PFLAG National Blog

Maryland Gov. O’Malley Adds Marriage Equality to Legislative Package

2012-01-27T06:00:00.000-05:00

This week Gov. Martin O’Malley introduceda marriage equality bill as a part of his legislative package for the year.At hispress conference Gov. O’Malley’s announced, “We are going to be successfulin this legislative session by recognizing the dignity in one another, byrecognizing the common humanity we all share.” The bill is scheduled to bedebated on January 31^st during the Senate Judicial Proceedingshearing and will not last more than four hours.

The new bill contains clearlydefined religious protections which have been expanded since the state’sformer marriage equality bill was debated in 2011. The new language states thateach religious entity “has exclusive control over its own theological doctrine,policy teachings, and beliefs regarding who may marry within that faith.”Openly gay Delegate Heather Mizeur (D-Dist. 20) said the language was expandedto “include provisions from other states that have passed marriage equalitywith religious exemptions, just to take away any ambiguity…it’s just a morewordy way of providing for religious exemption.”

Gov. O’Malley has also pledgedhis support for the states’ transgender protections bill. If approved, thebill would ban discrimination against gender identity in housing, credit, andemployment. “I support it wholeheartedly,” the Governor said. However, thisbill will not be a part of his legislative package.

In His Absence

2012-01-26T13:00:00.000-05:00

Our Guest Bloggertoday is Kathy Gillern, whose son Aeryn disappeared in Vienna, Austria in 2007.Aeryn has yet to be found. Kathy has been met with extreme homophobic hostilityand resistance within the Vienna police because of Aeryn’s sexual orientation.She has been fighting for justice ever since:

When I speak of my son, Aeryn M. J. Gillern, I find myselfinterweaving the past and present tense, but never the future. I do this because my son disappeared inVienna, Austria on October 29, 2007.

My son was 34 years old when I last saw him, September 19,2007. On October 31, 2007, I received a call from UNIDO in Vienna, Austria,where my son worked; they told me my son was missing.

Aeryn is the older of my two sons. He attended high school in the small upstatevillage of Groton, NY. When everyonewore flannels and jeans, Aeryn wore button down shirts and pressed pants. While his friends listened to rock, Aerynlistened to the Carpenters and classical music. He graduated from Franciscan University Steubenville in 1997, andcompleted a Master's in 1999. He went on to obtain two additional Master'sDegrees, while living in Vienna, at Webster/American University.

Aeryn found solace in religion, and attended Massregularly. He loved singing in thechoir. He regularly ran, biked,rollerbladed, and worked out. He enjoyed cooking and baking for friends. He hada great sense of humor and loved British comedies. He wrote poems. As I write about him, I picture his eyelashescurled above his green eyes, the way he would wrinkle his nose, and scrunch uphis face when he was thinking. I canhear his deep voice and silly laugh. Icalled him my Eurobrat.

My son was also openly gay. Aeryn did not define his life by his sexuality and was a man with manyskills and passions. His grand, uniquepersonality could not be condensed into a single characteristic. And yet, overthe past four years, attempts have been made to reduce my son to one, small,word.

On my web site for my son—www.aeryngillern.com—Idetail my interactions with the Vienna Police and US Embassy which beganNovember 2, 2007.

I thought that being a retired police officer would help medeal with the police in Vienna. I was wrong. After my first encounter with themI realized they were not interested in helping me find my son. Their aim was todiscredit my son. They constantlyreferred to his sexuality with mocking, denigrating remarks that were shocking,sadistic, and sexually explicit. The officers’ physical gestures, which accompaniedthe remarks, needed no translation. Thesewere not isolated incidences perpetrated by one officer.

This treatment continued through several meetings with multipleofficers. Their insensitivity, rudeness, and lack of empathy, could not betossed away as cultural misunderstanding. Through the officers’ lies, inconsistencies, deception, and undisguiseddisgust towards my son, they attempted to reduce my son to a caricature. In his absence, they treated my son assomeone less than deserving of their time, interest, and respect. My son’saccomplishments, interests, and humanity were suddenly irrelevant; my son wasgay, and to them that was, and remains, the end of the story.

My son has never been found. Initially the Vienna Police had told us that an elaborate search wasconducted. Supposedly this search involved canine units, a boat, divers,dredging a canal, all within a 30 minute window of time. After a later inquiry into police actions, anew story was released on February 2009. Remarkably, everything which had beenpreviously disclosed to me and the UNIDO witnesses had changed. The officialstory now is that there was no search. The Fire Department responded, but did not enter and clear the water.

Since February 2009, the Police have refused to meet withme. I have requested and been denied the Case File. They refuse to hand myson's case to their newly formed Cold Case Squad. I am told that Aeryn’s caseremains open, although others who inquire have been told it is closed.

On December 6, 2011, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton gavea historic speech to the UN regarding LGBT rights worldwide. On that same day President Obama issued aMemorandum to all Heads of Departments and Agencies: "By this memorandum Iam directing all agencies engaged abroad to ensure that U.S. diplomacy andforeign assistance promote and protect the human rights of LGBT persons."

Does this include US Citizens abroad that are LGBT?

I am asking that my New York State Senators and MarcoSchreuder (Green Party Representative, Vienna) assist me in getting Aeryn’s casefile from the Vienna Police and ensuring that the file be given to the Cold CaseSquad for further review.

Please,help raise awareness for Aeryn’s case by signing my petition at Change.org.The petition is addressed to Senator Gillibrand (D-NY) and Marco Schreuder(Green Party-Vienna) and is easy to sign through this online website.

Someone asked me how long will I continue to fight foranswers; for the possibility of bringing my son home; for the justice denied tomy son? The answer is simple: Forever.In his absence I am his voice, and in his absence I will continue to fight.

Thank you,

Kathy Gillern

Policy Matters 1/25/12

2012-01-25T17:47:00.002-05:00

Front Page Headlines

Gay Bishop Documentary Takes Center Stage at Sundance: “Love Free or Die,” a documentary about the Episcopal Church’s first openly gay bishop, Bishop Gene Robinson, is premiering at the Sundance Film Festival in Utah. The film follows Robinson as the Church wrestles with equality for gays and lesbians, including his trip to the Episcopal Church’s General Convention in 2009 where leaders voted to allow gay men and women to be bishops. Bishop Robinson hopes that his story will inspire and comfort gay boys and girls. [Washington Post]

Best Companies List Hits Gay Rights Milestone: For the first time, each of the 100 companies on Fortune’s ‘Best Companies to Work For’ list has a non-discrimination policy that includes sexual orientation. Nearly nine out of ten of the companies also offer benefits for same-sex domestic partners. Both of these indicators of workplace equality have become more prevalent in companies over the past decade. [CNN]

ABC Kills ‘Work It’: ABC’s new show, “Work It,” was cancelled after only two episodes. The comedy, which followed two men who dress as women in order to get jobs in a slow economy, was criticized by LGBT equality organizations because it gave “license [to audiences to laugh at] transgender women.” The show had poor reception with audiences and TV critics from the beginning. [New York Times]

Policy Watch

Washington State Has Enough Votes to Legalize Same-Sex Marriage: During the first public hearing on legalizing same-sex marriage, a Democratic state senator announced her support for the legislation, making her the last vote needed to get marriage equality passed. The bill now has enough support to pass in the state House and Senate, and Gov. Chris Gregoire has said that she would sign the bill into law. It is expected that after the bill legalizing same-sex marriage passes, opponents will challenge it with a referendum, and Washington voters will ultimately decide its fate. [New York Times]

Anti-Bullying Bill Moves Forward: The Education Committee of Maine’s state legislature unanimously approved a bill that would provide enumerated protections for LGBT students who experience bullying or harassment. The bill includes a clear definition of bullying, prevention strategies for teachers, as well as discipline strategies. Now that it has been approved by the committee, the bill will be considered by the state House and Senate. [Bangor Daily News]

O'Malley Introduces Same-Sex Marriage Bill: Gov. Martin O’Malley has submitted a bill that would legalize same-sex marriage in Maryland. A bill for marriage equality was introduced in last year’s General Assembly, but the legislation was halted because it would not have garnered enough votes to pass in the House. Gov. O’Malley says that his bill would provide equal rights for gays, while protecting the rights of religious organizations that oppose same-sex marriage. [Baltimore Sun]

Question from the Field

Dear Policy Matters,

A friend of mine works for an adoption agency; when I asked recently if her organization has a lot of clients who are LGBT, she embarrassedly admitted that they do not allow LGBT couples to adopt. I was shocked to learn that this kind of discrimination is completely legal in my state. How can my chapter advocate for LGBT couples who want to adopt?

Thanks for your guidance.

Steven

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Dear Steven,

Thank you for writing to Policy Matters! Sadly, as you discovered, there is no federal law that outlaws discrimination against prospective foster or adoptive parents because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. There are some states, like Wisconsin and Michigan, that even have laws that explicitly prohibit LGBT people from fostering or adopting children. In states where adoption and foster care are legal for LGBT people, many couples experience discrimination. This discrimination can take place at the level of an individual social worker who falsely believes that LGBT people will not make good parents, or at the level of an entire adoption organization that has a policy (explicit or otherwise) that excludes LGBT people from being prospective parents because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

Given that there is more than 30 years of rigorous social science research proving that LGBT parents raise children who are just as happy, healthy, and well-adjusted as children raised by straight parents, the absence of a national law protecting prospective LGBT parents from discrimination is appalling. LGBT people and their families, however, are not the only groups that are negatively impacted by this discrimination. There are 107,000 foster children in the United States alone waiting to be adopted. Many of these children, around 27,000, will age out of the foster care system without ever being placed in permanent homes. It is truly a tragedy that LGBT individuals are systematically sent to the back of the line to adopt, and in some cases outright forbidden from adopting, when there are so many children in need of loving families.

The Every Child Deserves a Family Act (H.R. 1681 / S. 1770) is a landmark piece of legislation that would outlaw discrimination against prospective adoptive or foster parents because of their sexual orientation, gender identity, or marital status. If your chapter is interested in advocating for LGBT people who want to adopt, you can lobby your members of Congress on ECDF. Have everyone in your chapter call the offices of their Senators and Representatives and ask them to cosponsor the Every Child Deserves a Family Act. Be sure to have everyone share personal stories that highlight the need for these protections. Also, be sure to point out that by ending discrimination against LGBT people who want to adopt, many new safe and loving homes will be opened to children in foster care. Every child deserves a loving home.

Thank you for moving equality forward,

Policy Matters

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P.S. Have you downloaded our new edition of Bringing the Message Home yet? Get your 2011 version of the how-to guide to PFLAG advocacy now and share it with your chapter. Visit PFLAG nationals' website for more information now!

If you would like to have a policy-related question featured in our next edition, please e-mail rperry@pflag.org with your question no later than Friday, February 10th, 2012.

National GSA Day: Honoring the Work of LGBT Students and Allies

2012-01-23T06:00:00.000-05:00

January 25^th is National GSA Day! GSA Day was createdin 2006 when Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack declared October 25^th “IowaGay-Straight Alliance Day” to honor the accomplishments of youth-ledGay-Straight Alliance groups. Since then, Iowa Pride Network has put on “IowaGay-Straight Alliance Day” each year. Over time, more and more states have wantedto join and this year the celebration has become a national event!

PFLAG National isproud to be partnering with National GSA Day to honor over 3,000 Gay-StraightAlliance groups across the country who have provided safe spaces for LGBTstudents and their allies while working to end violence, homophobia,transphobia, and hate in their schools. When schools have a GSA, incidences ofverbal harassment are 10-25% less likely to occur, physical assault is 23% lesslikely to happen, and students are 15-23% less likely to miss school becausethey feel unsafe.

These school assemblies represent an important bond betweenLGBT individuals and their straight friends, teachers, and community members.“Americans need to know that thousands of students each day go to school orcollege and endure LGBT violence and harassment” says the GSA Day website. “They must alsoknow that GSAs are a tool in helping end violence, and that these studentgroups save lives.” Atoolkit is available online for free, and helps student groups plan theirown GSA Days at their schools.

Though the National GSA Day events usually take place atschools and colleges, all allies are able to participate! You can show yoursupport by being a visible ally at work or amongst friends, by making fliersabout the Day’s purpose, or write thank you notes to the supportive educatorsin your community. These suggestions, and many more, can be found on NationalGSA Day’s website in their section for Adults.

Take Action: Spreadthe word about this celebratory day! "Like”National GSA Day on Facebook, passalong the message on Twitter, or join the National GSADay’s video campaign and express the importance of GSAs and LGBT-Straightalliances!

“No Name Calling Week” Educates about the Power of Words

2012-01-20T13:35:00.004-05:00

January 23^rd to January 27^this “No NameCalling Week,” an awareness campaign inspired by James Howe’s young adultbook called “The Misfits.” The story tells of a group of friends who are teasedand bullied. The self-professed “Gang of Five” decides to run in their studentelections, promoting a “No Name-Calling Day” at their school. The spirit of thestory has now become an annual week of education where students, parents, andeducators call for the elimination of bullying in their communities.

GLSEN (Gay,Lesbian and Straight Education Network) has hosted the event each year, providinglessonplans for elementary, middle, and high school levels, resourceson how to plan your own NNCW event locally, resourcesabout school-age bullying, and achance for students to enter original work regarding their feelings on bullyingand how to stop it.

This year GLSEN has released a new report on bullying in elementaryschools called “Playgroundand Prejudice: Elementary School Climate in the United States,” the firstnational study to look at homophobia, gender nonconformity and bullying at theK-5 level.

Thestudy found that 45% of students and 49% of teachers heard the word “gay”used in a negative way regularly; 75% of students reported that students attheir school are harassed regularly—23% of this harassment is against gendernon-conforming children and 21% is against students who are perceived to begay. Nearly one out of every ten elementary students from 3^rd to 6^thgrade indicated that they did not conform to “traditional” gender roles ornorms. These students were less likely to feel safe at school and less thanhalf of teachers thought these students would feel comfortable at their school.Only 34% of teachers have reported attempting to create safe classrooms forgender non-conforming students.

Based on this report, GLSEN has developed the Ready, Set, Respect! toolkit, whichPFLAG National was proud to review prior to release and excited to promote on our NationalBlog earlier this month. Created to help educators ensure all students andfamilies feel valued and respected, the toolkit is a unique resource forteaching the concept of respect. The toolkit contains lesson plans which focuson name-calling, bullying and bias, LGBT-inclusive family diversity and genderroles and diversity, and is availablefor free on glsen.org!

Education surrounding “No Name-Calling Week” and GLSEN’sincredibly informative, yet concerning, study are being released at a time whenwe have an opportunity to help create change for our students at the federallevel. The reauthorization of the No Child Left Behind Act (alsoknown as the Elementary and Secondary Education Act or NCLB/ESEA) is beingdiscussed in Congress, and Senators are considering adding the StudentNon-Discrimination Act (S.555) into their version of the bill. If added, SNDAwould ban discrimination and harassment against a student’s actual or perceivedsexual orientation or gender identity. The bill will be introducedby Senator Al Franken (D-MN) as an amendment to NCLB/ESEA, and is crucialto ensuring that every week is “No-Name Calling Week” in our nation’s schools.

Take Action:Please, take a stand for students’ safety in public schools by contacting your Senators andurging them to become a co-sponsor SNDA. Every phone call counts! The morewe express the urgency of building safer schools today, the more attention wewill receive. For up-to-date news on upcoming legislation and action alerts asthey happen, subscribe to PFLAGNational’s Action E-List!

If you would like to get involved in “No Name-Calling Week” please visit the NNCW website.

Republican NY State Senators Gain Financial Support for Marriage Equality Votes

2012-01-19T06:00:00.000-05:00

Last June, four Republican state senators gave theirsupport—and their votes—to marriage equality in New York. Now, according to thecampaign finance filings released this Tuesday, thelawmakers’ generosity is being returned to them through substantial monetarysupport.

When State Senators Roy J. McDonald, Stephen M. Saland,Senator Mark Grisanti, and James S. Alesi defiedtheir own party’s negative position on the bill, they showed that votingfor marriage equality isn’t a single-party issue; Republicans are supportive ofequal rights too.

Senator Alesi from East Rochester was the first topublically state his support for marriage equality. In an interview, Sen. Alesireported that over half of his newly acquired donations came from marriageequality supporters. “I didn’t vote for the money,” he said, “but it’sgratifying to know the support is there, especially coming into an electionyear.”

