SGN Dec 6, 2019 - Part 1

Seattle Gay News

Trump administration changes SNAP rules

Government saves $5.5 billion, 3.7 million people lose benefits

by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer

The Trump administration has announced new rules changes for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as food stamps), which could cut off benefits for nearly four million Americans.

The new rules would apply to “able-bodied adults with no dependents,” the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced in a December 4 call with reporters.

Under current law, able-bodied adults without dependents can receive SNAP benefits for a maximum of three months during

see SNAP page 12

Chairman Nadler’s closing statement at first impeachment hearing

WASHINGTON, DC (December 4, 2019) – Today, House Judiciary Committee

Chairman Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) delivered the following closing remarks for the hearing on “The Impeachment Inquiry into President Donald J. Trump: Constitutional

Grounds for Presidential Impeachment”:

“George Washington’s farewell address warns of a moment when ‘cunning, ambitious, and unprincipled men will be enabled to

see NADLER page 6

HHS promises free PrEP for uninsured

by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer

The Trump administration said it will offer free PrEP meds to uninsured people at risk of contracting HIV.

In a December 3 announcement, Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Alex Azar heralded the administration’s new “Ready, Set, PrEP” program. To be eligible for the new program, people must test negative for HIV, have a valid prescription for the medications, and not have prescription drug coverage, the HHS statement said.

see PREP page 5

Jayapal joins amicus brief in challenge to Roe v. Wade before US Supreme Court

WASHINGTON, DC (December 3, 2019)

– US House Rep. Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), co-chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, joined 160 members of the House and 36 senators in filing an amicus brief [https:// bit.ly/2Ypk2aX] in June Medical Services

LLC v. Gee, a direct challenge to Roe v. Wade, currently before the US Supreme Court.

“Reproductive rights are human rights. Louisiana’s Act 620 is one of many

see ROE V. WADE page 12

POZSeattle hosts Holiday Potluck, Chili Feed & Gift Exchange! Dec. 11

Happy Holidays!!

POZSeattle is hosting our annual Holiday Potluck, Chili Feed & Gift Exchange on Wednesday, December 11. Meet us in The Cuff’s downstairs bar (1533 13th Ave at E Pine St) for drinks, home-made chili – two kinds (vegetarian & meat) – all prepared by your POZSeattle Volunteers & Board Members!

This being a potluck, we ask you to bring side dishes and holiday treats. Bring food to share and (optional) gift from 5:30-6pm; enjoy potluck and social from 6-7:45pm.

Please join us for socializing, to catch-up with old friends, to make new ones, and a whole lot of fun.

This is not only great for our community, but it gives us a chance to expand, meet new people, and experience a different environment and atmosphere.

Beverages are at cost from The Cuff’s hottest bartenders!!

This Holiday Social features an optional Holiday White Elephant Gift Exchange. If you’d like to participate, bring a fun, funny, or naughty wrapped gift for “Santa POZ” to deliver, and you will get one in exchange. It is a lot of fun to participate. Please, a $5-$15 limit suggested cos for the gifts.

Please plan on attending this Holiday Potluck, one of our most favored events of the year!

This event is offered at no cost..(no one turned away for lack of funds), but to help with overhead cost, we ask a sliding scale donation between $2.00-$5.00. You can always give more.

We are fully self-supported by your donations and our events are for all HIVPositive men and women, our friends, family, and support networks, (HIV-Positive or not), regardless of age, shape, size, origin, citizenship, color, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity or any other protected characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local laws.

POZSeattle is a social organization run for and by Seattle-area HIV-positive folks that are committed to planning and promoting fun, social activities for each other, and our friends, family, and support networks. We are always looking for others to help plan and organize our events, men, women, transgender folks, non-binary. Anyone can play with us!!

For questions or more information about

this event, to plan your own social event, or to be added to our event promotions email list, email contactpozseattle@gmail.com , visit us on the website at www.pozseattle. com, and can go to Facebook and search “JoinPozSeattle” to be added to our group. Thanks & see you there!

Courtesy POZSeattle Events Committee

DARCELLE turns 89!

This past Sunday, December 2, Portland celebrated Darcelle XV’s 89th Birthday at Darcelle’s Showplace in NW Portland. Darcelle is a NW legend and still holds the record of being the oldest working drag queen.

There was an extra special show, appetizer buffet, cake and lots of fun and laughs! Most brought a toy in honor of Darcelle’s birthday to donate to the KGW Great Toy Drive! A fabulous evening all around!

Darcelle XV is the co-founder of LaFemme Magnifique International and has run her club for over 51 years.

provided by

and

SIFF welcomes Andrew L. Haines as its new executive director

SEATTLE (December 4, 2019) – SIFF announced today the hiring of Andrew L. Haines as the nonprofit’s new executive director. Haines will join SIFF in January. Amy Fulford of management consulting firm Enlight has served as interim executive director since former executive director Sarah Wilke stepped down in March.

Haines has been director of marketing and communications and a member of the leadership team at Seattle Rep since 2015. His responsibilities included leading the day-to-day promotion and communication of Seattle Rep’s core mission and artistic programming and overseeing the 25-member marketing, communications, business operations, and patron experience departments. During his time there, he developed and implemented strategic initiatives that achieved three consecutive years of increased subscription sales, totaling 45% growth from FY16 to FY19.

