Monthly Archives: May 2018



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NEWS

#AM_Equality Tipsheet: May 18, 2018

#AM_Equality Tipsheet: May 18, 2018

INVESTIGATION REVEALS TROUBLING DISCRIMINATION AND BULLYING IN OREGON SCHOOL: An alarming report by the Oregon Department of Education found “substantial evidence” of discrimination by school officials and extreme bullying against LGBTQ students in the North Bend School District. Writes the New York Times’  Matthew Haag (@matthewhaag), “In the hallways of a rural Oregon high school, gay and lesbian students were taunted with homophobic slurs. In the cafeteria, students pelted a transgender student with food. And when gay and lesbian students got into trouble, the school’s principal assigned a specific punishment just for them: readings from the Bible.” The findings underscore the need for LGBTQ-inclusive schools — even in states with nondiscrimination protections like Oregon. More from the New York Times.

⚠️ Alarming news from Oregon that an investigation by @ORDeptEd found “substantial evidence” of discrimination by school officials against #LGBTQ students in the North Bend School District.⚠️ t.co/AyzLmcf2lb

— Human Rights Campaign (@HRC) May 18, 2018

HRC REMEMBERS PEARL BERLIN, NORTH CAROLINA MARRIAGE EQUALITY PIONEER: Today, HRC responded to the tragic news that Pearl Berlin, wife to Lennie Gerber, has passed away. Pearl and Lennie were intimately involved in the fight for marriage equality in North Carolina. The couple was together for more than 50 years; this June would have been their 52nd anniversary. “Pearl Berlin was a fierce advocate for same-sex couples in North Carolina, and a force so dedicated to change that she and her wife Lennie were able to bring marriage equality to the Tarheel State,” said HRC President Chad Griffin. “We at HRC are saddened by her loss, but we are deeply grateful to have been able to know Pearl during her extraordinary life and through her tireless fight for equality. All of our thoughts and prayers are with her wife Lennie, and Pearl’s family.” Read more from HRC.

2/ Pearl and her wife Lennie were intimately involved in the fight for marriage equality in North Carolina, as plaintiffs in a landmark case that brought the right to marry to all North Carolinians. The couple was together for more than 50 years. pic.twitter.com/peugVZaRgy

— Human Rights Campaign (@HRC) May 18, 2018

FEEL-GOOD FRIDAY — QUEER WOMEN ARE REMAKING THE RESTAURANT INDUSTRY: Several restaurants owned and operated by female couples are serving up a new way to run notoriously grueling businesses. Ligaya Mishan (@ligayamishan) writes in the New York Times, “As restaurants helmed by queer women thrive in American cities, so too does a new paradigm for less brutal, more collaborative, professional cooking.” More, including photographs of delicious food, from the New York Times.

HRC’S SARAH MCBRIDE HONORED BY NATIONAL CENTER FOR TRANSGENDER EQUALITY: Last night, HRC’s Sarah McBride (@SarahEMcBride) was honored with the Andrew Cray Award by the National Center for Transgender Equality (NCTE) at its 15th anniversary event.  The award is named for Sarah’s late husband, who was a fierce fighter for LGBTQ equality, particulary in expanding access to health care. Congratulations, Sarah!

We’re so proud of transgender trailblazer @SarahEMcBride, who was presented tonight with the Andy Cray Award at @TransEquality‘s annual event. Proud to call Sarah a member of the @HRC family. #TransEqualityNow2018 pic.twitter.com/KiBPyKpGxZ

— Human Rights Campaign (@HRC) May 18, 2018

INSIDE THE WAVE OF CHILD WELFARE LICENSE TO DISCRIMINATE BILLS: The Daily Beast’s Samantha Allen (@SLAWrites) dives into the push for legislation licensing discrimination against LGBTQ people by child welfare agencies. Governor Mary Fallin (R-OK) recently signed into law the first explicitly anti-LGBTQ bill of 2018. It allows adoption and foster care agencies to turn away qualified Oklahomans seeking to care for a child in need, including LGBTQ couples, interfaith couples, single parents, married couples in which one prospective parent has previously been divorced, or other parents to whom the agency has a religious objection. More from The Daily Beast.

SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION REVERSES DECISION TO REMOVE LGBTQ RESOURCES ON WEBSITE: Following complaints from activists and members of Congress, the Small Business Administration (SBA) has decided to republish an LGBTQ resource page on their website for LGBTQ-owned and operated small businesses. The resource page had been removed after Trump’s inauguration. Representatives Nydia M. Velázquez (@NydiaVelazquez) and Yvette Clarke (@RepYvetteClarke) wrote a letter of concern to the SBA Administrator last week, saying, “It is important that all federal agencies are inclusive and work proactively to serve the needs of all Americans.” More from the Advocate.

HRC RECOGNIZES NATIONAL ASIAN AND PACIFIC ISLANDER HIV & AIDS AWARENESS DAY: Though Asians and Pacific Islanders (API) account for approximately two percent of new HIV diagnoses in the U.S., an examination of data reveals the barriers that prevent API people from accessing vital HIV & AIDS services, writes Peter Cruz, Associate Director of the HRC Foundation’s HIV and Health Equity Program. According to the CDC, API people living with HIV have the longest delay in HIV diagnoses compared to all other race and ethnicity groups, posing significant risks for undiagnosed individuals. Read more about advocates working to provide HIV & AIDS services for API and other affected communities at HRC.

HRC.ORG CITED AS A BEST BLOG ON LGBTQ PARENTING: Healthline just published its annual top blogs list. More from Healthline.

GLOBAL EQUALITY NEWS

POLITICAL AND BUSINESS LEADERS, CELEBRITIES AND ADVOCATES JOIN IN HONORING INTERNATIONAL DAY AGAINST HOMOPHOBIA, TRANSPHOBIA AND BIPHOBIA: Read more about how they marked IDAHOTB at HRC.

Ugandan authorities shut down an International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (#IDAHOTB) event in Kampala. @HRC continues to stand in solidarity with the Ugandan #LGBTQ movement. ��️‍������ t.co/M4WjMVnXkM

— Human Rights Campaign (@HRC) May 17, 2018

  • And Georgia cancels IDAHOTB celebrations: Citing security concerns, LGBTQ activists cancelled yesterday’s planned celebrations for IDAHOTB. They canceled the celebrations because of death threats from far-right groups. Read more from Gay Star News.

INDONESIAN LGBTQ ACTIVISTS FIGHT BACK AGAINST STATE-SPONSORED HOMOPHOBIA: The action comes after recent anti-LGBTQ statements and actions by the Indonesian government, including the West Java Social Affairs Agency posting a sign designating “LGBT” as a “societal illnesses.” More from The Jakarta Post.

HONG KONG BEGINS OFFERING VISAS TO SAME-SEX COUPLES: The move follows a High Court decision last year. Read more from Gay Star News.

READING RAINBOW – Bookmark now to read on your lunch break!

Gay Star News reports on a sports day held for transgender people in Pakistan;

Have news? Send us your news and tips at [email protected]. Click here to subscribe to #AM_Equality and follow @HRC for all the latest news. Thanks for reading!

www.hrc.org/blog/am-equality-tipsheet-may-18-2018?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss-feed

MISC

Bill Gates: I Had to Explain the Difference Between HIV and HPV to Trump….Twice

Bill Gates: I Had to Explain the Difference Between HIV and HPV to Trump….Twice
Bill Gates Trump

In a video obtained by Chris Hayes and broadcast on All In, Microsoft founder Bill Gates gets candid with an audience about his impressions of Donald Trump.

Gates said he never met Trump before he was elected, because he had always avoided him.

After Trump was elected, Gates said he went to visit Trump at a horse show where Trump had talked to his daughter Jennifer. Gates said that Trump left the event and made a big show of flying back to the same event in a helicopter 20 minutes later.

