Tag Archives: HRC

#AM_Equality Tipsheet: December 18, 2019

#AM_Equality Tipsheet: December 18, 2019

HRC SUPPORTS THE IMPEACHMENT OF PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP: “The United States of America is a nation of laws, built upon the Constitutional promise that no one is beyond accountability — especially those elected to serve the American public. Donald Trump has proven time and again that he believes he is above the law and not beholden to the United States Constitution,” said HRC President Alphonso David (@AlphonsoDavid). “Trump’s ongoing efforts to undermine the 2020 election by soliciting foreign interference is unacceptable, deeply dangerous and an affront to the fundamental democratic principle of free and fair elections. Because of these troubling facts, the Human Rights Campaign supports the impeachment of Donald Trump. The impeachment process is a constitutionally guaranteed process for preserving accountability and the integrity of our democracy. Now, Congress must ensure a conclusion consistent with law.” More from HRC.

HERE THEY GO AGAIN… ANTI-LGBTQ GROUPS TARGET HALLMARK AFTER — UNDER PRESSURE FROM HRC & PRO-EQUALITY COMMUNITY — IT REVERSED DECISION BARRING AD FEATURING SAME-SEX MARRIAGE:  Expect to see more of the same from the Franklin Grahams of the world, who are trying to erase LGBTQ families. More than 70,000 HRC members and supporters signed a petition that led to Hallmark reinstating a lovely ad featuring two brides. More from On Top Magazine.

AZ STATE REP. ANTHONY KERN MAKES ANTI-LGBTQ COMMENTS, COMPARES SEX ED TO PORNOGRAPHY:  Said HRC Arizona State Director Bridget Sharpe (@bridgetsharpeAZ): “Here in Arizona, LGBTQ people still face discrimination because of who they are or whom they love. HRC Arizona joins our partners in calling for accountability from Representative Kern. These comments have no place in public office.” More from Phoenix New Times.

1/ �� Rep. Anthony Kern is using his office to demean and belittle the rights of the very people he is supposed to be protecting. This is unconscionable. t.co/0NGrnzNHy3

— HRC in Arizona (@HRCaz) December 17, 2019

WHAT WE’RE WATCHING WEDNESDAY — REFLECTING ON OUR FAVORITE HRC VIDEOS OF 2019: Meet our new president Alphonso David, see the playlist of powerful videos in support of the Equality Act and watch powerful speeches from Eugene Lee Yang (@EugeneLeeYang), Nyle DiMarco (@NyleDiMarco) and more here.

IMANI RUPERT-GORDAN NAMED EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF NATIONAL CENTER FOR LESBIAN RIGHTS: 

Congratulations @ImaniRG! Excited to work with you in your new role at @NCLRights to advance justice & equality for our community. t.co/fjxDZDzStP

— Alphonso David (@AlphonsoDavid) December 17, 2019

DULUTH, MINN. APPROVES ORDINANCE TO PROTECT YOUTH FROM SO-CALLED “CONVERSION THERAPY”: More from Minneapolis Star Tribune.

GAY IMMIGRANT ATTACKED IN QUEENS, NY: Ronald Albarracin, 24, describes the attack — as well as his interactions with police and hospital personnel — in Gay City News. [Warning, images of Albarracin’s injuries at link]

GET CULTURED – Entertainment, arts and sports news!

PBS TO CREATE LGBTQ BROADCAST SHOW: Get the scoop from Axios.

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

Metro UK honors 20 years of LGBTQ people being able to serve openly in the military; Time interviews an openly gay Saudi journalist seeking asylum in Australia

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-december-18-2019?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss-feed

AM_Equality Tipsheet: December 17, 2019

AM_Equality Tipsheet: December 17, 2019

OPEN ENROLLMENT FOR ACA EXTENDED UNTIL 3 A.M. ET TOMORROW: LGBTQ people are less likely to have health insurance than non-LGBTQ people, so it is critical for the LGBTQ community to be fully aware of the benefits provided them through the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Access to affordable health insurance provides a pathway to appropriate care, helps address health disparities that exist in the LGBTQ community and provides critical preventative care. More from Reuters.

TUESDAY TWEETS — JOIN HRC IN URGING HHS TO SHUT DOWN ANTI-LGBTQ PROPOSAL: This proposal would permit discrimination against LGBTQ people, religious minorities, and women in programs related to foster care, adoption, HIV and STI prevention, refugee resettlement, elder care programs and more. More from HRC’s Charlotte Clymer (@cmclymer).

