Melania Trump Calls for 'Gender Empowerment and Respect' at Ceremony Honoring Women
Speaking at the 2017 Secretary of State’s International Women of Courage Awards, the first lady called for unity in fighting injustice in all forms.
Daily Archives: March 29, 2017
Gay Adult Film Actor Markie More Vows to Donate $250 from Each Scene to Gay-Straight Alliance Network
Gay Adult Film Actor Markie More Vows to Donate $250 from Each Scene to Gay-Straight Alliance Network
Markie More, a gay adult film actor who works with Next Door Studios who recently announced his retirement, made a couple of announcement at The Phoenix Forum trade show over the weekend.
— Paadzer (@paadzer) March 16, 2016
The first announcement was that he’s coming out of retirement. The second was that he would be donating $250 from each forthcoming scene to the Gay-Straight Alliance network, a “next-generation LGBTQ racial and gender justice organization that empowers and trains queer, trans and allied youth leaders to advocate, organize, and mobilize an intersectional movement for safer schools and healthier communities” according to its mission statement.
Said Markie:
“I’ve always felt a calling within myself to help people, especially those who can’t necessarily help themselves. And over the years it’s only gotten stronger, this feeling. And I thought that I had to subtract myself from the adult industry to make this happen. So I took some time to reflect and I realized that this is the very industry that changed my life in so many ways for the better. Being more confident, comfortable with who I am, comfortable with my sexuality. So I’ve decided not to retire and from this point forward I will be donating $250 from every scene to the GSA network ― the Gay-Straight Alliance network. It’s a charity that organizes clubs within middles schools and high schools for LGBTQ youth, giving them a safe place to learn, a comfortable place to socialize and avoid the hate and then just to grow. I believe we just need to love each other. Just be kind.”
Watch:
WATCH: @MarkieMore Statement at The Phoenix Forum 2017 (t.co/V0hnlWqJMP) Video by @philliyT // @BuddyProfits @NextDoorStudios pic.twitter.com/XhCNm6tfrb
— Queer Me Now (@QueerMeNow) March 25, 2017
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DON’T SELL US OUT: LGBTQ Advocates Call On Allies To Reject Backroom Dealing on HB2 Discrimination
DON’T SELL US OUT: LGBTQ Advocates Call On Allies To Reject Backroom Dealing on HB2 Discrimination
HRC and Equality North Carolina urged North Carolina lawmakers to reject a backroom “deal” that would both continue the harms of the discriminatory HB2 law and push the possibility of full repeal further out of reach. The most recent proposal would specifically prohibit cities from passing protections ensuring that transgender people are able to access facilities in accordance with their gender identity, and it would further prohibit municipalities from passing other LGBTQ non-discrimination protections through 2020.
This means that North Carolina would continue to be the only state in the nation to have shamefully funneled anti-transgender animus into a law regulating restroom access. The proposal would also prevent cities in North Carolina from establishing non-discrimination protections for LGBTQ people for at least three years, undermining efforts by cities like Charlotte to attract top talent, major businesses, and other economic opportunities.
For more than a year, Senate President Phil Berger and House Speaker Tim Moore have blocked an up-or-down vote on clean repeal of HB2, despite the overwhelming outcry from voters, businesses, and others seeking to do business in the state.
“The rumored HB2 ‘deal’ does nothing more than double-down on discrimination and would ensure North Carolina remains the worst state in the nation for LGBTQ people,” said HRC President Chad Griffin. “The consequences of this hateful law will only continue without full repeal of HB2. Sellouts cave under pressure. Leaders fight for what’s right.”
“This proposal is a train wreck that would double down on anti-LGBTQ discrimination. North Carolinians want a clean repeal of HB2, and we urge our allies not to sell us out,” said Chris Sgro, Equality NC Executive Director. “Those who stand for equality and with LGBTQ people are standing strong against these antics. We’ve got less than 24 hours before the NCAA deadline. There is no time to waste – our leaders must fight for what’s right, and that is full repeal.”
The backroom proposal is being pushed as lawmakers face a deadline tomorrow to repeal HB2 or risk losing out on bids for NCAA championship games through 2022 — a decision that will further compound the economic harm HB2 continues to inflict on the state. Just this week, the Associated Press published exclusive analysis showing the deeply discriminatory HB2 will cost the state more than $3.76 BILLION in lost business over a dozen years — and even that likely underestimates the damage.