“Clearly he had been driven away but wanted to make a grand entrance in a helicopter. So when I first talked to him it was almost kind of scary how much he knew about my daughter’s appearance.”

Gates said he saw him at another meeting at Trump Tower about energy, health, and education, HIV vaccine, things like that.

He met him once more at the White House. In both meetings, he asked Gates if vaccines were good or bad, and Gates told him no.

“Both times he wanted to know if there was a difference between HIV and HPV. So I was able to explain that those things are rarely confused with each other.”

Gates added that Trump talked about himself in the first person, telling Gates: “Trump hears that you don’t like what Trump is doing.”

Added Gates: “And I thought. Wow. You’re Trump.”

The post Bill Gates: I Had to Explain the Difference Between HIV and HPV to Trump….Twice appeared first on Towleroad.


Bill Gates: I Had to Explain the Difference Between HIV and HPV to Trump….Twice

MISC

HRC Recognizes National Asian and Pacific Islander HIV & AIDS Awareness Day

HRC Recognizes National Asian and Pacific Islander HIV & AIDS Awareness Day

Though Asians and Pacific Islanders (API) account for approximately two percent of new HIV diagnoses in the U.S., an examination of data reveals the barriers that prevent API people from accessing vital HIV & AIDS services.  According to the CDC, API people living with HIV have the longest delay in HIV diagnoses compared to all other race and ethnicity groups — 4.2 years.  This delay poses significant risks for undiagnosed individuals and their sexual or drug-using partners. HRC is proud to highlight the work of several individuals working to provide HIV & AIDS services for API and other affected communities.  

Jury Candelario (Los Angeles, California)

Candelario is the Division Director at APAIT, an organization that provides programs and services for people living with and affected by HIV & AIDS.

“Stigma remains the largest barrier to addressing HIV & AIDS within the API community. I still see clients whose parents separate their dishes for fear of contagion–even though we’ve educated them multiple times. We’ve also had significant medical breakthroughs like PrEP and PEP, plus public education campaigns like Undetectable = Untransmittable / U=U, but they are not necessarily reaching communities of color, including the API community.”

Call-to-Action:

“Let’s continue normalizing HIV and not be ashamed. Getting tested is key. Our campaign, #statusissexy is one way we’ve been outreaching to the community to know their HIV status. Find your strength! Challenge the stigma!”

Kunane Dreier (Honolulu, Hawaii)

Dreier is the LGBTQ Health and Capacity Building Manager at Life Foundation, Hawaii’s first HIV & AIDS service organization.

“The biggest challenges that face API folks affected by HIV & AIDS include awareness of HIV and the decreased perception of how HIV can impact their lives. Many individuals don’t get tested due to stigma and shame–or just don’t believe they are at risk.  HIV testing should be routine. It is up to us to normalize HIV in order to take away the power of stigma and shame.”

Call-to-Action:

“It is time for Native Hawaiians and APIs to move forward together to reduce the stigma surrounding HIV. It is up to us to change the thought that HIV is something taboo. Together we can make a difference.”

Sasanka Jinadasa (Washington, D.C.)

Jinadasa is an HRC HIV 360° alum who works as a consultant with Reframe Health and Justice to  provide policy analysis, technical assistance and strategic development for community-based organizations.

“I am very concerned with the lack of research regarding APIs and their drug use, as well as APIs in the sex trade. Many undocumented APIs use sex work as their primary income, but few services are culturally sensitive to API sex workers. A hyperfocus on assimilation narratives has led to an underfocus on mental health, economic need and many other issues faced by API folks.”

Call-to-Action:

“I would love to see our community leaders prioritize APIs who experience social stigma beyond classic ‘model minority’ myths. Our communities experience deep trauma and we need to provide compassionate harm reduction that cares for the whole self.”

Jacob Yang (San Francisco, California)

Yang is the Senior Director of Capacity Building at Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum, working to transform HIV programs and organizational approaches to building healthier communities.