Prior to his tenure at Seattle Rep, Haines worked for 10 years at Key Brand Entertainment (now called the John Gore Organization). He held several sales positions, including, most recently, the executive director of the national group sales division. In that role, he was responsible for more than $32 million of annual ticket sales.

“We are thrilled to have Andrew taking the position as SIFF’s executive director,” said Board President Lynn Hubbard. “With Andrew’s customer experience and focus, he can lead SIFF in continuing to delight our audiences, while also introducing us to new audiences. Under Andrew’s leadership, SIFF will continue bringing great films and events to the Puget Sound region.”

“I’m looking forward to working with and learning from Andrew, who brings a wealth of experience to SIFF,” said Beth Barrett, SIFF’s artistic director. “We are so pleased to have a leader who has exciting new ideas about audience engagement and enhancing our ability to deliver our mission.”

PREP

continued from cover

“Ready, Set, PrEP is a historic expansion of access to HIV prevention medication and a major step forward in President Trump’s plan to end the HIV epidemic in America,” Azar said in a statement.

“Thanks to Ready, Set, PrEP, thousands of Americans who are at risk for HIV will now be able to protect themselves and their communities.”

The Truvada used in the program will be made available by the drug maker Gilead, which announced in May that it would donate to the government enough supplies to protect up to 200,000 people a year over the next 11 years. The cost of medical appointments and lab tests needed to qualify are not covered.

To reach the goal of stopping HIV transmission, health authorities estimate that 95% of infected people must be diagnosed, 95% of the diagnosed must be virally suppress by HIV drugs, and 50% of at-risk people must be using PrEP.

Data released December 2 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show the country is currently off the mark on all three counts, particularly in the application of Truvada to suppress or prevent HIV.

In the US about 1.2 million people are at risk of being infected with HIV, but only about 18% of them had PrEP prescriptions last year, Azar said.

“I am honored to join SIFF, one of the preeminent film organizations in North America, as the next executive director,” said Haines. “This is an exciting time for SIFF, and I look forward to collaborating with the staff and board to advance the mission, expand audiences, and deepen engagement within the community.”

Founded in 1976, SIFF creates experiences that bring people together to discover extraordinary films from around the world

with the Seattle International Film Festival, SIFF Cinema, and SIFF Education. Recognized as one of the top film festivals in North America, the Seattle International Film Festival is the longest, most highly attended film festival in the United States, reaching more than 140,000 annually. The 25-day festival is renowned for its wide-ranging and eclectic programming, presenting over 400 features, short films, and documentaries from over 80 countries each year. SIFF Cinema exhibits premiere theatrical releases, art-

house and international titles, and classic repertory film showings daily on five screens at the SIFF Cinema Uptown, SIFF Cinema Egyptian, and SIFF Film Center, reaching more than 150,000 attendees annually. SIFF Education offers educational programs for all audiences serving more than 8,000 students and youth in the community each year.

Courtesy of SIFF

Underuse of the drugs is often attributed to their high cost – about $20,000 a year. But stigma, lack of awareness, and other factors also contribute to the underuse. Even if everyone eligible for this new program took advantage of it, nearly 800,000 people who would benefit from using PrEP would still not be using the medication.

Gilead has been long under fire for the

high cost of PrEP. Jennifer Kates, Director for Global Health and HIV Policy for the Kaiser Family Foundation, said the new HHS program would do little to change that.

“Increasing awareness of and access to PrEP is critical and this is a very important step forward – both the provision of PrEP for free and the expansion of access points,” she said in an email.

“Of course this effort does not address the underlying price of PrEP or include the costs of clinic visits and lab tests. The price issue in particular is one that will continue to loom over the initiative as it moves ahead.”

Jayapal statement on next phase of House impeachment inquiry

WASHINGTON, DC (December 5, 2019) – U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), a member of the House Judiciary Committee and Co-Chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, today issued the following statement after House Judiciary Chairman Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) announced the Committee will hold a hearing on Monday, December 9, to receive presentations of evidence from counsels to the House Intelligence and Judiciary committees related to the impeachment of President Donald Trump:

“The Speaker has asked that the House Judiciary Committee begin drafting articles of impeachment, a task that we will undertake seriously, carefully and thoughtfully, in conjunction with leadership,” said Jayapal. “In spite of unprecedented obstruction of Congress by the President and his Administration, the House impeachment inquiry has uncovered an overwhelming amount of uncontested facts. The facts paint a damning picture of a President who abused the power of his office for his own personal, political interests.”

“This is a sober moment for the nation. My colleagues and I must look at all the facts, consider the lasting ramifications of a President who believes he is above the law and engages in behavior that openly threatens our elections and our democracy, and remember the oath we’ve been entrusted to uphold. If we don’t stand up now to a president who abuses his power, we risk sending a message to all future presidents that they can put their own personal political interests ahead of the American people, our elections, and our national security. This would be a grave threat to our democracy and our Constitution,” said Jayapal. “I will stay true to the oath I took to defend the Constitution, and I hope my Republican colleagues will do the same.”