I want us to get 50,000 comments by Thursday. It’s incredibly easy. You click on this link, fill out your info, and use the box below that to tell HHS why you don’t want this regulation put in place. It takes all of 45 seconds. t.co/9WsjxdsqpD

— Charlotte Clymer��️‍�� (@cmclymer) December 16, 2019

ROBYN OCHS ON WHY BI, PAN, QUEER PEOPLE NEED THE EQUALITY ACT NOW: “I’ve seen firsthand the injustices that bisexual people and other LGBTQ+ people face because we lack explicit legal protections under the law,” said Ochs (@robynochs). “I know my visibility as an openly bisexual woman matters when we talk about this legislation because our community faces unique challenges that can be all too easily dismissed or ignored.” More Washington Blade

“Passage of the Equality Act is a critical step toward ensuring that bisexual, pansexual, sexually fluid, and queer people, alongside the full LGBTQ+ community, realize the promise of equal opportunity for all.” — @robynochs in @WashBlade on #EqualityAct.t.co/281ttGInNv

— Alphonso David (@AlphonsoDavid) December 13, 2019

WINDY CITY TIMES INTERVIEWS HRC PRESIDENT ALPHONSO DAVID ON THE ONGOING FIGHT FOR EQUALITY: “Alphonso David is more than the new national president of the sprawling LGBTQ-rights organization the Human Rights Campaign (HRC),” writes Andrew Davis (@azygous60610). “He is literally the face of change.” Read more from Windy City Times.  

PORTLAND, ORE., MAN CONVICTED OF HATE CRIME FOR ATTACKING TRANS WOMAN: Dominick Gonzales, 38, received time served and three years of probation. More from The Associated Press.

COLORADO PARENTS SAY CONVERSION THERAPY CONTRIBUTED TO LESBIAN DAUGHTER’S SUICIDE: Joyce Calvo-Chen, mother of Alana Chen, say she turned to her church when her daughter came out, and that the so-called “counseling” she received was actually dangerous “conversion therapy.” More from CNN.

DALLAS MEN PLEAD GUILTY FOR USING DATING APP TO TARGET AND ROB GAY AND BISEXUAL MEN: They used Grindr to meet men and then force them at gunpoint to withdraw money from ATMs. More from Gay Nation.

GLOBAL EQUALITY NEWS

TOKYO DISTRICT COURT RULES IN FAVOR OF TRANS WOMAN SUING EMPLOYER TO USE RESTROOM ALIGNED WITH HER GENDER IDENTITY: More from LGBTQ Nation.

LGBTQ ADVOCATES IN KENYA RAISE RAINBOW FLAG AT PEAK OF MT. KENYA: Consensual same-sex relationships are criminalized in Kenya. More from Mwakilishi.

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

The Washington Post shares the history of the U.S. Navy naming a ship after Harvey Milk; Los Angeles Blade interviews Nick Nolan about his new book, ‘No Place Like Home;’ Pioneers Post speaks to the owner of a trans-owned beauty salon in Pakistan; Long Time No See speaks to HRC Press Secretary Elliott Kozuch (@ElliottKozuch) and Casa Ruby about the epidemic of violence against transgender and gender non-conforming people; Compete Network announces Amazin LêThi has become the first Asian athlete to represent Stonewall U.K. as a Sport Champion Ambassador 

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-december-17-2019?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss-feed

AM_Equality: December 16, 2019

AM_Equality: December 16, 2019

HALLMARK APOLOGIZES AND REINSTATES AD FEATURING SAME-SEX WEDDING — REVERSING COURSE AFTER HRC MOBILIZES GRASSROOTS ARMY: “In conversations with the company on Saturday — and by mobilizing our grassroots army — HRC was able to voice our community’s outrage and garner nearly 70,000 signatures to let Hallmark know that LGBTQ people won’t be erased,” said HRC President Alphonso David (@AlphonsoDavid). “Now, we look forward to working with Hallmark to ensure that the company is one that lives into its values and pursues meaningful LGBTQ representation, both inside the workplace and in the content it creates.” More from CNN.

