SGN Feb 8, 2019 - Part 1

Seattle Gay News

GLAAD slams President Trump for attacking LGBTQ Americans and calls on the administration to step up and lead the nation

GLAAD releases list of the Trump Administration’s 92 attacks on LGBTQ Americans ahead of the State of the Union address

NEW YORK – GLAAD, the world’s largest LGBTQ media advocacy organization, [on February 5] issued the following statement slamming President Trump ahead

of his State of the Union Address and for his consistent attacks on marginalized communities, including the LGBTQ community. see TRUMP ATTACKS page 11

Lesbian teacher sues school district for harassment

Was told to be more feminine

by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer

A Lesbian former civics teacher is suing the Virginia school district where she used to work for harassment because of her sexual orientation and gender expression.

Dina Persico says school officials told her to dress in a “more feminine” way, and at one point barred her from using the women’s restroom at her workplace. The ex-teacher said the alleged harasssee TEACHER page 6

by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer

In his State of the Union address, Donald Trump announced that his admin-

istration planned to end HIV transmission in the United States by 2030. Both political leaders and LGBT activists lauded the goal but also expressed skepsee TRUMP PROMISE page 6

Key national LGBTQ military organizations applaud members of Congress for introducing bipartisan legislation to support Trans military service

WASHINGTON, D.C. – [On Thursday, February 7], in a joint and bipartisan effort, the Senate and the House of Representatives introduced parallel Bills to protect the service of our transgender service members and hopeful recruits. When passed, these

efforts will make open and authentic service for our transgender siblings the law of the land.

In the Senate, efforts were led by Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), who recently see TRANS MILITARY page 6

I don’t do movie reviews, but …

by Mark Segal Philadelphia Gay News

There is a movie that by seeing its trailers and advertising on TV, you’d have no expectation that it has any relevance to you or our community.

At the end of 2018, there were five major movies with major gay characters or themes. Bohemian Rhapsody, Boy Erased, The Favourite Can You Ever Forgive Me? and the one you must see, The Green Book

Here’s how IMDB (international movie data base) describes the film: “A workingclass Italian-American bouncer becomes the driver of an African-American classical pianist on a tour of venues through the 1960s American South.”

The title refers to a publication that listed “safe places” that “colored” people could stay and eat or be welcomed in a segregated South of the 1930s-’60s, or as the publisher described it, “The Negro Travelers’ Green Book.”

Does any of that sound familiar?

Likewise, our community had and still has need for its own green book. The major international LGBT “Green Book” equivalent is called “Spartacus.” In the United States, there is the Damron guide [and the Gayellow Pages], and in some cities they have local directories.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

The need for the “Green Book” and the LGBT guides are similar. To allow the traveler to feel safe in a world that does not accept us as equals and at times wishes to cause us harm. The similarity is overwhelming.

Today, an LGBT traveler can literally be jailed or killed visiting some parts of the world. If you’re in a relationship, please do not show any affection toward each other in eastern Europe. Also, make sure you find a hotel that will be safe for an LGBT couple. In the Middle East, you’ll need these guides to find safe places in most of the Muslim world, and parts of Asia. Most of Africa could be particularly problematic with the exception of South Africa.

Even in the U.S., I’m not sure I’d feel any safer walking down the street in Mississippi or Alabama holding my husband’s hand.

While the “Green Book” ended publication with the passing of the Civil Rights

Act, we in the LGBT community still await the passage of an Equality Act.

And back to the film

For a film with such a heavy subject matter of discrimination, it’s surprising to say that it’s a comedy at times, and you will laugh. But, there is a scene that I’m almost sure was written for the LGBT community that will bring you to tears.

The story is based on real events of the two leading characters in the film. It is real, and you will feel that both for the characters, and personally. I’m not going to spoil it for you. You’ll want to watch the film for yourself. You won’t regret it.

Mark Segal, PGN publisher, is the nation’s most-award-winning commentator in LGBT media.

Courtesy of Philadelphia Gay News

Call for Ralph Northam’s resignation

As I read one media outlet after another I am once again reminded of the hypocrisy and denial America has of its past and present treatment of many of its citizens. America’s history is one of slavery, genocide, Jim Crow, and countless other violations of human rights often sanctioned by religious beliefs. Sadly there are millions of Americans yet who are racist, anti gay, anti women’s rights, etc. There is a President in office who has said and done things that were racist, etc. and yet has to apologize and change his attitude.

What Ralph Northam did as a young man was at a time when much of the South including the State of Virginia and many of its citizens had a negative view of persons of color. Since then he has changed and done much good in contrast with Donald Trump who has surrounded himself with people of questionable character and continues to have policies that are hurting minority groups including blacks.

