Kids of LGBT Parents: "We're All Right"

The Human Rights Campaign has begun the "We're All Right" video campaign to showcase the stories of kids of LGBT parents. The point is to demonstrate to the world that LGBT families are not that different than heteronormative families and that kids raised by queer parents grow up just as bright, loved, and successful as they with heterosexual parents.

In the word of Zach Wahls (19 year old son of 2 moms): "The sexual orientation of my parents has had zero to do with the content of my character."



Submit your video or help spread the word about the "We're All Right" video campaign.

Buying for Workplace Equality 2011

The Human Rights Campaign, the largest LGBT civil rights organization in the country has released their 2011 "Buying for Workplace Equality" guide. This comprehensive listing shows which companies are supportive of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality and treat their employees fairly.

Support the companies who stand with our community in the fight for liberty and justice.

http://www.hrc.org/buyersguide2011/index.html

Exxon-Mobil Continues to Fuel Discrimination Against LGBT People

ExxonMobil continues to stand steadfast against including LGBT people in their non discrimination policy. Mobil had such a policy which was reversed when Exxon Corp merged with them. The shareholders refuse to acknowledge LGBT people and have consistently voted down a proposal for an inclusive non-discrimination policy.

This year shareholder support for adding LGBT protections to the non-discrimination policy went down by a whopping 18 percent. In total 78% of Exxonmobil shareholders are opposed to adding sexual orientation and gender identity/expression to their policy.

It is imperative that we continue to let them know of our concern as well as to ensure a community wide boycott.

E-contact Form for Exxon-Mobil

Dallas LGBT's to Protest ExxonMobil Gas Stations

Texas activists from GetEQUAL plan protests outside three ExxonMobil stations in Dallas on Friday, May 14. The company refuses to add sexual orientation and gender identity to it's non-discrimination policy. Exxon acquired Mobil ten years ago and removed LGBT protections, stripping partner benefits and non-discrimination policy language.

The company get a zero from the Human Rights Campaign's Corporate Equality Index.

The rallies will take place outside ExxonMobil stations at 3716 Maple Ave, 4239 Lemmon Ave. and 2503 Lemmon Ave. in Dallas, Texas.

HRC's Corporate Equality Index

The Human Rights Campaign the nations largest LGBT advocacy group has come out with their eight annual Corporate Equality Index. The guide ranks corporations and provides analysis on their policies and practices that are pertinent to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender employees.

Buying for Equality 2010

The Human Rights Campaign has released their annual 'Buying for Equality' guide that scores businesses and products based on their commitment to LGBT equality.

The LGBT community is estimated to have $712 billion in buying power this year, according to research by Witeck-Combs Communications and MarketResearch.com. A recent study by Witeck-Combs/Harris Interactive also found that 78 percent of LGBT people are extremely or very likely to consider brands that are known to provide equal workplace benefits for their employees, including LGBT workers (HRC).

Be sure to check out which companies are supportive of equality by clicking here.

Also, be sure to contact supportive businesses and thank them!

Give Same-Sex Couples the Same Immigration Rights!

By writing your lawmakers today, you bring us one step closer to equal immigration rights, so citizens can sponsor their same-sex partners for immigration.

No more separation. No more deportation. No more fear.

Help Congress get the message loud and clear: America supports passage of the Uniting American Families Act.

Sign the petition supporting immigration equality.

Equality Forward - New Study Released on LGBT People of Color

The Human Rights Campaign has released the newly completed study called Equality Forward, At The Intersection Race, Sexuality, and Gender which examines the lives of LGBT people of color. It is part of a broader initiative to unite gay and straight people of all races and ethnic backgrounds in the quest for equal justice.

Key findings of the report:

• Voices of LGBT POC are not at the forefront of groups fighting to end racial injustice as well as in LGBT equality groups.
• LGBT POC share the same concerns as the rest of the population and have broader issues beyond LGBT specific ones. They are concerned with health care and economic priorities.
• More than 50% of LGBT POC feels as though the Church treats them as outsiders and sinners and feel unwelcome at religious institutions.
• LGBT POC do not feel represented in media, often seeing a lack of LGBT characters altogether, and when present usually white.
• They feel that racism, sexism, homophobia and transphobia are issues that must be tackled to prevent violence, discrimination.

HRC encourages feedback and discussion on the topic matter by urging you to share your story.

New Grassroots HRC Campaign 'No Excuses'

The Human Rights Campaign has begun their 'No Excuses' grassroots campaign to demand equality on a face to face basis with our representatives. Activists will meet with their lawmakers during the summer recess when politicians are at home in their districts.



http://noexcuses.hrc.org/

Schedule your meeting with your representative and get the resources and tools necessary to ensure their vote on behalf of LGBT equality.