  • HRC had suspended Hallmark’s score on the HRC Foundation’s Corporate Equality Index (CEI) after it caved to an anti-LGBTQ organizaiton and pulled the ad. After yesterday’s apology and ad reinstatement, the suspension was lifted. More from HRC, NewNowNext, Deadline and The Washington Post.

After thousands of voices expressed their outrage over @Hallmark’s decision, the company did the right thing by reversing this decision. Now, Hallmark is on the right path forward.

— Alphonso David (@AlphonsoDavid) December 16, 2019

MUST READ MONDAY — HRC PRESIDENT ALPHONSO DAVID SPEAKS WITH SWERV MAGAZINE ON HIS PERSONAL HISTORY, LOOKS AHEAD TO 2020: “We all must engage in the process. Cross cultural lines. Be intersectional. Fight for each other and ourselves,” said David on the 2020 elections. “Our democracy is at stake.” More from Clarence Fluker (@cjfluker) at Swerv Magazine.

Learn more about @AlphonsoDavid, the new President of the @HRC in @SWERVMagazine issue for Nov/Dec. Interview by @cjfluker. t.co/PvCZXwsJnH pic.twitter.com/P6PSwsrGxg

— SWERV Magazine (@SWERVMagazine) December 11, 2019

HRC CONGRATULATES HOUSTON MAYOR SYLVESTER TURNER ON HIS RE-ELECTION: “Across the city, individuals and families living in Houston rejected Tony Buzbee’s hateful and discriminatory message and embraced a future where every person, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation, has a chance to succeed,” said HRC President Alphonso David. “Moving forward, HRC will work with Mayor Turner to identify ways to improve the lives of LGBTQ people living in Houston.” More from HRC.

THE MATTHEW SHEPARD FOUNDATION’S JUDY AND DENNIS SHEPARD LEAD HATE CRIMES TRAINING AT AUSTIN POLICE ACADEMY: More from Patch.

NPR’S DAVID GREENE (@NPRGREENE) ON MERRIAM-WEBSTER DICTIONARY SELECTING “THEY” AS WORD OF THE YEAR. More from NPR.

GET CULTURED – Entertainment, arts and sports news!

A LOOK INTO THE GROWTH AND SIGNIFICANCE OF LGBTQ BALL CULTURE: “Houses are the central kinship structure in the community…[F]or many members of the ballroom community, their house is the only family they know and have that is inclusive, that affirms them,”said Marlon Bailey, a professor of women and gender studies at Arizona State University. More from WBUR.

GLOBAL EQUALITY NEWS

HRC PRESIDENT ALPHONSO DAVID SPEAKS ON WORKPLACE INCLUSIVITY IN MEXICO: Listen to the interview with Oscar Lopez (@oscarlopezgib) from Openly.

NIGERIA HOLDS FIRST TRIAL CHARGING LGBTQ PEPOPLE UNDER ITS ANTI-LGBTQ LAWS: More from The Guardian.

RUSSIAN TEENAGER ATTACKED FOR “LGBTQ APPEARANCE”: Activists tie the violence to Russia’s 2013 law banning LGBTQ “propaganda among minors” and anti-LGBTQ rhetoric on state television. More from The Moscow Times.

ARGENTINIAN PRESIDENT’S SON SHOWS LGBTQ PRIDE AT FATHER’S INAUGURATION: More from the Los Angeles Blade.

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

Washington Blade in its Game Changers series spotlights HRC’s Viet Tran (@viethoaitran), who is working to build diversity and inclusion in LGBTQ sports leagues

This week in the @WashBlade Game Changers series, we meet @viethoaitran from @stonewallDC who is creating change both on and off the field #inclusion #diversity @StonewallSports t.co/VBdYyZxU5J pic.twitter.com/ziZSTqrqpG

— Kevin Majoros (@sportinindc) December 14, 2019

www.hrc.org/blog/am-equality-december-16-2019?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss-feed

HRC Suspending Hallmark’s Score on the Corporate Equality Index

HRC Suspending Hallmark’s Score on the Corporate Equality Index

Today, HRC announced that it was taking the rare step of suspending Hallmark Cards Inc.’s Corporate Equality Index (CEI) score in response to its subsidiary The Hallmark Channel caving to pressure from anti-LGBTQ groups and pulling an ad featuring a same-sex wedding ceremony with two brides. At press time, nearly 60,000 people have joined HRC’s letter-writing campaign condemning Hallmark’s anti-LGBTQ decision.

