Tag Archives: LGBTQ

HRC Foundation Urges Support Through Snap for Good Rewards Campaign this Giving Tuesday

HRC Foundation Urges Support Through Snap for Good Rewards Campaign this Giving Tuesday

HRC Foundation is proud to partner with General Mills and Honey Nut Cheerios ahead of Giving Tuesday, a global day that encourages giving back to your community, as a two-month fundraising campaign draws to a close.

For the last two months, the HRC Foundation has been a beneficiary of the Snap for Good Rewards campaign, in partnership with General Mills and Honey Nut Cheerios. By using exclusive Snapchat Lenses accessed by scanning a Snapcode on the back of Honey Nut Cheerios packages throughout the country, users can choose to support one of three organizations — the Human Rights Campaign Foundation, the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) and Feeding America — each of which has its own interactive, organization-specific Lens. As part of this Snap for Good Rewards campaign, Honey Nut Cheerios will donate a portion of $100,000 to the three organizations participating. The last day of the campaign is tomorrow, Giving Tuesday.

“Over the past two months, we’ve seen people across the country creatively use Snapchat around their breakfast tables to connect with their friends and support the ongoing fight for LGBTQ equality, and we encourage everyone to continue supporting the HRC Foundation, and to become members of HRC,” said Chris Speron, Senior Vice President for Development and Membership at the Human Rights Campaign. “We’ve been honored to be a part of this fun and groundbreaking campaign alongside General Mills and two other organizations doing important work, the ASPCA and Feeding America. We’re grateful to General Mills and Honey Nut Cheerios for the opportunity to participate in the campaign, and for recognizing the importance of our work to achieve full equality for LGBTQ people.”

For years, General Mills has received consistently top marks on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s Corporate Equality Index, the national benchmarking tool on corporate policies and practices pertinent to LGBTQ employees.

More information on the Snap for Good Rewards Campaign can be found here.

www.hrc.org/blog/hrc-foundation-urges-support-through-snap-for-good-rewards-campaign-this-gi?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss-feed

Indiana School Board Member Says ‘Cry Me a River’ When Asked to Address LGBTQ Suicides: WATCH

Indiana School Board Member Says ‘Cry Me a River’ When Asked to Address LGBTQ Suicides: WATCH

A group of LGBTQ activists from Tri-State Alliance who had signed up to speak to the Evansville, Indiana school board meeting were shut down by board members as they began to address the needs of transgender students, the Illinois Eagle reports.

After the group addressed board member Ann Ennis about transgender suicides, Ennis told them there was no support on the board to protect transgender students.

When one of the activists said, “that was so transphobic” about Ennis’s remarks, Ennis walked from the room pantomiming a violin, and saying “cry me a river.”

The post Indiana School Board Member Says ‘Cry Me a River’ When Asked to Address LGBTQ Suicides: WATCH appeared first on Towleroad Gay News.


Indiana School Board Member Says ‘Cry Me a River’ When Asked to Address LGBTQ Suicides: WATCH

Amazon recruits LGBTQ workers, and 7 queer ad campaigns you might have missed this year

Amazon recruits LGBTQ workers, and 7 queer ad campaigns you might have missed this year

It’s been a whirlwind year, and we’ll understand if you haven’t noticed the increasing number of LGBTQ references popping up in TV commercials.

Just this month, a remarkable, first-of-its-kind Amazon recruitment ad appealed to potential workers with a current worker noting: “It’s a really trans-friendly company. My manager has been a really big advocate for me.”

This is a great message. By making a workplace safe for trans workers, it is making it safe for everyone. And it’s the second LGBTQ inclusive spot this year from the retailer.

Here are some other LGBT inclusive spots you may have missed recently:

1. IKEA

Remember the IKEA commercial where two guys bought a dining table together and it caused bomb threats to stores in 1994? We’ve come a long way, baby.