The senators raised between $325,000 and $447,000 during thesix months after they voted on the bill—numbers which were much higher thanaverage—due to their critical votes. For example, Sen. McDonald’s financial totalwas about 27 times more than he raised during the same period in 2009. Even theSenate Republican Campaign Committee, who opposed the marriage law, benefitedfrom the four senator’s votes, gaining $350,000 from three well-known WallStreet executives in acknowledgement for simply allowing the vote to takeplace.

However, these senators are now facing political push-backfor their supportive stances. The state’s Conservative Party has already threatenedthem with political retribution, and ultra-conservative organizations areexpressing their intent to stop the senators’ re-election.

Despite the negative feedback from marriage equality opposition,support for these brave Republican senators continues. Though it is uncommonfor state senators to receive financial support from individual voters, smalldonations in recognition of the senators’ votes have come from as far away asTexas and Mississippi.

Marriage equality cannot be achieved through one politicalparty. Without the votes of these state senators, the bill may never have passed.Washington state senators from both parties have already signed on to the state’snew marriage equality bill. As we look to state legislators consideringmarriage equality bills this season, including Maryland and New Jersey, we hopeto see more Republicans break party lines to support fair and equal rights forLGBT citizens.

Take Action: Pleaseconsidering reaching out toyour state legislators today, underscoring the importance of LGBT equality.These personal conversations are enormously important in building strong andmeaningful relationships that will help pave the way for the necessary laws andpolicies required to extend full equality to our loved ones.

Ready, Set, Respect!

2012-01-18T18:06:00.002-05:00

We’re excited to share a great new resource available to the PFLAG network, courtesy of our friends at GLSEN.

Ready, Set, Respect! is GLSEN’s Elementary School Tookit, designed to ensure that all students and families feel respected and valued.

This 66-page guide, developed in response to the first national elementary school climate survey, was created to help educators encourage safe and positive learning environments for students in their early years of schooling, which of course helps lay the groundwork to creating safe and welcoming middle and high schools.

This new toolkit—which we were honored to review prior to publication—is a new and unique resource for educators, part professional development and part curricular resource. And what’s even better? It’s available as a free download at glsen.org!

The materials cover subjects such as Name-Calling and Bullying; Family Diversity; and more, all topics that were addressed in GLSEN’s 2010 elementary school climate survey, the first of its kind.

The toolkit was developed in partnership with The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) – the world's largest organization working on behalf of young children, and The National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP), a professional organization serving elementary and middle school principals and other education leaders throughout the United States, Canada, and overseas.

To learn more about Ready, Set, Respect! visit http://www.glsen.org/binary-data/GLSEN_ATTACHMENTS/file/000/002/2028-1.pdf.

2012 PFLAG National Scholarships - Apply Now!

2012-01-17T06:00:00.000-05:00

The 2012 PFLAG National Scholarship season is now open! Toapply, simply visit our website at http://pflag.org/scholarships.We encourage LGBT students and student allies to download the applicationonline, print supporting documentation and review the biographies ofour 2011 scholarship recipients.

PFLAG National is dedicated to creating a world where ouryoung people may grow and learn, free from fear, violence, bullying anddiscrimination because of their real or perceived gender identity or sexualorientation, or because of the identities of their families or friends. We wishto support young student leaders who are committed to carrying out this visionfor their own generation and those to come.

ALL COMPLETED APPLICATIONS, INCLUDING SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS(RELEASE FORM, RECOMMENDATION AND HIGH SCHOOL TRANSCRIPT), MUST BE POSTMARKEDBY FRIDAY, MARCH 16, 2012. ALLSUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION MUST BE MAILED IN ONE COMPLETE PACKET.

All 2012 scholarship applicants and winners will be notifiedby Monday, May 28th, 2012. The checks for the scholarship recipients will bedisbursed in early August, 2012 and will be sent directly to the student’sfuture college. For additional information, contact Mekina Lucas, Safe Schoolsand Diversity Outreach Coordinator, at 202-467-8180 x. 212 or mlucas@pflag.org.

Please share this exciting scholarship with your networks andthroughout your communities! Given thehigh volume of scholarships we received in previous years please encouragestudents to apply early for this amazing opportunity.

A Day On, Not A Day Off

2012-01-16T09:00:00.000-05:00

Today, in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday, we hear from Robby Gregg, PFLAG's Associate Director of Equality & Diversity Partnerships.

As a Black male, when I think about the holiday honoringDr.Martin Luther King, Jr. there's a part of me that pauses in reflection. Dr.King’s legacy lives in each of us, if we choose to realize it.

Dr. King dedicated his life to nonviolent change andpeaceful demonstration, but his commitment to equity for all is what's mostenduring for me. I think about aconversation I had with one of my mentor-friends, Dr. Johnnetta B. Cole, awell-known academician and director of the Smithsonian's National Museum ofAfrican Art. Dr. Cole was a confidant of Mrs. Coretta Scott King. I have spoken with her many times about Mrs.King's leadership in the fight for the equality of all people - inclusive ofthe LGBT community. Through those talks, I've learned that Mrs. King felt thatas a Black woman, she, too, knew what it felt like to have the hand ofinjustice played against you simply because of your status.

And, what of the similarities between the struggle of Blacksand the LGBT community? Indeed, we need not pause on our differences, butinstead celebrate the unity among us.

Mrs. King once said,

“Wherever you go in your lives and whatever you do, I urgeyou to hold up the values of dignity, respect, and goodwill for all people,regardless of their race, religion, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, andage, physical or mental disability. Never let bigotry go unchallenged. Always speak out against prejudice and discrimination whenever itemerges. Make your voice, your deeds,and indeed, your life, a force that affirms sisterhood and brotherhood amongall people. If you can make this simplecommitment, your life will grow in meaning, purpose, and nobility and Americawill grow in greatness.”

Today, I am grateful; grateful for the opportunity to standup and serve and to attempt to make a difference in the lives of others. My request of you is to join me. Don’t lookat the holiday as a day off, but rather a day on—a day to remember how simpleactions, simple deeds, and simple words, can make a huge difference.

Dr. King said, “We must all learn to live together asbrothers or we will perish together as fools.” Let’s live together as brothers and sisters and make a commitment tostanding up, not sitting down!

A Letter to Dr. King from a foot solider for all equality...

2012-01-15T16:00:00.000-05:00

Dear Dr. Martin Luther King;

A very close clergy friend of mine each year writes a letter to you that assesses the current state of racial and other matters against the background of your significant leadership. His letter is read throughout the United Methodist Church and beyond because of its quality, consistency and his prominence.

This year on the eve of what would have been your 83rd birthday on January 15th I also pen these words with the hope that they may help to bridge a justice gap that continues to exist in 2012.

I am a proud foot soldier of the civil rights movement --Mississippi Freedom Summer, the March on Washington, the Selma to Montgomery March and the March in Boston that you led in April of 1965.

When we first met at our alma mater, Boston University School of Theology in 1958 when I was 24 and you were five years older, I always addressed you as Doctor as my way of celebrating your academic achievements that were linked to your justice leadership.

Today if you were still with us, I think you would agree that there is still a justice gap that we must address.

This justice gap exists among some persons who affirm the legitimacy of the struggle for racial civil rights, but have not yet embraced the civil rights struggles of gay, lesbian, bisexuals, and transgender persons (GLBT).

Most persons acknowledge that the civil rights movement was the name of the effort that you and so many others led to achieve racial justice. But, some believe that the human/civil rights efforts to achieve justice for GLBT persons and same sex couples somehow transgresses upon the unique specificity of the quest for racial justice of the Civil Rights Movement.

I, as an African American straight ally and advocate of gay rights and a foot soldier in the civil rights movement disagree with those who believe that the negation of the gay rights movement somehow is necessary in order to give proper respect to the black rights movement that we all know as the Civil Rights Movement.

Whenever I encounter words and attitudes that deny one movement in order to respect another Movement, I remember your words in “Letter From Birmingham Jail", Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere." I believe that persons who have no doubts about the legitimacy of the racial justice movement, but deny the legitimacy of other justice movements isolate and thus weaken their arguments for racial justice.

Finally, Dr. King, many of the arguments against Constitutionally-granted justice for gay persons and couples are shaped by a kind of biblical interpretation that links Bible to bias. We experienced that in the Civil Rights Movement as some persons resisted racial equality on biblical grounds. But our Movement proclaimed to the nation that bias, no matter how deeply rooted in biblical interpretation or cultural traditions, could not, should not and would not defy or deny the equal justice language in our national Constitution.

We believed on matters of race that in the USA, some persons could not be more equal than others. If that is true on matters of race, it must be true for all persons, regardless of race, gender, or sexual orientation.

Our discussions and debates within religious bodies will continue, but those debates must not weaken the concept and practice of equality that defines and describes who we are as Americans.

Sincerely,

Gilbert H. Caldwell
Retired United Methodist Minister
Asbury Park, New Jersey

Member of the national Board of PFLAG (Parents, Friends and Families of Lesbians and Gays)

Policy Matters 1/11/12

2012-01-11T12:47:00.000-05:00

Front Page Headlines

First 24-Hour Service for Homeless LGBT Youth: For the first time ever, The Ali Forney Center, the nation’s largest organization working on behalf of homeless LGBT youth, says it will begin offering 24-hour services thanks to a grant. The center has been awarded a two-year matching $500K Challenge Grant from the Calamus Foundation of New York. [Philly Mag]

Deportation Threat Lifted from S.F. Gay Spouse: Bradford Wells and Anthony John Makk have been together for 19 years. They’re married and live in the Castro, but have been living under the threat of separation because Wells is an American citizen and Makk a citizen of Australia. Because of the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) Makk was denied consideration for a green card based on his marriage to Wells, who suffers from severe AIDS-related illnesses. Makk is his primary caregiver. The threat ended Wednesday when they won a two-year stay of Makk’s deportation. [SF Gate]

More LGBT-Friendly Housing for Seniors Needed: Many lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender seniors fear discrimination, disrespect, or worse by health care workers and residents of elder housing facilities, ultimately leading many back into the closet after years of being open, experts say. At least 1.5 million seniors are gay, a number expected to double by 2030 according to SAGE (Services and Advocacy for GLBT Elders). [Sun Times]

Policy Watch

Washington Gov. Chris Gregoire to Champion Marriage Equality: The battle over same-sex marriage is heading to Washington state. Gov. Gregoire announced her plan to introduce legislation granting same-sex couples the right to legally marry at a televised press conference this past Wednesday. “It’s time, it’s the right thing to do,” Gov. Gregoire (D) said in a statement posted on her website. [LA Times]

Labor Leaders in MD Promoting Marriage Equality Bill: In advance of the 90-day General Assembly session, labor leaders are promoting a new priority in coming days with a news conference and participation in an Internet video campaign aiming to make Maryland the seventh state to allow same-sex nuptials. [Washington Post]

Oklahoma National Guard to Have ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ Under Lawmaker’s Bill: A bill being proposed by a state lawmaker would reinstitute the controversial ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” policy in the Oklahoma National Guard. [Tulsa World]

Question from the Field

Dear Policy Matters,

I recently saw Senator Al Franken’s video about the Student Non-Discrimination Act. It really inspired me, and I want to learn more about how my chapter can help get this legislation passed. What can we do to have the most impact?

Thank you for your help.

Sincerely,

Allen

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Dear Allen,

Thank you for writing to Policy Matters. Sen. Franken’s new video about anti-LGBT bullying and his bill, the Student Non-Discrimination Act (H.R. 998/ S. 555) was released this week. The short three-minute video describes the urgent need for a federal law which protects our students from being bullied because of their actual, or perceived, sexual orientation and gender identity. The bill “makes it better for kids by banning discrimination and harassment in public schools based on sexual orientation and gender identity.” So far, more than one third of the Senate supports Sen. Franken’s bill.

The quickest way to make an impact is to call your Senator directly and ask them to co-sponsor SNDA (H.R. 998/ S. 555). Ask your friends to call their Senators too! Your Senators care about your opinions, and pay attention to what their constituents are telling them. The more you reach out to them, the more your Senators will listen and consider your concerns when voting.

You can also schedule a meeting with your Senator’s in-state staff; this is a great way to engage in a dialogue with a staff member within your Senator’s office. For help with scheduling an appointment in your state, contact Laura VanDyke at lvandyke@pflag.org.

Last, but not least, post Sen. Franken’s new video on your Facebook, your chapter’s Facebook page or website, your personal blog, or email the video to friends to spread the word about this important bill. Every student deserves to feel safe and protected at their school, no matter what their sexual orientation or gender identity is.

Thank you for moving equality forward,

Policy Matters

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If you would like to have a policy-related question featured in our next edition, please e-mail rperry@pflag.org with your question no later than Friday, January 20, 2012.

IL PFLAG Members Meet with Senator Kirk on SNDA

2012-01-09T17:56:00.000-05:00

On Tuesday, December 20, PFLAG leaders in Illinois teamed up with Equality Illinois and students from a local GSA for meetings with Senator Mark Kirk’s staff in Chicago to urge the Senator to sign on as a cosponsor of the Student Non-Discrimination Act (SNDA). This bill would provide explicit federal protections for LGBT students from harassment and discrimination in school settings nationwide.

When Senator Kirk’s staffer expressed her boss’ concerns about the potential increase in lawsuits against school districts under SNDA, Revered Suzanne Anderson-Hurdle cited data showing that Illinois school districts that had implemented similar laws locally, experienced a decrease in litigation. PFLAG members pointed out that litigation is usually the last resort in bullying cases, and is only pursued in extreme cases where school districts did nothing to solve ongoing problems.

At the end of the meeting, Caroline Staerk, Field Director for Equality Illinois, hand-delivered over 1,000 signed anti-bullying pledges that her organization from constituents all across the state expressing their strong support for SNDA’s desperately needed federal protections.

As Senator Kirk and his Senate colleagues consider including SNDA in the broader reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), it is critical that we reach out to all of our Senators through in-district visits, phone calls and letters expressing our support for this critical legislation.

Senator Al Franken, who introduced SNDA to the Senate, has been working hard to garner support for this bill. He has asked PFLAG members and other organizations for LGBT equality to urge their Senators to become cosponsors of SNDA.

Take Action – Please watch and share Senator Franken’s message about the importance of SNDA for LGBT youth: www.alfranken.com/snda.

A Gift for the Holidays: A Family Stays Together!

2011-12-16T12:15:00.000-05:00

PFLAG National Executive Director Jody Huckaby blogged on the Huffington Post about a letter we received from Lenora Brandoli. You may remember that Lenora wrote a heartfelt plea on behalf of her son on law, who was in jeopardy of being deported.

Well there's good news! On Wednesday, Michael Thomas and John Brandoli received life-changing news. After a year and a half fighting to remain together despite threats of deportation against Michael – and living with the constant fear of their family being torn apart – John and Michael received news that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (“ICE”) had agreed to join in a motion to stop Michael’s removal from the United States.

What better way to spend the holidays then with your loved ones...Michael and John, we're so happy for you. And Lenora, we know you'll be having a happy, happy New Year!

Georgia Transgender Woman Wins Appeal Based on Discriminatory Gender-Stereotyping

2011-12-13T23:41:00.000-05:00

On Tuesday the 11^th Circuit Court of Appeals voted to uphold a court ruling stating that Vandy Beth Glenn was illegally fired from her position as a legislative editor in the Georgia General Assembly after informing her employer that she would be transitioning from male to female. Glenn sued the state on the grounds of sex-based discrimination in 2007, and won her case in 2010. The ruling was appealed to the 11^th Circuit Court which heard the case last Thursday.

After only a few short days, the three-judge panel on Tuesday unanimously upheld the 2010 ruling which stated Glenn was wrongfully fired. The panel concluded that the Equal Protection Clause was violated, stating that Glenn was discriminated against on the basis of gender stereotyping: “The question here is whether discriminating against someone on the basis of his or her gender non-conformity constitutes sex-based discrimination under the Equal Protection Clause…We hold that it does.”

The decision is a powerful one which may allow for more sex-based discrimination cases in the future. As the panel stated in their written statement:

An individual cannot be punished because of his or her perceived gender non-conformity. Because these protects are afforded to everyone, they cannot be denied to a transgender individual. The nature of the discrimination is the same; it may differ in degree but not in kind, and the discrimination on the basis is a form of sex-based discrimination that is subject to heightened scrutiny under the Equal Protection Clause.