During yesterday’s Judiciary Committee hearing titled, “The Impeachment Inquiry into President Donald J. Trump: Constitutional Grounds for Presidential Impeachment,” Jayapal asked Stanford Law School Professor Pamela S. Karlan

about the Supreme Court’s legal framework for assessing credibility and applying it to President Trump’s claims that he was worried about corruption in Ukraine. Karlan concluded that the facts do not support the President’s claim. The full video of Jayapal’s comments and exchange with Karlan is available here. [https://www. dropbox.com/s/awya25w2asdvoxg/PJ_ JUD_1242019.mp4?dl=0]

The full transcript of today’s exchange is below.

Representative Jayapal: ‘This is a deeply grave moment we find ourselves in and I thought the threat to our nation was well articulated earlier today by Professor Feldman when you said, “If we cannot impeach a President who abuses his office for personal advantage, we no longer live in a democracy, we live in a monarchy, or we live under a dictatorship.’ My view is if that people cannot depend on the fairness of our elections, then what people are calling divisive today will be absolutely nothing compared to the shredding of our democracy.

After the events of Ukraine unfolded, the president claimed that the reason he requested an investigation into his political opponents and withheld desperately needed military aid for Ukraine was supposedly because he was worried about corruption. However, contrary to the President’s statements, various witnesses, including Vice President Pence’s special advisor, Jennifer Williams, testified that the President’s request was political. Take a listen.”

Jennifer Williams: “I found the July 25th phone call unusual in contrast to other presidential calls I had observed. It involved discussions of what appeared to be a domestic political matter.”

Jayapal: “Is it common for someone who gets caught to deny that their behavior is impermissible?”

Professor Karlan: “Almost always.”

Jayapal: “And one of the questions before us is whether the President’s claim

that he cared about corruption is actually credible. Now, you’ve argued before the Supreme Court and the Supreme Court determined that when assessing credibility, we should look at a number of factors, including impact, historical background, and whether there are departures from normal procedures, correct?”

Karlan: “That’s correct.”

Jayapal: So what we’re ultimately trying to do is figure out if someone’s explanation fits with the facts. And if it doesn’t, then the explanation may not be true. So let’s explore that. Lieutenant Colonel Vindman testified that he prepared talking points on anticorruption reform for President Trump’s call with Ukrainian President Zelensky. However, based on the transcripts released of those calls in April and July, President Trump never mentioned these points of corruption. He actually never mentioned the word corruption. Does that go to any of those factors? Is that significant?

Karlan: “Yes, it goes to the one about procedural irregularities and it also goes to the one that says you look at the kind of things that led up to the decision that you’re trying to figure out somebody’s motive about.”

Jayapal: “So let’s try another one. Ambassador Volker testified that the President never expressed any concerns to him about corruption in any country other than Ukraine. Would that be relevant to your assessment?”

Karlan: “Yes it would, it goes to the factor about substantive departures.”

Jayapal: “And Professor Karlan, there is in fact, and my colleague, Mr. McClintock, mentioned this earlier, a process outlined in the National Defense Authorization Act to assess whether countries that are receiving military aid have done enough to fight corruption. In May of 2019 – my Republican colleagues did not say this – the Department of Defense actually wrote a letter determining that Ukraine passed this assessment, and yet President Trump set aside that assessment and withheld the Congressionally

approved aid to Ukraine anyway, in direct contradiction to the established procedures he should have followed had he cared about corruption. Is that assessment? Is that relevant to your assessment?”

Karlan: “Yes, that would also go to the factors the Supreme Court’s discussed.”

Jayapal: “And what about the fact and I think you mentioned this earlier as one of the key things that you read in the testimony that, President Trump wanted the investigations of Burisma and the Bidens announced, but that he actually didn’t care whether they were conducted, that was in Ambassador Sondland’s testimony. What would you say about that?”

Karlan: “That goes to whether the claim that this is about politics is a persuasive claim, because that goes to the fact that it’s being announced publicly, which is an odd thing. I mean, maybe Mr. Swalwell can probably answer this better than I because he was a prosecutor. But generally you don’t announce the investigation in a criminal case before you conduct it, because it puts the person on notice that they are under investigation.”

Jayapal: “And given all of these facts, and there are more that we don’t have time to get to, how would you assess the credibility of the President’s claim that he was worried about corruption?”

Karlan: “Well, I think you want to make that credibility determination because you have the sole power of impeachment. If I were a member of the House of Representatives, I would infer from this that he was doing it for political reasons.”

Jayapal: “If we don’t stand up now to a president who abuses his power, we risk sending a message to all future presidents that they can put their own personal political interests ahead of the American people, our national security and our elections. And that is the greatest of threats to our democracy. I yield back.”

Courtesy of the Office of Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal

subvert the power of the people and to usurp for themselves the reins of government.’

“President Trump placed his own personal and political interests above our national interest, above the security of our country, and most importantly above our most precious right: the ability of each and every one of us to participate in fair elections, free of corruption.

“The Constitution has a solution for a president who places his personal or political interests above those of the nation: the power of impeachment.