LGBTQ Equality Advances in Three Major Cities in Ohio
LGBTQ Equality Advances in Three Major Cities in Ohio
Three major cities in Ohio took big steps for LGBTQ equality this week: The Columbus City Council voted to protect LGBTQ youth from the dangerous practice of “conversion therapy” and the Akron City Council and the Olmsted Falls City Council passed LGBTQ-inclusive non-discrimination protections.
“Conversion therapy,” sometimes referred to as “sexual orientation change efforts” or “reparative therapy,” is a range of dangerous and debunked practices that seek to change an individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity or expression. These practices are based on the false premise that being LGBTQ is a mental illness that needs to be cured, a theory that has been rejected by every major medical and mental health organization for decades.
California, Illinois, New Jersey, Oregon, Vermont, New York and Washington, D.C. currently have laws or regulations protecting LGBTQ minors from the dangerous practice. In Ohio, Cincinnati and Toledo have similar ordinances in place.
In addition to this major victory in Columbus, Akron became the 17th city in Ohio to pass LGBTQ-inclusive non-discrimination protections and Olmsted Falls became the 18th one-day later.
Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan and Councilman Rich Swirsky introduced that city’s bill last week, which was passed unanimously Monday night. The bill creates an Akron Civil Rights Commission that would hear cases regarding denial of employment, housing and access to public accommodations. on the basis of age, sex, race, color, creed, religion, national origin, military status, disability, marital status, sexual orientation and gender identity.
“No one should live in fear of being fired, being denied service, or being denied a place to live just because of who they are,” Mayor Horrigan told the Akron Beacon Journal. “And I truly believe that if Akron is to live up to its reputation as a ‘welcoming city,’ it needs to be more than just words on paper.”
The Olmsted Falls City Council took the first steps to advance protections for LGBTQ people in February and passed the updated ordinance yesterday.
Valerian, Billy Eichner, Harry Styles, Mark Latham, Darlene Cates, Aaron Schock, Bill Baroni: HOT LINKS
Valerian, Billy Eichner, Harry Styles, Mark Latham, Darlene Cates, Aaron Schock, Bill Baroni: HOT LINKS
THAW. Donald Trump says hit to Chuck Schumer: “It was the first six words exchanged between the president and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer in more than two months.”
SWITCH. Trump traded his unsecured Android for an iPhone.
BRIDGEGATE. Bill Baroni sentenced to two years in prison for role in scandal: “Mr. Baroni, 45, had been found guilty by a federal jury last fall of conspiracy and fraud following a seven-week trial. Bridget Anne Kelly, 44, who was Mr. Christie’s deputy chief of staff, was also convicted and will be sentenced later on Wednesday.”
AARON SCHOCK. Staffer was FBI informant: “The staffer, who is not named, secretly taped conversations with Schock and people working in his office while Schock was still a member of Congress, according to a 30-page motion and attached memo that cites documents from the court discovery process. The informant took documents from Schock’s Illinois district office, including from another staffer’s desk and email inbox, and provided them to federal investigators, the documents say.”
RIP. Gilbert Grape mom Darlene Cates dies in her sleep at 69. “Cates was born in Borger, Texas and grew up in Dumas. Her breakout role in Hollywood was also her first when she was offered the role of a housebound mother in “What’s Eating Gilbert Grape.” The drama, which starred a young Johnny Depp, notably earned Leonardo DiCaprio his first Oscar nomination.”
SKY NEWS. Host sacked after pegging student who appeared in feminist video “gay”. Mark Latham: “I thought he was gay. Well, yes, who wouldn’t think that? Only later in the video did it become clear the students were reciting the words of women as part of some strange social media presentation.”
LAID TO REST. Friends and family say good-bye to George Michael: “”George Michael’s family would like to thank his fans across the world for their many messages of love and support. We ask that the family’s wish for privacy be respected so that they can continue to live their lives privately, away from any media intrusion.”
ORLANDO. Mayors criticized for not saying LGBTQ in their announcement of the one-year anniversary memorial of the Pulse massacre. “If you’re going to be inclusive, you have to talk about everyone who was impacted. That’s not happening,” Sheehan said of the shootings in which 49 people were slain and dozens more wounded. “Frankly, I was afraid this was going to happen. I didn’t want it to be about the politicians. I wanted it to be about the people who were impacted.”
UK. World War II veteran comes out as transgender at 90.
SCARLETT JOHANSSON. I may run for office. “I’ve always been interested in local politics. Right now I think with my young daughter, and also as my career is going right now, it’s not the right time. But eventually, maybe if my daughter was older and I could totally focus myself on something like that. I think it could be interesting.”
