#AM_Equality: March 31, 2020
TODAY IS INTERNATIONAL TRANSGENDER DAY OF VISIBILITY (TDOV): “Transgender and non-binary people face significant cultural, legal and economic challenges, but continue to bravely share their stories, boldly claim their seats at the table and tirelessly push equality forward. The transgender and non-binary community’s pride, power and resilience should be a lesson to us all,” said HRC President Alphonso David (@AlphonsoDavid). “As we celebrate International Transgender Day of Visibility, we must never forget those who still feel invisible even in their own communities and who may live every day with fear of discrimination or violence, and we must resolve to fight for a world where every transgender and non-binary person is respected and protected.” More from HRC.
IDAHO BECOMES NATIONAL INNOVATOR IN DISCRIMINATION: It also becomes the first state in the country this year to enact legislation that specifically singles out the transgender community for discriminatory treatment. HB 500 will bar transgender women and girls from participating in sports consistent with their gender identity. HB 509 flies in the face of a recent court decision by forbidding transgender and non-binary Idahoans from changing their gender marker on their birth certificates. Both laws are unconstitutional and will result in litigation at the cost of the Idaho taxpayer, which is particularly appalling during these uncertain times. More from HRC, Metro Weekly, Washington Blade, Forbes and CBS.
DIGITAL ORGANIZING IN THE TIME OF COVID-19: “As our nation navigates these uncharted waters, we can’t allow this pandemic to suppress civic engagement or voter participation; otherwise, the virus becomes a threat not only to public health but to the future of our democracy…” writes Geoff Wetrosky (@gwetrosky), HRC National Campaigns Director. “In light of COVID-19, it has never been more important to quickly identify and adopt virtual organizing techniques that maximize civic engagement while maintaining a commitment to the health and safety of organizing staff and volunteers.” More from Morning Consult.
HRC & SAGE RELEASE CRITICAL NEW REPORT ON CHALLENGES OLDER LGBTQ ADULTS FACE DURING COVID-19 CRISIS: LGBTQ elders are particularly vulnerable to the health risks of COVID-19 and are concerned about discrimination, in both in-home and residential care settings (60%) and with their health care provider (40%). LGBTQ older adults also face greater risks from social isolation — a necessary public health effort during COVID-19 — that can have a direct impact on their health and well-being. Read more from The Advocate and HRC.
- To keep up this important conversion, HRC, SAGE and Lambda Legal are co-hosting a webinar TOMORROW on how COVID-19 impacts LGBTQ older adults. More from HRC.
Join lawyers and advocates from @HRC, @LambdaLegal and @SAGEUSA for a discussion about how #COVID19 impacts LGBTQ older adults on Wednesday, April 1 at 3:15 p.m. EDT. t.co/wS043ecrAb pic.twitter.com/Gl77LGLeWQ
— Human Rights Campaign (@HRC) March 30, 2020
HRC MOURNS LEXI, TRANS WOMAN KILLED IN HARLEM: According to reports, Lexi was fatally stabbed at work in Harlem River Park. “I really looked up to her because of her tolerance and respect,” said Lavonia Brooks, a friend of Lexi. “Lexi had a beautiful heart, she was very gifted.” Brooks also noted that Lexi loved poetry, makeup and fashion. More from HRC.
TUESDAY TWEET — LGBTQ PEOPLE COUNT AND THAT’S WHY WE MUST TAKE THE CENSUS: “It’s vitally important for all of us to be counted in the Census,” said Nick Morrow (@nrmorrow), HRC’s acting communications director. “Critical funding for programs that support our communities, and LGBTQ people specifically, are determined by the Census.” More from Washington Blade.
- While the census only offers binary gender options, non-binary people should still ensure they are counted. More from Rebellious Magazine.
- For more context, check out HRC’s report on how the failure of state and federal officials to collect full and accurate data on sexual orientation and gender identity is causing harm to LGBTQ Americans here.
What’s at stake for the LGBTQ community with the #2020Census?
– ��Proper funding for state/federal programs
– ��️Fair representation in Congress
– ��️Direct say in our country’s future
Pledge to complete your Census form today. t.co/8QXua1tgFx— Human Rights Campaign (@HRC) March 30, 2020
MEET THE NEWEST MEMBERS OF HRC’S PARENTS FOR TRANS EQUALITY COUNCIL MEMBERS: HRC Foundation is pleased to announce the new additions to the Parents for Transgender Equality National Council: Mehereen Baig, Stephen Chukumba, Luchina Fisher and David J. Parr, Yma Johnson, Kim Parke, Jennifer Solomon and Adamalis Vigil. More from HRC.
HRC MOURNS THE LOSS OF LORENA BORJAS TO COVID-19: Said Tori Cooper, HRC’s Director of Community Engagement (@MsToriCooper1): “The skies gained another star last night. Lorena Borjas was a star on earth who fought passionately for the rights of Latinx and trans folks, for the incarcerated, for sex workers and migrants. Her death is yet another tragic loss from COVID-19 and serves as a reminder to all that one person can make a difference in the lives of many. Rest in Power Lorena. Eres una estrella ahora.” More from PinkNews.
NEW RESOURCE FROM TLDEF FOR TRANS AND NON-BINARY COMMUNITY DURING COVID-19: The guide includes a ‘know your rights’ guide for those seeking medical care. More from Washington Blade.
HOW TO SUPPORT LGBTQ COLLEGE STUDENTS DURING COVID-19: More from Natasha Piñon (@natashapinon) at Mashable.
TODAY IS EQUAL PAY DAY: Did you know that women on average make just 82 cents for every dollar a man earns, with an even wider wage gap for women of color? Learn more here.
IN THE STATES
LGBTQ MICHIGANERS NEED INCLUSIVE NON-DISCRIMINATION PROTECTIONS: More from Capital News Service.
MICHIGAN’S OutCenter MOVES OPERATIONS ONLINE TO SUPPORT LOCAL LGBTQ COMMUNITY: More from The Herald Palladium.
GET CULTURED – Entertainment, arts and sports news!
GENDER-EXPANSIVE RAPPER BAD BUNNY (@sanbenito) SHOWS OFF MASCULINE AND FEMININE PERSONAS IN NEW MUSIC VIDEO: More from NewNowNext.
STAR TREK: MAJOR CHARACTER REVEALED TO BE QUEER: More from Pride.com.
GLOBAL EQUALITY NEWS
UNITED KINGDOM LAUNCHES ITS FIRST LGBTQ-SPECIFIC TV CHANNEL: More from Gay Times.
READING RAINBOW – Bookmark now to read on your lunch break!
NPR chats with Jonathan Van Ness (@JVN) about self-care during self-isolation; Chicago Magazine interviews Cameron Esposito
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