“As one of my colleagues pointed out, I have articulated a three-part test for impeachment.

“Let me be clear: all three parts of that test have been met.

“First: Yes, the President has committed an impeachable offense.

“The President asked a foreign government to intervene in our elections, then got caught, then obstructed the investigators. Twice.

“Our witnesses told us in no uncertain terms that this conduct constitute high crimes and misdemeanors, including abuse of power.

“Second: Yes, the President’s alleged offenses represent a direct threat to the constitutional order.

“Professor Karlan warned: ‘Drawing a foreign government into our election process is an especially serious abuse of power because it undermines democracy itself.’

“Professor Feldman echoed: ‘if we cannot impeach a president who abuses his office for personal advantage, we no longer live in a democracy, we live in a monarchy or we live under a dictatorship.’

“And Professor Gerhardt reminded us: ‘If what we’re talking about is not impeachable, then nothing is impeachable.’

“President Trump’s actions represent a threat to our national security and an urgent threat to integrity of the next election.

“Third: Yes, we should not proceed unless at least some of the citizens who supported the President in the last election are willing to come with us. A majority of this country is clearly prepared to impeach and remove President Trump.

“Rather than respond to the unsettling and dangerous evidence, my Republican colleagues have called this process ‘unfair.’

“It is not.

“Nor is this argument new. My colleagues on the other side of the aisle – unable to defend the behavior of the President –have used this argument before.

“First, they said that these proceedings were not constitutional because we did not have a floor vote. We had a floor vote.

“Then, they said that our proceedings were not constitutional because they could not call witnesses.

“Republicans called three of the witnesses in the live hearings and will have an opportunity to request witnesses in this Committee, as well.

“Next, they said that our proceedings were not constitutional because the President could not participate.

“But when the Committee invited the

President to participate in this hearing, he declined.

“The simple fact is that these proceedings have all the protections afforded prior presidents.

“This process follows the constitutional and legal precedents.

“So, I am left to conclude that the only reason my colleagues rush from one process complaint to the next is because there is no factual defense for President Trump.

“Unlike any other President before him, President Trump has openly rejected Congress’s right as a co-equal branch of government.

“He has defied our subpoenas. He has refused to produce any documents. And he directed his aides not to testify.

“President Trump has also asked a foreign government to intervene in our elections.

“And he has made clear that if left unchecked, he will do it again.

“Why? Because he believes that, in his own words: ‘I can do whatever I want.’

“That is why we must act now.

“In this country, the President cannot do whatever he wants.

“In this country, no one – not even the President – is above the law.

“Today, we began our conversation where we should, with the text of the Constitution.

“We have heard clearly from our witnesses that the Constitution compels action.

“Indeed, every witness, including the witness selected by the Republican side, agreed that if President Trump did what the Intelligence Committee found him to have

done after extensive and compelling witness from Trump administration officials, he committed impeachable offenses.

“While the Republican witness may not be convinced that there is sufficient evidence that the President engaged in these acts, the American people and the majority of this Committee disagree.

“I also think the Republican witness, Mr. Turley issued, a sage warning in 1998, when he was a leading advocate for the impeachment of Bill Clinton. He said:

“’If you decide that certain acts do not rise to impeachable offenses, you will expand the space for executive conduct.’

“That was the caution of Professor Turley in 1998.

“That caution should guide all of us today. And by any account, that warning is infinitely more applicable to the abuses of power we are contemplating today.

“Because as we all know, if these abuses go unchecked, they will only continue, and only grow worse.

“Each of us took an oath to defend the Constitution. The President is a continuing threat to that Constitution, and to our democracy. I will honor my oath.

“And as I sit here today – having heard consistent, clear, and compelling evidence that the President has abused his power, attempted to undermine the constitutional role of Congress, and corrupted our elections – I urge my colleagues: Stand behind the oath you have taken.

“Our democracy depends on it.”

Courtesy of House Judiciary Democratic Press

December 14, 3pm

Capitol Hill Library Meeting Room 425 Harvard Ave E Seattle, WA 98102

To continue this vital political work, community members who care about LGBTQ Equality are needed now to join the SEAMEC Steering Committee to reinvigorate this organization as we prepare for the critical upcoming 2020 elections.

With the current political turmoil in our nation, our hard-fought gains for LGBTQ Equality are in great jeopardy, making SEAMEC’S mission as urgent and vital as ever. In the upcoming 2020 election cycle, we must raise $10,000 to protect and retain the rights we have secured in our ongoing quest for equality!

Volunteer opportunities are also available to interview, evaluate, and recommend candidates running for office as well as other politically-related activities.

SEAMEC has served the LGBTQ Community of Seattle and King County since 1977 by expanding the level of political awareness of voters with the mission of increasing the influence and impact of our community on elections.

To find out more about SEAMEC or to step up to the plate, please attend!