ILLINOIS. Monmouth mayoral candidate DuWayne Brooks attacked online with anti-gay, racist slurs. “I cannot vote for you because you’re gay,” read one post. “I do not want a gay mayor for Monmouth.”
HARRY STYLES. One Direction singer will make solo live debut on SNL.
AMERICAN HORROR STORY. Billy Eichner cast in Season 7: “As usual, details about Eichner’s character are being kept under wraps, but sources say he is playing a close confidant of Paulson’s character and mostly will be wearing mysterious tank tops. I hear Eichner will be in six or seven of the 11 episodes in Season 7, which begins shooting in May.”
TRAILER OF THE DAY. Luc Besson’s Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets.
HUMP DAY HOTTIE. Edwin S.
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Alexander Vogt: Ein deutlicher Appell an meine Parteikollegen: Eine Blockade der Homo-Ehe ist nicht länger tragbar
Alexander Vogt: Ein deutlicher Appell an meine Parteikollegen: Eine Blockade der Homo-Ehe ist nicht länger tragbar
Die Ehe für alle gehört zu den Kernanliegen des Bundesverbandes für Lesben und Schwule in der Union. Wir fordern deshalb seit jeher einen Kurswechsel von CDU und CSU bei der rechtlichen Gleichstellung homosexueller Menschen.
Weiterlesen: Blogs, Homo-Ehe, Gleichgeschlechtliche Ehe, Cdu, Politik, Homosexualität, Germany News
www.huffingtonpost.de/alexander-vogt/homo-ehe-deutschland-gleichberechtigung_b_15687488.html
In the Wake of HB2, North Carolina Hospitals Put Patients Over Politics
In the Wake of HB2, North Carolina Hospitals Put Patients Over Politics
Today, the Human Rights Campaign Foundation released the 10th edition of the Healthcare Equality Index (HEI), reflecting on a decade of progress in LGBTQ healthcare. In the face of the state’s anti-LGBTQ HB2 law, 28 hospitals in North Carolina participated in the HEI, with 22 earning the coveted “Leader in LGBTQ Healthcare Equality” designation. North Carolina is third nationwide in the number of facilities achieving Leader status, behind only California and New York.
“While North Carolina’s state legislature fails to stand up for the LGBTQ community — especially the transgender community — North Carolina hospitals are providing life-saving medical treatments to this too-often marginalized community every day,” said Tari Hanneman, Director of the Health Equality Project at the Human Rights Campaign Foundation. “HB2 has stained North Carolina’s reputation, but it is heartening to know that these medical professionals put their patients over politics and continue to give LGBTQ people the best treatment in an affirming environment.”
In the wake of HB2, many North Carolina hospitals and healthcare systems reassured their employees of their commitment to LGBTQ diversity and inclusion, and some spoke out publicly against the discriminatory bill. Duke University, a longtime participant in the HEI and a Leader in LGBTQ Healthcare Equality, called for the bill’s repeal. Throughout this controversy, several hospitals in North Carolina committed to LGBTQ inclusion by participating in the HEI for the first time, and many of them achieved the Leader in LGBTQ Healthcare Equality designation. Novant Health, based in Winston-Salem, helped fuel this surge in participation by having all 13 of their hospitals, including 10 in North Carolina, participate in the survey this year and become Leaders.
This year’s HEI features a profile of the Center for Child and Adolescent Gender Care at Duke Children’s Hospital, founded by Dr. Deanna Adkins who recognized the need for a dedicated, comprehensive gender center in North Carolina. As the first center of its kind in the state, Dr. Adkins reflects on impact the center has had, including serving as a resource for the transgender community and their loved ones looking for support after HB2 was signed into law a year ago.
“Since HB2 passed, our patients are more anxious and afraid. They are immediately targets for harassment and bullying when they use a public restroom. More and more withdraw from school and society,” said Dr. Adkins. “I am really concerned because this self-isolation escalates their depression, which increases their risk of suicide even more.”
The 10th edition of the HEI includes new criteria that raises the bar on what it takes to earn HRC’s “Leader in LGBTQ Healthcare Equality” designation. For the first time, HEI participants are awarded numerical scores for their implementation of LGBTQ-inclusive policies and practices in four areas; LGBTQ patient-centered care, LGBTQ patient services and support, fully-inclusive employee benefits and policies, and LGBTQ patient and community engagement. Participants receiving the maximum score in each section, for a total score of 100, earn the coveted status of “2017 Leader in LGBTQ Healthcare Equality.”
