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.

Blog Spotlight: Gay Persons of Color

Gay Persons of Color documents and explores the diverse vantage points of being gay and of color, and believes that they are intricate, constant, and necessary threads in the fabric of society.

"Voices Raised" - Survey for POC With LGBT Parent/Guardian of Color

Do you identify as a person of color and have or had one or more LGBTQ parent or guardian of color?

If so, this survey is for you! Take this survey and enter the raffle by Monday, April 20th, 2009. One survey participant will receive a brand new iPod shuffle as a thank you for your time and energy!!

COLAGE is a national movement of children, youth, and adults who have or had one or more lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and/or queer (LGBTQ) parents. We build community and work toward social justice through youth empowerment, leadership development, education, and advocacy.

COLAGE is thrilled to announce the launch of Voices Raised, A POC led project of COLAGE, whose mission is to seek, celebrate and reflect the unique voices and experiences of COLAGErs of color who have/had one or more LGBTQ parent or guardian of color.

As part of the Voices Raised project, we are launching this survey intended for all children, youth and adults who identify as Asian-American, Bi-racial, Black/African-American, Latino/a, Mixed, Multi-racial, Native-American, Pacific Islander ,Multi-National, or people of color and who have/had an LGBTQ parent or guardian of color who identifies as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Two-Spirit and/or Same-Gender Loving.

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.

Resources for Coming Out of the Closet!

"Why are people afraid to come out?

Answer: There can be many reasons people are afraid to come out as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender. It depends on the culture you were brought up in, your religion and the point of view of your family and friends. People coming out now, don’t necessarily realize the stigma associated with being gay as little as ten years ago. Forty years ago, people were thrown in jail for dancing with same-sex partners in gay and lesbian bars. It was only in 2003 that the Texas sodomy law was overturned, finally making sex between two same-sex consenting adults legal. In 33 states you can still be fired for being gay.

Read more at lesbianlife.about.com.

HRC's Coming Out Project helps GLBT, as well as straight-supportive people live openly and talk about their support for equality at home, at work and in their communities each and every day.

Bisexual

Learn more about the specific issues around coming out as bisexual.

In Communities of Color

Learn more about the specific issues around coming out in communities of color.

Straight Supporters

Learn more about the specific issues around coming out as a straight supporter.

Transgender

Learn more about the specific issues around coming out as transgender.

Crossposted via Wicked Gay Blog