“By backing down on visibility and representation, Hallmark has failed the LGBTQ community and all of their customers. Given Hallmark’s actions and failure to correct it, the Human Rights Campaign is suspending their Corporate Equality Index score,” said HRC President Alphonso David. “Hallmark still has time to do the right thing here–apologize and reinstate the ad. The only thing controversial about this ad is Hallmark’s actions in response to a handful of extremists, and we cannot accept this shameful erasure of LGBTQ love and community.”

The Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s Corporate Equality Index is the national benchmarking tool on corporate policies and practices pertinent to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer employees. In 2019, 571 businesses earned the CEI’s top score of 100, including Hallmark, meeting new and higher benchmarks — including a record number offering transgender-inclusive health care policies — in the most comprehensive assessment of workplace LGBTQ inclusion in the 17-year history of the report.

HRC has notified Hallmark that their score is suspended and encourages them to work swiftly towards a positive resolution of this situation.

www.hrc.org/blog/hrc-suspending-hallmarks-score-on-the-corporate-equality-index?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss-feed

HRC Congratulates Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner on His Reelection

HRC Congratulates Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner on His Reelection

HRC congratulates Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner on his reelection.

“LGBTQ Houstonians, and our allies, turned out to return a strong ally to City Hall,” said HRC President Alphonso David. “Throughout this campaign, Mayor Turner has shown his commitment to a more fair and equal Houston. And that message resonated. Across the city, individuals and families living in Houston rejected Buzbee’s hateful and discriminatory message and embraced a future where every person, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation, has a chance to succeed. Moving forward, the Human Rights Campaign will work with Mayor Turner to identify ways to improve the lives of LGBTQ people living in Houston.”

Since his time in the state legislature, Mayor Turner has had a strong record on LGBTQ issues. He authored bills to protect homeless LGBTQ youth, earning him an A+ from Equality Texas. As Mayor, he created an LGBTQ Advisory Board in the wake of the Pulse shooting to identify further ways he and his office could improve on their already strong LGBTQ record.

Tony Buzbee, a major Trump donor, has utilized his personal wealth to self-fund his campaign, allowing him to steer clear of addressing the needs of Houstonians. Throughout the campaign, Buzbee has advocated against a legitimate equal rights ordinance and continues to placate his far-right allies, like Steven Hotze.

Alongside its three permanent full-time staff in Texas and four local volunteer steering committees, HRC deployed 13 additional staff and organizers for a major get-out-the-vote effort across the state. In addition to robust door-to-door, mail and phone canvassing in partnership with local groups including Equality Texas, HRC hosted four Equality Action Academy trainings to give HRC members and supporters the tools they need to take action locally in legislative advocacy and in support of pro-equality candidate campaigns.

Pol. adv. Paid for by Human Rights Campaign PAC (www.hrc.org) and not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s campaign committee.

www.hrc.org/blog/hrc-congratulates-houston-mayor-sylvester-turner-on-his-reelection?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss-feed

Put Equality On the Top of Your Gift List

Put Equality On the Top of Your Gift List

Need to pick up a few last minute gifts? This holiday season, HRC’s online store has the perfect gifts under $20 everyone in your life.

One hundred percent of your purchase fuels the fight for equality — and here are a few of our favorites to get you started.

Be sure to place your order by December 17 to take advantage of our most affordable shipping and ensure that your gift arrives on time for the holidays.

1. HRC’s Cozy Logo Socks

Want to knock the socks off anyone on your gift list? Our new super soft socks are the perfect choice.

Equality cozy Logo socks

2. HRC’s Serving Equali-Tea Mug

Perfect for those who love tea and equality, this stylish mug is sure to please.

HRC’s Serving Equali-Tea Mug

3. HRC’s Logo Beanie

Bundle up with equality this season. HRC’s iconic logo shows no matter where you go that you support equality for the LGBTQ community.

HRC's Logo Beanie

4. HRC Pet Gear

We need all paws on deck in the fight for equality. From collars to catnip toys, HRC has something for all your furry allies.

HRC Pet Items

5. The West Elm “Love is Love” Collection

The revamped “Love is Love” collection from West Elm is a great way to support HRC in your gift-giving. The collection — featuring mugs, holiday ornaments and a West Elm exclusive tea towel are popular gifts during the holiday season.

