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

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.

Singer Jazon Mraz Resolves to Speak for Equality!

Singer and songwriter Jason Mraz has written a beautiful post on his blog speaking up for LGBT equality as his new years resolution.

On his blog the Freshness Factor Five Thousand he writes:

"As a straight man I really have nothing to gain by standing up for equal rights for Gays, Lesbians, Bisexual, and/or my Transgender friends. Except for the fact that I have many friends who are still subjected to hurtful comments by a society that hasn’t yet embraced fully the nature of… nature.

Supporting a limiting system of rules for specific people to follow is prejudice. It’s the Antithesis of Christ Consciousness and (like smoking) it’s Soooo last century.

Allowing love to freely flourish will only enhance the life experience - For All.

Imagine telling cyclists to stay off the road. “These roads are for cars only! Those who dare to pedal on the shoulder will most likely get hit! Drivers will not expect to see you. It will not be the drivers’ fault if you get hurt.”

Yet, by sharing the road, the same rules get to apply to all of us. And surprisingly, we all get somewhere.

No one has to sit at the back of the bus.

A Marriage is a powerful commitment by any two people who are committed to each other’s lives being great. The God that is present in ceremony is looking itself in the eye in the form of the two worthy participants. Their commitment is the divine expression “love loving itself.” Any interference from the outside world be like a bear coming out of the woods and mauling the two lovebirds in front of the entire wedding party, the family and invited guests. Interference is messy and downright rude.

Hosting closed minded thoughts or making lewd comments about the intimate affairs of someone else does not make life great. In fact, it clogs up the judicial system, diminishes entire communities, and turns the clock backwards to our ultimate realization that we are all One - living in harmony with the Earth, with the cosmos, and with great things unseen. Thinking that others are a ‘particular way’ rather than reinventing them as new everyday makes you separate and disconnected from the really easy, peaceful solution.

Life is too short. The age of interfering with someone’s natural rights (and natural born gifts) are over.

Love is too powerful to resist. I think the whole world would be better if we just got out of our own way. It would certainly be sexier.

I understand many people who stumble onto this blog are already dialed in and ready to transform the world. Much of my community is too. But there are some who still don’t care one way or the other about the ways of being in the world. Thereby, it’s up to us to share our positive outlook on our favorite issues.

To learn more about how you can be a part of the Epic Movement for Equal Rights. Visit The Human Rights Campaign at http://www.hrc.org/ and support the True Colors Fund.

This Year I Resolve to Join the Conversation on Equality. I will Stand Up and be outspoken about Same Sex Marriage and Let Freedom Sing."

Be sure to thank Jason Mraz by leaving a comment on his blog, and joining him in the 'Conversation on Equality'

D.C. Marriage Equality Rally Tonight!

The Human Rights Campaign has scheduled a rally tonight in support of the expected final passage of the marriage equality bill tomorrow. The Mayor of the capital has promised to sign the legislation, and congress has 30 days to decide whether to veto the bill.

Even though a win looks very likely, it is critical to come out and show support for the measure.

Monday, December 14
7 pm
The Kennedy Recreation Center
1401 7th ST, NW Washington, D.C.

The Changing face of Same-Gender Loving Students at Historically Black Colleges

The Human Rights Campaigns Historically Black Colleges and Universities program is an effort to create dialogue and awareness about LGBT issues among these schools. The effort is to help bring dialogue, campus organizations, and resources dedicated to LGBT students of color and their allies.


Students can join existing LGBT clubs at a HBCU, or create your own organization or event!

Faculty and staff can also help create safer, more welcoming and affirming academic institutions.

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!

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.

Kenneth Cole Makes LGBT Pride Fashionable

Fashion designer Kenneth Cole is celebrating LGBT pride month as part of their "AWEARNESS" campaign with a unisex t-shirt for same-sex marriage. The t-shirt reads "Those Against Gay Marriage Aren't Thinking Straight. (Or Are They?)"

100% of the net proceeds from t-shirt sales will benefit the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) the largest LGBT advocacy organization in the United States.

Click here to purchase your own limited edition Kenneth Cole HRC Tee

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Kenneth Cole New York is also holding host events in five cities- Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Chicago and Dallas- during Gay Pride Week. On the designated nights, 20% of the evening’s proceeds will be donated to The Human Rights Campaign.

Los Angeles June 12, 2009 4-9pm Kenneth Cole New York Store, Beverly Center
New York June 26, 2009 4-9pm Kenneth Cole New York Store, Soho, 595 Broadway
Chicago June 26, 2009 4-9pm Kenneth Cole New York Store, Chicago 540 North Michigan Ave
Dallas June 26, 2009 4-8pm Kenneth Cole New York Store, Dallas North Park
San Francisco June 26, 2009 4-8pm Kenneth Cole New York Store, 166 Grant Avenue

Exxon Mobil Continually Refuses to Recognize LGBT Employees

Shareholders at Exxon Mobil have once again voted down a proposal to add protections based on sexual orientation and gender identity to the company policy.

Exxon Mobil's leadership maintains that they are not required to pass anti-discrimination laws or support domestic partners and say that activists should focus on the federal level for such change.

The Human Rights Campaign has been persistent in trying to get the mega oil company to changes its policies over recent years and will continue to put pressure on them. Other companies such as British Petroleum, Chevron and Shell, score a 100% rating.