In the 2017 report, an impressive 303 facilities — 51 percent of those actively participating in the survey — met this year’s more challenging criteria to earn the Leader designation. Another 144 facilities earned a “Top Performer” designation for scoring between 80 and 95 points. With three quarters of actively-participating facilities scoring 80 points or more, it is clear that healthcare facilities are going beyond the basics in adopting policies and practices in LGBTQ care.
In addition to the positive scoring criteria, the 2017 HEI includes a fifth section focusing on responsible citizenship, and calling out activity that would undermine LGBTQ equality or incusive patient care. Healthcare facilities may have 25 points deducted from their score for a large-scale official or public anti-LGBTQ blemish on their recent records. This year, Johns Hopkins Hospital became the first and only facility to receive this deduction.
Of the hospitals who did not participate in the 2017 HEI but were scored based on HRC’s research, only 61 percent have nondiscrimination policies that include both “sexual orientation” and “gender identity,” and only 52 percent were found to have an LGBTQ-inclusive employment non-discrimination policy. However, 95 percent of these facilities are committed to equal visitation, close to the rate of the facilities that actively participated in the survey.
Trump Covertly Dismantles Obama-Era LGBT Protections
Trump Covertly Dismantles Obama-Era LGBT Protections
Trump just made it easier for federal contractors to discriminate about LGBT people.
www.advocate.com/politics/2017/3/29/trump-covertly-dismantles-obama-era-lgbt-protections
Iva Bouquet, Elliott Broadfoot, Uma Daze & Mystique @ Leeds Pride 2016
Jack Falahee: It’s ‘Good Fun’ Being a ‘Sex Symbol’ and ‘Rewarding’ Playing a Gay Man
Jack Falahee: It’s ‘Good Fun’ Being a ‘Sex Symbol’ and ‘Rewarding’ Playing a Gay Man
Jack Falahee, who plays Connor Walsh on the hit ABC drama television series How to Get Away with Murder, offered up some reflections as the show wrapped up its third season and after he posed for some chest-baring shots for Fault magazine in its most recent issue.
While the 28-year-old Falahee admits to enjoying some attention, he is the first to point out that “I’m a sex symbol with the help of great makeup and lighting experts making me look a certain way on TV and magazines.” He also sounded a note of caution with respect to the experiences of women: “I’ve been discussing it with the women close to me. I obviously can never understand how women can go through life that way [being objectified] but I can see a glimpse of what that experience might feel like and it’s not a nice one.” Still, “nine times out of ten, it’s all good fun.”
The character of Connor Walsh, who is gay and has an HIV-positive boyfriend, has “100% open[ed his] eyes to the LGBTQ struggle and I can’t stress that enough,” Falahee explained to Fault. He identifies as straight, something he had only clarified directly because of the 2016 election result, and also as an avowed LGBTQ ally:
I’m still not over how the much of an impact the show has made and a lot of that is Connor’s character and his importance to fans. It’s emblematic of my straight privilege, but I never thought his character would be so important to the LGBTQ community. When the finale came out and [insert significant plot point here!], seeing the Twitter reaction was so overwhelming and I was just overjoyed at how meaningful the character is to people.
Going into this, it was never written on the page that “Connor Walsh is a homosexual,” so when it came to the first love scene I just thought, “Wow, this guy is willing to do whatever it takes to get ahead” and now I know that was the heteronormativity in my mind back then that was rationalizing this whole aspect of his character.
It wasn’t until [series creator] Pete Nowalk was like “Oh no, Connor is gay” that I’ve been really trying to become a student of the history of LGBTQ rights and learning more about the struggle of those in the past and in the present day. I asked Pete and my friends for a reading list on LGBTQ history because one of my favorite aspects about being an actor is that I’m continually having to learn about things I’ve been very uneducated on in the past.
The outpouring of love from the fans was so gratifying and humbling for me. Receiving messages from fans saying “Connor & Oliver helped me come out to my parents” is deeply rewarding and to be any small part of the courage needed to come out will forever be a blessing to me.
You can see more of Falahee, and Connor Walsh, before too long: How to Get Away with Murder was recently renewed for its fourth season.
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Jack Falahee: It’s ‘Good Fun’ Being a ‘Sex Symbol’ and ‘Rewarding’ Playing a Gay Man