After the conclusion of the meeting, join us for an informal, no-host happy hour gathering at Queer Bar, 1518 11th Ave, Seattle, WA 98122

National AIDS Memorial welcomes first panels of the AIDS Quilt home to San Francisco during World AIDS Day observances, honors leaders in the HIV/AIDS movement

SAN FRANCISCO (November 30, 2019)

– This World AIDS Day, more than 1,500 people are expected to gather in the heart of the National AIDS Memorial to welcome home the first group of panels of the AIDS Memorial Quilt back to San Francisco and honor leaders who have helped bring together the vast voices of the epidemic with profound courage, unrelenting hope, and unity of humankind.

The two days of ceremonies and events are focused on “Common Threads-Common Ground,” weaving together inspiring and personal stories that have made a difference in the HIV/AIDS movement. World AIDS Day and Light in the Grove ceremonies are made possible through the generous support from Quest Diagnostics as this year’s “Presenting Angel Partner” and Chevron, Gilead Sciences, and Wells Fargo as “Legacy Partners.”

Rick Welts, president and COO of the Golden State Warriors, will be honored with the National Leadership Recognition Award. As the first prominent male executive in professional sports to announce his sexual orientation so publicly, Rick has had a profound impact on how the nation views the LGBT community and AIDS. His story of losing his longtime partner, Arnie Chinn, to AIDS, while mourning in silence is one that touches hearts and opens minds, regardless of sexual orientation. His courageous decision to come out publicly delivered a significant blow to the stigma and discrimination that continues to fuel the spread of HIV and diminish the self-esteem of LGBT youth, in particular.

“It is an honor to receive this award from the National AIDS Memorial, which is such an important place for so many of us to heal, remember, and share the stories of those who have died from AIDS,” said Welts. “These national treasures – this memorial and our beloved quilt – help to keep their memories alive and are reminders to those struggling with who they are, or living with HIV or AIDS, that they are loved, that they are important, that there is hope, and that they share a common bond with so many.”

The Thom Weyand Unsung Hero Award will be presented to Leslie Ewing, who has dedicated much of her life to LGBTQ civil rights. Leslie has been at the heart of some of the most pressing moments in the LGBTQ movement, including cofounding the ACTUP affinity group Queer and Present Danger; she was an early volunteer coordinator for the Quilt, joining other activists in the marches in Washington, DC; helped lead the AIDS Emergency Fund; raised over $2 million for local AIDS organizations with Under One Roof; and served as executive director of the Pacific Center in Berkeley, [from which] she recently retired.

Two important programs of the National AIDS Memorial are being featured during World AIDS Day. The Surviving Voices Storytelling Project, funded primarily through a grant from Chevron, will unveil a special video tribute honoring the transgender community. Additionally, $50,000 in scholarships will be awarded to ten inspiring students through the Pedro Zamora Young Leadership Scholarship. Gilead Sciences and Wells Fargo are major funders of the scholarship program.

Cleve Jones and Mike Smith will share the story of the AIDS Memorial Quilt, when, 32 years ago, during the height of the AIDS epidemic, a group of strangers gathered at a San Francisco storefront to remember the names and lives of their

loved ones they feared history would forget. It was that seemingly simple act of love and defiance, where the first panels of the Quilt were created, that sparked a national movement that continues today. Today, the Quilt is a powerful social justice teaching tool, having grown to more than 50,000 threeby-six-foot memorial panels, individually sewn together to tell the personal stories of more than 105,000 lives lost to AIDS.

Earlier this month at a ceremony in Washington, DC, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, along with Reps. John Lewis and Barbara Lee, announced that the Quilt would move from the NAMES Project Foundation in Atlanta where it has been cared for since 2001, back to the San Francisco Bay Area, under the stewardship of the National AIDS Memorial. The Quilt archival collection will transfer under the care of the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress, making it available to the public through the world’s largest public library.

“The enormity of loss our beloved quilt represents is so profound, and what has kept so many of us moving forward when, at so many times during this painful journey, we thought it was over,” said Cleve Jones. “I cannot express how meaningful it is to have the Quilt return to San Francisco, where it will live forever so that every story, every life, every friend and lover, will never, ever be forgotten.”

The first Quilt panels to arrive back in San Francisco will be on display during World AIDS Day, hung upon the walls of the large tent, visually telling the stories of lives lost to AIDS. All of the Quilt panels will return to the Bay Area in early 2020, where the Quilt’s programs, which include displays in communities across the nation, panel making, conservation, and public education efforts, will transition to the National AIDS Memorial.

Gilead Sciences, a longtime supporter, will formally announce a $2.4 million

grant to the National AIDS Memorial – the largest single grant the organization has ever received – which will be used to fund the Quilt programs, support its move back to San Francisco, and launch a new public education initiative in 2020 to bring the Quilt displays into communities across the country, particularly in regions adversely impacted by HIV.

“As we mark this World AIDS Day, Gilead is honored to continue our support for the National AIDS Memorial with a donation that will help to conserve the Quilt,” said Gilead Sciences Chairman and CEO Daniel O’Day. “The Quilt has played an important role in inspiring activism, fostering hope, and educating the nation about the story of HIV/AIDS. Through this partnership, we are proud to help keep this story alive for future generations.”

On the eve of World AIDS Day, the National AIDS Memorial will be artistically illuminated with brilliant light displays as part of the annual Light in the Grove gala. This year guests will experience a candlelight reflection at the Circle of Friends and walked through the illuminated Redwood Grove with musical choreographed performances.