The panel included a diverse group of judges: Senior Judge Phyliss Kravitch was the first woman appointed to a federal bench in the Southeast, Judge William H. Pryor has been known for his notoriously anti-LGBT court decisions, and Judge Rosemary Barkett, dubbed the “activist judge,” was the first female, first Hispanic, and first Arab-American judge within the Florida Supreme Court. These unique backgrounds make the unanimous decision especially note-worthy.

Though the state could still appeal Tuesday’s decision to the full 11^th Circuit Court of the Supreme Court, Glenn feels “giddy” about the 3-0 vote in her favor and believes the “end of the tunnel is in sight.”

Policy Matters: A Year in Review

2011-12-09T11:45:00.007-05:00

It’s hard to believe that this busy and productive year is finally coming to a close! Throughout the tumultuous ups and downs of these past twelve months, PFLAG National has covered dozens of important local, state, and federal headlines on the blog series called “Policy Matters.”
Many of you already know that Policy Matters is a blog series which summarizes the most recent breaking headlines on all things related to LGBT policy and answers questions from PFLAG members with in-depth answers. The National blog also includes breaking news, information on new PFLAG National events, and special interest articles, like this weekend’s post which reported on the discrimination facing an HIV-positive student in Pennsylvania.

Here are the top “Policy Matters” headlines for 2011:

January 11, 2011: President Obama Signs DADT Repeal

February 1, 2011: Veteran LGBT Advocate Appointed to U.S. Commission on Civil Rights

April 12, 2011: Secretary Sebelius Announces Important Health Improvements

June 14, 2011: Illinois Begins Issuing Civil Union Licenses; Williams Institute Studies LGBT Employment Discrimination

June 28, 2011: NY Senate Passes Marriage Equality Bill; CA Prop. 8 Ruling Upheld

July 11, 2011: Federal Health Survey to Cover Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity; CA LGBT History Bill Passed

July 26, 2011: LGBT Hate Crime Increases; Obama Supports Respect for Marriage Act

September 19, 2011: Transgender Woman Attacked in McDonalds; NCAA Adopts New Transgender Athlete Policy

October 4, 2011: Social Security Ends Gender “No-Match” Letters; Revised “Standards of Care” for Transgender Individuals

October 28, 2011: SLDN to Sue Over Military Benefits for Spouses of Gay Troops; No Child Left Behind Act and Anti-Bullying Language

November 15, 2011: Medical Schools Admit Neglect on LGBT Health Issues; New Campaign Strategy for Marriage Equality

December 1, 2011: Gender Identity Bill Signed in Massachusetts; Domestic Partnership Benefits and Obligations Act Re-Introduced to Congress

Wondering what else happened in 2011? Curious about what the headlines were in June 2009? PFLAG National’s blog archives every post that has been written since it began in 2008! Readers can browse through the blog archive by month or year and catch up on the most important LGBT news.

Visit and subscribe to PFLAG National’s Blog today and make a resolution to be on-top the latest headlines during the New Year. We'll see you in 2012.

Thank you for moving equality forward!

Two Major Prop 8 Motions to Be Heard Thursday

2011-12-07T16:18:00.001-05:00

The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals will hear two motions pertaining to Proposition 8 this Thursday, December 8 at 2:30 pm (PST) in San Francisco, California. The hearing is expected to take two hours and will be broadcast on a delay in Pasadena, CA, Portland, OR, and Seattle, WA. The trial can also be followed via live twitter updates from the American Foundation for Equal Rights.

Hour One: Motion to release the Prop 8 trial video.

The first motion seeks to release Prop 8 trial tapes to the public. Ted Olson and David Boies of the American Foundation for Equal Rights will be arguing on the behalf of the motion, stating that the “public has a First Amendment right to see video footage of the historic Prop 8 trial.” Opposition to this motion fears that witnesses will be targeted for harassment because of their testimony if the tapes are released. AFER argues that supporters of Prop 8 oppose this motion because they “don’t want anyone to know that they failed in court.”

If this motion passes, the public and a selected media coalition will be allowed access to the Prop 8 trial video tapes. If not, the tapes will remain within the court. The losing side is likely to appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Hour Two: Motion to throw out the case due to the judge’s undisclosed sexual orientation.

The second motion seeks to throw out the case because Judge Vaughn Walker did not disclose his sexual orientation at the beginning of the trial. Since Judge Walker is a gay man in a long-term relationship with another man, marriage ban supporters assert that he was unfit to issue a ruling on the Prop 8 trial and should have recused himself due to personal bias. However, AFER remains positive about the motion’s future ruling: “We are confident that the appeals court will affirm that being gay has no bearing on a judge’s impartiality, just as the courts have historically done with cases involving race, gender, and religion.”

If the three judges involved in this hearing rule in favor of this motion, the famous ruling which gave lesbian, gay, and bisexual couples marriage equality in California will be thrown out completely, and the marriage ban would stand. A ruling in favor of dismissing the case would also set an astonishing precedent, implying that a LGB judge should not preside over trials involving LGB rights. The decision could set the stage for similar motions for dismissal based on the sexual orientation or relationship status of a judge. Again, the losing side is allowed to appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court.

The Future of Proposition 8

AFER anticipates a ruling before the end of the year or shortly after. The decisions made in this seemly short two hour hearing could possibly send the Prop 8 case to the U.S. Supreme Court, making California the first state to bring a proposed marriage ban to the federal appeals level.

Take Action: The fate of Proposition 8 is now in the hands of the court system. However, you can raise your voice in support of the federal bill called the Respect for Marriage Act (H.R. 1116/ S.598) which seeks to overturn the Defense of Marriage Act. Contact your members of congress today and encourage them to co-sponsor the bill—every person, regardless of their sexual orientation, deserves the right to express their life-long commitment to the one they love.

Howard County Council Passes Gender Identity Protection Ordinance

2011-12-06T11:08:00.000-05:00

Last evening Howard County, MD passed legislation that prohibits discrimination on the basis of gender identity and expression in the areas of housing, law enforcement, public accommodations, financing, employment, and health and social services. The bill was initiated by Parents, Families & Friends of Lesbians & Gays (PFLAG) and Gender Rights Maryland (GRMD), an organization dedicated to enacting similar statewide protections.

"This is a very happy day here in Howard County” said Heath Goisovich, Co-Chair of the Advocacy Committee of PFLAG Columbia-Howard County. “Our County Council has shown that Howard County is willing to lead in the state on civil rights issues. We have put a lot of work in on this and we are really pleased with the outcome.”

“Now, after much hard work, we have expanded protections in Howard and done so with a broad coalition of support. As a resident of Howard County I could not be prouder of my Council for taking this issue on. This event will yield great momentum in expanding these same rights throughout the state in 2012,” said Sharon Brackett, Board Chair for Gender Rights Maryland.

”Howard County will now join Montgomery County and Baltimore City as the third jurisdiction in Maryland supporting these rights. This is a clear sign of exciting and changing times in Maryland for advocates of civil rights,” added Brackett.

The bill will now be forwarded to County Executive Ken Ullman who is expected to sign it. The measure will take effect 61 days following the signing.

PFLAG Founder Jeanne Manford Celebrates Her 91st Birthday!

2011-12-05T12:19:00.000-05:00

In 1972 America was a different place...

Being gay was a crime, over half of the U.S. population deemed homosexuality morally wrong, vicious attacks on gay people were commonplace, and the idea of equality for gays and lesbians was a radical notion. But this didn’t stop Bronx, New York schoolteacher Jeanne Manford from ensuring that her gay son, Morty, received the same treatment as her straight daughter, Suzanne.

Following a brutal attack on his life at a rally, Manford stood alongside her son in a protest through the streets of Manhattan, carrying a sign that read “Parents of Gays: Unite in Support for Our Children.” Begged by observers to speak to other parents, she started support groups teaching parents to accept and support their LGBT loved ones and become, like her, brave advocates for equality. As demand steadily increased, Manford founded PFLAG, a national organization with a mission of support, education, and advocacy.

Today, PFLAG chapters can be found in all fifty states, in communities big and small, with over 350 chapters serving thousands of people with volunteer support, education outreach, and a call to advocate at local,state and federal levels for equality for their LGBT loved ones. Manford’s simple act of love and courage for her son has given voice to a population and their families, empowering them to come out and speak out for family values for all families.

In America’s civil rights history, Manford is the mother of the straight ally movement, creating a space for straight people to unite with LGBT people and take a public stand for LGBT equality.

According to Suzanne, Jeanne at 91 years young has her good days and bad days. Your stories of family acceptance, shared through the unique perspective of PFLAG members and supporters, are always a bright spot.

Please click here to visit Jeanne's page and share your thanks, as well as your insights into how she--and PFLAG--have made a difference in your life, and the lives of your LGBT loved ones.

As World AIDS Day Rallies Support, Discrimination Persists in Pennsylvania Boarding School

2011-12-04T12:14:00.001-05:00

This Thursday, countries across the globe acknowledged World AIDS Day, seeking to educate people about what the disease is, how it affects the lives of thousands, and what can be done to help prevent the spread of the virus.

Meanwhile, while the world re-dedicated to helping those affected by the virus,one American family challenged the legality of Milton Hershey School’s blatant discrimination against their HIV-positive child. The school has denied the young boy’s application for admittance due to his physical status as HIV-positive.

The Milton Hershey School is a cost-free boarding school which requires students to come from a low-income family, be between four and fifteen years old, be an American citizen, and be free of major emotional or behavioral problems. This student, who remains anonymous, meets every criterion. “He just also happens to have HIV which the school has determined is a ‘documented need’ it cannot meet,” said the AIDS Law Project Executive Director Ronda B. Goldfein, who is leading the student’s legal case.

Connie McNamara, a spokesman for the school, detailed the thoughts behind their decision: “The reason is simple. We are serving children, and no child can be assumed to always make responsible decisions that protect the wellbeing of others…We have to provide the proper protection for the health and safety of the students already on campus, and we believe we have made the right decision under the law.”

Goldfein plans to cite the Ryan White Care Act of 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and other anti-discrimination laws the school has allegedly broken in order to defend the student’s right to admittance. The act is named after Ryan White, a middle school student in the 1990s who was expelled from school because he was HIV-positive. The Ryan White Care Act was recently reauthorized by President Obama to end the ban prohibiting HIV-positive people from entering America; the law also provides funding for HIV medical clinics through the Ryan White Program. In honor of World AIDS Day President Obama announcedthat his administration is “committing an additional $15 million for the Ryan White Program…we want to keep those doors open so they can keep saving lives.” See a video of his speech here.

The school’s fear of this student spreading the virus is largely unsupported by the Center for Disease Control which states that the main avenues for transmission are sexual activity and sharing needles—“HIV is not transmitted by day-to-day contact in the workplace, schools, or social settings…HIV is not an airborne or food-borne virus, and it does not live long outside the body.” It is also not possible to become infected from “a toilet seat, a drinking fountain, a door knob, dishes, drinking glasses, food, or pets.”

“Like Ryan White, this young man is a motivated, intelligent kid who poses no health risk to other students, but is being denied an educational opportunity because of ignorance and fear about his HIV and AIDS,” Goldfein said. Despite these scientific facts and existing federal non-discrimination legislation, the school has no intention of reversing their decision.

Take Action: Visit change.org and sign the petitioned titled “Milton Hershey School: Stop Discriminating Against an HIV-Positive 13-Year-Old.” As of 3:33 PM (EST) the petition already has 2,097 supporters! Add your voice and stand up for the rights our children. No child should be discriminated against and denied schooling because of their health status.

Straight for Equality Leaders to host Free Webinar!

2011-12-02T10:16:00.000-05:00

In collaboration with Linkage, founders of the Summit on Leading Diversity, PFLAG’s Straight for Equality will be presenting a FREE WEBINAR on December 8, 2011 at 2:00 pm EST. Join members of PFLAG National’s Equality & Diversity Partnerships team, Jean-Marie Navetta and Robby Gregg, to learn more about workplace diversity, the power of straight allies, and more!

Participants will learn how to:

Employ effective ways to increase inclusion for LGBT people
Approach LGBT inclusion through inviting, educating, and engaging straight allies at work
Guide potential straight allies in their own “coming out” process on the way to being supportive of LGBT colleagues
Help straight allies resolve their own conflicts around this topic and in finding workplace-appropriate ways to express support
Align this effort with your larger diversity and inclusion efforts

To register for this FREE WEBINAR, click here>>

As many of you already know, Straight for Equality is a national outreach and education project created in 2007 by Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) National to empower allies who don’t necessarily have a personal connection to the gay community. Our work with parents and families over the past 40 years has helped us learn that there is a ‘coming out’ process for straight allies that can and should not be ignored.

Since the launch of our Straight for Equality in the Workplace training program we have had the opportunity to train nearly 5,000 people and work with more than 50 companies nationwide. More than 12,000 people have signed the Straight for Equality Pledge. And we’re here to be sure that all straight allies have the opportunity to share their strong and powerful voice in support of equality. You can learn more about some of the training programs offered by PFLAG National and Straight for Equality here.

The personal stories of how and why we came to support equality for GLBT people are a significant advantage that straight allies possess. We would love to help you learn how to share that story. Please join us on December 8^th!

World AIDS Day: Leading With Science, Uniting With Action

2011-12-01T16:42:00.003-05:00

People around the world are raising awareness about the HIV/AIDS global epidemic which has killed over 575,000 citizens in three decades and infects more than 56,000 people in America each year. The infection has claimed over 30 million lives globally since the virus was first reported in 1981.

The United Nations AIDS agency released their annual report on the virus’ progress and found that the global epidemic has hit a plateau—2.7 million people have been infected each year for the past five years. According to the report, in Eastern Europe and Central Asia the total number of people living with HIV has risen 250% from 2001 to 2010.

The theme for this year’s World AIDS Day is “”Leading with Science, Uniting with Action,” which serves to highlight the successes in HIV/AIDS prevention over the last year. The phrase also re-establishes a commitment to working together with other countries in order to combat this viral threat. In 2010, Secretary Hillary Clinton and the Obama Administration issued the National HIV/AIDS Strategy (NHAS) for the United States which establishes an admirable and inclusive goal:

“The United States will become a place where new HIV infections are rare, and when they do occur, every person, regardless of age, gender, race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity or socio-economic circumstance, will have unfettered access to high quality, life-extending care, free of stigma and discrimination.”

Today, President Obama spoke at George Washington University during their World AIDS Day event, announcing the allotment of $50 million in existing federal funds to fight HIV/AIDS and established a new goal, aiming to treat 6 million infected people with medication by the end of 2013. “The fight isn’t over,” President Obama said. “Not for the 1.2 million Americans who are living with HIV right now. Not for the Americans who are infected every day. This fight isn’t over for them. It isn’t over for their families. It isn’t over for anyone in this room. And it certainly isn’t over for your President.”

Take Action: For more information on what you can do to raise awareness of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, visit the World AIDS Day federal website. You can also find the U.N.AIDS annual report here, and watch a moving documentary called 30 Years From Here which details the evolution of this global epidemic.

