebook thanking those showing them support.

“We wanted to let you all know that we appreciate you all more than we can explain. This community has made us feel SO LOVED, and for that we are eternally grateful. Sending you all love and hugs!”

Related: Woman Stands Up To Homophobic Neighbor… With 10,000 Rainbow Christmas Lights

However, it seems the Pastor Cornwell was unmoved. He told told CBS affiliate KLFY, “Homosexuality is condemned. It’s an anathema that means something horrible. We’re just simply taking a stand against the homosexual movement as well as other kinds of sins.

“So what we do is we’re going to pray for them,” he added. “We’ll show them the kind of love that Jesus showed, but we can’t back down either. So we have a responsibility to stand up [for] the word of God.”

Queerty contacted Shannon Slimer to ask if the sign was still in place.

“Yes, the sign is still in my neighbor’s yard along with another that now says ‘smile at the camera’,” she replied. “Apparently they have put up a camera in their yard because of the sign.”

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Lawmaker Rips Into HUD Secretary Ben Carson Over Anti-Trans Discrimination: WATCH

Democratic Congressman Mike Quigley delivered an epic takedown of HUD Secretary Ben Carson on Wednesday for promoting discrimination against transgender people at federally funded homeless shelters.

CNN reports: The dust-up came during a House Appropriations Committee hearing in which Quigley of asked Carson about a rule proposed by HUD last year that would allow federally funded homeless shelters that have single-sex facilities or areas separated by sex — like bathrooms and sleeping quarters — to establish policy that could result in transgender people being barred or mistreated. During Wednesday’s hearing, Quigley argued Carson was saying “that if someone doesn’t like someone else in that shelter, for whatever reasons, that you can allow discrimination against those people.” … Carson told Quigley during Wednesday’s hearing that he wants “everybody to be taken care of,” and later asked the congressman, who he said was “passionate” about the issue, to provide a “solution.” “Not as passionate as the people on the street,” Quigley shot back. “The law says you can’t discriminate. That’s my solution.”

Last year, Quigley co-authored a resolution condemning Carson’s “transphobic history.”

NBC reported: The move comes two weeks after Carson reportedly disparaged transgender women in comments at HUD’s office in San Francisco. Carson, according to The Washington Post, complained to staff members that society could no longer differentiate between men and women and called transgender women who may seek services from homeless or crisis shelters “big hairy men.” HUD oversees, among other things, federally funded shelters for the country’s homeless, which includes a disproportionate number of transgender people. … “At a minimum, he owes an apology to the staff he subjected to his bigoted remarks, to trans individuals around the country, and to the entire LGBT community,” Quigley wrote. “It is clearer than ever that Secretary Carson’s bigoted views make him unfit to lead HUD and the record must reflect that this Congress does not condone such intolerance.”

The post Lawmaker Rips Into HUD Secretary Ben Carson Over Anti-Trans Discrimination: WATCH appeared first on Towleroad Gay News.

Lawmaker Rips Into HUD Secretary Ben Carson Over Anti-Trans Discrimination: WATCH

#AM_Equality Tipsheet: March 6, 2020

SECRET MEMO REVEALS INHUMANE HEALTH CONDITIONS FOR TRANS PEOPLE AT THE CIBOLA COUNTY CORRECTIONAL CENTER IN NEW MEXICO: “This is yet another horrifying example of the way this administration has abused and neglected transgender people—this time again in ICE detention,” said HRC President Alphonso David (@AlphonsoDavid). “Donald Trump has shown repeatedly that he does not care about trans people’s health, safety or wellbeing.” The memo was first obtained by Hamed Aleaziz (@Haleaziz) of BuzzFeed. More from Muri Assunção (@MuriAssuncao) from the New York Daily News.

Asylum seekers-particularly those who are transgender- are among the world’s most vulnerable people. Yet, the Trump administration is compounding their vulnerability by detaining nearly every one & detaining them in facilities that perpetuate stigma, violence & discrimination.

— Alphonso David (@AlphonsoDavid) March 5, 2020

HRC TO HONOR ACTRESS AND ACTIVIST SELENIS LEYVA (@selenis_leyva) WITH THE ALLY FOR EQUALITY AWARD AT THE 23RD ANNUAL HRC HOUSTON DINNER: “Selenis Leyva is an incredibly talented actress who has used her platform to lift up the LGBTQ community,” said HRC President Alphonso David. “On the page, screen and beyond, Selenis is leaving an indelible mark on our arts and culture while proudly standing as a fierce ally for LGBTQ loved ones and our entire community.” More from HRC. 

