Monthly Archives: June 2015
LGBT Immigrant Rights Protesters Arrested Near White House
LGBT Immigrant Rights Protesters Arrested Near White House
WASHINGTON — Six LGBT immigrant rights activists were arrested Tuesday after blocking a street near the White House to protest the Obama administration’s treatment of LGBT immigrants in detention.
Protesters, organized by advocacy group United We Dream, took turns criticizing Obama administration detention policies as some participants linked themselves with chains or lay in the street and blocked traffic.
“We are asking President Obama to free all LGBT people from detention because detention is not protecting them. Detention is brutalizing them,” said Brooke Cerda-Guzmán, an undocumented transgender woman who was arrested.
The protest came a week after an undocumented transgender woman was kicked out of the White House for heckling President Barack Obama about immigrant detention. It followed Monday’s small victory for advocates for better treatment of LGBT people in detention, when U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement announced it will consider transgender detainees’ gender identity when deciding where they should be housed.
The protesters — four undocumented, and three transgender — were arrested after the group marched from the White House to K Street, where they blocked a busy intersection. As police hauled them away, others continued to chant from the sidewalk.
“Detention is bad for everyone, but it is especially bad for LGBTQ immigrants,” said Carlos Padilla, who coordinates United We Dream’s Queer Undocumented Immigrant Project. “No one should should have to face such horrific conditions for simply being who they are.”
LGBT people are more likely to experience abuse and sexual assault in immigration detention than heterosexual inmates, according to the progressive think tank Center for American Progress. The Williams Institute at the University of California, Los Angeles, estimates there are more than 267,000 undocumented LGBT immigrants in the U.S. The U.S. government reported more than 140 undocumented immigrants died in detention from 2003 to 2013. The number of LGBT people included in that figure is unknown.
ICE has taken steps to better accommodate LGBT detainees. The agency on Monday revealed plans to allow transgender detainees to be placed in facilities with the sex they identify with. Andrew Lorenzen-Strait, ICE deputy assistant director for custody programs, said agency has been conducting a pilot program at one of its facilities and is looking to expand it to a few of its other detention centers.
“We do know the procedures that we put in place are working,” Lorenzen-Strait said. “We want this to be an option for more facilities.”
ICE will begin keeping data on detainees’ gender identity and will offer more training for immigration officers to help transgender detainees in a respectful manner.
But Padilla said it does not go far enough.
“No matter how much better you make that cage, it doesn’t change the fact that it is a cage,” Padilla said.
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Marcha por el Orgullo 2015 / @Movilh por Cristobal Molina
Michael Sam Back With Montreal Team, 'Fully Committed'
Michael Sam Back With Montreal Team, 'Fully Committed'
The out footballer, back after a personal leave, also says the Supreme Court’s marriage equality decision is ‘freaking awesome.’
Trudy Ring
www.advocate.com/sports/2015/06/30/michael-sam-back-montreal-team-fully-committed
A Memorable Month of Pride in America
A Memorable Month of Pride in America
For too long, same-sex couples have fought tirelessly for their basic civil rights. Loving, committed partners, along with millions of families and supporters, have challenged the status quo, and demanded that all Americans receive equal treatment under the law, and the opportunity for them and their families to live anywhere in this great country, with the dignity, respect, and rights that all Americans deserve.
On Friday, June 26th, the Supreme Court honored their fight and handed down one of the most historic rulings of our generation. The highest court in the land ruled that same-sex couples have a constitutional right to marriage equality.
Friday’s decision was momentous — and as President Obama said in his remarks following the decision, the Supreme Court has “reaffirmed that all Americans are entitled to the equal protection of the law. That all people should be treated equally, regardless of who they are or who they love.”
After years of waiting, marriage equality is a reality. The ruling represents an enormous victory for same-sex couples, their children, and their supporters, many of whom have dedicated their lives to this struggle. The decision also provides a historic close to this year’s LGBT Pride Month — an annual celebration of the courage of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities. But central to celebrating Pride is recognizing the work that is yet to be done. Not until every American — whether gay, straight, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender — is treated equally under the law will we fully realize our potential as a nation.
As the president said on Friday, “The decision affirms what millions of Americans already believe in their hearts: When all Americans are treated as equal we are all more free.” This is the Administration’s guiding principle on issues of LGBT equality — from the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” to ending the legal defense of Section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). From restructuring benefits following the end of DOMA, to appointing a record number of openly LGBT Americans to the Administration. And last July, of course, the President signed an Executive Order that prohibits federal contractors from discriminating on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity — protecting up to 1.5 million Americans from discrimination based on who they are or who they love.
