#AM_Equality: April 10, 2020
OVER 70 NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS SIGN ON TO HRC LETTER URGING TRUMP TO INVOKE DEFENSE PRODUCTION ACT: “President Trump must exercise the authority of the Defense Production Act now, and ensure that health care providers on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic are fully supported and able to respond to all patients in need,” said HRC President Alphonso David (@AlphonsoDavid). “As this global pandemic impacts communities around the world, vulnerable populations, including people of color, LGBTQ people, people living with HIV and people with disabilities, are at even greater risk of falling ill. Our country cannot wait any longer — our elected leaders must do their jobs to ensure our nation can respond effectively during the ever-evolving landscape of this pandemic.” More from HRC.
HRCARES, A VIRTUAL CARE PACKAGE — BILLY PORTER, NATE BERKUS AND JEREMIAH BRENT AND MELISSA KING SHARE A MESSAGE OF LOVE AND SUPPORT TO OUR LGBTQ FAMLY: In the special virtual care package, Pose’s Porter (@theebillyporter) shares a special Spotify playlist featuring community favorites like Elton John (@eltonofficial), Shea Diamond (@iamsheadiamond) and P!nk (@Pink); TLC stars Nate (@NateBerkus) and Jeremiah (@JeremiahBrent) give a message of support to those most impacted and at the frontline fighting COVID-19; HRC President Alphonso David (@AlphonsoDavid) shares a poem by James Baldwin; and Top Chef’s Melissa King (@ChefMelissaKing) walks us through a food recipe to provide comfort and warmth during this difficult time.
OK, y’all, the @HRC asked me to create a playlist to help raise some spirits! Check out my “Raise You Up” Playlist on @Spotify, get up, and get groovin’! t.co/OQDn3q0qB7
— Billy Porter (@theebillyporter) April 9, 2020
VIRGINIA GOV. NORTHAM HAS UNTIL 11:59 p.m. ON APRIL 11 TO SIGN THE VIRGINIA VALUES ACT: Over 1,000 Virginians sent letters urging the Governor to sign the bill before time runs out. Listen to their stories here.
Over 1,000 Virginians sent letters urging @GovernorVA to sign the Virginia Values Act before time runs out. #VALeg
Listen to some of their stories. Then take action.
Text VAGOV to 472472. pic.twitter.com/XyRDEpfcmg
— Human Rights Campaign (@HRC) April 10, 2020
FRIDAY FEELING — HRC PRESIDENT ALPHONSO DAVID ON HIS JOURNEY WITH RELIGION & FAITH: In a video for The Root’s “A Word” series, David opened up about his experience growing up in the church, how he eventually came to develop a relationship with God and how the LGBTQ and faith communities can build common ground. “God loves me radically. And any member of faith, any leader of faith should also love me radically,” said David. Read the full piece and see the video from The Root.
HRC MARKS TWO MAJOR RELIGIOUS HOLIDAYS THIS WEEK WITH INTERFAITH MEMORIAL SERVICE AND NEW VIDEO: Today at 12 p.m. EDT, HRC is hosting “Remaining Home in Faith: An Interfaith Memorial Service.” This service will be a time for people of all faiths to come together — a memorial for lives lost, and for anticipated loss of life, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As many people are unable to be with their families and friends as they normally would be during Passover, Holy Week and Easter, and are instead marking the holidays from home, HRC is continuing to find ways to bring LGBTQ people of faith together. Learn more about the service here and from Trudy Ring (@Trudestress) at The Advocate.
- HRC is also releasing a new video featuring Jesuit Priest and LGBTQ ally Father James Martin in conversation with HRC Religion & Faith Program Director Michael Vazquez. In the video, Father Martin opens up about his LGBTQ advocacy and his meeting with Pope Francis last September. More from HRC.
OPENLY GAY DEPUTY SHERIFF SHANNON BENNETT, WHO PROTECTED LGBTQ VENUES AFTER PULSE SHOOTING IN ORLANDO, HAS DIED FROM COVID-19: More from Gay Star News.
HRC REMEMBERS LESBIAN PIONEER AND ACTIVIST PHYLLIS LYON: More from HRC.
IN THE STATES
TALLAHASSEE, FLA. PASSES ORDINANCE PROTECTING LGBTQ PEOPLE FROM SO-CALLED “CONVERSION THERAPY”: More from WTXL.
LGBTQ ORGANIZATIONS IN WASHINGTON, D.C. ARE GOING VIRTUAL AMID COVID-19: Read more from the Washington Blade.
GET CULTURED – Entertainment, arts and sports news!
ACTRESS AULI’I CRAVALHO COMES OUT AS BISEXUAL: More from Teen Vogue.
Always be proud of who you are and how far you’ll go. ������
We’re so excited to welcome Moana star @auliicravalho to the LGBTQ family! t.co/SvzLW1tStB
— Human Rights Campaign (@HRC) April 9, 2020
READING RAINBOW – Bookmark now to read on your lunch break!
them. recommends 20 queer comics to read during social distancing; The Advocate suggests five new LGBTQ podcasts to listen to
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