As a young man I attended a segregated school in Louisiana. As an airman in the U.S. Air Force, while traveling in the South, I was using a urinal when I had an officer stand at my back and tell me I was not allowed to use a restroom for whites only. At a cafe on an interstate bus route while buying lunch sitting at its counter once my meal came I was told to take it outside as blacks were not allowed to eat inside. I refused and two police officer showed up and escorted me out. One wanted to take me to jail but the cooler head of the two allowed me to continue my journey. I have countless memories of human rights violations done against me and other members of minority groups. And the violations continue to this day. While working for the Federal Government it took a discrimination complaint and thousands of dollars to an attorney before I could get a welldeserved promotion.

On any day in this country one can experience or read about people with extreme racist, homophobia views, etc. To force the governor of Virginia to resign while ignoring and even promoting others in positions of power who continue to promote hatred and degrade others is unjust and tells me America will never change and is not the shining light on the hill. For FOX News to call for his resignation while protecting a President who has a well documented history of racist actions such as refusing to rent to persons of color or apologizing for his actions in regards to innocent blacks held in jail for a crime they did not commit is a crime in and of itself.

The media continues to ignore the really important events that have the biggest impact on people such as Donald Trump

starting a new arms race which will cost trillions of dollars while he and others tell us there is no money for health care for all or free college education or even to ensure every American is paid a living wage. Those in the media need to look at the media’s past role in promoting slavery, bias against Native Americans, persecution of gays, Jim Crow, etc. This country as a whole has yet to fully compensate for the human right violations sanctioned by Federal, State, and local governments. The media needs to look at its continuing failure to look out for the interest and well-being of all Americans not just the billionaires who control the media.

George Whitaker Bellevue, WA

National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day celebrated on February 7

The Health Resources and Services Administration’s (HRSA) Office of Regional Operations in Region 10 commemorated the 19th annual National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NBHAAD) on February 7th, 2019. NBHAAD provides an opportunity to increase HIV education, testing, community involvement, and treatment among black communities.

HRSA’s Ryan White HIV/AIDS Awareness Program (RWHAP), the largest Federal program exclusively providing HIV care and treatment to people living with HIV, funds grants to cities, counties, states, and local community-based organizations to provide a comprehensive system of HIV primary medical care, medication and essential support services to low income people living with HIV. More than half of people living with diagnosed HIV in the United States – more than 500,000 people – receive care through the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program each year.

HRSA’s RWHAP serves a significant portion of black/African Americans living with HIV. In 2017, nearly three-quarters of the more than half a million clients served by the Program were from racial or ethnic minority populations, with more than 47 percent of clients identifying as black/ African American. In 2017, among black/

African American RWHAP clients receiving HIV medical care, 82.6 percent are virally suppressed, which is lower than the national RWHAP average of 85.9 percent.

Recently, the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program released its 2017 annual clientlevel data report, which highlights all clients served by the RWHAP during calendar years 2013 through 2017. The publication provides an in-depth look at demographics and socio-economic factors among clients served, such as age, race/ ethnicity, transmission risk category, federal poverty level, health care coverage,

and housing status. In addition, the report provides selected analyses to measure RWHAP’s progress toward achieving HIVrelated health outcomes.

About HRSA

The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is the primary Federal agency for improving access to health care by strengthening the health care workforce, building health communities and achieving health equity. HRSA’s programs provide

Rally Against Far-Right Violence

You are invited to participate in a rally to counter Joey Gibson and Patriot Prayer and “their message of misogyny and racism” at the University of Washington, Seattle on Saturday, February 9 at 2:30pm, at the Quad outside of Gowen Hall. The rally is co-sponsored by a coalition of students and alumni, ANSWER Coalition, Freedom Socialist Party, International Socialist Organization, Organized Workers for Labor Solidarity, Party for Socialism and Liberation, Radical Women.

The coalition states “Gibson and his followers use these opportunities to spread misogynist and xenophobic messages. Bullies, bigots and neo-Nazis regularly convene at his events, including NW Proud Boys, Cascade Legion, Identity Evropa,

PDX Stormers and Atomwaffen Division. These groups range from “Western Chauvinists” to avowed White Supremacists.”

Organizers invite all who oppose misogyny, white supremacy and far-right violence to attend. They assert that “as a diverse community of students, workers, and residents, we understand that solidarity is our greatest strength. In solidarity we will build a powerful, democratic working-class movement that defends the rights of all to live peacefully and without fear. Join us!”

Attendees are welcome to bring a nonperishable food donation for food drive in support of the University District Food Bank. For more information, call (206) 722-2453 or email seattle@pslweb.org.

health care to people who are geographically isolated, economically or medically vulnerable.