Changing the Conversation on LGBT People and Faith

Million For Marriage Petition

Sign the Human Rights Campaign petition to remove legal obstacles preventing lesbian and gay couples from receiving rights and responsibilities under federal law. The petition is for those who believe in state and federal recognition for same-gender couples and believe it is time to end discrimination by offering the same protections their heterosexual counterparts receive and often take for granted.

A Comprehensive LGBT Guide for Elementary Schools

Welcoming Schools is a new, comprehensive guide for administrators, educators, parents and guardians who want to strengthen their schools’ approach to family diversity, gender stereotyping and bullying.

Welcoming Schools is specifically designed for use in K-5 learning environments and is inclusive of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender families and individuals in the broader context of diversity.

Download a copy of the Introduction to Welcoming Schools.

Love Conquers Hate - Pass Federal Hate Crimes Legislation

The Human Rights Campaign launched a new website today to kick off the campaign to pass federal hate crimes legislation in the 110th Congress. The site, found at www.hrc.org/FightHate, will:

• Provide background information on the legislation, the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act (LLEHCPA).
  

• Feature photos and videos illustrating the devastating impact hate crimes have on individuals and communities.
  

• Answer frequently asked questions (FAQs) on the bill.
  

• Provide the latest updates on the bill’s progress.
  

• Provide users with the tools to directly contact their members of Congress to urge them to support the legislation.

Goto Fight Hate to send a message to congress and to find more resources.

Support Equality in Housing and Employment for all North Dakotans!

North Dakota’s non-discrimination bill (SB 2278) has passed the state Senate, and want to thank those of you who contacted your senators about this bill. Now, it's on to the state House of Representatives, where the bill has been assigned to the Human Services Committee.

If passed, SB 2278 will prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. Right now, people in North Dakota can be denied housing or refused access to public facilities simply because they are lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender. Nothing in state law prevents an employer from firing an employee because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

It's time to speak out in favor of equality. Personalize a letter today to your state representative telling him or her to support SB 2278! No one should have to worry about losing their job or being denied a place to live simply because of who they are.

Use HRC's E-action form to contact your ND representatives

Take Action to Support Civil Unions in Hawaii

The civil unions bill has already passed the Hawai'i State House of Representatives, but it has hit a roadblock in the State Senate. It's not too late for the Senate to take action and pass this legislation, but we need your help. We need your voices, speaking in favor of equality, to let the State Senate and Governor Lingle know that many residents of Hawaii reject discrimination and support civil unions. Please sign the attached petition in support of the civil unions bill.

Sign the petition now to demand civil unions and pass this on to friends.

Web Spotlight: End The Lies

End The Lies is a new website by HRC to counter false statements made by anti-gay right-wingers. It will feature an "interactive wall" of anti-LGBT crusaders and ways to take action to combat their efforts.

HRC Celebrates Black History Month

The Human Rights Campaign has put out a video in honor of Black History Month. I applaud this decision, as major LGBT organizations have failed to adequately reach out to communities of color thus far. It is far past time when we need to unite rather than divide. This is one step in the right direction and we must hold HRC accountable to their message of being committed to diversity, we also must ensure that they protect our transgender brothers and sisters during this legislative season and beyond.

Best Places to Work for GLBT People 2009

The Human Rights Campaign has created a list of the top businesses that support equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender employees. Findings are based on the 2009 Corporate Equality Index, the annual report that rates corporate America's treatment of LGBT employees, 260 businesses received top ratings.

Click here for the industry headings. Each business name links to a more detailed profile of their policies and practices

Pepsi "Something for Everyone" Slogan is Working!

The American Family Association is calling for a boycott of Pepsi due to their support for the "homosexual agenda" and they are asking their constituents to take action by letting Pepsi know they plan on boycotting.

They are angry because Pepsi donated $500,000 to the Human Rights Campaign as well as $500,000 to Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays(PFLAG)

Pepsi has also marched in pride parades and handed out Pepsi products and paraphernalia in an effort to market to the LGBT community.

In addition PepsiCo has workshops to trains its employees in diversity training which includes educating about sexual orientation and gender identity issues.

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Please call Pepsi (914-253-2000 or 1-800-433-2652) and let them know you appreciate their commitment to diversity and for supporting gay charities.

Pepsi's products include Pepsi soft drinks, Frito-Lay chips (800-352-4477), Quaker Oats (800-367-6287), Tropicana (800-237-7799) and Gatorade (800-367-6287).

E-contact form for PepsiCo

Forward this page to your friends and family so they will know about Pepsi's support for equal rights and for LGBT organizations.

Send George W. Bush a Retirement Card!

After eight years of treating gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender Americans like second-class citizens, George W. Bush is about to leave office. Send him your own personal retirement card celebrating this historic occasion.

Send Bush a personalized Happy Trails card from the LGBT community and allies.