This year, IKEA teamed with National Geographic in a mock nature show that captures a gay male couple first spooning but struggling for space in a small bed. As the two bump each others’ backs, a British narrator intones melodramatically, “Here, an epic struggle for dominance occurs nightly and sleep itself is on the brink of extinction. The mustachioed male defends his territory. The stubble-faced male is stunned.” Later, the two men shop at IKEA and bring home a bigger bed to jump into.

2. Levi’s-Google

In an unlikely Levi’s-Google mashup, a series of people wearing the Google-connected Levi’s denim jacket demonstrates how to get info while on the go, by tapping and swiping the sleeve. Two men arrive on a hilltop overlooking the city, share an embrace and dance together as they take in the view and listen to music.

3. Smirnoff & Pride

Smirnoff was on a roll this year. The vodka brand rolled out a series of LGBTQ ads for Pride, this one featuring “Orange Is the New Black” actress Laverne Cox. With Disney-like music and a candy-colored palette, Cox in a red leather cocktail dress, gloves and hat asks, “Wouldn’t it be nice if there was a place that accepted everyone?” A place that said, ‘Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning…to vogue free! Well girl, that place is here!”

She continues: “This month Pride isn’t a party, it’s a home. And the doors are always open. NO borders here.” The camera pulls out to reveal a tiny house in front of the New York City skyline and several backup dancers. In the final pullout shot, Cox shouts, “We’re waiting for you with open arms! And vodka!”

A rainbow arches over Manhattan.

4. Smirnoff & Jonathan Van Ness

Also this year, Cheers’ Ted Danson walks through the lawn of a party and says to the camera, “Smirnoff knows you don’t need a lot to have a good time.” Walking up to the bar, he touches Queer Eye’s Jonathan Van Ness’ back and orders two from the bartender. She serves up two martinis the size of a mouse. Offering the second to Jonathan, he replies, “Oh, I’m still nursing this one, bubby.” (A Yiddish term of endearment.) “Bubby?! My mom used to call me that!” says Danson with surprise. They laugh together.

5. Tiffany & Co.

In its How Do You #LoveYourWay campaign, Tiffany interviews various couples on their relationship. A remake of the Turtles’ song “Happy Together” plays while influencer couple Max and Andres talk about their favorite things about each other, then share a sweet kiss in an elevator.

6. Allstate

Tough guy Dennis Quaid stars as the spokesperson in this self-aware spot of fake commercials within a commercial. In one mock cologne ad, he’s sitting on a couch being lavished by both a woman and man, who caresses his cheek. Quaid grins at the camera, unaffected by either.

7. Snapchat

Snapchat created a charming series of videos focused on relationships, several with sassy gay men in them. This one features a young woman and her gay brother. “She was actually the first person to find out I wasn’t straight,” says Josh about his sister Rebecca. “We’re comfortable talking about boys.” She observes with a laugh, “Josh tends to like guys with kind of weird hairlines.”

8. CarMax

“If there’s gonna be a sticker on your car, it has to mean something,” the narrator says. “That you got into college, or crossed the finish line.That you went someplace worth going. Or maybe that you have opinions.” A bunch of mostly generic, unreal issues show up, but then a “Love is Love” sticker appears with a rainbow on the back of a convertible from Arkansas with two mature, queer women driving.

Advertising just keeps getting queerer, and we love it.

Michael Wilke has covered LGBT issues in advertising since 1992, is the founder of AdRespect.org, and Senior US Consultant for LGBT marketing and diversity firm Out Now.

www.queerty.com/amazon-recruits-lgbtq-workers-queer-ads-might-missed-20191129?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+queerty2+%28Queerty%29

James Charles hits out again at “disgusting” comments on his sex life

James Charles hits out again at “disgusting” comments on his sex life

James Charles
James Charles (Photo: @jamescharles | Instagram)

The James Charles-Tati Westbrook spat continues to rumble on.

Back in May, the two makeup influencers, who together have millions of online followers, had a very public falling out. Westbrook, 37, posted a 43-minute video in which she laid into her former protégé.

The video was prompted by Charles choosing to promote a rival hair vitamin brand to the one owned by Westbrook.