Policy Matters 12/01/11

2011-12-01T09:34:00.001-05:00

Front Page Headlines

HUD Secretary Donovan Addresses NCTE: On Tuesday, November 15^th, the Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary addressed the eighth anniversary National Center for Transgender Equality awards ceremony. The event, held at the Mayflower Hotel, drew a crowd that included many notable D.C. LGBT politicos and, according to NCTE, marked the first time a cabinet secretary addressed a transgender organization. Sec. Donovan discussed his commitment to obtaining housing rights for all Americans by fighting discrimination and LGBT homelessness. [Metro Weekly]

MLB’s New Collective Bargaining Agreement Adds “Sexual Orientation” to Discrimination Clause: The new collective bargaining agreement, released Tuesday, added the words “sexual orientation” to its section on discrimination. In the new agreement, the words “sexual orientation” were added to Article XV which originally stated “The provisions of this Agreement shall be applied to all Players covered by this Agreement without regard to race, color, religion, or national origin.” [NY Daily News]

Memorial and March in San Francisco Celebrates Activist Harvey Milk: On the 33^rd anniversary of Harvey Milk’s assassination in San Francisco, residents filled the streets to remember the life of an inspirational LGBT activist and public official. Cleve Jones, a prominent LGBT and HIV/AIDs activist spoke at the rally, reminding participants of Milk’s legacy: “It’s been 33 years…[Harvey Milk] was not a saint, he was not a genius, he lived right up the street, his life was full of the humiliations and defeats and challenges that all of us endure in our lives. But he was an honest man, he had courage...he changed the world and so can all of you.” [2011 Memorial Video ]

St. Petersburg Prepares to Pass Anti-LGBT Ban on “Propaganda:” In November 2011, St. Petersburg shocked the world. The legislative assembly approved, in its first reading, a bill which outlawed the promotion of homosexuality, bisexuality, and transsexuality to minors and equates homosexuality to pedophilia (which the bill also lists as a banned category). If the bill passes individuals could be fined between $100 and $1,600 for “public activities promoting sodomy, lesbianism, bisexualism, and transsexuality.” [Radio Free Europe/ Guardian UK]

Policy Watch

Gov. Patrick Signs Gender Identity Bill: Gov. Deval Patrick has signed a bill designed to protect transgender people from discrimination in Massachusetts. Some suggest this is a partial victory due to the agreement to drop public accommodations language that critics said would lead to a breakdown of privacy in rest rooms, locker rooms, and other gendered facilities. “It gave me pause,” Gov. Patrick said, “[But] after consulting with [advocates and transgender people] and my team and my own consciences, I wanted to sign this bill. And then, we’ll come back around to public accommodations.” [Boston Herald]

Gender Identity Bill Poised for Council Approval in Howard County: The County Council is poised to make gender identity a protected classification under county law. All four council Democrats sponsoring the bill confirmed their support for it after a public hearing Monday, Nov. 21^st, that was filled with personal stories about transgender discrimination. The hearing drew more than 50 supporters of the bill, which aims to prevent transgender and gender non-conforming persons from being discriminated against with regard to employment, housing, and public accommodations. [Baltimore Sun]

Domestic Partnership Benefits and Obligations Act Re-Introduced to Congress: Senator Joe Lieberman (I-CT) and Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) and Representative Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Representative Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL) introduced legislation which would provide benefits for and require obligations for the domestic partners of federal employees, including benefits such as health benefits, family and medical leave, and federal retirement benefits. According to the William’s Institute, over 30,000 federal workers live in committed same-sex relationships with partners who are not federally employed. [US Senate Press Release]

Amid Battles to Protect Benefits, LGB Service Members Seek Equality: Lesbian, gay, and bisexual service members have begun to press for benefit equality. Advocates are lobbying the Department of Defense for regulation changes, filing challenges in federal court and pressing Congress to repeal the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) which prohibits extension of federal benefits, including military allowances, travel costs and health care, to spouses in same-sex marriages. The Miller Institute Social Research Center estimates that these benefit issues impact as many as 66,000 LGB service members. [Military.com]

Question from the Field

Dear Policy Matters,

I am a Maryland advocate for the gender identity bill which our state lawmakers will once again consider in the 2012 legislative session. I read the news about Massachusetts’ new law last week and was again dismayed that protections for public accommodations were cut out of the legislation. I am concerned how Massachusetts’ new law will impact our work. As I talk to people from my neighborhood about our own pending legislation, I find myself faced with many questions about why public accommodations should be included in next year’s bill. Do you have any suggestions for how I can talk about this?

Thank you so much,

Julia

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Dear Julia,

Thank you for writing to Policy Matters! As we all know many critics of gender identity protections are misinformed about why this legislation is so desperately needed. Thanks to the groundbreaking report, Injustice at Every Turn, we know the reality of what transgender and gender non-conforming people are up against in the absence of these lifesaving protections: double the rate of unemployment, widespread mistreatment at work, and a much higher risk of experiencing homelessness due to the loss of a job.

When advocating for gender identity protections, the issue of public accommodations— including gender segregated facilities like restrooms and locker rooms — is most often placed in the public eye, and is one of the most debated aspects of legislation that includes gender identity protections. Opposition groups dedicate a great deal of time and resources to misinform the public about how non-transgender people’s safety would be compromised in gender segregated facilities, and yet even with all that they invest in their lies they have yet to substantiate evidence supporting even one of their shameful assertions. The reality of the problem is that a majority of transgender people report being verbally harassed or disrespected in a place of public accommodation, including hotels, restaurants, buses, airports and government agencies. Widespread abuse in the public sector is also incredibly common for transgender people to experience, with abuse coming from the hands of “helping professions and government officials” being most often reported (see Injustice at Every Turn).

While it’s important to remind our communities about the realities of how unsafe transgender people truly are in the absence of legal protections, it’s also helpful to take a step back and think about what public accommodations actually include. “Public accommodations” is an umbrella term for the many public services and places we encounter on a day-to-day basis. They are: lodging establishments (hotels, motels) that have more than five rooms and are not actually occupied by the manager (for example, owners who live in their own “Bed and Breakfast”), restaurants, cafeterias, or any other place which sells food for consumption (like gas stations or retail food courts),movie theatres, concert halls, sports arenas, bars, public swimming pools, and any other place of entertainment, retail stores, banks, government agencies, hair salons, taxi cabs, food banks, shelters, shopping malls, dry cleaners, laundromats, doctors’ offices, hospitals, museums, libraries, parks, zoos, amusement parks, private schools, day care centers, health spas, bowling allies, and hospitals.

Within this list alone there are over 35 public places which fall under “public accommodations.” Only two of these affirmatively address gender segregated spaces: restrooms and locker rooms. And we know that in these spaces in particular, the reality is that transgender people endure the threat of physical violence, verbal harassment and disrespect. In fact, Marylanders are painfully aware of the very horrific and public beating of a young transgender woman who simply wanted to use the bathroom she felt safest using at a local McDonald’s in Baltimore County last spring. Unfortunately, several women challenged her choice by verbally humiliating and physically beating her until the point of her having a seizure and blacking out. Employees did nothing to intervene and it wasn’t until an older woman came to the scene of the crime that officials were called for help and assistance.

According to our friends at GLAAD, this incident is:

Evidence of a culture that still does not accept its transgender brothers and sisters. We need more public education around the everyday hardships that transgender individuals face, from using public transportation and showing identification to interviewing for jobs, filling out employment or housing applications, and obtaining medical care. Until more of the media stops under-representing or misrepresenting transgender people, none of this will change.

In addition to the public education that chapters like PFLAG offer, we need legislation that affirmatively protects transgender and gender non-conforming in the spaces where they are the most vulnerable. Until then, we are likely to hear of many more reports just like the incident that occurred in Baltimore County last spring. Let’s do the hard work now of letting our communities know the real facts—let’s get out and talk about the real challenges transgender people endure, and help pass laws like Maryland’s gender identity bill to ensure that our families and friends have a level playing field to a job, a house and yes—public accommodations.

Thank you for moving equality forward,

Policy Matters

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If you would like to have a policy-related question featured in our next edition, please e-mail rperry@pflag.org with your question no later than Friday, December 9^th, 2011.

PFLAG National Statement on Barney Frank's Decision to Leave Congress at the End of Term

2011-11-28T15:42:00.000-05:00

PFLAG National would like to thank Congressman Barney Frank for his years of commitment and support to advancing equality through family acceptance, community education and advocacy.

As a member of Congress for nearly 30 years, Rep. Barney Frank has been a leader in advocating for the rights of LGBT people. He supported key pieces of legislation, including the repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, and provided a powerful role model for other LGBT people to get involved in all levels of government and civic engagement. As the first openly gay member of Congress, he has paved the way for leaders like Tammy Baldwin, Jared Polis, and David Cicilline.

PFLAG National was honored to have him join us at our 2011 Convention, where he spoke about the power of PFLAG and family acceptance, both of which he experienced personally through his late mother, Elsie Frank, one of the founders of Greater Boston PFLAG.

The power of family acceptance and the unique voice it has in LGBT advocacy is just one of Rep. Frank’s legacies from his years of service to our country. We will miss his strong voice at the Congressional level in support of equality, but we look forward to continuing the work we started together, including passing a federal law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity in the workplace, when Rep. Frank leaves office.

Salvation Army Confronted About Anti-LGBT Positions

2011-11-28T14:35:00.000-05:00

The Salvation Army’s bell-ringing volunteers and shiny red donation pails have become a familiar sight for many holiday shoppers during the Thanksgiving and Christmas season, with their yearly “Red Kettle” campaign in full swing for this holiday season as volunteers aim to raise millions for families in need to help finance clothing, toys, and Christmas dinners. However, LGBT advocates are raising their voices against these seemingly neutral collectors. The Salvation Army lists many position statements on its website, including a statement on “homosexuality” which reads: “The Salvation Army believes…that Christians whose sexual orientation is primarily or exclusively same-sex are called upon to embrace celibacy as a way of life. There is no scriptural support for same-sex unions as equal to, or as an alternative to, heterosexual marriage.”

Last year, Jeffrey Curnow, the corporate and public relations manager for the Salvation Army, defended the foundation’s views, admitting that they are indeed theological, but are “intended for our church members and those who are interested in our church.” They “would never expect everyone we help, our donors, or even our non-church-member employees to necessarily agree with these theological positions.” The Salvation Army also includes disclaimer of-sorts in their public position statement: “Likewise, there is no scriptural support for demeaning or mistreating anyone for reason of his or her sexual orientation.”

Yet, despite Curnow’s claim that The Salvation Army “serves countless people…including gays and lesbians,” many cite the organization’s discriminatory past. Bil Browing of The Bilerico Project, a group blogging site for LGBTQ advocates, asks people to consider the group’s history before they donate: “While you might think you’re helping the hungry and homeless by dropping a few dollars into the bright red buckets, not everyone can share in the donations…The organization also has a record of actively lobbying governments worldwide for ant-gay policies.” Browning was turned away when he and his boyfriend were homeless, and was told to leave “the ‘sinful homosexual lifestyle’ behind” if the couple wanted help.

The Salvation Army is known to have fought against U.S. anti-discrimination laws which prohibited employment discrimination against sexual orientation and sought exemption from federal non-discrimination policies. The group also threatened to close all of their New York soup kitchens in 2004 if they had to offer benefits to same-sex couples in domestic partnerships.

Yes, The Salvation Army does indeed help many families who urgently seek assistance in the holiday seasons, but at what cost? Andy Thayer from the Gay Liberation Network puts the problem in a unique perspective: “If a racist organization was trying to collect money with the massage that some of the money was going toward good, would you support them?” Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to donate to the organization must be determined on a personal level.

This winter, many supporters of LGBT equality are suggesting Americans donate to organizations that support the LGBT community. We hope you consider PFLAG National in your search for affirming organizations this season. PFLAG National directly helps LGBT people, their families, and friends by promoting education, support, and advocacy. PFLAG National helps by providing scholarships to young students, hosting national conventions, and fighting for equality at the state and national level. For more information on how to donate visit PFLAG National’s website or contact PFLAG National Member Services at give@pflag.org or (202) 467-8180, option 3.

PFLAG Voices Stand Strong at Howard County Hearing on Transgender Non-Discrimination Bill

2011-11-22T19:18:00.003-05:00

Last night, Howard County Councilmembers heard testimony on CB54-2011, an update to the County’s Human Rights Act which would prohibit housing, employment, credit, law enforcement, and public accommodations discrimination on the basis of gender identity and expression for all residents. The bill was drafted in part by PFLAG Columbia-Howard County and Gender Rights Maryland in July and introduced in October. The bill is sponsored by four of the council’s members.

More than 70 people showed their support for the bill at the hearing by wearing purple clothing, and many PFLAG voices were heard, all of which received warm and heartfelt applause for the emotional testimony they courageously shared in support of basic rights for all families throughout the county.

While over a dozen Howard Country residents testified expressing their full support for these critical protections, arguments from three individuals – two of whom did not reside in Howard County - were also submitted for the record. These individuals expressed concerns about the legislation, yet failed to substantiate their claims when pressed by Council Members.

On the other hand, many local residents, including several PFLAG members, referenced report-after-report including NCTEand NGLTF’s groundbreaking report, Injustice at Every Turn Report, and GLSEN’s 2008 Harsh Realities report demonstrating the very real and severe discrimination and harassment far too many transgender and gender non-conforming individuals experience. These advocates also mentioned the professional statements from the American Medical Association and the American Psychological Association further demonstrating the extent of the prejudice and discrimination experienced by these people, and the need for legal protections to help mitigate these realities.

Our very own PFLAG Columbia-Howard County chapter leader said it best:

We need a transgender anti-discrimination bill because legislation engenders education and reduces ignorance, which will help keep our kids safe, and allows them to grow into the productive members of society that we all want them to be.

Take Action: All of us at PFLAG National strongly support parents just like Catherine who work so hard to protect their kids, ensuring they will have equal opportunities to successfully transition into thriving adults. The Howard County Council has the tools to build this level playing field through the swift passage of CB54-2011. If you live in Howard County, it’s still possible to express your support for the bill by writing to Howard County Councilmembers before their December 5^th vote.

Israeli TV Star Assi Azar Visits PFLAG National

2011-11-21T09:52:00.008-05:00

Israeli TV star Assi Azar is touring the United States this month, screening his film, “Mom & Dad: I have Something to Tell You,” in which he tries to understand his parents’ journey to accepting him after he came out as a gay man. Two years after coming out to his parents privately, he came out very publicly in the media. When he came out, Mr. Azar was already a famous host of a children’s television show, now he hosts Israel’s most popular show, Big Brother. Since coming out Mr. Azar has been an advocate for LGBT equality, and was named one of the 100 most influential gay people in the world by Out Magazine.

In the film Mr. Azar visits Support Groups for Parents of Gay Children (a group modeled after PFLAG) to try to understand why his parents had such a difficult time accepting him. Mr. Azar learns that his parents' needed time and education to help them understand the issues and process their own feelings about his identity. Mr. Azar says that coming out stories are often entirely focused on the individual who is coming out, but the event is life changing for the family members as well. He felt it was important that his film “is not from the kids’ point of view only, but from the parents’ point of view.”

Yesterday Mr. Azar, along with representatives from the Embassy of Israel, met with PFLAG National Executive Director Jody Huckaby, Deputy Executive Director Beth Kohm, and Policy Intern Laura Van Dyke to talk about how his moving film can be incorporated into the great work that PFLAG chapters are already doing. Look out for more updates from PFLAG National about the film “Mom & Dad: I have Something to Tell You,” and the possibility of a second screening tour sometime in the spring of 2012.

2011 Transgender Day of Remembrance

2011-11-19T17:08:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow, Sunday, November 20^th marks the 13^th annual Transgender Day of Remembrance, a day set aside to memorialize those who were killed due to anti-transgender hatred and prejudice. The event is held in November to honor Rita Hester, whose murder on November 28th, 1998 kicked off the “Remembering Our Dead” web project and a San Francisco candlelight vigil in 1999. Rita Hester’s murder — like most anti-transgender murder cases — has yet to be solved.

According to Gwendolyn Ann Smith, the founder of TDOR, “The Transgender Day of Remembrance serves several purposes. It raises public awareness of hate crimes against transgender people, an action that current media doesn’t perform. Day of Remembrance publicly mourns and honors the lives of our brothers and sisters who might otherwise be forgotten. Through the vigil, we express love and respect for our people in the face of national indifference and hatred. Day of Remembrance reminds non-transgender people that we are their sons, daughters, parents, friends and lovers. Day of Remembrance gives our allies a chance to step forward with us and stand in vigil, memorializing those of us who’ve died by anti-transgender violence.”

Research and personal stories remind us that transgender people of color are particularly vulnerable to experiencing prejudice, discrimination, murder, and police brutality. In 2010, the National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC) partnered with the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force and the National Center for Transgender Equality (NCTE), to release a startling report detailing the experiences of transgender people of color.
The key findings revealed:

Nearly half (49%) of Black respondents reported having attempted suicide
Trans black students reported alarming rates of harassment (49%), physical assault (27%), and sexual assault (15%) at school; harassment was so severe that it led 21% to leave school. 6% percent were also expelled due to bias.
Black transgender people had an extremely high unemployment rate at 26%, four times the rate of the general population.
Thirty-two percent (32%) of Black transgender people lost a job due to bias and 48% were not hired for a job due to bias.
Forty-six percent of Black transgender people were harassed, 15% were physically assaulted, and 13% were sexually assaulted at work
Thirty-eight percent of Black transgender people who had interacted with the police reported harassment, 14% reported physical assault, and 6% reported sexual assault.

Discrimination was pervasive for all respondents who took the National Transgender Discrimination Survey, yet the combination of anti-transgender bias and persistent, structural and individual racism was especially devastating for Black transgender people and other people of color.
In response to these and other egregious acts of violence, on Wednesday, November 16^th, the White House convened a special meeting designed to address violence against transgender people. Anti-violence advocates and transgender community members spoke out and stepped up to discuss strategies and best practices aimed at addressing the issue. The meeting was facilitated by the NCTE’s Executive Director, Mara Keisling, along with Gwendolyn Ann Smith. PFLAG National was also in attendance as a strong advocate for transgender equal rights and specially addressed the unique challenges that transgender and gender non-conforming students experience in schools across the nation.