West Elm and HRC Love Is Love

Head to shop.hrc.org now to ensure you have the perfect holiday gift for the equality supporter in your life.

To receive your orders on or before December 24:

  • Place your order by 12/17 Midnight EST and ship via USPS**
  • Place your order by 12/17 3PM EST and ship via Ground Service
  • Place your order by 12/20 3PM EST and ship via 2-day Service
  • Place your order by 12/21 3PM EST and ship via 1-day Service

Please note: USPS shipping is not guaranteed to arrive by December 24. Applies to in-stock items and domestic shipments only.

Equality-minded shoppers can also make sure to support LGBTQ-inclusive companies by using HRC’s Corporate Equality Index featuring hundreds of American companies to choose brands and retail outlets committed to LGBTQ-inclusive workplace policies and practices.

www.hrc.org/blog/put-equality-on-the-top-of-your-gift-list?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss-feed

#AM_Equality: December 11, 2019

#AM_Equality: December 11, 2019

THE DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION BILL SHOULD HAVE ENDED THE TRUMP-PENCE ADMIN’S DISCRIMINATORY TRANS TROOP BAN: HRC joins leading LGBTQ organization to express disappointment that the final FY20 National Defense Authorization Act does not include the Speier/Brown amendment, which would have codified non-discrimination and ended the administration’s ban on transgender service members. “It is unconscionable that thousands of honorably serving transgender service members and their families will continue to live under the threat of discharge simply because of who they are,” the joint statement said. More from HRC.

Transgender troops served openly and honorably without incident for three years before this reckless ban on their service was put into place by the Trump-Pence administration. #ProtectTransTroops t.co/xdRuFzOJ35

— Human Rights Campaign (@HRC) December 10, 2019

WHAT WE’RE READING WEDNESDAY — MARRIAGE EQUALITY PLAINTIFF JIM OBERGEFELL CALLS ON SCOTUS, LAWMAKERS TO DO MORE TO PREVENT ANTI-LGBTQ DISCRIMINATION: “[E]veryone should be treated with dignity and respect regardless of who they are — and that means ensuring no one faces unfair treatment because of their LGBTQ+ identity,” writes Obergefell. More from AZ Central.

HRC ENDORSES HOUSTON MAYOR SYLVESTER TURNER FOR RE-ELECTION: “From his time in the legislature to his current tenure as mayor, Sylvester Turner has worked to advance the rights of LGBTQ Houstonians,” said HRC President Alphonso David (@AlphonsoDavid). More from HRC.

HRC FOUNDATION’S WELCOMING SCHOOLS OFFERS BOOK-BUYING TIPS FOR CHILDREN FOR THE HOLIDAYS: With authors ranging from actors and athletes to a Supreme Court justice. See the full list from HRC.

TRANSGENDER UTAHNS ARE ANXIOUSLY AWAITING A STATE SUPREME COURT RULING ON CHANGING GENDER MARKERS: “I love people saying to me, ‘Angie, the courage and the grace that you’ve had through this [legal process] is amazing,’” said Angie Rice, who asked the Utah Supreme Court to overturn a lower court ruling preventing her from changing the gender marker on her legal documents. “But they don’t see the hurt and the sacrifice behind the scenes.” Read more from The Salt Lake Tribune.

HRC PRAISES SENATE INTRODUCTION OF THE GLOBE ACT: “While the Trump-Pence White House refuses to speak out against anti-LGBTQ attacks worldwide, it is essential that the U.S. Congress defend the human rights and protections of all people — including LGBTQ people,” said HRC Government Affairs Director David Stacy. More from HRC.

TRUMP’S LGBTQ PRIDE MERCH “IS MONUMENTALLY HYPOCRITICAL AND INSULTING” TO LGBTQ AMERICANS:  It’s “also part of a long list of attempts to grab media attention that momentarily makes Trump appear as an ally of LGBTQ people,” writes Michelangelo Signorile (@MSignorile) on NBC.

GET CULTURED – Entertainment, arts and sports news!

PANTENE SHARES A MESSAGE OF RESILIENCE AND HOPE FOR LGBTQ PEOPLE JOURNEYING HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS : The series shares the stories of four transgender people going home for the holidays. “While every LGBTQ+ person has their own unique story about going home for the holidays, everyone is seeking the same thing — to be surrounded by people who love and accept them,” said Procter & Gamble, the parent company of Pantene, in a statement. More from CNN.