Throughout Pride Month this June, the White House has welcomed leaders from around the world to discuss issues facing the LGBT community. On June 1st, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration kicked off the month by releasing its Guide to Restroom Access for Transgender Workers, upholding the principle that all employees should have access to restrooms that correspond to their gender identity. On June 12, the White House, National Security Council, State Department, and USAID welcomed experts on policing and LGBT rights from Europe, Africa, and Latin America to discuss community efforts to prevent bias-motivated violence, the role of law enforcement, and other steps the government can take to protect LGBT individuals.
And on June 23rd, the White House hosted an LGBT substance abuse roundtable to discuss best practices for recovery and treatment in the LGBT community. The next day, the White House hosted a briefing on how the president’s priorities around health care, climate change, education, and international LGBT rights are impacting the LGBT community. This briefing was in conjunction with a White House announcement that after 2015, federal employees’ health insurers can no longer contain blanket exclusions for transgender-inclusive health care such as hormone therapy.
Also last week, the Office of Science and Technology Policy hosted a “We The Geeks: Made With Pride” Google hangout to recognize the accomplishments of makers and LGBT people in technology, and explore strategies for diversifying science and technology fields.
To close out the month, the president hosted a Pride Month reception for LGBT leaders and allies at the White House on Wednesday, June 24th.
2015 has also marked some important steps forward in our society for transgender Americans, as more and more of our neighbors, family members and loved ones are feeling the freedom and support they need to embrace their personal identities. More businesses are standing up against anti-LGBT legislation in states and we’ve seen a real shift towards broader public acceptance and understanding.
As our work continues in the months and years to come, we must remember to keep pushing for things like a fully inclusive Employment Non-Discrimination Act and a society in which every child in America feels supported and safe to pursue their happiness, regardless of who they are or whom they love. We also must remember this period as proof of what is possible when we work hard, work together, and pursue the highest ideals of our country.
President Obama said it best while honoring the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington: “But we would dishonor those heroes as well to suggest that the work of this nation is somehow complete. The arc of the moral universe may bend towards justice, but it doesn’t bend on its own. To secure the gains this country has made requires constant vigilance, not complacency.”
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Girls Scouts Reaffirm Commitment to Transgender Inclusion
Girls Scouts Reaffirm Commitment to Transgender Inclusion
Yesterday, the Seattle Met reported that the Girl Scouts of Western Washington returned a $100,000 donation after the donor requested that the money not be spent on transgender youth.
HRC.org
Tennessee Hardware Store Posts ‘No Gays Allowed’ Sign In Response To SCOTUS Marriage Ruling
Tennessee Hardware Store Posts ‘No Gays Allowed’ Sign In Response To SCOTUS Marriage Ruling
Backlash against the Supreme Court’s ruling on same-sex marriage continues. A Tennessee hardware store owner has posted a sign in the window of his store that reads, “NO GAYS ALLOWED” in response to the Court’s ruling.
Jeff Amyx, the owner of Amyx Hardware and Roofing Supplies in the eastern county of Grainger, said that he posted the sign because “gay and lesbian couples are against his religion”, as WBIR puts it. Amyx added that the Supreme Court’s decision and the public outpouring of support for LGBT rights inspired him to put his bigotry on display.
Amyx, who is also a baptist minister, said he realized Monday morning that homosexual people are not afraid to stand for what they believe in. He said it showed him that Christian people should be brave enough to stand for what they believe in.
“They gladly stand for what they believe in, why can’t I? They believe their way is right, I believe it’s wrong. But yet I’m going to take more persecution than them because I’m standing for what I believe in,” Amyx said.
The sign was brought to the attention of WBIR on Facebook.
Amyx says he no plans to take it down.
The post Tennessee Hardware Store Posts ‘No Gays Allowed’ Sign In Response To SCOTUS Marriage Ruling appeared first on Towleroad.
Sean Mandell
Tennessee Hardware Store Posts ‘No Gays Allowed’ Sign In Response To SCOTUS Marriage Ruling
Department of Justice Affirms Title IX Protection for Trans Students
Department of Justice Affirms Title IX Protection for Trans Students
The feds weigh in on the case of a transgender boy in Virginia, affirming his right to self-identify under federal law.
Dawn Ennis
Reflecting on GLSEN's Educator of the Year Award
Reflecting on GLSEN's Educator of the Year Award
There are so many great educators across our nation, doing great things for our youth, and I am honored to be counted among them. Recently, I was awarded the Educator of the Year Award by GLSEN, the Gay Lesbian and Straight Education Network. This is a national award, and today, I would like share some reflections on my career, district, and experiences, so that perhaps other districts can begin modelling these best practices for their LGBTQ youth.