These oppressive conditions and acts of violence against transgender community members must stop.

In 1998, PFLAG became the first national organization to include transgender people in its mission statement; we also became the first national organization to develop a public policy that is completely transgender inclusive. Sadly, here we are in 2011 and we are still seeking basic vital protections for the health and well-being of our transgender loved ones. In honor of those we have lost to violence and hate, this year and in years passed, PFLAG National and our 350 chapters across the country, re-commit to supporting the needs and rights of transgender people and their families everywhere.

On Sunday, please take time to remember transgender hate crime victims, as well as those who face violence and discrimination every day.

To find out what events are taking place in your community, please visit http://www.transgenderdor.org/.

Howard County Council to Hear Gender Identity Bill Next Monday

2011-11-18T09:12:00.000-05:00

On the heels of Massachusetts lawmakers’ praise-worthy decision to provide several basic rights to transgender residents, Howard County Marylanders continue to fight their own battle for local gender identity protections.

The gender identity non-discrimination bill was proposed with the help of PFLAG Howard County and Gender Rights Maryland and was introduced by Howard County councilmembers in October. The bill would prohibit discrimination in areas of housing, law enforcement, public accommodations, financing, and employment.

One out of every five transgender people in Maryland has lost a job because they are transgender. 12% have become homeless. These staggering numbers are proof of the dire need for protections for gender expression and identity. Catherine Hyde, coordinator of PFLAG Howard County’s Transgender Network, expresses the urgency for these protections: “As parents of transgender children we want the same thing for our children as all parents want: we want them to be happy, to get a productive job, and to move out and support themselves…this law is a matter of life-or-death for many Marylanders, including my child.”

63% of Marylanders support protections for gender identity and expression, and 15 states (and the District of Columbia) have gender identity protections. “It’s time for Howard County to say enough is enough,” said Catherine. We couldn’t agree more.

Americans don’t allow discrimination against the color of people’s skin, and there is no reason to allow discrimination against an individual’s gender or gender expression. Sometimes we forget: Everyone has a gender identity, and we express it every single day.

Take Action: Write to Howard County Councilmembers before the public hearing on November 21^st to give them the real facts about this bill, and urge them to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential in Howard County. If you are a resident of the county or live near-by, wear your purple and attend the public hearing at 7:30PM next Monday, November 21st in Ellicott City to show councilmembers that Marylanders support this bill!

BREAKING NEWS: Proposition 8 Back on Track

2011-11-17T14:24:00.001-05:00

The California Supreme Court issued its advisory opinion which stated that the proponents of Proposition 8 have a standing to appeal. The lawsuit can now continue within the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, and expectations are high for a speedy and efficient ruling. View the complete Supreme Court ruling here.

Though progress on the Proposition 8 trail has been in hibernation for several months, we have not forgotten the monumental importance of this legislation. If the Ninth Circuit Court rules in favor of marriage equality, California will set an amazing precedent for future marriage equality cases around the country.

The motion which asks the courts to publically reveal the original video from the Prop 8 trail is already being fast-tracked. Oral arguments before the court will be heard Thursday, December 8 at 2:30 p.m. (PST).

For more information on this important decision, visit American Foundation for Equal Rights and read their public announcement about today’s decision.

Massachusetts Lawmakers Pass Historic Transgender Equal Rights Bill

2011-11-15T14:16:00.004-05:00

Just a few moments ago, the Massachusetts legislature passed the Transgender Equal Rights Bill. The bill adds protections to the state’s civil rights laws against discrimination in employment, housing, education, and credit based on gender identity or expression and adds gender identity and expression to the state’s hate crimes law. Governor Patrick, a leader in the fight for transgender protections, has said he will sign the bill into law.

After six years of waiting and working, An Act Relative to Transgender Equal Rights (H.502/ S.764) has passed in Massachusetts! The bill adds “gender identity and expression” to Massachusetts’ existing discrimination laws regarding employment, housing, education and credit discrimination. It also adds gender identity and expression to the list of categories protected under the state’s hate crime law. Within the act, gender identity and expression is defined as “a gender-related identity, appearance, expression, or behavior of an individual regardless of the individual’s physiology or assigned sex at birth.” [Boston]

There are around 33,000 transgender people living in Massachusetts according to a study by The Williams Institute. Gunner Scott, executive director of the Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition, puts this large number in perspective: “That is the equivalent of Fenway Park.” A report by the National Center for Transgender Equality and the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force found that 76% of transgender Massachusetts residents have been harassed at work because of their identity and 20% have lost their jobs. 17% of Massachusetts transgender residents have been denied housing because of their identity, and 10% were made homeless because they couldn’t find work.

Unfortunately, critical language which protected transgender residents in public accommodations (like grocery stores, theatres, libraries, and hospitals) was taken out of the presented bill. But we must be clear-- the bill as voted on offers vitally important protections that literally will save lives and ensure the overall well-being of transgender residents throughout the Commonwealth.

Passage of this bill is truly an historic step forward!

Policy Matters 11/15/2011

2011-11-15T12:28:00.003-05:00

Front Page Headlines

Medical School Admits Neglecting LGBT Applicants, Health Issues: Medical schools have recently admitted there’s a problem. Nearly three quarters of 132 surveyed medical schools in the United States and Canada gave themselves grades of “fair,” “poor,” or “very poor” for the integration of LGBT content in their curricula, according to a recent study in the Journal of the American Medical Association. “Every medical student, regardless of identity, must be familiar with LGBTQ health issues in order to provide high quality care to patients during medical school training and while practicing as a full-fledged physician,” said Erica Pettigrew, chair of the American medical Student Association’s national gender and sexuality committee. [US News]

NC NAACP President to speak at Equality NC Conference: Rev. Dr. William J. Barber, II, president of the North Carolina NAACP, presented the keynote address at the 2011 Equality NC Foundation Conference & Gala this past Saturday in Greensboro. The Gala is the signature annual event of The Equality North Carolina Foundation. This years’ conference is looking to challenge a proposed constitutional amendment that would ban same-sex marriage next May. [Fox 8]

Clinton Sees HIV Reduction When Anti-LGBT Laws Repealed: Secretary of State Hillary Clinton stressed at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, MD on Tuesday November 8^th that repealing anti-LGBT laws is among the ways to curb the global HIV/AIDS epidemic. Clinton used her NIH speech to announce that the White House has devoted an additional $60 million to fight the epidemic in sub-Saharan Africa. She also unveiled comedian and talk show host Ellen DeGeneres as the State Department’s new special envoy for global AIDS awareness. [EDGE] For a video and transcript of Secretary Clinton’s speech click here

National Study Finds Widespread Sexual Harassment of Students in Grades 7 to 12: Nearly half of 7^th to 12^th graders experienced sexual harassment in the last school year, according to a study scheduled for release on Monday. When asked what types of students were most at risk of harassment, students said students said “good-looking boys” were the safest; “pretty girls, ugly girls, and feminine boys” were the most likely targets. About 18% of girls and boys reported being called gay or lesbian in a negative way. [NY Times]

Policy Watch

Michigan House Likely to Drop Controversial Language in Anti-Bullying Bill: Controversial language in anti-bullying legislation—language some say provides a license to bully on religious or moral grounds—is likely to be removed under the leadership of House Republicans. The bill requires school districts to adopt anti-bullying policies. But language added at the last minute says that policies would not prohibit “a statement of a sincerely held religious belief or moral conviction of a school employee, school volunteer, pupil, or a pupil’s parent or guardian.” [Free Press]

Washington State Rep. Moeller to Co-Sponsor Marriage Equality Bill: State Rep. Jim Moeller announced Thursday that he’ll join dozens of other legislators next week in introducing a bill to legalize same-sex marriage in the 2012 Legislature. He emphasized that the legislation will protect the rights of clergy and religious institutions to determine for whom to perform marriage ceremonies and which marriages to recognize. [The Columbian]

Basic Rights Oregon Will Not Put Same-Sex Marriage on 2012 Ballot: After a three-year campaign to build support for legalizing same-sex marriage, Oregon’s largest LGBT rights group has decided against putting the issue up for a vote in 2012. Feedback from an online survey of over 1,000 people, door-to-door canvassing, community meetings and two statewide television advertising campaigns overwhelmingly say, “we must allow our education work to continue,” Basic Rights Oregon announced Wednesday. Oregonians now appear about evenly divided on a proposed ballot initiative to legalize same-sex marriage and to overturn the constitutional ban against same-sex marriage, approved by voters in 2004. [Oregon Live]

Question from the Field

Dear Policy Matters,

I’m a resident of North Carolina, for marriage equality, and feel like I’m going no-where fast. Our talking points about why marriage equality is important just don’t make the same impact they used to. But we don’t know what else to talk about! Please help?

Thanks so much,

Carolynne

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Dear Carolynne,

Talking to people who don’t completely agree with marriage equality presents many challenges, and we certainly understand your frustration. However, there has been a new “campaign” of sorts which gives marriage equality advocates new tools for approaching this issue with others.

Third Way is a think tank which creates easy to understand reports and research for many progressive social issues through moderate-led politics. They just presented their new strategy for marriage equality advocates called the “Commitment Campaign.”

Researchers at Third Way have been studying the effectiveness of marriage equality messages for three years. They found that the most impactful way to talk about marriage equality was to focus on the topic of commitment instead of using rights-based arguments (ex: Marriage is a basic human right; Same-sex couples want federal rights).

The report talks about the 44% of Americans who have middle-ground attitudes about same-sex marriage (“the Middle”). Because most of “the Middle” defines marriage as a public expression of love and commitment, Third Way found that half of “the Middle” believed lesbian and gay couples only wanted to get married because of obtaining legal rights. Marriage equality supporters know that this isn’t true! So, to combat this assumption and show why LGBT couples really want the right to marry, Third Way re-framed the marriage equality argument:

“Gay and lesbian couples who are truly committed to each other want similar things from marriage as the rest of us—to build a life together based on love and commitment, staying together through thick and thin. If a couple is willing to stand up in front of family and friends and make a lifetime promise of fidelity to each other, it’s not for us to judge, or to deny them that opportunity.”

Third Way found that by the end of the survey they gave, which also presented the above campaign message, 15% of those in “the middle” had shifted to a more supportive stance, and nearly one in ten supporters moved to a strongly supportive stance.

The report is very easy to read, and is available in PDF format for download. They allow anyone to duplicate their pages for personal use as well. For an in depth look at Third Way’s resources and survey statistics, follow these links:

· Report

· “Pocket Card”

· “Quotes from Commitment Campaign Champions”

Third Way also provides a talking point sheet on how to talk to those who don’t have a firm stance on DOMA while incorporating their “Commitment Campaign” message.

· “Talking to the Middle about DOMA”

We hope that you find these new talking points useful. Thank you for writing to Policy Matters!

Thank you for moving equality forward,

Policy Matters

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If you would like to have a policy-related question featured in our next edition, please e-mail rperry@pflag.org with your question no later than Friday, November 25th, 2011.

Senate Committee Votes to Advance “Respect for Marriage Act”

2011-11-10T16:34:00.000-05:00

Today the Senate Judiciary Committee voted 10 to 8 along party lines in favor of the Respect for Marriage Act (S. 598). Originally authored by Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) and co-sponsored by Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), RMA would repeal the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) which currently prohibits marriage equality at the federal level. The bill must now be scheduled by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) for a full Senate discussion. “[I]f I have to reintroduce it next session, I’ll reintroduce it,” said Sen. Feinstein, stating her dedication to passing the repeal bill. “[W]e’ll just march on. We’ll continue this.” [Politico]

Though a House version of this bill is not expected to be seen during this congressional session, the historic nature of today’s vote cannot be denied. In addition to the advancement of RMA in the committee stage, the 30 Senate co-sponsors and 132 House co-sponsors who support the marriage ban repeal, the current administration which declared DOMA to be unconstitutional, and more than 50% of Americans who support the repeal, come together to form a strong foundation of national support.

Sen. Gillibrand comments on the importance of today’s progressive vote toward marriage equality: “This is a major step forward to end the discrimination that is currently enshrined into the U.S. law…Marriage is the true foundation for strong families. Every loving, committed couple deserves the basic human right to get married…no politician should stand in the way of this fact.”

Take Action: With your help, we can continue to raise awareness about the importance of federally recognized marriage equality. Take a moment to contact your U.S. Senator. If they do currently support the repeal of DOMA then send them a thank you letter! If they do not, urge them to support the Respect for Marriage Act once it reaches the Senate floor in order to give committed couples around the country the federal rights they deserve.

LGBT Candidates Win Legislative Seats Nationwide

2011-11-09T14:21:00.000-05:00

Today the future of LGBT equality at the local level is looking bright as a record number of newly-appointed openly LGBT candidates across America are elected into office. According to the Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund, at least 53 of their 75 endorsed candidates won their elections this year. Highlights from these elections include:

Texas: Openly lesbian Mayor Annise D. Parker has been re-elected for a second-term in Houston.
Massachusetts: Alex Morse is now the youngest Mayor of Holyoke, Mass. This openly gay 22-year old won the position over incumbent Elaine Pluta.
Connecticut: Openly gay Mayor Daryl Justin Finizio is the first elected mayor of New London in nearly nine decades. Previous majors had been elected by city councilmembers, not by public vote.
Virginia: Adam Ebbin was elected to the state Senate as its first openly gay senator.
Texas: Mike Laster became the first openly gay man on the Houston City Council.
North Carolina: LaWana Mayfield became the first openly lesbian woman on the Charlotte City Council.
Indiana: Zach Adamson is now the first openly gay Indianapolis City Councilmember.
Montana: Caitlin Copple has been elected as an openly lesbian councilmember in Missoula.
Ohio: Chris Seelback is the first openly LGBT councilmember in Cincinnati’s history.
Colorado: Robin Kneich was elected as the first openly LGBT Denver councilmember.
Michigan: In Traverse City, legislators chose to keep non-discrimination ordinances in effect, prohibiting discrimination against LGBT people in employment and housing.

The presence of LGBT legislators increases the likelihood that their states will adopt anti-discrimination policies and support LGBT equal rights legislation at the local level. Having LGBT political leaders also helps to re-shape the stereotypes some officials may have about LGBT people. Openly bisexual state Senator Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona elaborates on how she and other LGBT members have helped shift fellow legislators’ approach to LGBT issues: “I haven’t changed [the other members’] minds about gay people and policies, but it’s really changed the way they talk about it. And to be honest…that makes a difference.” [USA Today]

Tony Perkins, President of the LGBT opposition group the Family Research Council, worries that LGBT elected officials will “redefine marriage and support special rights for people based on their sexual behavior.” Perkins says he is not alone in this fear: “[L]ike minded voters wouldn’t support them.”

However, a recent Gallup Poll from June 2011 shows that 67% of voters would be willing to vote for a gay or lesbian president. This has increased tremendously from 2007 when 55% were willing, and from 1978 when only 25% would consider voting for a gay or lesbian president. Even those who are 65 years old and above are showing increased acceptance of gay and lesbian political leaders—52% of senior citizens would consider voting for a lesbian or gay president compared to 38% in 2007.

Though the successes of LGB people in the political world are growing, we have seen limited representation of transgender and gender non-conforming individuals in our nation’s elected political positions. With increased visibility and acceptance, we are confident that transgender and gender non-conforming individuals will be able to celebrate many more victories in the future. For now, supporters of LGBT equality legislation have reason to celebrate a definitive step forward for openly LGBT politicians. “The election of gay and lesbian candidates in places where they have never won before is a major step forward,” said Chuck Wolfe, president and CEO of the Victory Fund. “All of the openly LGBT candidates who stepped up to run for office this year are true leaders who deserve our profound thanks.”

Michigan Law Allows Morality-Driven Bullying

2011-11-04T18:04:00.000-04:00

In the wake of an inspiring and moving speech by our Second Lady Dr. Jill Biden about the serious need for creating safer schools, we were shocked and angered to hear that Michigan lawmakers just passed an anti-bullying law with a secret provision that will harm more than help.

“Matt’s Safe School Law” was named in honor of Matt Epling who died by suicide after facing constant bullying from his classmates. And despite harsh objections from Kevin Epling, Matt’s father, “Matt’s Law” passed the Senate floor without protections for specific characteristics (like race, gender, or sexual orientation), without addressing cyber-bullying, and with a provision which actually allows bullying if the perpetrator cites religious or moral reasons for doing so. “I am ashamed that this could be Michigan’s bill on anti-bullying when in fact it is a ‘Bullying is O.K. in Michigan Law,” said Epling. “I am ashamed of this law.”