Westbrook accused Charles of being disloyal, ego-driven, and using her to further his ambitions. More controversially, she accused the then 19-year old influencer of using his fame to hit on straight me and try to “trick” them into having sex with him.

Charles issued an emotional video in response, saying he was hurt by the allegations and apologizing for any pain he’d caused Westbrook.

He went on to refute the allegations of inappropriate behavior with other men. He posted another video, stating, “I have never, and would never, and will never use my ‘fame’, money or power, to manipulate or get any sexual actions from a guy. That is disgusting, it is not me, and the fact that Tati brought this up blows my mind, because she knows the real story.”

Westbrook has since deleted her video. Although Charles lost around 3million followers in the immediate aftermath of the controversy, his numbers have since rebounded.

Related: James Charles releases teary apology after being accused of coercing straight men into having gay sex

Now, in a lengthy interview with Paper magazine, Charles reveals that he continues to struggle with his mental health since the episode. He also labeled Westbrook’s comments about his sex life “disgusting” and hurtful to the LGBTQ community.

“What that statement implies is that gay men are all predatory, which is disgusting, not true and very dangerous to put out there,” he told Paper.

“The whole situation was scary for the LGBTQ+ community and paints a really bad picture of gay men.”

He says one of the incidents referred to by Westbrook involved a man who identifies as bisexual.

“The reality is that the “hook-up” that was being discussed was completely consensual. It was with a boy who told me that he was bisexual and later on told the world he was bisexual. Therefore there’s nothing wrong with that.”

Charles said the breakdown of his relationship with Westbrook still impacted him greatly.

“I’m not mentally in a place where I want to be. What’s even harder to swallow is that it’s been six months since all the drama happened. I thought by this time I’d be completely good — back to normal, if you will — and that’s not the case.”

Related: James Charles hits back at sexual predator allegations

Charles also says that he’s very wary about getting involved with men romantically as he find himself distrustful and constantly looking for red flags.

“I’ve gotten really good at seeing those early on. You just never know what people’s true intentions are.

“With my job, there are so many blessings but a lot of people see them as an opportunity for themselves to either come up, get financial gain, get followers or attention or take me down with them, which has been attempted. I’m just careful … and lonely.”

www.queerty.com/james-charles-hits-disgusting-comments-sex-life-20191128?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+queerty2+%28Queerty%29

Utah’s Republican governor acts to ban conversion therapy on minors

Utah’s Republican governor acts to ban conversion therapy on minors

Utah Governor Gary Herbert (Photo: @GovHerbert | Twitter)
Utah Governor Gary Herbert (Photo: @GovHerbert | Twitter)

Utah’s governor has instructed officials to draw up new rules banning the practice of conversion therapy on minors. The new rules are now subjected to a public consultation period, but if they’re adopted, they could come into effect from late January 2020.

If so, it would make Utah the 19th US state to outlaw the practice on minors.

Related: Gay politician moves to repeal New York ban on conversion therapy. Wait, what?!

Local lawmakers have attempted to introduce legislation banning conversion therapy in the past. The latest attempt stalled in the state legislature earlier this year.

Conversion therapy is the discredited practice of attempting to change someone’s sexual orientation through psychotherapeutic means. It doesn’t work and usually does far more harm than good.

On Tuesday evening, Governor Gary Herbert, a Republican, proposed a statewide ban on the practice. He has directed the Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing, Utah Department of Commerce, to file the new rule, according to CNN.

His new rules adopt the same wording as the legislation proposed earlier in the year by Republican Rep. Craig Hall.

In a statement posted to Facebook, Herbert said, “I have learned much through this process. The stories of youth who have endured these so-called therapies are heart-rending, and I’m grateful that we have found a way forward that will ban conversion therapy forever in our state.”

Although the Hall’s proposed legislation failed, it crucially had the backing of the Mormon church.

The Church of Latter-Day Saints holds great political sway in Utah. Although it teaches that homosexuality is a sin, and is opposed to same-sex marriage, it backed moves to ban licensed therapists from administering ‘conversion therapy’ to minors on the proviso that its ministers could still offer advice if asked questions about sexuality.