I joined the Teach for America program eight years ago in hopes that one day, all children in our nation will have the opportunity to attain an excellent education. I believe in the promise of one day, all children, and thanks to the work of GLSEN and its many supporters, that day will be one day soon.
After all, it was one day after I taught a lesson on marriage equality, that a student of mine approached me and asked if I would sponsor a Gay Straight Alliance (GSA). I’d never heard of a GSA but I quickly began to see the importance of this club. Although I initially faced some resistance from my colleagues and community members, I began hosting meetings, advertising for members, and using my teacher twitter account to post meetings and highlight GSA events. Focusing on the importance of allies and the S in GSA, more students joined and off we were, planning school-wide events and being activists in our community.
It was one day shortly after that, when officials from DCPS invited me to join the LGBT Steering Committee, a team of school administrators and community members charged with the task of creating a District-wide plan to provide a welcoming and respectful community for LGBT students, staff and families. In a milestone career achievement, together, we devised a plan to create an inclusive school community, ensuring lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning students, teachers, staff, and families are safe, happy, welcomed and respected in our schools. Recently, our district has rolled out the DCPS Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming Policy Guideline, an additional document that supports our youth.
DCPS is an exciting place to work, where teachers, administrators, and central office staff unite to create plans and initiatives that support every child – it’s what every educator, every administrator, and every school official is called to do.
I know I’m not the typical teacher and this is not the typical experience of our LGBT youth. In my classroom, a born this way flag hangs in the back above a GSA resource center I set up for students to access resources and readings. I firmly believe the safe space I’ve been able to create is why my students have out-performed the district set bar of growth and achievement year after year.
Our GSA work at the school level has transformed our culture with GLSEN events like Ally Week, No Name-Calling Week, Day of Silence, as well as Transgender Day of Remembrance. Our school librarian and I created an LGBT section in the library, and I’ve created advisory lesson plans on issues like Gender Identity and anti-bullying, and hosted professional development opportunities for teachers to implement safe space practices in their classrooms.
As an LGBT Liaison for my district, I’m able to mentor other educators in creating a safe space for our students. I’ve been able to partner with GSAs from other schools to host social and educational events that address current issues our youth face. I’ve attended district trainings that make me a better, more supportive educator for our students.
DCPS has created a model for supporting its LGBT youth, and it is because of this model that I am able to support my students and watch them flourish. This year, they marched in the Capital Pride parade with DCPS, standing with the district that stands for them. Recently, one of my students was recognized by the Washington Blade’s 20 under 20, speaking out against the abuses of bullying and name calling. Our students are achieving greatness and most importantly, finding themselves, their voice, passion and identity.
Today’s youth are incredible, smart and passionate, and fired up for the movement. We as educators have to empower them and create a space for them to set out and be the great leaders they were born to be. District leaders and administrators across the country must come together to support our LGBT youth—regardless of political or religious agendas.
Eight years and counting I’ve been teaching in DCPS, and I don’t plan to stop anytime soon. I plan to remain in the classroom, teaching and guiding our youth, until one day, when all children—regardless of race, gender identity, class, geographical location, or sexual orientation—have the opportunity to attain an excellent education. We need other educators and policy makers from all across the country to stand up and join us in our advocacy for LGBTQ youth, so that one day becomes one day soon.
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In The Wake Of A Homophobic Attack On Gay Pride Sunday, Seattle Couple Now Face Thousands Of Dollars In Medical Bills
In The Wake Of A Homophobic Attack On Gay Pride Sunday, Seattle Couple Now Face Thousands Of Dollars In Medical Bills
A Seattle couple who sustained multiple injuries during an attack at a Gay Pride event on Capitol Hill now face thousands of dollars in medical expenses.
Rawstory reports that Steven Briggs and Patrick Dettling had been out celebrating the legalization of same-sex marriage last Sunday, when a gang of three men and two women approached them.
As Dettling stretched, one of the men allegedly smacked his hand from out of the blue. When Dettling asked, “Why did you do that?,” the stranger sarcastically retorted, “I was just high fiving you.”
The situation quickly intensified, with the attackers shouting homophobic slurs as they repeated punched the two men in the face and kicked them before fleeing.
“It’s kinda made me regress back a little bit,” says Dettling, who suffered a broken nose, cuts and bruises.
After spending five hours at the hospital, the couple — who have been together for eight years — decided to return to the Pride event later that evening. Seattle police are investigating the crime, but right now there aren’t any suspects.
“[People] must think with marriage comes everything,” said Briggs. “You know, that all ignorance and intolerance goes away and it doesn’t.”
The below video from KOMO further elaborates on the story.
Derek de Koff