FRIDAY FEATURE — A Q&A WITH HRC’S MILAGROS CHIRINOS FOR INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY: BUILDING A WELCOMING GLOBAL WORKPLACE: “A great start [to make workplaces more welcoming and inclusive to all employees] resides in the implementation of inclusive policies and practices,” shares Chirinos, who is the associate director for the global workplace equality program at HRC (@MChirinos84). “Established policies can help guide an organization determined to foster a culture where diversity is fully embraced — and real change starts when leadership fully embraces these policies.” More from HRC. 

LGBTQ VOTERS TURNED OUT IN RECORD NUMBERS ON SUPER TUESDAY: “All of the data from this year’s presidential primary, the 2018 midterms, and the 2016 presidential election shows the LGBTQ voting bloc is growing and that LGBTQ voters are difference-makers and a constituency to court,” Geoff Wetrosky (@gwetrosky), a campaign director at the Human Rights Campaign told Vox. “We turn out at rates much higher than the general public, and we overwhelmingly support pro-equality candidates.” More from Katelyn Burns (@transscribe) at Vox. 

MAJOR IDAHO BUSINESSES COME OUT AGAINST STATE’S ANTI-TRANSGENDER BILLS: More from Idaho Press and Idaho Statesman. 

HIV PREVENTION EFFORTS WILL BE SUPPORTED FROM FRANCHISE OF PHARMACIES: A large number of independent pharmacies will provide HIV prevention drug donated by Gilead Sciences, Inc. at no cost to the federal government and will also provide patient counseling and take steps to help patients better adhere to their drug regimen. More from Shira Stein (@shiramstein) at Bloomberg Law.

WHAT PEOPLE LIVING WITH HIV NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE NEW CORONAVIRUS: “For an HIV patient who is on stable antiretroviral therapy and has a normal CD4 count, their risk may be slightly increased,” said Steve Pergam of the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center (@PergamIC). “People often lump HIV patients with other immunosuppressed patients, but HIV is a different disease than it was years ago. For people who have a reconstituted immune system because of treatment, I think the risk is not going to be tremendously different.” More from Liz Highleyman (@LizHIVHep) from POZ.

HRC PRESIDENT ALPHONSO DAVID ON THE ALLYSHIP, ADVOCACY AND LEADERSHIP OF ELIZABETH WARREN: More from HRC. 

.@ewarren is a fierce advocate for justice who has put LGBTQ equality front & center in her campaign. Forever grateful for her allyship, her advocacy, and her leadership. t.co/IeVBcHex46

— Alphonso David (@AlphonsoDavid) March 5, 2020

GET CULTURED – Entertainment, arts and sports news!

HRC PRESIDENT ALPHONSO DAVID JOINS THE NEW YORK RANGERS FOR A CEREMONIAL PUCK DROP: More from HRC and NHL.

Fantastic Pride night with the @NYRangers at @TheGarden, & my first ceremonial puck drop!

Grateful to all who joined us & to all who are working to ensure that LGBTQ people feel welcome on & off the ice. #HockeyIsForEveryone pic.twitter.com/ExaHZ6MSJQ

— Alphonso David (@AlphonsoDavid) March 6, 2020

GLOBAL EQUALITY NEWS

TOKYO HIGH COURT SUPPORTS LEGAL BENEFITS FOR SAME-SEX PARNTERSHIPS: More from Nippon. 

WASHINGTON BLADE CONTRIBUTOR WHO WON ASYLUM IN U.S. RELEASED FROM ICE CUSTODY: More from Michael K. Lavers (@mklavers81) at Washington Blade.

LITHUANIAN PRESIDENT HOPEFUL THAT A CONSTITUTIONAL COURT RULING ON LGBTQ NON-DISCRIMINATION WILL HELP PROMOTE LGBTQ ACCEPTANCE: More from The Baltic Times.

CHILEAN TRANS STUDENT LEADER LENDS VOICE TO ACTIVISM: More from Reuters.

READING RAINBOW – Bookmark now to read on your lunch break!
Honoring Women’s History Month, TIME shares an inspiring list of 100 women of the year since 1920s; The Washington Post announces that writer and “Cape Up” podcast host Jonathan Capehart (@CapehartJ) will receive Randy Shilts Award for LGBTQ coverage

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!

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Sponsors Cut Ties with Golfer Scott Piercy Over Homophobic Jab at Buttigieg

At least three sponsors have cut ties with PGA Tour golfer Scott Piercy in the wake of his homophobic Instagram post regarding former Democratic presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg.