Sen. Rick Jones, the bill’s sponsor, said the revised bill was never supposed to allow the bullying of LGBT students: “I don’t believe for one minute that is the intention of this legislation…certainly a child should not be allowed to go up to another child and say he’s going to hell.” And yet, this legislation specifically allows for this kind of behavior—as long as the student, teacher, or faculty claims it was motivated by moral beliefs.

“Matt’s Law” is a major step in the wrong direction at the state level. As Dr. Biden said earlier today, “We know the devastating price of the failure to confront hostile school climates…together we all need to stand up and do our part to keep all of our kids safe, and give them the love, support and acceptance they need….We must ensure that our classrooms are safer for all students to learn, grow and thrive.”

Take Action: Michigan’s so-called anti-bullying law is unacceptable. If you are a Michigan resident, contact your Senators and state house representatives to tell them about the major problems within “Matt’s Law,” and urge them to take a stand against this version of the bill. On a federal level, we must continue to fight for SSIA (H.R. 1648/ S.506) and SNDA (H.R. 998/ S.555) by contacting our Senators and Representatives. More about these federal anti-bullying laws can be found at PFLAG Nation’s website.

REMARKS BY DR. JILL BIDEN AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE PFLAG NATIONAL CONVENTION

2011-11-04T15:08:00.001-04:00

Photo: Brendan Hoffman/WireImage for PFLAG National

For Immediate Release

November 4, 2011

REMARKS BY DR. JILL BIDEN AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE PFLAG NATIONAL CONVENTION

Westin Alexandria

Alexandria, VA

Friday, November 04, 2011

Thank you Rabbi and thank you Jody for that warm introduction – and thank you all for that wonderful reception. It’s great to be here with you today.

As an English teacher, I like to share some of my favorite quotations – and so I would like to start today with some inspiring words from Margaret Mead who famously said: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world.” Doesn’t this quote embody the spirit of PFLAG -- which started nearly 40 years ago with one voice – a mother’s voice –who spoke out courageously in support of her gay son?

That simple act ignited a movement …and today, because of the work that you do, there are hundreds of thousands of voices across this country raised in support of our lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender sons and daughters, fathers and mothers, sisters and brothers, friends, neighbors, and coworkers.

I recently read an open letter written from a PFLAG father to America’s youth. He wrote, “My wife and I have two sons. We think that they are the best kids in the whole world. They’re very different, with very diverse personalities, talents, and interests. One of the other things that makes them different is that one is straight and one is gay. But the important thing is this: we love them equally.”

At its core – it’s such a simple message – “we love our sons” – both of them. But that acceptance and support can make all the difference.

And as you all know well – acceptance by those you love is the greatest acceptance of all.

As a teacher and a mom, I know what Jeanne Manford knew- that there is a direct connection between acceptance and positive, healthy outcomes in every important area of life, including education, mental health, and physical health. So I’m particularly happy to join you all today not only as Second Lady, but as a mother and also as an educator.

As was mentioned, I’ve been a teacher for longer than I care to admit...I’ve taught as a reading specialist in public high schools and I’ve tutored at-risk teens at a psychiatric hospital in Delaware. I believe the greatest accomplishment of any teacher is not instructing students how to read or how to understand biology, but giving them the confidence to do the work. Instilling that belief in themselves is the key – not only for learning in the classroom, but for succeeding in life.

We all know that self-confidence can be a challenge for youth and adolescents – even under the best of circumstances. These are the years when all kids are trying to figure out who they are and who they hope to be. For children who are struggling with understanding their sexual orientation or gender identity, the teen years can be particularly challenging. And, of course, kids are not always kind to each other during these times, especially when one of them is different.

As an English teacher, I have my students write about themselves in their journals. Through those journal entries and my conversations with them, I have heard first-hand about this kind of pain and anxiety. And I have seen how this situation makes it almost impossible for students to concentrate on their school work. How can we expect kids who are taunted by their classmates to flourish in an academic environment?

We have all heard painful stories of bullying and harassment. And we have read too many accounts of heartbreaking incidents where kids are driven to take their own lives rather than endure the taunting of their peers. No child should be subjected to that. And no parent should suffer that horrific loss.

We know the devastating price of the failure to confront a hostile school climate where bullying and harassment can be daily occurrences. Together, we all need to stand up and do our part to keep all of our kids safe, and give them the love, support and acceptance they need to learn and grow and fulfill their dreams.

I’m proud of the progress the Obama Administration has made in the last two years for the LGBT community – including the signing of the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act and the repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell. The White House also held a Conference on Bullying Prevention, and the Department of Education has held summits on this issue as well, and issued guidance to help combat bullying in schools and support Gay Straight Alliances.

This progress is important, but there is still more to do. At this critical time for education in our country, we need to ensure that our schools are producing the next generation of American leaders and heroes. We must insure that our classrooms are safer for all students to learn, grow, and thrive.

I want to say to each of you here today: thank you for raising your voice and working together to open minds, shift attitudes and support all of our sons and daughters, students and neighbors.

Some of you come from places where yours is the only voice of support and acceptance – but when you speak, people listen. And we need you to keep speaking out, to keep shining a light on this important issue.

When I told friends that I would be speaking at this Conference today, one of them explained how important PFLAG was in his own personal journey. He grew up in a traditional family in a small town in rural America. As a young adult, he attended a PFLAG meeting when he was struggling with his identity – he came home and left the PFLAG materials in a drawer. The materials conveyed what he could not. His parents eventually understood and embraced him for who he was – thanks in no small part to the power of this organization’s work. He – like the loved ones of everyone in this room – is one of the lucky ones.

As parents, friends, and families, you have the power to change hearts and minds with your stories of success and failure, tragedy and triumph. I commend you and hope you will all keep up this important work.

On behalf of the President, Vice President, and all of us at the White House, thank you for your courage and commitment -- and for promoting the dignity of your sons and daughters.

Thank you.

Breaking News: DR. JILL BIDEN TO SPEAK AT PFLAG NATIONAL CONVENTION

2011-11-03T05:45:00.000-04:00

WASHINGTON, DC—PFLAG National (Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays)—the nation's original family and ally organization—is honored to announce that Dr. Jill Biden, lifelong educator and Second Lady of the United States, will attend the 2011 PFLAG National Convention. She will speak to hundreds of PFLAG members from across the country at the Opening Ceremony, which will be held at the Westin Alexandria on Friday, November 4th. PFLAG is excited to welcome Dr. Biden, whose long history as an educator and experience as a parent places her in a unique position to witness firsthand—and speak out about—the importance of family support in providing a safe school and community, and a strong education, to all children.

“As a teacher and a mom, I know that acceptance and support at home can lead to positive and healthy outcomes in every important area of life, including education, mental health, and physical health,” said Dr. Biden. “When parents and educators work together as a team, children succeed and thrive, and I commend PFLAG for the important role they play in the lives of our students.”

“In our nearly 40 years working in the LGBT community, we have seen countless children who are unsure of themselves, who feel unsupported simply because of their sexual orientation or gender identity and expression and who, therefore, don’t achieve the levels of success that they are truly capable of,” said PFLAG National Executive Director Jody Huckaby. “We look forward to welcoming Dr. Biden and hearing her speak out as an ally about the important role that families and family acceptance play in providing a great education and a supportive community to our youth and how, when partnered with educators, friends, allies and LGBT people themselves, families are an unstoppable force for change.”

Dr. Biden has been an educator for the past 30 years and continues to teach English classes at Northern Virginia Community College. Prior to moving to Washington, Dr. Biden taught English full-time at Delaware Technical and Community College for 15 years. Before that, she taught for 13 years in public schools as a reading specialist and English teacher, and worked part-time with the Rockford Psychiatric Hospital Adolescent Program. Dr. Biden has a long history of activism and service in her community and she continues to work to raise awareness on education, military families, and women's health issues.

Said Huckaby, “Like so many of our members across the country, Dr. Biden is a strong ally voice for change; we are so honored to welcome her.”

The 2011 PFLAG National Convention is focused on the theme of Bringing The Message Home, demonstrating the unique family and ally voice of PFLAG members which, when combined with the voice of LGBT people, is a powerful voice for changing hearts and minds.

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About PFLAG National: Founded in 1973 with the simple act of a mother publicly supporting her gay son, PFLAG National is the original ally organization. PFLAG is committed to securing full civil rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people by providing support, education and advocacy. PFLAG has grown to include more than 200,000 members and supporters in more than 350 chapters throughout the United States. To learn more, please visit http://www.pflag.org.

Canadian LGBT Health Organization Sponsors Bisexual Anti-Stigma Campaign

2011-10-28T14:37:00.000-04:00

The Rainbow Health Ontario website is designed to help LGBT people and health care providers understand LGBT health issues. Though this organization is based in Canada, they deal with universal LGBT health concerns. Because LGBT face heightened stigma in societies around the world, they often do not receive adequate and appropriate healthcare. LGBT people often withhold information about their sexual orientation or gender identity from their doctors for fear of discrimination or prejudices, and some LGBT health care providers may not be educated about specific LGBT health issues or be sensitive to LGBT people’s unique needs.

RHO's newest resource for the LGBT community and healthcare providers is a campaign that focuses on the stigma against bisexual people within (and outside of) the LGBT community itself. Those who are particularly disregarded are bisexual mothers, transgender bisexuals, bisexuals of color, and bisexual youth. The resource titled, “This is Our Community…because I fight for all of our rights” contains four posters of these marginalized bisexual groups and a short paragraph about the challenges they face.

Some common myths of bisexual people are: Bisexuals are confused about their sexuality (implying they can only be gay, lesbian or straight), all bisexuals are gender-conforming (rather than transgender), and that bisexuals cannot be monogamous (suggesting bisexuals are unfaithful and cannot commit to one person).

The final paragraph sums up RHO’s campaign goal for their new bisexuality anti-stigma campaign. “We are proud to be bisexual and proud to be part of the LGBTQ community. Let’s work together to challenge biphobic myths and stereotypes, increase bisexual visibility, and celebrate the contributions that bisexuals make to our communities.”

For more information about bisexuality, take a look www.binetusa.org, check out The American Institute of Bisexuality for bisexuality resources, academic studies, and online magazine.

Policy Matters 10/28/2011

2011-10-28T09:20:00.000-04:00

Front Page Headlines

LGBT-Inclusive Office Policies: Over 90% of the country’s largest companies state that diversity policies and generous benefits packages are good for the corporate bottom line, according to a new study from UCLA’s Williams Institute. The study finds that more than half of these companies specifically state that their policies prohibiting LGBT discrimination or extending domestic partner benefits are good for business. The past decade has seen the largest increase in the number of corporations adopting LGBT-related workplace policies. Among the top 50 Fortune 500 companies, 48 include sexual orientation in their non-discrimination policies, and 70% include gender identity and expression. [Williams Institute]

SEICUS Reports on Sexuality Education By State, Addresses Need for Improvement: SEICUS, the Sexuality Information and Education Council of the United States, issued a 2010 report titled “A Portrait of Sexuality Education and Abstinence-Only-Until-Marriage Programs in the United States.” Within this report each state’s mandates regarding sexuality education are broken down and examined. SIECUS found that seven states have policies which discriminate against LGBT individuals or disallow the discussion of homosexuality as a valid alternative to heterosexual behavior. Seventeen states do not have mandated HIV/AIDS education, and twenty states do not mandate sexuality education at all. The report cites a need for better education around HIV/AIDS, especially for the highest risk group—young gay men of color. [SEICUS]

North Carolina State University GLBT Center Vandalized: Police at North Carolina State University are investigating a case of vandalism in which someone spray-painted a homophobic slur and the words “burn” and “die” outside the campus’ GLBT center. “It’s a little unnerving,” Justine Hollingshead, director of the N.C. State GLBT Center, said. “This isn’t free expression. It was directed at the GLBT community and occurred right at the center of campus. It certainly proves that we have work to do.” [WRAL]

For Children of Same-Sex Couples, A Student Aid Maze: It took five attempts for one prospective college student and her mother to fill out the 106-question federal form that would determine whether or not she would be eligible for financial aid. What hindered their progress was the fact that the student had two legal mothers—and the form had room for only one. Other LGBT students, who are now out on their own because their families have cut off support on learning of their sexual orientation or gender identity, have difficulty establishing themselves as financially independent. Because these students cannot fully portray their family’s finances, the amount of aid they receive may not fairly reflect their needs. [NY Times]

Policy Watch

SLDN To Sue Over Military Benefits For Spouses of Gay Troops: The LGBT advocacy group that successfully lobbied to repeal the military’s Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy plans to file a lawsuit in federal court by the end of October that would challenge the constitutionality of federal laws that make married same-sex couples ineligible for the same benefits as their straight counterparts. [Huffington Post]

ACLU Files Class Action Lawsuit for Military Separation Pay: Congress made a judgment that military personnel who serve their country for at least six years and are honorably discharged should get separation pay. The Department of Defense decided to cut that separation in half for any service member who is discharged for “homosexuality.” The ACLU has filed a class action lawsuit challenging that discriminatory internal policy. The separation-pay policy is not part of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell and the Department can change it immediately without waiting for congressional approval. [ACLU]

Congressman Wants Hearing on GOP DOMA Spending: Mike Honda (D-CA) wants a House hearing to address the rapidly rising price tag for keeping the Defense of Marriage Act alive—where legal bills could now total $1.5 million. Honda is a ranking member of the House Legislative Branch Appropriations Subcommittee. In a letter sent to the Subcommittee’s Chairman Ander Crenshaw (R-FL) Honda asked for a hearing so the American people can understand why the House is spending taxpayers’ money on the defense of DOMA. [The Advocate]

For more DOMA-related news, see “Boehner’s DOMA Defense: Gay People Are Powerful, Can Fight Marriage Ban without Courts” [Huffington Post]

Question from the Field

Dear Policy Matters,

I’m on my school’s PTA board. For a while now, we have been discussing the changes being made to the No Child Left Behind Act. As a PFLAG mom, I want to make sure the revisions cover protections for LGBT children in the school system. I would love to bring up the issue in our next PTA meeting. Do any of the proposed revisions cover school safety for LGBT children?

Thank you,

Beth

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Dear Beth,

Thank you for writing to Policy Matters. Here’s a brief background on what is going on with the No Child Left Behind law. Last week, the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) issued draft language of an update to the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), also known as the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) and has been asking for input from the states. So far the law has been revised six times, about every five years. President Obama also issued his own recommendations. There has been strong support by LGBT-rights organizations and some politicians for ESEA/NCLB to include the language used in two major safe schools bills—The Student Non-Discrimination Act (House Bill: H.R.998; Senate Bill: S.555) and the Safe Schools Improvement Act (House Bill:1648; Senate Bill: S.506).

Over the past few years, media outlets have delivered long-overdue visibility of severe and pervasive incidents of bullying, harassment, and discrimination of LGBT students. Due to a lack of explicit federal protections, students who are perceived to be, or who are, LGBT remain vulnerable to overt attacks of school based bullying and discrimination. In the past few years we have watched schools discriminate against their lesbian and gay students who simply want to attend their school dance with their girlfriend or boyfriend. The media has also given increasing news coverage to the prevalence of deaths by suicide in the LGBT community. Many young LGBT students who have died by suicide experienced bullying and harsh discrimination at their schools.

The U.S. Department of Education, as cited by the ACLU, states that harassment in school leads to lower academic achievement and goals, anxiety, low self-esteem, depression, alienation from classmates, fear of the school environment, and absenteeism from school. Because of this apparent connection many national and state human rights advocacy organizations and federal legislators are lobbying for the inclusion of SNDA and SSIA in the reauthorization of ESEA/NCLB

SNDA would federally prohibit discrimination and harassment based on sexual orientation and gender identity for all students who receive ESEA funding. The Human Resources and Services Administration of the federal government already has a statement about the alarming prevalence of bullying against LGBT students and includes a “Best Practices” pamphlet on HRSA’s Stop Bullying Now website. However, federal laws only protect students based on race, color, sex, religion, disability, and national origin.

There is discussion about incorporating the Safe Schools Improvement Act (SSIA) as well. The bill mandates all schools contain explicit codes of conduct which prohibit bullying and harassment. It’s imperative that we urge committee members to include this legislation in the reauthorization, since it offers tools to prevent bullying and harassment through reporting requirements and mandatory district policies that include comprehensive protections for students who are perceived to be, or who are LGBT.