The Governor’s move was welcomed by Rep. Hall, who said, “I urge adoption of the proposed rule so we can end conversion therapy once and for all in this state.”

Related: The Mormon church won’t oppose Utah’s conversion therapy ban

Troy Williams, Executive Director of Equality Utah, said, “We are profoundly grateful to Governor Herbert and the Psychological Licensing Board for the thoughtful and meticulous in which they have worked to protect LGBTQ+ youth from conversion therapy.

“We have no doubt the adoption of this rule will send a life-saving message to LGBTQ+ youth across our state.”

The wording of the new rule will be published Dec. 15. The 30-day public consultation will end Jan. 14, and the new rule will hopefully take effect Jan. 22, 2020.

www.queerty.com/utahs-republican-governor-acts-ban-conversion-therapy-minors-20191128?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+queerty2+%28Queerty%29

Cyndi Lauper to Be Honored with Inaugural UN Human Rights Award for Work Helping LGBTQ Youth

Cyndi Lauper to Be Honored with Inaugural UN Human Rights Award for Work Helping LGBTQ Youth

Cyndi Lauper will receive the inaugural High Note Global Prize from the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and the High Note Global Initiative.

Writes the High Note Global Initiative: “In 2008, Lauper co-founded True Colors United after learning that while 10% of American youth identify themselves as LGBTQ, up to 40% of American youth experiencing homelessness do so. The organization works to prevent and end youth homelessness, focusing on the unique experiences of LGBTQ youth. In 2008, Cyndi Lauper co-founded True Colors United, a nonprofit organization that implements innovative solutions to youth homelessness that focus on the unique experiences of LGBTQ young people, who make up to 40% of the youth homelessness population in America.”

They add: “True Colors United recognized that communities and youth homelessness service providers want to be safe and welcoming for LGBTQ youth, but often don’t have the knowledge or resources to do so – creating barriers for these young people to get the support they need. True Colors United fills that space by offering free training and resources on how to meet the needs of LGBTQ youth experiencing homelessness. They also advocate in government and media to help ensure critical funding and services for all youth, and create opportunities for youth who have experienced homelessness to be key leaders in the effort to end the problem.”

The 2019 High Note Global Prize will be presented during the High Note Honors segment of Cyndi Lauper & Friends: Home for the Holidays at the Novo Theater at LA Live on December 10th.

Via press release: In addition to Kesha, additional celebrities supporting Cyndi at the Novo Theater on UN Human Rights Day include, Billy Porter, Brandi Carlile, Belinda Carlisle, King Princess, Charlie Musselwhite, Henry Rollins, Perry Farrell with Etty Lau Farrell, Justin Tranter, K. Flay, Emily Estefan, Shawn Wasabi, comics Carol Leifer and Lily Tomlin, U.K. comedian Gina Yashere, Margaret Cho, and Carson Kressley. Taylor Swift, Billie Eilish, Mariah Carey, Dolly Parton, Lady Gaga, Kelly Clarkson, Dua Lipa, Kacey Musgraves, RuPaul, and Tegan and Sara are among the artists who have donated items and experiences for a charity auction with 100% proceeds supporting True Colors.

The post Cyndi Lauper to Be Honored with Inaugural UN Human Rights Award for Work Helping LGBTQ Youth appeared first on Towleroad Gay News.


Cyndi Lauper to Be Honored with Inaugural UN Human Rights Award for Work Helping LGBTQ Youth

Check Out These Top 4 Most-Improved Cities Working with HRC to Make LGBTQ Equality a Priority

Check Out These Top 4 Most-Improved Cities Working with HRC to Make LGBTQ Equality a Priority

HRC Foundation’s Municipal Equality Index scorecard provides a roadmap for cities looking to make their community more inclusive of the LGBTQ people who live and work there. City leaders work with HRC to improve their policies and services by enacting non-discrimination protections, including ensuring city employees have trans-inclusive health care and requiring anti-bullying policies for youth-facing city services.