“Funders and policy makers continue to fail to address HIV as a serious issue in Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities. We continue to encounter and push back on a persistent model minority myth that posits that API communities are all higher educated, higher income, and therefore at lower risk for HIV.  But when we disaggregate data and look at API ethnic groups, we can clearly see disparities and barriers to health justice.”

Call-to-Action:

“Stigma prevents people from discussing HIV & AIDS with their communities and providers, which is one reason why API people are the least likely to get tested for HIV. Talk about sex and HIV with friends and family. Push policymakers to collect HIV data specific to API communities.”

For information on HRC Foundation’s work to end HIV and HIV-related stigma, click here.

www.hrc.org/blog/hrc-recognizes-national-asian-and-pacific-islander-hiv-aids-awareness-day?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss-feed

MISC

Aaron Schlossberg, Shawn Mendes, Ronan Farrow, Madonna, John Travolta, Jim Acosta, Lebanon: HOT LINKS

Aaron Schlossberg, Shawn Mendes, Ronan Farrow, Madonna, John Travolta, Jim Acosta, Lebanon: HOT LINKS
Antony Tran

 

AARON SCHLOSSBERG. NYC racist threatens to call ICE on people speaking Spanish, then gets banned from entering his office building.

New York City’s diversity is our strength. It’s what makes this city great. The 8.6 million people who call this city home speak more than 200 languages – they’re all New Yorkers and they’re all welcome here.

— Bill de Blasio (@NYCMayor) May 16, 2018

ODD COUPLE. John Travolta and 50 Cent get down in Cannes.

MEETING THE QUEEN. Shawn Mendes sits down with Ellen.

CNN’S JIM ACOSTA. I was just as tough on Obama. “It is funny that your last name is ‘Acosta’ and you’re constantly ‘accosting’ people,” Kimmel laughed. “It’s almost like you were born to do this.”

REP MO BROOKS. Global sea level rise is not because of global warming but because rocks are falling into sea. “Brooks then said that erosion plays a significant role in sea-level rise, which is not an idea embraced by mainstream climate researchers. He said the California coastline and the White Cliffs of Dover tumble into the sea every year, and that contributes to sea-level rise. He also said that silt washing into the ocean from the world’s major rivers, including the Mississippi, the Amazon and the Nile, is contributing to sea-level rise.

RONAN FARROW. Missing files maintained by the Treasury Department’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network spurred leak of Michael Cohen’s financial records.

SEN RICHARD BLUMENTHAL. Giuliani is wrong. Trump could be indicted. “The president is not above the law, and an indictment — if that’s the course that Robert Mueller chooses to go —  I believe would be upheld by the courts.”

HELEM. Lebanon’s refuge for LGBTQ people: “Tucked away in a quiet neighbourhood of Beirut, Helem, the first community centre for LGBTQI+ people in the Arab world, opens its doors every day from midday to evening. Everyone is welcome. Inside, in a study bathed by the afternoon sunshine, Wael Hussein, a 24-year-old gay man, is chatting with Naya, a transgender woman, ahead of International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOTB) on Thursday. Behind the two is a bookcase filled with donated titles, including Les Amantes by French lesbian writer Jocelyne François.”

WORLD CUP. ISIS threatens to behead Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi…

STUDY. Pop music getting more depressing: “‘Happiness’ is going down, ‘brightness’ is going down, ‘sadness’ is going up, and at the same time, the songs are becoming more ‘danceable’ and more ‘party-like,’” co-author Natalia L. Komarova told The Associated Press.

BEAUTIFUL GAME. Madonna announces new Mirwais-produced single which she performed at the Met Gala.

That I never Learned………….Coming Soon! ????#music #magic #mirwais ?pic.twitter.com/LDKhq7d3kS

— Madonna (@Madonna) May 17, 2018

AUSTRALIA. Victoria practitioners of gay conversion therapy could face prosecution: ‘The state’s health minister, Jill Hennessy, has formally asked the health complaints commissioner to investigate the “highly damaging” and “abhorrent” practice that purports to “cure” homosexuality.’