NFL’S MATT GAY SHOWS SUPPORT FOR LGBTQ COMMUNITY, JOINS ANTI-BULLYING CAMPAIGN: Gay (@MGtweetymonster) talks about the bullying he and his family faced because of their last name. More from PinkNews.  

GLOBAL EQUALITY NEWS

DESPITE PROTESTS BY TRANS PEOPLE AND ALLIES, INDIAN PRESIDENT RAM NATH KOVIND SIGNS BILL INTO LAW: Advocates argued that the bill is harmful to the trans community and asked the President not to approve it. More from The News Minute.

HUNDREDS MARCH IN HUNGARY’S FIRST-EVER TRANS PRIDE, CALL FOR RIGHT TO LEGALLY CHANGE THEIR NAME & GENDER ON DOCUMENTS: More from PinkNews.

MISS MYANMAR, THE FIRST OPENLY LGBTQ MISS UNIVERSE COMPETITOR, SPEAKS OUT FOR LGBTQ ACCEPTANCE: More from Washington Blade and Glamour.

CAMBODIA TO TEACH LGBTQ ISSUES IN SCHOOLS TO TACKLE ANTI-LGBTQ BULLYING AND DISCRIMINATION: “We want our children to be aware of these issues and know that no one should be discriminated against in school or any part of life,” Yung Kunthearith, deputy director of the education ministry’s department of health studies told Reuters. Read more from Matt Blomberg (@BlombergMD) at Openly.

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

GoMag spotlights Anti Violence Project Executive Director Beverly Tillery (@BeverlyTillery) as New Yorker of the Year

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-december-11-2019?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss-feed

The Human Rights Campaign Endorses Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner for Reelection

The Human Rights Campaign Endorses Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner for Reelection

HRC announced its endorsement of Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner’s bid for reelection. 

“From his time in the legislature to his current tenure as mayor, Sylvester Turner has worked to advance the rights of LGBTQ Houstonians,” said HRC President Alphonso David. “Mayor Turner has unabashedly advocated for the equality every LGBTQ Houstonian desires and deserves. The Human Rights Campaign is proud to endorse his bid for reelection. Together, we will build a better, more inclusive Houston.”

Mayor Sylvester Turner said, “If we work together, and we are excited about our city — and if we love each other — regardless of our race, ethnicity, gender, gender and sexual identity, socioeconomic status,  and all the things that could potentially divide us, then we will build a city that values the service and labor and essential humanity of one another. Thank you, HRC, for your support.”

Since his time in the state legislature, Mayor Turner has had a strong record on LGBTQ issues. He authored bills to protect homeless LGBTQ youth earning him an A+ from Equality Texas. As Mayor, he created an LGBTQ Advisory Board in the wake of the Pulse shooting to identify further ways he and his office could improve on their already strong LGBTQ record. 

Tony Buzbee, a major Trump donor, has utilized his personal wealth to self-fund his campaign, allowing him to steer clear of addressing the needs of Houstonians. Throughout the campaign, Buzbee has advocated against a legitimate equal rights ordinance and continues to placate his far-right allies, like Steven Hotze.

Alongside its three permanent full-time staff in Texas and four local volunteer steering committees, HRC deployed 13 additional staff and organizers for a major get-out-the-vote effort across the state. In addition to robust door-to-door, mail and phone canvassing in partnership with local groups including Equality Texas, HRC hosted four Equality Action Academy trainings to give HRC members and supporters the tools they need to take action locally in legislative advocacy and in support of pro-equality candidate campaigns.

Paid for by Human Rights Campaign PAC (www.hrc.org). Not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee.

www.hrc.org/blog/the-human-rights-campaign-endorses-houston-mayor-sylvester-turner-for-reel?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss-feed

HRC Foundation Kicks Off Second Workplace LGBT Inclusion Survey in Chile

HRC Foundation Kicks Off Second Workplace LGBT Inclusion Survey in Chile

Today, HRC Foundation, in partnership with Fundación Iguales, Chile’s largest LGBT advocacy group, launched its second HRC Equidad CL: Programa de Equidad Laboral survey evaluating LGBT-inclusive policies and best practices at major Chilean employers. The second annual HRC survey showcases businesses and corporations promoting equality for LGBT employees in workplaces across Chile. 