During Light in the Grove, Mario P. Diaz, a former National AIDS Memorial Board member and longtime community relations leader with Wells Fargo, will receive the Lifetime of Commitment Award. Mario, who retired this year, held various positions within the Wells Fargo Foundation, managed the charitable philanthropic program and volunteerism for the greater San Francisco region. His unwavering commitment, compassion, and generosity have resulted in myriad philanthropic partnerships with organizations and communities.

The National AIDS Memorial relies solely on funding from personal donors and corporate partners to support its mission and programs, which now includes the

Quilt, and ensure that the story of AIDS and the AIDS movement is known in perpetuity so that never again will our national conscience allow a community to be devastated by an epidemic because of fear, silence, discrimination, or stigma. Created 28 years ago in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park at the height of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, it is a place where those impacted by AIDS can grieve and heal. In 1996, legislation by US Rep. Nancy Pelosi was signed into law by President Bill Clinton, elevating “the Grove” as this nation’s sole federally designated National AIDS Memorial.

“The National AIDS Memorial is honored to recognize so many leaders on this World AIDS Day. They have all been an inspiration, forging common ground by sharing their personal stories, through their activism and by changing hearts and minds in this long struggle against HIV and AIDS,” said John Cunningham, executive director of the National AIDS Memorial. “Their collective voices have made a difference, through their loss, their love, and in helping us always remember the lives we’ve lost through this disease.”

World AIDS Day is a reminder that nearly four decades into the epidemic, more than 70 million people around the world have been infected with the HIV virus, with 35 million people having died from HIV- and AIDS-related causes. While much progress has been made in preventing and treating HIV, today 36 million people are currently living with the virus. New advancements in diagnostics, treatments, and medicine are helping nearly 20 million people live healthy with the disease. In the United States, 1.1 million people are currently living with HIV.

To learn more about the National AIDS Memorial, please visit www.aidsmemorial. org. #AIDSMemorial

Courtesy of the National AIDS Memorial

Victory Fund endorses Mary Washington for Baltimore mayor; would be first out LGBTQ mayor of the city

WASHINGTON, DC (December 5, 2019) – Today the LGBTQ Victory Fund, the only national organization dedicated to electing LGBTQ leaders to public office, endorsed Maryland state Sen. Mary Washington in her race for mayor of Baltimore. If elected, Washington would become the first openly LGBTQ mayor of Baltimore and one of just two openly LGBTQ Black women serving as mayor of top 100 cities. Washington first made history in 2010 when she became the first Black openly LGBTQ state legislator in Maryland and the second such state legislator in the nation, and then again in 2018 when she became the state’s first openly LGBTQ state senator of color.

Washington faces five primary opponents, and the primary winner will likely be the next mayor. A victory for Washington would add to the unprecedented number of lesbian bigcity mayors elected in the past year.

“Sen. Washington is a trailblazer who barrels through long-held political barri-

ers to break new ground for our community – and she will do so again in her race for mayor of Baltimore,” said Mayor Annise Parker, president and CEO of the LGBTQ Victory Fund. “While she is running to improve the lives of all the city’s residents, the historic nature of her candidacy provides

from SNAP if the proposal took effect. In the December 4 phone call, the USDA adjusted that figure down to 688,000.

a three-year period, unless they’re working or enrolled in an education or training program for 80 hours a month.

States have been allowed to waive this time limit to ensure that people re-entering the workforce can still access food. The new rule, which is set to take effect on April 1, 2020, will tighten the criteria for states applying for such waivers, setting the minimum unemployment rate for a county wishing to receive a waiver at 6%.

USDA officials say about 7% of the individuals on SNAP are considered ablebodied adults without dependents and that the rule will save the government $5.5 billion over five years.

The USDA initially estimated up to 750,000 individuals would be dropped

However, a study by the Urban Institute shows that the new rules could cut as many as 3.7 million people from SNAP in an average month. Millions more would experience reductions in monthly benefits, and 982,000 students would lose automatic access to free or reduced-price school meals.

“It is deeply disappointing that despite overwhelming opposition to this proposal, the White House has finalized a rule that stiffens work requirements for millions of SNAP participants, which will likely lead to hundreds of thousands of people losing their benefits,” said Lisa Davis, senior vice president of Share Our Strength, a food advocacy group.

Rep. Marcia L. Fudge (D-OH), chair of the House Agriculture Subcommittee on Nutrition, Oversight, and Department Oper-

Baltimoreans with an opportunity to bring a fresh perspective to city hall. Lesbians are winning major city mayoral races in unprecedented numbers because of their authenticity and ability to connect with voters – and Sen. Washington is on track to do the same.”

In 2019, three big-city lesbian mayors

ROE V. WADE continued from cover

attempts we’ve seen from anti-choice activists in many states to take away the right to comprehensive reproductive health care,” Rep. Jayapal said. “We should not have to relitigate our constitutionally protected rights, but in hearing this case, the Supreme Court has an opportunity to reaffirm its

ations, noted that Congress voted against these exact policies in the 2018 Farm Bill.