AQUATIC RESCUE OF THE DAY. Dog rescues dog. “When Remus saw his friend Smokey nearly drown in a backyard pool in Arizona, he didn’t hesitate for a moment to step in and save his four-legged friend. Laurie Sorsen Becerra, who posted the on Facebook two weeks ago, says Smokey isn’t a good swimmer and the two “rambunctious” dogs — who play around the pool all the time with no mishaps — must have gotten to the pool unsupervised through a fence.”

THIRSTY THURSDAY. Antony Tran.

Instagram Photo

The post Aaron Schlossberg, Shawn Mendes, Ronan Farrow, Madonna, John Travolta, Jim Acosta, Lebanon: HOT LINKS appeared first on Towleroad.


Aaron Schlossberg, Shawn Mendes, Ronan Farrow, Madonna, John Travolta, Jim Acosta, Lebanon: HOT LINKS

PHOTOS

[RED GIRL] International Day Against Homophobia GIFT

[RED GIRL] International Day Against Homophobia GIFT

[RED GIRL] posted a photo:

[RED GIRL] International Day Against Homophobia GIFT

HI GUYS.
I made this Pride Face Tattoo, for this good cause, my cause. As LGBT I feel that is always important to remember that we need to fight against Homophobia.

So go to our mainstore and get yours ♥
You just need to join Red Girl group (free to join)

2 TATTOO VERSIONS
OMEGA APPLIERS

Taxi: maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/River%20Village/148/104/2902

www.flickr.com/photos/141523956@N08/41458902834/

MISC

Politicians,Celebrities and Businesses Honor IDAHOTB

Politicians,Celebrities and Businesses Honor IDAHOTB

On International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOTB), members of Congress, celebrities, politicians and businesses reaffirmed their support for global LGBTQ equality.

Businesses

To mark the #IDAHOTB2018 #Airbus in France signed a charter aimed at securing the rights of #LGBT+ employees.
We are proud to be among 120 companies which have expressed support for the @UNHumanRights #LGBTI global business standards! #Biz4LGBTI
#EmbraceDiversity #WeAreAirbus pic.twitter.com/2nLbmYG99i

— Airbus Careers (@AirbusCareers) May 17, 2018

Pride gives us all strength. Today we stand together in support of International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia. #IDAHOT #PrideAtAccenture t.co/p2LdPEz82g pic.twitter.com/DNQvmvZ8xH

— Accenture Community (@AccentureCmty) May 17, 2018

On #IDAHOTB2018, we reaffirm our conviction that businesses should #StandUp4HumanRights of #LGBTI people in the workplace & beyond. Learn more: t.co/hCaTcmMnP8 pic.twitter.com/EMEh8TDzSh

— Baker McKenzie (@bakermckenzie) May 17, 2018

Today Barclays colleagues from around the world have stood up against prejudice in all its forms and taken part in events to show their support for #IDAHOBIT2018 pic.twitter.com/ji6DdmdYfg

— Barclays Bank (@Barclays) May 17, 2018

Having more data on how companies approach gender #equality helps corporations raise capital, widen their investor base, and measure progress. The #BloombergGEI is now open for 2019 participation. Know more:

— Bloomberg LP (@Bloomberg) May 15, 2018

We believe that an inclusive and diverse workforce drive innovation and fosters new methods of discovery and we stand against homophobia, transphobia, and biphobia. #IDAHOTB t.co/GgPKLJjjjF

— WeAreIntel (@WeAreIntel) May 17, 2018

We believe that no matter who you are, where you’re from, who you love, or who you worship, you deserve to belong.