Let Exxon-Mobil know you won't support them until they put an end to their corporate-sanctioned discrimination.
E-contact Form for Exxon-Mobil

We Won't Back Down - Repeal Prop 8!

In a 6-1 ruling the California Supreme Court declared it legal for the majority to impose tyranny on a minority and effectively strip rights away from any population it chooses. Prop 8 may stand today, but the cracks are getting deeper and the voices are getting louder. We must remain steadfast in our opposition to marriage inequality and fight for justice and equality for all!



The Human Rights Campaign is urging for people to donate to the cause for marriage equality at http://www.wontbackdown.org

Healthcare Equality Index 2009

The annual Healthcare Equality Index has been released by the Human Rights Campaign in conjunction with the Gay and Lesbian Medical Association and shows the healthcare industry lags in addressing the needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender patients.

Key findings:

Anti-Discrimination Policies. Less than seven percent of participating facilities protect patients from discrimination based on gender identity, while nearly three-quarters of participants provide these protections based on sexual orientation

Visitation Policies. The HEI survey has identified model visitation policies that are explicitly inclusive of the LGBT community. These model policies will set the standard for credit on these questions in the future.

Advance Healthcare Directives. All HEI-participating facilities have compliance policies requiring the honoring of legally-valid advance healthcare directives. Unfortunately, LGBT individuals come forward with tragic stories of hospitals failing to recognize these directives, reflecting a disconnect between the existence of written policies and the actual implementation of these policies on the part of all personnel. Future HEI surveys will focus on staff training related to advance healthcare directives as a means to eliminating this disconnect.

Cultural Competency Training. Seventy-two percent of participating facilities provide cultural competency training addressing sexual orientation and healthcare issues relevant to lesbian, gay and bisexual community. Seventy-one percent of participating facilities provide cultural competency training addressing gender identity and healthcare issues relevant to transgender community.

Employment Non-Discrimination Policies. Ninety-eight percent of the participating facilities bar employment discrimination based on sexual orientation, while only 63 percent of those policies include “gender identity or expression” or “gender identity.”

The full report can be viewed here.

Help Elect Bud Martin to New Hampshire State Senate

Marriage Equality is on the horizon in the state of New Hampshire. House Bill 436 has passed by 7 votes, leaving only the senate to pass it and the governor to sign it into law. Democrats do control the New Hampshire senate, but must solidify votes to ensure the passage of this important and historic piece of civil rights legislation.

On April 21st there is a special election and we must elect Bud Martin (D) a marriage equality supporter to the seat.

He is quoted as saying in response to the House Bill 436:

"I support it, and I do because my experience tells me that it is important to our fabric as a community."

He also refers to a lesbian couple he knows for a long time and says "to tell them that they don't have that opportunity is something I can't personally do" (Blue Hampshire).

The Human Rights Campaign has volunteer opportunities for LGBT people interested in helping the Martin campaign, just email Karl.Bach@hrc.org or give him a call at 202-280-5407.

Act Now: Tell Your Legislators to Override Marriage Equality Veto

Members of the Vermont Senate and House voted overwhelmingly to bring marriage equality to Vermont. But Governor Douglas has promised to veto this critical legislation. Act now to send a message to your legislators urging them to override the governor's veto.

Use HRC's E-Action Form to contact your representative and state senator.

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.

Companies to Boycott Over Prop 8!

The Human Rights Campaign has created a comprehensive list of dozens of organizations that have contributed to proposition 8, please boycott the businesses on the list below.

Click here for the listing.

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.

Ask your Senators to Support Eric Holder, President-Elect Obama's Choice for Attorney General

Senate Republicans are threatening the confirmation of President-elect Obama's choice for Attorney General, Eric Holder. Take action today to ensure that Eric Holder is swiftly confirmed as our nation's next Attorney General. As a community that is particularly vulnerable to bias-motivated violence, the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community needs an Attorney General who is committed to combating this national problem. Eric Holder will be that Attorney General.

Holder knows that access to justice is a civil right and has demonstrated his commitment to protecting communities from hate violence and ensuring the fair and equal application of our laws. He supports rigorous enforcement of existing laws, data collection and research about hate violence, and legislation that would give the federal government both the authority to prosecute these heinous crimes and the power to assist local governments that are pursuing justice.

Don't let this nomination be derailed. Send a message to your Senators today asking them to support the nomination of Eric Holder as the next Attorney General.

Use HRC's E-Action Contact Form to Connect with Your Senators

Call on President-elect Obama to Restore Our Trust and take Real Action on Equality!

The Presidential Inaugural Committee may not change their minds on Rev. Warren but President-elect Obama can turn the corner on this controversy by officially committing to HRC's Blueprint for Positive Change – a concrete plan for LGBT equality.


HRC's Blueprint for Positive Change calls on President-elect Obama to:

• Issue an Executive Order within the first 100 days that reaffirms protections for federal workers based on sexual orientation and expands them to also include gender identity;
  

• Work with Congress to sign Hate Crimes legislation into law within 6 months;

• Support only a fully inclusive Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA);

• In the first 100 days develop a plan to begin the process of eliminating the failed “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy; and

• Work with Congress to end unequal tax treatment of domestic partnerships benefits.

Take action NOW and send a powerful message via this HRC form to the incoming Obama Administration!