“This is an unacceptable escalation of the administration’s war on working families, and it comes during a time when too many are forced to stretch already-thin budgets to make ends meet. The USDA is the Grinch that stole Christmas. Shame on them,” Fudge said in a statement.

were elected in the United States: Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot, Tampa Mayor Jane Castor, and Madison (WI) Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway. If Washington is elected, she and Lightfoot will be the only two openly LGBTQ Black women mayors of the top 100 cities.

The Victory Fund has endorsed 76 openly LGBTQ candidates for 2020 races so far. More information about the candidates is available at victoryfund.org/ourcandidates. Since 1991, the Victory Fund has helped thousands of openly LGBTQ candidates win local, state and federal elections.

The LGBTQ Victory Fund works to change the face and voice of America’s politics and achieve equality for LGBTQ Americans by increasing the number of openly LGBTQ elected officials at all levels of government. victoryfund.org

Courtesy of the LGBTQ Victory Fund

longstanding commitment to uphold Roe v. Wade as the law of the land.” Rep. Jayapal has emerged as a leading voice for reproductive justice in the US House of Representatives after writing about her own abortion story in the New York Times earlier this year [www.nytimes. com/2019/06/13/opinion/pramila-jayapalabortion.html].

Courtesy of Rep. Pramila Jayapal

Stacy Dean, vice president of food assistance policy for the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, says the revised rules make it much harder for states with high unemployment to qualify for waivers during a national recession.

“That change really weakens SNAP’s ability to assist the unemployed during an economic downturn,” she said.

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (November 30, 2019) – The AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) today mourned the death earlier this week of Haiti’s Charlot Jeudy, an AHF ally and the president of KOURAJ, an LGBTQ organization in Haiti. According to CBC Radio, he was 46 years old when he was found dead in his home Monday, and although his cause of death was not immediately known, CBC Radio reported that before he died, his “…friends and colleagues tried to convince him to flee Haiti for his own safety, but the LGBTQ rights activist refused to go…”

“Through his work, his loyal commitment to this struggle of breaking barriers for those who have been marginalized, abandoned, and turned away from, Charlot Jeudy’s memory will always be engraved in this great community,” said Karine Duverger, the AHF’s Country Program Manager in Haiti. “He endured all the burden of discrimination and stigmatization against this segment of society, yet he never failed to speak out for the rights of these individuals. His death shall not be in vain.

It will serve as a catalyst in the fight for the inclusion and respect of all LGBTQ people, primarily in Haiti, but also throughout the world.”

According to CBC Radio, KOURAJ “… partnered last year with the United Nations to launch a project in Haiti to reduce discrimination and homophobia and promote

tolerance and equal rights following incidents of anti-LGBTQ street violence.”

In Haiti, the AHF currently operates four free HIV/AIDS treatment clinics, partners with the Ministry of Health in 13 hospitals, and maintains a partnership with Health through Walls in 14 prisons throughout the country, with over 19,000

patients countrywide receiving lifesaving antiretroviral treatment.

Over the years, Charlot Jeudy has been a staunch ally of the AHF and the HIV prevention and AIDS treatment work that it does in Haiti. He participated in the AHF’s first Gay Pride celebration in the country, and the AHF marks his death as a sad and significant loss, saluting this fallen comrade in the fight for social justice and equality for LGBTQ populations in Haiti and elsewhere across the world.

The AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), the largest global AIDS organization, currently provides medical care and/ or services to over 1.3 million people in 43 countries worldwide in the US, Africa, Latin America/Caribbean, the Asia/ Pacific region, and Eastern Europe. To learn more about the AHF, please visit www.aidshealth.org or www.facebook. com/aidshealth and follow it on Twitter and Instagram: @aidshealthcare.

Courtesy of the AHF

HRC Foundation recognizes more than 100 employers in Mexico for their commitment to LGBT inclusion

MEXICO CITY (December 5, 2019)

– Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation, the educational arm of America’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) civil rights organization, launched its third annual HRC Equidad MX: Programa Global de Equidad Laboral, a survey evaluating LGBT workplace inclusion in major Mexican businesses and multinationals. Since its inception, the program has experienced unprecedented growth – this year, 120 employers have earned top ratings in the 2020 HRC Equidad MX report, reflecting their commitment to LGBT equality and adoption of essential LGBT-inclusive policies and practices in their workplaces.

“Promoting fundamental rights and welcoming workplaces for LGBT employees is not only in the interest of fairness, it is also smart for business,” said HRC President Alphonso David. “As the new president of the Human Rights Campaign, I am proud to witness the unprecedented positive change driven by HRC Equidad MX and the enthusiastic response of hundreds of business leaders who understand the critical importance and economic value of LGBT workplace inclusion in Mexico.”

David will deliver remarks at a launch event today, hosted by Walmart Mexico and Central America and supported by prominent LGBT-committed corporate partners, including IBM, Edelman, UBER, and many others. The event will convene hundreds of corporate leaders, participating companies, civil society stakeholders, and influencers, including Christian Chávez, an openly gay actor and singer, to celebrate LGBT workplace inclusion.