Piercy apologized Tuesday after sharing a meme responding to Buttigieg’s decision to drop out of the race, saying “Peter Pulls Out Early From Behind.” The meme featured Pepe the Frog, the cartoon character co-opted as an icon by the alt-right, reading a news script for “QNN” about Buttigieg. In a separate post, Pearcy revealed himself to be a follower of QAnon, the alt-right conspiracy theory involving a “deep state” plot against the government which the FBI has classified as a possible source of domestic terrorism.

Despite Piercy’s apology, Golf.com reports that Acushnet, which owns Titleist and FootJoy, and Scandinavian fashion brand J.Lindeberg have cut ties with Piercy.

“As a global lifestyle brand, we strive to support and show our love and compassion for all demographics around the world,” J.Lindeberg said in a statement. “When we choose our ambassadors, we choose individuals we know will represent us well on and off the golf course. The claims from Scott Piercy were unacceptable and far from our views and beliefs. We have since terminated our contract with Mr. Piercy.”

“We, J.Lindeberg, as a company do not stand by the statements made by Piercy and we want to make sure our customers, employees, and other ambassadors know we support all communities and have no room for hate or discrimination in our company.”

ESPN notes that Piercy could also face discipline from the PGA Tour, which said in statements that it is “disappointed in the lack of judgment used” and that “it has been addressed with Scott directly.”

The post Sponsors Cut Ties with Golfer Scott Piercy Over Homophobic Jab at Buttigieg appeared first on Towleroad Gay News.

Sponsors Cut Ties with Golfer Scott Piercy Over Homophobic Jab at Buttigieg

Q&A with HRC’s Milagros Chirinos on International Women’s Day: Building a Welcoming Global Workplace

This year, HRC is marking International Women’s Day by celebrating women advocating for LGBTQ equality around the world. HRC spoke with Milagros Chirinos, associate director of HRC Foundation’s Global Workplace Equality Program.

How does the Global Workplace Equality Program work to advance global equality?

We work with local businesses, corporations and civil society leaders and organizations to grow equitable workplaces for LGBTQ employees around the world. 

Through two in-country programs, HRC Equidad MX and HRC Equidad CL, the HRC Foundation works to expand LGBTQ workplace inclusion by assessing practices and policies among major employers in Mexico and Chile. 

As the associate director of Global Workplace Equality, what do you see as the main parts of your role? 

Global leaders cannot implement what they don’t understand. My role is to help educate business executives and allies on the value of inclusive workplaces. Welcoming workplaces help companies retain the best talent and boost the potential and productivity of employees while generating a space for different perspectives and creativity. 

How can workplaces be more welcoming and inclusive of all their employees?

A great start resides in the implementation of inclusive policies and practices. Most inclusive employers embed best practices across their organization using tools like the Corporate Equality Index or HRC Equidad MX and CL surveys. Established policies can help guide an organization determined to foster a culture where diversity is fully embraced — and real change starts when leadership fully embraces these policies. 

How does intersectionality inform your work?

Intersectionality plays a critical role in how I see people and the world in general. As an immigrant, LGBTQ ally and Latina woman, my understanding of diversity encompasses more than the traditionally established dimensions. 

I like to think of workplace diversity and inclusion as an effort that serves as a connecting bridge among people with completely different backgrounds —and even beliefs— who are able to work together efficiently and most importantly, in a welcoming environment that fosters mutual respect.

What does being an ally mean to you?

Part of my journey as an ally is to continue to learn and be informed about the ever-changing realities of the LGBTQ community across the globe. What is legal and embraced in certain parts of the world are penalized and discouraged in others; the disparities, however, should never prevent us from fighting for the full equality and safety of the global LGBTQ community. 

What makes allyship an exciting learning curve are the many ways in which we can help one another — from calling someone by their preferred pronouns to learning how language barriers can affect others. We all have something new to learn every day. And the more we know, the better prepared we are to help others. 

Who are some women-identified and non-binary leaders who inspire you? 

My mother is at the top of my list. As a widow and mother of four, she taught me everything I needed to know to be where I am — the world could use some of her kindness and compassion. Global leaders like Claudia Romo-Edelman, a Mexican-Swiss diplomat and advocate fighting for diversity and global causes; Michelle de la Isla, the first Latina running for Congress in Topeka, Kansas; Sarah McBride, a proud Delawarean and transgender woman running for the Senate; and truly, every woman and non-binary person out there trying to get ahead defying stigma, poverty, disabilities, immigration status and any other hurdles to live a fulfilled and purposeful life. 

This International Women’s Day, we are grateful for the contributions of women leaders like Chirinos and advocates around the world fighting for equality for all.

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