The U.S. Department of Education is inviting each State Education Agency (SEA) to request flexibility within the ESEA/NCLB which reflects their local interest. As of last Thursday, 41 states have submitted statements. You can find out if your state has submitted by following the link “41 states” on the Department’s flexibility request website. Don’t be discouraged if yours has already! They are open to revisions until the deadline. Write to your state SEA and explain the benefits of adding SNDA and SSIA to their submission for the ESEA/NCLB revisions. If you’d like, you or your PTA can write a letter to the HELP committee members, asking them to help create a supportive and productive learning environment by protecting all students.

The Senate Committee completed its bill markup on October 20^th. ESEA will now be brought to the floor of the Senate in front of all of the Senators. The date for this hearing is currently unknown. The full senate debate is a crucial opportunity for us to push for the inclusion of SSIA and SNDA. Senate Majority Leader Reid and Minority Leader McConnell must demonstrate that they are aware of the realities for students, and use legislative remedies to protect the most vulnerable. These protections will not only prevent discrimination but improve overall educational outcomes by creating a safer and more productive learning environment. Please, contact your Senators now and urge them to express their support for including SSIA and SNDA in the broader education reform bill.

We hope this helps you understand how the Elementary and Secondary Education Act/ No Child Left Behind can help create safer schools with the addition of the Student Non-Discrimination Act and the Safe Schools Improvement Act!

Thank you for moving equality forward,

Policy Matters

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Join us for the 2011 PFLAG National Convention and participate in our Lobby Day in Washington, DC!

If you would like to have a policy-related question featured in our next edition, please e-mail rperry@pflag.org with your question no later than November 7^th, 2011.

Religious Anti-LGBT Coalition Voices Opposition to Maryland Marriage Equality

2011-10-25T09:32:00.001-04:00

PFLAG National recently lobbied in Annapolis with Marylanders for Marriage Equality, a coalition that includes many national and LGBT and ally organizations (including PFLAG National) urging legislators to pass the marriage equality bill and gender identity non-discrimination bill by the end of 2012.

And yet some still oppose equal rights for Maryland citizens. Rev. Errol Gilliard, Sr., of Baltimore’s Greater Harvest Baptist Church, is leading his religious group against marriage equality. His ironically named coalition, the “Progressive Clergy and Laity in Action” (PCLA), has about 75 individual local members including the Maryland Catholic Conference, the Family Research Council affiliate Maryland Family Alliance, Missionary Baptist Ministers’ Conference of DC & Vicinity, and several Baptist churches in Baltimore.

“We are not a hate group,” Rev. Gilliard said to The American Independent, “This is not just a few preachers who are bigots.” Gilliard supports civil unions for same-sex couples, but stands firm against marriage equality because “the Bible is right….same-sex marriage is wrong.” He hopes to sway the African-American Democratic leaders in Maryland and convince them to vote against the marriage equality bill.

However, Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley has promised to support the marriage equality bill when it is re-introduced. He appeared in a video sponsored by Marylanders for Marriage Equality and voiced his support: “I’m a Marylander for marriage equality. As a free and diverse people of many different faiths, we choose to be governed under the law by certain fundamental principles. Among them—equal protection under the law for any individual and for free exercise of religion without government intervention.” Religious organizations will not be forced to marry same-sex couples under the proposed marriage equality law.

Gov. O’Malley touches upon something the PCLA seems to forget—though we have the right to practice any religion we chose, we also have the right to equality under the law. Personal religious beliefs are not grounds for denying an entire population of tax-paying citizens the equal rights they deserve.

Take Action: Join PFLAG National in our fight to gain marriage equality in Maryland! Visit Equality Maryland’s website and Marylanders for Marriage Equality to learn how you can contribute to achieving equal relationship recognition for LGBT Marylanders.

The 2011 Out & Equal Workplace Summit

2011-10-24T14:30:00.005-04:00

This week PFLAG National Staff will be attending the Out & Equal Workplace Summit in Dallas, TX to attend the conference, present workshops, and exhibit for the 5^th consecutive year.

Throughout the week PFLAG National staff will be presenting four all-new workshops, participating in two panel discussions, and staffing booth number 104 in the exhibit hall. The summit will be attended by over 2,500 human resources professionals, diversity and inclusion managers, employee resource group leaders, and nonprofit representatives. The Workplace Summit is a wonderful opportunity for PFLAG National to make meaningful connections, share best practices, and develop innovative and exciting ideas to demonstrate a commitment to workplace equality.

Jean Marie Navetta, Robby Gregg, and Jamie Henkel of the Equality and Diversity Partnerships team (who are primarily responsible for the Straight for Equality Project) will be joined at the summit by PFLAG National’s Executive Director Jody Huckaby, Director of Communications Liz Owen, and Corporate & Foundation Giving Manager Jared Harrison. The summit gives PFLAG National and Straight for Equality an opportunity to spend time with our current corporate partners, learn more about what potential partners are looking for, and share information about our new workplace trainings and other PFLAG projects.

Through PFLAG National’s Straight for Equality project we bring a unique understanding of what it means to be a straight ally in the workplace. As the original ally organization, PFLAG’s 40 years of experience working with families and friends of the LGBT community provides us with unmatched perspective on the role of allies and the power that they hold as advocates for equality. Our trainings provide potential allies with a politics-free case for LGBT equality and help them realize why these issues should be important to them. They also include small but meaningful ways that allies can change their behavior to support their gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender friends and colleagues in the workplace.

If you are attending Out & Equal, stop by our booth, or come to one—or more—of our tranings!

Tuesday, October 25^th
1:30 pm-3:00 pm
(Effectively) Telling Your Story for Workplace Equality
Presented by: Jean-Marie Navetta and Jody M. Huckaby

Tuesday, October 25^th
3:30 pm-6:00 pm
Multiple Identities: Engaging LGBT Employees from Communities of Color
Presented by: Robby Gregg, Sonia Alleyne, Anton Mack, Keith Powell, Kylar Broaddus

Bullies, Allies & Superheroes: A "No Dumb Questions" Approach to Empathy & Action
Presented by: Liz Owen, Melissa Regan, Christopher Thompson, and Michael Jungen

Buzz: Creating It, Changing It, and Managing It

Presented by: Jean-Marie Navetta and Rob Ohlau

Wednesday, October 26th
3:00 pm-5:30 pm
I’m not LGBT…Not That There’s Anything Wrong with That: Coming Out as a Straight Ally
Presented By: Jean-Marie Navetta and Liz Owen

Thursday, October 26^th
10:30 am-12:00 pm
The ADVANCED Care & Feeding of Straight Allies: Pushing the Envelope to Forge New Ground
Presented by: Jean-Marie Navetta and Jody M. Huckaby

Millions “Go Purple” Today To Promote Anti-Bullying Awareness

2011-10-20T11:13:00.003-04:00

Millions around the world are wearing purple today as a sign of solidarity against LGBT bullying. The “Spirit Day” began when Brittany McMillan created the statement two years ago. She wanted to visually prove to fellow LGBT students that they were supported and weren’t alone. She chose purple because of its symbolic meaning of spirit on the rainbow flag. Brittany encouraged her friends and community to “go purple,” and she saw an amazing response: Over 2 million people answered the call last year.

Though bullying is a major problem for all students, not just LGBT, Brittany wanted to highlight the impact of homophobia in particular. Nearly 9 out of 10 LGBT students report being harassed verbally in school, and 44% report being physically harassed. About two thirds of these students never reported the incident. Today people across the world are wearing purple, tinting their Facebook and Twitter profile pictures purple, and spreading the word about the bullying and harassment LGBT students face every day.

This message of unity for LGBT youth and honor for those who have died in the past shows the young LGBT students around the country that there are millions who support, love, and care for them. Just this weekend, the door of North Carolina State University’s LGBT Center was vandalized. Among other saddening stories, this is one more reason why we should “go purple” and show our support for our LGBT loved ones.

For examples of how you can participate Spirit Day, go to GLAAD.org.

Secretary Sebelius: “We Have Begun to Push Open Doors that Seemed Shut Forever”

2011-10-20T09:11:00.000-04:00

Secretary Sebelius, the Secretary for the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), spoke at the annual meeting for the National Coalition for LGBT Health on October 17^th. Her speech included the accomplishments of the current Presidency concerning LGBT health issues and motivated listeners to press on through the battles to come.

The National Coalition for LGBT Health was created ten years ago to help create an LGBT component to the government’s ten year plan called “Healthy People 2010.” After forming the “LGBT Companion Document to Healthy People 2010” the National Coalition continues their work through research, policy change, programs, and the promotion of professional and cultural competency. PFLAG National is one of over 70 organizations with Coalition memberships, and hundreds of individuals hold memberships as well.

Sec. Sebelius opened with the progress made on the new Healthy People 2020, a national health improvement initiative which will now include a full section on LGBT health. “I’m sure you agree it was about time,” the Secretary declared.

She continued with a strong list of accomplishments the Obama Administration has facilitated over the past two years. Most widely known was the new law concerning hospital visitation rights, which now allows patients to make their own decisions about who is allowed to visit them, including same-sex partners and spouses. Less publicized, but certainly no less important, is the LGBT data progression plan which spurs the integration of sexual orientation and gender identity variables into federal HHS surveys.

HHS itself has also taken steps toward greater inclusivity, and now mandates all employees to serve anyone who is eligible for their programs regardless of race, national origin, color, religion, sex, disability, status as a parent, genetic information, sexual orientation, and gender identity and expression. HHS is and has taken steps to assist community health centers to better help their underserved patients.

Sec. Sebelius brought up other issues that may not be related to health issues at first glance: homeless LGBT youth, LGBT foster children, and bullying in schools- all issues central to PFLAG National’s work with the Obama Administration which focus on building safer schools, opening more homes to foster youth, and addressing the challenges of family rejection. She ties in these important topics with her equal health mission by stressing the importance of a safe environment that can provide appropriate care for these young people.

Nearing the end, the Secretary spoke of the benefits LGBT people will obtain from the Affordable Care Act, and calls for her audience to support the act in the coming months as it is debated in the political arena. Lastly, she discusses her concern for the HIV/AIDS epidemic, especially in regard to gay men of color. “We have come a long way in ten years,” she says, “but we still have a long way to go.”

In closing, Secretary Sebelius once again stresses the importance of promising “dignity and support” to LGBT people who deserve to achieve their full potential. “We have begun to push open doors that seemed shut forever. Looking ahead, the future gives me real hope. And I’m looking forward to working with you to make it as bright as possible.”

Secretary Sebelius is the 21^st Secretary of the HHS. She took office in 2009 and has fought for some of America’s most underserved populations including young children, those with disabilities, and the elderly.

Maryland PFLAG members lobby State Legislature

2011-10-18T12:43:00.001-04:00

Yesterday morning representatives from PFLAG Chapters across the state of Maryland traveled to the State Capitol in Annapolis to lobby their Delegates and Senators during a special session of the Maryland State Legislature. The lobby day was organized by Marylanders for Marriage Equality, a broad coalition that includes a number of local and national LGBT and allied organizations including PFLAG. Kicking off the day, Maryland House Majority leader, Kumar P. Barve spoke to supporters who were gathered outside the Capitol building.

PFLAG members and other participants encouraged their State Legislators to pass the marriage equality bill and a gender identity anti-discrimination bill by the end of the 2012 legislative session. PFLAG Policy Director, Rhodes Perry, and Policy Intern, Laura Van Dyke, represented PFLAG National, and worked on mobilizing local PFLAG members from across the state to raise their voices in support of this vital legislation that will help build stronger families ensuring that all Marylanders have some level of job security, housing protections and yes, the freedom to marry. It’s really that simple.

Take Action - If you live in Maryland contact your State Delegates and Senators and encourage them to pass the marriage equality and the gender identity anti-discrimination bills by the end of the 2012 legislative session. Please be sure to call before the end of October 19^th. To learn who your state legislators are, please visit http://mdelect.net/.

Independent Labor Union Prohibits Discrimination against Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity

2011-10-17T16:53:00.000-04:00

The United Electrical, Radio and Machine Workers of America (UE) have voted unanimously to uphold a new non-discrimination policy which contains sexual orientation and gender identity. The document, “End Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation,” was developed during the 72^nd National Convention in Pittsburg between September 25 and 29.

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) reported that the union’s decision to include these non-discrimination protects were met with full support, despite multiple opportunities for opposition to voice any contrary opinions.

The UE Mission:

A self-proclaimed “rank-and-file” democratic union, the UE remains independent of the AFL-CIO (American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations) due to conflicting ideologies during the labor movement; UE stands firm against large corporation involvement, and prides itself on its membership-led, democratic, collective style.

One of the UE’s main issues of concern is the divisive power discrimination has upon the labor workforce. “The most powerful weapon in the bosses’ arsenal is divide-and-conquer.” The core founding principle of the union was forming an organization to unite all workers, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. They have fought for equal rights for women and against racial discrimination as a part of their equality goals.

Equal Rights for All:

The UE document listed several resolutions regarding their new non-discrimination policy. First and foremost was the call for locals to defend members of the union against discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. All levels of the union are encouraged to educate their communities about the dangers of discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. The UE encourages their members to incorporate non-discrimination language in their contracts with employers as well as include health insurance and pension coverage for domestic partners (same or opposite sex) to ensure equal rights comparable to those of married couples.

The UE opposes marriage discrimination on the grounds that it does not provide equal protections under federal law for workers and their partners. Taking their declarations a step further, they call upon the Obama administration to issue an executive order which would prohibit discrimination against sexual orientation and gender identity within federal contracts and call on Congress to enact the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) and the Respect for Marriage Act. Lastly, the UE encourages their members to support organizations and businesses who fight discrimination, and avoid those who support it.

Labor Unions and Civil Rights:

Historically, labor unions have been among the first organizations to advance non-discrimination laws for American workers. In the 19^th and 20^th centuries, the issue of workplace equality revolved around racial prejudices. Though most unions excluded Black workers, they eventually came to drive the civil rights movement forward. The creation of the Interracial Labor Commission in 1924, the recognition of the Black union called the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters by the AFL, and campaigns in the 1930s and 40s by black workers. In 1960, Martin Luther King Jr. addressed the AFL-CIO, saying, “When labor reaches out its hand to racial minorities, labor and minorities win. When either turns its back on the other, each loses. America loses. We all lose.”

The first African American leader of the AFL, A. Phillip Randolph, fought to desegregate factories during WWII and impacted President Roosevelt’s decision to establish the Fair Employment Practices Commission, the first federal agency which prosecuted discrimination in industry environments. Unions began campaigning for non-discrimination laws within their states prior to any federal action, and fought in numerous ways to empower Black workers.

Current Unions and ENDA:

ENDA was introduced in 1994, but never made it out of the committee stage. A new version passed in the House in 2007, but died in Senate shortly after. Currently, Representatives are pushing for a vote in the House as soon as possible in order for Senate to consider the proposal.

PFLAG has been supportive of ENDA from the beginning, publishing a statement about ENDA in 1994 and revising the statement in 2001. Jody Huckaby, the Executive Director of PFLAG National, also sent a letter to congress in 2010 highlighting the importance of the non-discrimination bill which includes all Americans. PFLAG is also a part of the United ENDA coalition.

This decision by the UE will hopefully spark union action equal to union involvement during the civil rights movement. Hard-working Americans are supporting this move toward equality, proving to others that granting equal protections to all citizens is not as controversial as it may seem.

Take Action: Reach out to the community leaders in your area. Urge them to support ENDA by talking to their companies about co-sponsoring the bill. You can also contact your federal representatives and ask them to support ENDA. As an example, here is a letter written to Congress in May by the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights imploring them to co-sponsor ENDA.

Senate to Examine “Respect for Marriage Act” in November

2011-10-17T11:34:00.000-04:00

The Senate Judiciary Committee will look at Senator Dianne Feinstein’s (D-CA) bill titled Respect for Marriage Act which would repeal the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) from federal law. The act will provide federal marriage rights for all legally married same-sex couples. The bill does not compel all states to recognize same-sex marriages.

This is the bill’s first markup in Senate. Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT), the chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, has scheduled the presentation of the bill for November. During this meeting the Judiciary Committee will debate and vote on the bill. The Respect for Marriage Act is co-sponsored by 30 members of the Senate and is supported by President Barack Obama.