The pioneering Equidad MX program –modeled after the HRC’s Corporate Equality Index, the premier LGBTQ workplace equality benchmarking survey in the US – recognized top-scoring companies with the HRC Foundation’s designation of “Best Places to Work for LGBT Equality” or “Mejores Lugares para Trabajar LGBT.” The award honors their commitment to

expanding efforts creating welcoming and fair workplaces for LGBT employees.

The groundbreaking success of HRC Equidad MX is reflected in the rapidlygrowing number of companies participating in the survey and achieving top ratings for LGBT workplace equality. In the survey’s inaugural year, 32 companies in Mexico – including PEMEX, one of the largest employers in Latin America – earned top ratings. That number jumped to 69 companies last year, and hit 120 this year, including 36 that are based in Mexico. HRC Equidad MX seeks to continue to expand this network of inclusive employers throughout Mexico.

The 2020 HRC Equidad MX Report assessed major Mexican businesses and multinational companies on three core pillars of LGBT inclusion:

• Adoption of nondiscrimination policies;

• Creation of employee resource groups or diversity and inclusion councils; and

• Engagement in public activities to support LGBT inclusion.

“All the participating companies are making genuine efforts to promote an LGBT-inclusive corporate culture and best practices across Mexican workplaces,” said Beck Bailey, director of the HRC Foundation’s Workplace Equality Program. “Providing a work space where LGBT employees can reach their full potential is key to attracting and retaining the best workforce. We commend the business honorees for their leadership and dedication to fostering LGBT inclusion for all their employees.”

“The inspiring results of HRC Equidad MX constitute a remarkable landmark for LGBT workplace inclusion in Mexico and the broader Latin American region,” said Francisco Robledo and Fernando Velázquez, HRC Equidad MX Implementing Partners. “The growing number of businesses committed to promoting LGBT-inclusive policies and practices indicates that more and more corporate leaders understand and value the fairness and benefits of inclusive workplaces.”

Earlier this year, HRC staff convened with members of the HRC Equidad MX Business Council to develop strategies to achieve long-lasting impact throughout Mexico and discuss LGBT-inclusive trends and the success achieved in the first three of remarkable workplace inclusion efforts.

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, the 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.

The HRC is proud to recognize 3M, Accenture, Airbnb, Amazon México, American Airlines, American Express México, Aon, AT Kearney, AT&T México, AXA Partners, Bain & Company México, Baker McKenzie, BASF, Boston Consulting Group, Best Buy México, BNP Paribas Cardif, Brown-Forman México, CBRE, Cineápolis, Cisco Systems of México, Citibanamex, Coca Cola FEMSA, CocaCola México, Compucom México, Creel, García-Cuéllar, Aiza y Enríquez, Cushman & Wakefield México, Dell EMC, Deloitte Consulting, Diageo, Distribuidora Therso, Dow Química Mexicana, Edelman, Edenred México, Experts, EY, Facebook, Festival Internacional de Cine de Los Cabos, Ford Motor Company, Gayosso, GE México, General Motors de México, Google México, Grupo Cinco M, Grupo Modelo, Here Technologies, Herman Miller, Hotel Marriott Puerto Vallarta, HP Inc, HSBC México, Hyatt Regency Mexico City, IBM, IFT, INE, Intel México, IPG Media Brands, iTexico, J.P. Morgan, Johnson & Johnson, Kellogg Company México,

Lexmark International de México, Lubrizol, Madison Tailored Brand Solutions, ManpowerGroup, Market Pro, Mastercard, McCann Worldgroup, McKinsey & Co. México, Mercedes-Benz Autobuses, Metco, Metlife, Microsoft, MMK Group, Mundo Joven, Museo Memoria y Tolerancia, Neta Comunicación, Nielsen México, Nike, Novartis, OfficeYa, Ogilvy & Mather, Oliver Wyman, Oracle México, P&G, PayPal, PEMEX, Pepsico Alimentos México, Pernod Ricard México, Pfizer México, Philip Morris México, Porter Novelli, PSB Technology, PÚBLICO/trabajo, PwC, RB, SAP México, Scotiabank, Sephora México, Shell México, Sheraton Grand Los Cabos Hacienda del Mar, Sodexo México On Site, Softtek, Solaz a Luxury Collection Resort, Los Cabos, Sonova México, Sony Music Entertainment México, T&C Group, TAO Publicidad & Eventos, TE Connectivity, Thomson Reuters, Tsolco, Uber, Unilever de México, Viva Aerobus, Volteo, Von Wobeser y Sierra, W Mexico City, Walmart de México y Centroamérica, Warner Music México, Western Union, Wizeline, and Zurich to celebrate LGBT inclusion in the workplace.

For more information on the HRC Equidad MX program, visit hrc.im/equidadMX or email equidadmx@hrc.org to learn more about participating in the HRC Foundation’s Equidad MX survey. Go to hrc.im/GlobalWorkplacePrograms for more information about HRC’s Global Workplace Programs.

The Human Rights Campaign Foundation is the educational arm of America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual transgender, and queer people. The HRC envisions a world where LGBTQ people are embraced as full members of society at home, at work and in every community.

Courtesy of the HRC