Queer the Census!

As it stands the 2010 census will not include a question about sexual orientation or gender identity. LGBT people need to be heard and counted so that our community is accurately reflected and catered to with respect to government research and funding. The data collected is critical for issues such as health care, economic stability and even safety.

In addition to demanding that we have data on sexuality and gender, this is the first time the census will count married same-sex couples. Please ensure that you check off the "husband/wife" or "unmarried partner" box.

The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force will send you a FREE Queer The Census sticker to affix to your envelope when you fill out and send your census.

"Creating Change" - National Conference for LGBT Equality

Creating Change- The National Conference for LGBT Equality is being held Jan 28-Feb 1 2009, in Denver Colorado.

"Each year the conference is held in a different region of the United States and attracts 2,500+ participants from within and outside of the LGBT community. It's is well known for providing a unique environment where activists and leaders come together from diverse places and backgrounds to create a community that is both strengthening and inspiring to the participants.

Creating Change is for you if you are: an activist and organizer in your community, campus or workplace; a board member, staff member or leader in a LGBT organization, community center or foundation; an elected or appointed official; a change agent for justice, freedom & equality for all. In other words, Creating Change has something for everyone!"

For more information:
e-mail CreatingChange@theTaskForce.org or call 202-639-6333

Bolthouse Farms Has a Change of Heart

LGBT activists have been protesting against fruit drink producer Bolthouse Farms over the founders 100k contribution to proposition 8.

LGBT activist Lane Hudson has been advising Bolthouse Farms for the last month. From his email to Joe My God it lists improvements that Bolthouse has made internally:

"Bolthouse Farms sponsored the National Gay & Lesbian Task Force LA Awards Brunch as a Gold Sponsor and the CEO personally contributed $5K to their No on 8 work. Bolthouse Farms was also a corporate table sponsor of the Human Rights Campaign National Dinner.

"In addition, they have clarified their non-discrimination policy to include sexual orientation. They also clarified their benefits policy to include dependent children of same sex relationships. They also edited their website, corporate philosophy and corporate mission to reflect what a consumer products company should be. It's a great deal of progress since the new CEO took the reigns a mere 12 weeks ago and since I began advising him a month ago."

These are very positive changes! Thank you all for your continued activism in urging them to be a socially responsible corporation. Californians Against Hate who have been the leaders in this boycott and calling for change have declared an end to the boycott and protests.