This historic advancement for marriage equality will most likely not be addressed in the Republican-controlled House during this Congress due to Republicans who are planning to defend DOMA in the courts.

Take Action: Currently, 30 Senators support the Respect for Marriage Act. Find out if yours is one of them here and write a letter of thanks for their commitment to respecting marriage rights for all citizens. If your senator has yet to pledge their support, urge them to vote in favor of providing federal rights to married same-sex couples this November.

Martin Luther King on Religion and the Constitution

2011-10-14T08:48:00.001-04:00

Today, we welcome guest blogger Rev. Gil Caldwell, PFLAG National Board Member:

A search of the internet seeking information on Martin Luther King and the Constitution produced the following: On April 13, 1944, Martin Luther King, then a junior at Atlanta's Booker T. Washington High School, won an Elks-sponsored oratorical contest on the subject, "The Negro and the Constitution." King contrasted those who used their biblical faith and interpretation to support racial segregation, with the words of equality found throughout the Constitution of the USA. The article contains these words; "...contradictions between the nation's biblical faith and constitutional values." This is what troubled a young Martin Luther King, and is a source of concern for many of us who cannot comprehend why some in religion become anti-Constitution in response to its call for equality and justice for all.

We have observed, in the run up to the presidential campaign of 2012, examples of how religion too often becomes the source of put-downs, character assassinations, and efforts to invalidate the religious choices of others. This is nothing new! We live in a nation that boasts of Constitutional values that promote equality, freedom and justice, while some in religion use their Scriptures to do just the opposite.

Is it any surprise then that Martin Luther King declared that religious communities, “…[stand] as a tail-light behind other community agencies rather than a headlight leading men to higher levels of justice.”

There are times when I, as a straight ally, wish that those in religion who use their faith to thwart and stand in the way of justice for LGBTQ persons would shut up and allow the values of the Constitution to become actualized.

I believe this was at the heart of Dr. King's efforts to promote racial equality. He knew that there were many who professed religious faith who sustained and supported racial segregation. He and The Civil Rights Movement as a whole challenged these persons with the words of equality and freedom writ large in the U.S. Constitution; those same words apply to the LGBTQ community as well.

This week-end the weather-delayed dedication of the Martin Luther King Memorial in Washington, DC will take place. I will not be able to be in attendance, but, my memories of Mississippi Freedom Summer, the March on Washington, the Selma to Montgomery March and a Martin King-led march in Boston will be alive and well as the Memorial is dedicated.

I cannot tarnish those memories by being silent.

Rev. Gilbert H. Caldwell
Board Member, PFLAG National

California LGBT History Law Becomes Effective in January

2011-10-13T12:36:00.001-04:00

The FAIR Education Act (SB 48) which requires all public schools to include historical contributions by LGBT people and LGBT rights movements will be put into effect in January 2012. “FAIR” stands for fair, accurate, inclusive, and respectful. The law seeks to inadvertently lower the rates of bullying by recognizing LGBT people in history and making LGBT students feel less isolated. SB 48 ensures that students have an accurate picture of people who have shaped American society. Under this new law, the State Board of Education is not allowed to use discriminatory materials or allow discriminatory instruction.

Opponents to this historic law have been petitioning for months in order to obtain the necessary signatures for a ballot referendum to repeal the law in 2012. The groups needed 505,000 signatures by the end of 90 days in order to theoretically overturn SB 48. According to “Stop SB 48” the law promotes LGBT lifestyles and forces children to learn about things their parents tell them are wrong.

Thankfully California is not a state which opts to ignore sensitive topics simply because some parents do not agree with the subject matter. Imagine neglecting the theory of evolution or the issue of global warming due to the objection of a handful of parents. Students must learn about topics which may disinterest them, thrill them, or anger them. That is part of the beauty of our education system.

In order to create critical thinkers, we must provide all of the information we have. The FAIR Education Act has included one more important piece of American history in our children’s social studies curriculums and shown our LGBT students that they are a part of American culture too. We are so thankful that California is setting the example for an inclusive and fair education system.

Take Action: To help promote tolerance and fight bullying in public schools nationwide, write to a Senate member on the HELP Committee and ask them to include the Safe Schools Improvement Act and the Student Non-Discrimination Act as amendments in their upcoming revisions to the Elementary and Secondary Education Act.

California Governor Passes Trans-Supportive Laws and Anti-Bullying Measures

2011-10-11T12:22:00.000-04:00

On October 9^th and October 10^th, Gov. Jerry Brown (D) signed three progressive bills which increase rights for LGBT Californians. [Metro Weekly]

The Gender Nondiscrimination Act clarifies the language used in work, school, housing, and public accommodation nondiscrimination policies to protect “gender identity and expression” explicitly. Previously, California law included “gender identity and gender expression” in their nondiscrimination policies under “gender.” However, this was not clear, and this new bill has created a new category to ensure that people understand the law. California has effectively created its own state version of ENDA.

The Vital Statistics Modernization Act makes it much easier for transgender people to obtain new birth certificates by letting them apply for a gender change in any jurisdiction, not just the one they live in (as previous law stated). The VSMA states that applicants should have “medical certification from an attending physician that [they have] undergone treatment as determined by their physician to correct identification documents to reflect their gender.” This puts California on the same level as federal vital statistics standards, which eliminated the requirement of gender reassignment surgery in 2009.

The third bill that Gov. Brown signed was AB 9 or, “Seth’s Law.” This legislation tightens anti-bullying policies in California schools by promoting education for teachers and administrators, requiring clearer guidelines on how to handle bullying, ensuring schools have accurate policies on bullying, and shortening investigation timelines for any bullying allegations.

Take Action: If you live in California, you may want to thank Gov. Jerry Brown for his commitment to providing rights for LGBT people. For more information about what you can do to help keep your schools safe visit the Safe Schools page on the PFLAG National website; if you’re curious about how you can help a nation-wide nondiscrimination law pass check out PFLAG National’s page on the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA).

The Legacy of Matthew Shepard

2011-10-07T16:01:00.000-04:00

Thirteen years ago today, a young man named Matthew Shepard was tortured, robbed, and abandoned outside of Laramie, Wyoming because he was gay. After his death five days later, his mother Judy began an advocacy journey which would eventually bring increased federal protections to citizens across the country.

Soon after her son’s murder, Judy and her husband created The Matthew Shepard Foundation, an organization which, founded on “principles of understanding, compassion, and acceptance,” seeks to “encourage respect for human dignity and difference by raising awareness, opening dialogues, and promoting positive change.”

Judy became focused on launching a federal hate crime law which would grant federal protection to LGBT people, women, and people with disabilities. Her dedication and message motivated thousands, and after more than a decade of activism President Obama signed the Matthew Shepard/ James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act in 2009. Thanks to the work of Judy Shepard, local activists, and LGBT equal rights organizations, our government now includes sexual orientation, gender and gender identity in the federal definition of violent hate crimes.

In addition to her continued involvement in LGBT issues, Judy has published a book entitled “The Meaning of Matthew: My Son’s Murder in Laramie, and a World Transformed.” She continues to advocate for safe schools and communities for everyone, regardless of their characteristics, and reminds youth to “be true to yourselves…your friends and family are a source of support.”

Take Action: Keep Matthew Shepard’s memory alive and honor his mother Judy’s commitment to providing a safe world for everyone, by working with your local law enforcement agency to effectively carry out the new federal hate crimes law.

President Obama Addresses LGBT Equality, LGBT Progress at the HRC Annual Dinner

2011-10-04T12:45:00.003-04:00

This Saturday, October 1st, President Obama addressed a passionate audience of nearly 3,000 LGBT supporters at the Human Rights Campaign’s Annual National Dinner. After joking about a recent meeting with Lady Gaga in California—“she was wearing 16-inch-heels”—the President began his concise yet inspiring speech. Within the first moments our President voiced his statement of inclusivity:

“Every single American- gay, straight, lesbian, bisexual, transgender- every single American deserves to be treated equally in the eyes of the law and in the eyes of our society. It’s a pretty simple proposition.”

The President listed a set of historic moments for the LGBT community which occurred over the past two years, continually stating his commitment to providing a safe and equal America for all. These included the passage of the Matthew Shepard/James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act, the order stating all hospitals who receive Medicare or Medicaid must treat “gay partners just as they do straight partners,” the lift on the HIV travel ban as well as the first national strategy to fight HIV/AIDS, the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell repeal, the administration’s denouncement of the Defense of Marriage Act, and the White House summit on bullying. Yes, the progress made in America has benefited our families and children in many direct and indirect ways. Our nation has truly come a long way in two short years. However, we still have more to fight for.

Though our President made grand declarations of support for LGBT rights he neglected two crucial pieces of legislation which affect American families and their children: the Every Child Deserves A Family Act (ECDF) and the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA). These proposed laws need the national attention and support of our Commander in Chief and are overdue for passage in our government. The basic needs of our children--- a place to sleep, food, education, a loving family—are being limited because of discrimination within foster and adoption agencies.

Briefing on the Bills:
Every Child Deserves a Family: ECDF seeks to limit funding for states that discriminate against possible parents based on marital status, sexual orientation, or gender identity (as well as the sexual and/or gender identity of the children being placed).
Employment Non-Discrimination Act: Without ENDA, working people are subject to termination simply because of their sexual orientation or gender identity; imagine what could happen to family if their primary source of income was suddenly gone.

These two bills are necessary to obtaining full LGBT equality.

We hope that our President continues his brave support against strong opposition in the upcoming election year. If you have time, thank our President for his welcoming and inspiring remarks this past Saturday, and remind him of the work that still needs to be done. We as Americans have the right to voice our concerns and fight for the rights we and our loved ones deserve.

As our President said Saturday night: “It's progress led, not by Washington, but by ordinary citizens who are propelled, not just by politics, but by love and friendship and a sense of mutual regard.”

Policy Matters- October 4th, 2011

2011-10-04T09:55:00.003-04:00

Front Page Headlines

Social Security Ends Gender “No-Match” Letters, White House “Welcomes This Move”: The National Center for Transgender Equality announced: “The Social Security Administration has confirmed that it has ended the practice of allowing gender to be matched in its Social Security Number Verification System. This will result in the immediate cessation of SSA sending notifications that alert employers when the gender marker on an employee’s W-2 does not match Social Security records.” This decision will alleviate stress from transgender employees, who will no longer have to fear termination based on discovery of their gender status through Social Security Number checks. [Metro Weekly]

Transgender Kids: Painful Quest to be Who They Are: CNN covers the stories of several families with transgender children. The article discusses the impact of these discoveries on the children’s families, and several parents share stories about their children’s journeys. [CNN]

Study Finds Fewer LGB Characters on Network TV: The number of lesbian, gay and bisexual characters on scripted broadcast network TV has dropped this season to 19 out of 650 roles, according to the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLADD). [NY Times]

With NY Teen’s Death by Suicide Comes Caution: Taunted since grade school for hanging out with girls, 14-year-old Jamey Rodemeyer told his parents things were finally getting better now that high school had started. However, unbeknownst to his parents, he was writing a blog on which he was sharing his anxiety about suicide and bullying. Rodemeyer’s death by suicide several days later led to a very public homage from Lady Gaga during a concert and heavy news coverage. However, there is a need to tread carefully when dealing with bullying, youth suicide, and LGBT individuals in particular. [NY Times]

For more information on how to talk about suicide and the LGBT community, click here.

Policy Watch

New Legislation Shines Light on the Criminalization of HIV: Spit as a deadly weapon? As crazy as it sounds, in some states that is the reality that people living with HIV face. On Friday afternoon, Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA) introduced legislation in Congress that will bring some much needed attention to the issue of criminalization of HIV. Rep. Lee’s legislation- the REPEAL HIV Discrimination Act- would provide states with incentives and support to reform outdated criminal laws that target people living with HIV. [ACLU] Check out Rep. Barbara Lee’s fact sheet on the bill here.

Revised “Standards of Care” for Transgender, Transsexual, and Gender Nonconforming Individuals: The World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) has released a newly-revised edition of the Standards of Care for the Health of Transsexual, Transgender, and Gender Nonconforming people. The newly revised “SOC” will help health professionals better understand how they can offer the most effective care to these individuals. The “SOC” focuses on primary care, gynecologic and urologic care, reproductive options, voice and communication therapy, mental health, and hormonal and surgical treatment. [WPATH]

A Question from the Field

Dear Policy Matters,

I saw this news report from the U.S. Census about same-sex couples and households with children. It was a little confusing, and I’m not sure what the numbers really mean. If you could break down the report I would really appreciate it.

Thanks,

Damian

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Dear Damian,

We’re happy to help. Understanding the current census report and figuring out how the findings are important can be tricky.This report was done by the American Community Survey which is part of the U.S. Census Bureau. Before we start discussing the findings, keep in mind that transgender people were not included in this survey specifically. The report discusses households with same-sex couples. It does not account for same-sex individuals without a partner, or without a partner in their household.Let’s break it down into fact-points:

Fact #1- 131,729 same-sex couples reported being married.

This number is based on individuals who checked the “husband” or “wife” boxes on the census forms. Couples who identify as married may choose to check the “husband” or “wife” boxes even if they’re not legally married. Also, 514,000 couples used the phrase “unmarried partner.” 4% of the couples who did this are probably married legally according to an additional survey question. It is believed that couples reported this status because they thought the census wouldn’t recognize same-sex marriage due to federal law (Defense of Marriage Act).

Fact #2- More same-sex couples reported their relationship statusthan during the 2000 census.

In 2000 358,390 same-sex couples reported being together. That number has increased by 80% in 2011. This most likely doesn’t mean there are more lesbian, gay and bisexual couples in existence but rather that more individuals chose to disclose their status. Many researchers think there are even more same-sex couples, but that they aren’t reporting their status due to social stigma and discrimination toward LGB people.

Fact #3- More same-sex couples are living in lesser-populated states.

West Virginia, Montana, North and South Dakota, Oklahoma, and Kentucky saw a 150% rise in same-sex couples from 2000. The larger, more traditionally LGBT populated places, including California, New York, and the District of Columbia, saw small increases of 60% or less. This number is eye-opening to those who believe only big cities have high same-sex couple populations. However, this number does not account for single LGBT people because there is no sexual orientation question on the census.

Fact #4- About 20% of same-sex couples report having children.

On average, 1 out of 5 same-sex couples was raising children in 2010. 115,064 households with same-sex couples reported having children. 73% couples had only biological children while 21% had either step-children or adopted children.

The ways in which our federal census collects data are complicated. These statistics all have margins for error because of the different ways people see their own relationships, how they report their relationships, and the exclusion of transgender people, single LGB people, those who may be living with another couple, or are in a relationship but live in separate households.

For now, we are happy to have the information which is available to us at this time. In short, the 2010 census shows an increase in LGB couples who feel comfortable enough to report their relationship statuses, shows us that there are more same-sex couples in less-metropolitan cities than people may have thought, and gives us an idea of the number of same-sex couples with children. It also shows the importance placed on being married, even if the same-sex couples’ relationships are not legally recognized.

We hope this helps demystify the 2010 Census American Community Survey Brief on Same-Sex Households! For NPR’s news report and breakdown, read their news report titled “Census, 131,729 Gay Couples Report They’re Married.”

Thank you for moving equality forward,

Policy Matters

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Join us for the 2011 PFLAG National Convention and participate in our Lobby Day in Washington, DC!

If you would like to have a policy-related question featured in our next edition, please e-mail rperry@pflag.org with your question no later than October 14th, 2011.

Blog About Gay Soldier's Coming Out Story Promotes PFLAG

2011-10-03T15:44:00.002-04:00

Randy Phillips, a 21 year old soldier stationed in Germany, came out to his father on September 20th after "Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell" was repealed officially. He broadcast the phone call on the video-sharing site, “YouTube.” Soon afterward, he decided to tell his mother. He also broadcast his experience. Helen A.S. Popkin from Digital Life on Today.com blogged about Phillip’s bravery, and broke down the 20 minute phone call into a fair response. Popkin is far from condemning in her analysis of Phillips’ mother’s response to the news. She reminds her readers of the difficulty involved with learning about a child’s sexual identity, and reminds them that change occurs over time.

Popkin’s resources at the end of her story list four LGBT organizations. The first resource listed is our very own PFLAG! Popkin writes, “[PFLAG] is a national non-profit organization that provides opportunity for dialogue about sexual orientation and gender identity, and acts to create a society that is healthy and respectful of human diversity.”

Keep up the great work PFLAGers! It’s great to be listed as the #1 resource in a story about one young man’s journey to gain family acceptance