Every year, cities find ways to stand out among the 506 cities rated in the MEI by working hard to ensure their communities are welcoming and inclusive of all people. The four most improved cities — those that made the biggest MEI score gains between 2018 and 2019 — are:

  1. Overland Park, Kansas: 54 point increase
    Since the MEI’s debut in 2012, the number of cities earning the highest score has increased by more than eightfold, and today at least 25 million people live in cities that have more comprehensive, transgender-inclusive non-discrimination laws than their state. One of those cities is Overland Park, which over the past year enacted LGBTQ-inclusive non-discrimination protections covering private employment, housing and public accommodations.

 

  1. Norman, Oklahoma: 51 point increase
    Norman also enacted an LGBTQ-inclusive non-discrimination ordinance covering private employment, housing and public accommodations over the past year.

 

  1. Racine, Wisconsin: 45 point increase 
    Wendy Strout, HRC Wisconsin State Director, worked with advocates and leaders in Racine to build its MEI score, which resulted in the largest improvement in the state, vaulting the city to the top five most improved in the country. “I am very proud of the work Racine put in to achieve such a significant jump on its MEI score,” Strout said. “Since pro-equality Mayor Cory Mason was elected, he, his team, the LGBT Center of SE Wisconsin and strong allies in the community worked hard to make the city’s MEI score more reflective of its inclusivity.” 

Racine, Wisconsin, MEI

 

  1. Gaithersburg, Maryland: 36 point increase 
    Gaithersburg added LGBTQ liaisons this year, which displayed a commitment to inclusiveness and helped increase their score significantly.

HRC congratulates all of the cities that continue to make LGBTQ equality a priority. A special mention goes out to the following cities for their progress and enduring commitment to equality: Phoenix; Grand Rapids, Michigan; Henderson, Nevada; State College, Pennsylvania; Racine, Wisconsin; Toledo, Ohio; Austin, Texas; Kansas City, Kansas; Seattle; Tampa, Florida; Atlanta; Chapel Hill, North Carolina; Oakland, California; Richmond, Virginia; and Los Angeles.

Check out how your city rates on LGBTQ equality. The full report, including detailed scorecards for every city, as well as a searchable database, is available online at www.hrc.org/MEI.

www.hrc.org/blog/check-out-these-top-4-most-improved-cities-working-with-hrc-to-make?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss-feed

Communities Make the Difference This World AIDS Day – At Home and Around the World

Communities Make the Difference This World AIDS Day – At Home and Around the World

Post submitted by HRC Global Senior Manager Taylor N. T. Brown

Each Dec. 1, advocates around the world come together to recognize World AIDS Day. The annual commemoration is a vital opportunity to remember those who have come before us, show solidarity with communities and elevate the stories of advocates working around the world to end HIV & AIDS.

This year, the Joint United Nations (U.N.) Programme on HIV & AIDS is organizing around the theme, “Communities make the difference.” HRC understands the value of empowered community advocates around the world and through our work amplifies the innovative approaches many use to fight HIV & AIDS.

This spring, HRC Global hosted advocates from Africa, the Caribbean, Europe, Asia and the Middle East, many of whom are working to end HIV & AIDS and the dangerous stigma around it, at our 2019 Global Innovative Advocacy Summit. Through their words and actions, these activists inspire us to continue working to end HIV & AIDS once and for all.

“These global advocates are leading the way in their communities to support people living with HIV & AIDS. Their efforts show that LGBTQ communities have and continue to make a difference in this fight,” said HRC Global Director Jay Gilliam.

Our HRC Global Innovators are making a tangible difference — not just in their home communities, but also around the world. They have gone to the U.N. to advocate for the protection of human rights for people living with HIV & AIDS. And in their own communities, they are bringing together peers and community members to push for the inclusion of transgender people in developing national guidance on combatting HIV.

Collectively, they have lifted up LGBTQ people and others living with HIV through Pride celebrations, innovative tools to accessing services, messages of hope and determination and providing support for women vulnerable to HIV.

Working together, we can end HIV.