That’s why we’re standing with @UNHumanRights in support of #LGBTI global business standards. Learn more �� #IDAHOTB2018t.co/QAllxfyxv4

— AirbnbCitizen (@AirbnbCitizen) May 17, 2018

We’re celebrating #IDAHOT today across GSK, and standing together in support of equality ��️‍�� �� pic.twitter.com/j3hlBa8S5a

— GSK (@GSK) May 17, 2018

We #Standup4HumanRights to tackle all kinds of discrimination against #LGBTI people. That’s why we support the @UN global LGBTI standards of conduct for business. #IDAHOT #IDAHOT2018 #Biz4LGBTI t.co/XZTNLowaE0 pic.twitter.com/IW4Crv9qCL

— Siemens (@Siemens) May 17, 2018

Today, we are proud to celebrate the International
Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and
Transphobia and all that makes our communities, co-workers, and customers unique. #IDAHOT pic.twitter.com/Nm6DSbYVsm

— IKEA USA News (@IKEAUSANews) May 17, 2018 

Members of Congress

I see you, I hear you, & I will not let you be erased. #LGBTQPride #IDAHOT pic.twitter.com/bZHx2ZjvtI

— Rep. Gwen Moore (@RepGwenMoore) May 17, 2018

Today I am pushing back against high levels of violence against the #LGBTQ community in the United States and around the world. I am a proud supporter of H.Res 332, a resolution supporting the goals and ideals of #IDAHOT. pic.twitter.com/KkmAF6GHU1

— Dina Titus (@repdinatitus) May 17, 2018

Hate and violence have gone on far too long against the #LGBTQ community. Today we must all reaffirm our stand against it. #IDAHOT

— Eliot Engel (@RepEliotEngel) May 17, 2018

We refuse to let hate block out the inspiring voices & contributions of America’s LGBTQ community. #IDAHOT t.co/WAC2I7lCfr pic.twitter.com/WqtWMx4W6p

— Nancy Pelosi (@NancyPelosi) May 17, 2018

On International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia and every day, I join my colleagues in the @LGBTEqCaucus to speak out against discrimination, harassment, & violence against the #LGBTQ community in the United States & around the world. #IDAHOT pic.twitter.com/8eRaxsGXSf

— Steny Hoyer (@WhipHoyer) May 17, 2018

LGBTQ people still face discrimination around the world + at home. It’s up to us to speak out against hatred & fight for everyone’s rights regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity/expression #IDAHOBIT2018 pic.twitter.com/mNzReAueFl

— US Rep. Darren Soto (@RepDarrenSoto) May 17, 2018

I stand with LGBTQ persons around the world who courageously fight bigotry & hate every day. Governments must protect individual rights and combat, not embrace, prejudice & oppression. The U.S. must always lead on the world stage with our values, including human rights. #IDAHOTB t.co/8wtScmyVMJ

— Senator Bob Menendez (@SenatorMenendez) May 17, 2018

 Celebrities and Politicians 

It’s the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia. A perfect day to speak with our amazing friend @vivekshraya and talk about her important new book I’m Afraid of Men. #IDAHOT #IDAHOTB pic.twitter.com/kdHFk6nB2x

— Tegan and Sara (@teganandsara) May 17, 2018

Today is International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia.

Every New Yorker should be able to be themselves without facing prejudice or discrimination. As long as I’m governor, I will always support policies that protect LGBTQ New Yorkers. #IDAHOTB #IDAHOT

— Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo) May 17, 2018

Today is #IDAHOTB – International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia. #WorldwideCelebrationOfSexualAndGenderDiversities #AlliancesForSolidarity #PowerInNumbers @may17IDAHOTB #LGBTQI+ #IDAHOBIT pic.twitter.com/9Bm6UcgLJI

— Sara Ramirez (@SaraRamirez) May 17, 2018

Everyone deserves the same rights & opportunities in life no matter who they love or how they identify. Today on #IDAHOTB, and every day, we stand together against stigma, persecution, and discrimination. t.co/zDkeFs6SQh pic.twitter.com/3iIypliSXI

— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) May 17, 2018

www.hrc.org/blog/politicianscelebrities-and-businesses-honor-idahotb?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss-feed

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