HRC was joined at a kickoff event today — hosted by Accor Hotels — by corporate leaders and representatives of major employers committed to continuing their efforts to create an inclusive corporate culture by participating in the HRC Equidad CL survey. In the coming months, the Chile-based program will collect responses to the survey and measure the growth of the program in its second year. 

In last year’s inaugural survey, 15 companies earned top ratings and received the HRC Foundation’s designation of “Best Place to Work for the LGBT Community” or “Mejores Lugares para Trabajar LGBT,” reflecting their commitment to LGBT equality and adoption of vital LGBT-inclusive employment policies and practices. The Chilean-based survey, inspired by HRC’s annual Corporate Equality Index (CEI) — the premier benchmarking tool on corporate LGBT-inclusive policies and practices in the U.S. — is HRC’s first in-country program in South America and the second in Latin America following the successful model of HRC Equidad MX in Mexico.

The HRC Equidad CL survey assesses businesses and multinational companies based on three core pillars of LGBT inclusion:

  • Adoption of non-discrimination policies;
  • Creation of employee resource groups or diversity councils; and
  • Engagement in public activities to support LGBT inclusion.

“Business leaders in Chile are driving critical progress for our community by building workplaces that are inclusive and welcoming to all,” said HRC President Alphonso David. “As the new president of the Human Rights Campaign, I’m excited to see how HRC Equidad CL has been a powerful instrument for positive change in Chile and throughout the region. By advancing equality, more and more corporations are helping employees and economies thrive.” 

“Every year, we see a growing number of businesses and corporations around the world understand the value of promoting an LGBT-inclusive workplace,” said Beck Bailey, director of HRC Foundation’s Workplace Equality Program. “Having these important companies participate in the HRC Equidad CL survey represents a significant step in raising awareness of workplace equality among Chilean-based businesses. We are excited to continue working with Fundación Iguales to expand our efforts and commitment to promoting LGBT inclusion across workplaces in Chile.” 

“For Empresas SB it is important to measure their advances in sexual diversity and to be in tune with the best work practices that guarantee discrimination-free work spaces,” said Matías Verdugo, CEO of Empresas SB. “Equidad CL gives us the possibility to measure ourselves every year with the best companies in the field and to incorporate more practices in favor of the LGBT + community.”

“In its second year, the HRC Equidad CL program is already driving tangible change within businesses and corporations across the nation,” said Emilio Maldonado, HRC Equidad CL Implementing Partner. “We are excited to continue working with major employers to promote and grow LGBT-inclusive workplaces for all their employees and to witness this growth with Human Rights Campaign to carry on our collaborative efforts to achieve LGBT inclusion in Chile.” 

Through its CEI, Equidad MX and Equidad CL programs, the HRC Foundation has established guidelines to implement LGBTQ-inclusive policies, practices and benefits across national and international corporations impacting more than 30.6 million employees worldwide. This endeavor is complemented by the HRC Global program, which supports the work of communities throughout the world in advocacy of the full rights of LGBTQ people around the world. This year, HRC announced a major initiative to pursue strategic litigation in countries where they can make a difference as part of broader efforts in the movement for LGBTQ equality.

Learn more at hrc.im/equidadCL and hrc.im/GlobalWorkplacePrograms for more information about HRC’s Global Workplace Programs. 

www.hrc.org/blog/hrc-kicks-off-second-workplace-lgbt-inclusion-survey-in-chile?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss-feed

#AM_Equality Tipsheet: December 9, 2019

#AM_Equality Tipsheet: December 9, 2019

HRC URGES SENATE TO REJECT ANTI-LGBTQ JUDICIAL NOMINEE LAWRENCE VANDYKE: “Lawrence VanDyke has made clear that he has no intention of upholding the rights of LGBTQ people,” said HRC President Alphonso David (@AlphonsoDavid). “From his college writings to his roles in government, VanDyke has spent his career consistently opposed to equality for all people, regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity. The Senate should not confirm a judicial nominee who has received a rare rating of ‘unqualified’ from the American Bar Association.” Read more from HRC.