Visit hrc.org/HIV for more information on HRC Foundation’s work to end HIV and share this video.

For more information about HRC’s work around the world, subscribe to our quarterly newsletter and visit hrc.org/Global. 

www.hrc.org/blog/communities-make-the-difference-this-world-aids-day-at-home?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss-feed

Adoption is a Trans Issue

Adoption is a Trans Issue

Post submitted by Nia Clark, HRC Foundation All Children – All Families Trainer

November is National Adoption Month, a time to raise awareness of the thousands of children and youth in the U.S. who are awaiting adoption every year. 

For youth in foster care, being adopted into a loving and permanent family can be hard for many reasons. I entered foster care when I was 8-years-old. For years, the system failed to give me the supportive and affirming care I needed as an LGBTQ person.

When I was legally adopted at 16, I was just beginning to affirm myself as a young Black trans girl. However, I was forced to choose between my gender identity or having a permanent home and family. When I finally gathered the courage to tell my adoptive mother my truth, she terminated the adoption, just six months after my placement. I was forced back into foster care. 

Rather than allowing these experiences to negatively impact my outlook on the future, I decided to use my personal narrative to change the system as a child welfare advocate, practitioner and trainer for HRC Foundation’s All Children – All Families project.

Adoption is a trans issue, a bi issue, a pan issue an LGBTQ issue.

In my work as a trainer and educator, I help adoption and foster care professionals understand the issues faced by trans folks and the broader LGBTQ community and how being an LGBTQ-inclusive agency can affirm and sometimes save the lives of the youth they serve.

This National Adoption Month, it’s important to consider how LGBTQ people can make all the difference for these youth: as advocates, as prospective parents, as professionals and as a community that knows every child deserves a loving home.

HRC is making an impact by raising awareness of the discrimination and systemic obstacles LGBTQ youth as well as LGBTQ prospective parents face through educational resources and telling powerful stories, like those of Sam and Nakiya.

Every year more than 20,000 young people age out of foster care without being adopted.

Depending on the state in which they live, youth in the foster care system “age out” when they reach a certain age, or when they finish high school. When I aged out of the system at 22, I was homeless for more than three months. I had no safety net to fall back on and the foster care system didn’t equip me with the independent living skills I needed to survive. I had to learn how to do everything on my own. My story is far too common, and many of today’s youth face the same struggles I did.

Even as more and more stories of adoption or experiencing the foster care system come to light through shows like The Fosters or through people sharing their stories, overall awareness and understanding remains low. This month and every month, we must continue to raise awareness about foster care adoption among our friends, families and communities.

Join us to make a real difference by educating others.

Together, we can ensure that youth — especially those that are at the intersections of being Black and LGBTQ — are cared for and given the permanent families they deserve. That’s why HRC’s All Children – All Families project is so important to me. Change is made when we educate, empower and energize to help vulnerable communities. In honor of Trans Awareness Week and National Adoption Month, share this blog post and follow HRC on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram as they share these life-changing stories and resources.

If you’re interested in learning about the findings from HRC’s 2019 survey on LGBTQ adult experiences and perceptions of adoption. 

The public opinion information in this post comes from the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoptions 2017 US Adoption Attitudes Survey conducted by Harris Poll.

Learn more about the work of All Children – All Families to promote LGBTQ cultural competency in adoption and foster care at 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.#NationalAdoptionMonth

www.hrc.org/blog/adoption-is-a-trans-issue?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss-feed

#AM_Equality Tipsheet: November 25, 2019

#AM_Equality Tipsheet: November 25, 2019

PROPUBLICA REPORT – “UNDER TRUMP, LGBTQ PROGRESS IS BEING REVERSED IN PLAIN SIGHT”: Kirsten Berg (@kirstenberg) and Moiz Syed (@moizsyed) report that “Donald Trump promised he would fight for LGBTQ people. Instead, his administration has systematically undone recent gains in their rights and protections” — and they document 31 examples, from employment, schools and public housing, to foster care and adoption, criminal justice and public life. Read their report at ProPublica.