CIVIL RIGHTS GROUPS: THE “FAIRNESS FOR ALL” ACT IS AN AFFRONT TO EXISTING CIVIL RIGHTS PROTECTIONS: In a joint statement, the groups wrote: “The ‘Fairness for All’ Act is anything but fair, and it certainly does not serve all of us. It is wrong to put into law a different system of protections for LGBTQ people and their families. The Equality Act was passed through the House of Representatives with bipartisan support, and nearly 70% of Americans support comprehensive non-discrimination protections for LGBTQ people. The ‘Fairness for All’ Act, on the other hand, was introduced by a small group of lawmakers. This legislation licenses discrimination while eroding the rights of people of faith.” Read more from HRC.

ON FRIDAY, THE U.S. HOUSE PASSED THE VOTING RIGHTS ADVANCEMENT ACT: This vital legislation would ensure that fair access to the ballot is protected for all Americans. More from HRC.

The right to vote is one of our most fundamental rights, and yet it remains under attack. With the passage of the Voting Rights Advancement Act in the House, we are one step closer to protecting this bedrock principle of our democracy. Now the Senate must act to #RestoreTheVote. t.co/Y1EPgdIzMy

— Alphonso David (@AlphonsoDavid) December 6, 2019

MONDAY MUST-READ FROM NYTIMESTHE TRUMP-PENCE ATTACKS ON TRANSGENDER PEOPLE HAVE SPREAD THROUGH THE ENTIRE GOVERNMENT: “While socially conservative policies have been mainstays of the Trump White House, what distinguishes the transgender initiative is its sweep,” writes Lola Fadulu (@lfadulu). Said Mimi Lemay (@mimislemay), who has a transgender son: “I don’t think deep down most Americans agree with what the Trump administration is doing in regards to LGBT people. I think most people know what’s fair, and they have a sense of empathy.” Read more from The New York Times.

HRC FOUNDATION AND SAGE RELEASE NEW VIDEO HIGHLIGHTING IMPORTANCE OF LONG-TERM CARE EQUALITY INDEX: “The LEI now has 47 national, statewide, regional and local aging, senior services or LGBTQ membership or advocacy organizations that have endorsed the index and are encouraging residential long-term care facilities to take the Commitment to Caring Pledge,” writes Lois A. Bowers (@Lois_Bowers). “More than 60% of those responding to a 2018 national survey of LGBTQ older adults by AARP said they were concerned about how they would be treated in a long-term care setting. Now is the time to allay those fears and leave no doubt in the minds of current and prospective residents that they will be treated well.” Read more from McKnight’s Senior Living and HRC.

HRC PRESIDENT ALPHONSO DAVID NAMED TO CITY & STATE’S “2019 POWER OF DIVERSITY: BLACK 100” LIST: Read more here.

NEW STUDY FINDS THAT A MAJORITY OF GAY AND BISEXUAL MEN UNDERSTAND THAT UNDETECTABLE EQUALS UNTRANSMITTABLE: U=U means that people living with HIV who achieve and maintain an undetectable viral load will not transmit HIV to others. Read more from the NIH.

  • In New Orleans, local LGBTQ bars including Good Friends are offering free HIV testing to patrons. Read more from Slate.

LGBTQ PEOPLE CAN FACE UNIQUE FORMS OF HOUSING DISCRIMINATION: More from Bustle.

GET CULTURED – Entertainment, arts and sports news!

12-YEAR-OLD TRANS ACTIVIST REBEKAH BRUESEHOFF (@MightyRebekah) TALKS ABOUT HER ADVOCACY AND ROLE IN THE NEW DISNEY+ TV SHOW “MARVEL’S HERO PROJECT”: More from The Advocate.

CONGRATS TO THE LGBTQ AND ALLIED NOMINEES FOR THE GOLDEN GLOBE AWARDS AND THE CRITICS CHOICE AWARDS: See more from HRC.

GLOBAL EQUALITY NEWS

STUDY FINDS THAT A MAJORITY OF SOUTH KOREANS SUPPORT NON-DISCRIMINATION PROTECTIONS FOR TRANSGENDER PEOPLE: More from The Williams Institute.

TEENS IN ARGENTINA ARE ADVOCATING TO MAKE SOME WORDS GENDER-NEUTRAL: More from the Washington Post.

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

Connection Newspapers reports that Arlington will honor six human rights advocates, including HRC Youth Ambassador Sean Bender-Prouty.

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!

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