Donald Trump promised he would fight for LGBTQ people. Instead, his administration has systematically undone recent gains in their rights and protections. Here are 31 examples. t.co/qDqXsADFXq

— ProPublica (@propublica) November 24, 2019

HRC TEXAS STATE DIRECTOR REBECCA MARQUES TALKS ON MOVING EQUALITY  FORWARD IN THE LONE STAR STATE: “2020 is going to be the election of a lifetime in Texas,” said Marques (@_rebeccamarques). “We have a shot at creating a bipartisan, pro-equality majority in the Texas House.” More from James Russell (@jamesfortexas) at the Dallas Voice.

MUST WATCH MONDAY — TRANS ACTRESS AND ICON LAVERNE COX STARS IN NEW SMIRNOFF HOLIDAY AD: More from YouTube.

AT 37TH ANNUAL HRC NEW ENGLAND DINNER IN BOSTON, SEN. AMY KLOBUCHAR CENTERED LGBTQ RIGHTS: More from WCVB

Sen. @AmyKlobuchar delivered a powerful speech about LGBTQ equality and the importance of ending the epidemic of violence facing transgender women of color at the 2019 @HRCNewEngland Dinner. pic.twitter.com/NhTjmrv051

— Human Rights Campaign (@HRC) November 24, 2019

WOMEN’S COLLEGES HAVE VARYING ADMISSION POLICIES FOR TRANS AND NON-BINARY STUDENTS: “We’re living in a changing world. We are a women’s college. Our mission is to help educate women and the definition of being a woman is changing,” said Alexandra Trower, chair of Hollins University’s board of trustees. More from Jeremy Bauer-Wolf (@jbeowulf) at Education Dive

UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE ALUM HERA JAY BROWN NAMED FIRST TRANSGENDER RHODES SCHOLAR: “As our rights and experiences as women are under threat, this moment has given me pause to reflect on what an honor it is to pave this path,” said Brown, among 32 scholars selected for the diverse 2020 class. More from The Guardian.

GET CULTURED – Entertainment, arts and sports news!

FRONT AND CENTER — LGBTQ ARTISTS AND ALLIES IN THE SPOTLIGHT AS GRAMMY NOMINEES: Ariana Grande (@ArianaGrande), Brandie Carlile (@brandicarlile), Lady Gaga (@ladygaga), Lil Nas X (@LilNasX) and John Waters are among the LGBTQ artists and allies nominated for the 62nd annual Grammy Awards. More from HRC

SHOWTIME TO DEVELOP SERIES BASED ON NON-BINARY ACTIVIST JACOB TOBIAS’ MEMOIR SISSY: The series, currently titled “Sissy,” would follow Tobi Gibran, “a non-binary college grad and full time gender weirdo from North Carolina.” More from Joe Otterson (@JoeOtterson) at Variety.

Congratulations, @JacobTobia, on bringing your powerful book “Sissy: A Coming of Gender Story” to our TV screens! ����⚪️���� t.co/jG8pPd603T

— Human Rights Campaign (@HRC) November 22, 2019

RYAN RUSSELL HONORED WITH GAY TIMES SPORTING HERO AWARD: Earlier this year, Russell (@RKRelentless) made history when he came out as bisexual, becoming the first openly LGBTQ player at the professional level of American football. More from Gay Times.

GLOBAL EQUALITY NEWS

THAI LGBTQ ACTIVISTS CHALLENGING LAW THAT LIMITS MARRIAGE TO BETWEEN A MAN AND A WOMAN: More from Openly

IN A TOUGH CLIMATE FOR LGBTQ PEOPLE, MEXICO CITY TAKES ACTION TO PROTECT TRANS YOUTH: A proposal that would allow minors to change their legal name and gender on their personal identification documents will be presented to the Mexico City Congress next week. More from Mitú

READING RAINBOW – Bookmark now to read on your lunch break!
Mashable highlights Transform, a community nonprofit where trans teens can donate clothing in exchange for a wardrobe that better fits their gender.

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-25-2019?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss-feed