For more information about HRSA HAB, please visit www.hab.hrsa.gov For more information about HRSA HAB funding opportunities, please visit https://hab. hrsa.gov/fundingopportunities/default.aspx

Courtesy of Health Resources and Services Administration’s (HRSA) Office of Regional Operations in Region 10

NARAL Pro-Choice Washington denounces Trump’s attack on Washington’s codified abortion laws in his State of the Union Address

Following the extremist, un-scientific, and anti-women SOTU speech from President Trump, NARAL Pro-Choice Washington’s Executive Director Tiffany Hankins had this to say:

“In Washington state, voters affirmed their support for Roe v. Wade and access to abortion care in 1991 and continue to do so by electing pro-choice majorities and statewide leaders. Trump’s call for a ban on later abortions is a direct challenge to Washington state’s 28 year old law, and the threat to our state is very real.

Trump’s call for a ban on later abortions is a direct threat to this long-standing Washington commitment to reproductive freedom. It is based on nothing but antichoice falsehoods that are completely out of touch with the reality of abortion care. Washingtonians know that no one can ever

fully know any woman’s circumstances –those are between her, her family, and her doctor – it is not up to politicians to determine what is best for her. That is why we have affirmed access to abortion in our state law and why NARAL Pro-Choice Washington’s 25,000 members statewide continue to fight every day for access to reproductive healthcare for all.

The real-life stories of abortion do not line up with the specious rhetoric put forward by Trump tonight. We will not stand by while falsehoods are perpetuated about abortion care while the true agenda of this anti-choice incitement is to criminalize women who have abortion.”

Courtesy of NARAL Pro-Choice Washington

Tunnel Walk and Post Viaduct on 2/2/19

Photos by Brian Matt

AHF applauds President’s commitment to end HIV epidemic in US, stands ready to partner in effort

Largest global AIDS organization stands ready to partner in this daunting, but critical effort

WASHINGTON, DC [February 5, 2019]

– AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) applauded President Trump for his commitment to end the HIV epidemic in the U.S., made this evening in his State of the Union Address:

“In recent years, we have made remarkable progress in the fight against HIV and AIDS. Scientific breakthroughs have brought a once distant dream within reach. My Budget will ask Democrats and Republicans to make the needed commitment to eliminate the HIV epidemic in the United States within ten years. Together we will defeat AIDS in America and beyond.”

“We applaud President Trump’s commitment to fight HIV/AIDS and eliminate the HIV epidemic in the U.S. by the end of this decade,” said Michael Weinstein, president of AHF. “As the largest HIV/AIDS organization in the world, AHF stands ready to partner in this daunting effort.”

News of President Trump’s plan to end the HIV epidemic in the U.S. by 2030 was first reported Monday in Politico. (“Trump’s State of the Union pledge: Ending HIV transmissions by 2030” – Politico 2/04/19)

Courtesy of AHF

TRUMP PROMISE

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ticism about Trump’s commitment to help.

“The president’s call for ending HIV transmission in America is interesting, but if he is serious about ending the HIV/AIDS crisis, he must end his assault on health care and the dignity of the LGBTQ community,” Democratic Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi said after the speech.

“What LGBTQ people know is this: the Trump administration is the most antiLGBTQ in modern history, and will seemingly stoop to any low to roll back the hard-

TEACHER

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ment was started by staff at Providence Middle School but got worse when she moved on to work at Midlothian High School.

“It was suggested that if I seemed more feminine, I would be less intimidating as a person,” explained Persico.

Persico charged that one school principal even questioned her appearance, telling her, “If you just throw a skirt on once in a while, we wouldn’t have any of these problems.”

won progress of marginalized communities in this country,” Sarah Kate Ellis, president and CEO at GLAAD, added.

In fact, the Trump administration has compiled a dismal record on HIV issues, including abuse of HIV-positive individuals.

For example, in December last year, the administration discharged two Air Force members after learning they were HIV positive. The Department of Defense not only ended their careers but also publicly disclosed their HIV status.

Only ten days earlier, the administration shut down an HIV research facility in Montana because National Institutes of Health (NIH) scientists there were using

Persico, who has filed a federal lawsuit, told the local ABC 8News channel that school administrators told her that her “appearance is too flamboyant.”

She added that “It’s said with intent, and that intent is to say that ‘you’re gay.’”

The former teacher explained that she normally wore a shirt, pants, sneakers, and a sweater or fleece to work. She said that her work outfits were similar to those of other colleagues, highlighting one male English teacher specifically, who were not asked by school officials to change their appearance.

fetal tissue as a part of a research program searching for a cure for HIV.

In April 2018, it came to light that the so-called President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief gave a sizable grant to Focus on the Family for a project the anti-LGBT hate group was running in Africa.

In January 2018, the Department of Health and Human Services issued new protocols that shield health care workers who refuse to treat LGBT patients or those living with HIV by claiming moral or religious objections.

The previous December, Trump fired the entire White House Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS. The same month, he left the LGBT community and

Persico’s employee handbook does not specify much in the way of dress code, stating only that teachers must have a “professional image.”

Persico also alleged that she was asked to grow bangs in a school meeting where her wife, who is also a teacher, was present.

Persico’s wife, Erin Guthe, told ABC 8News that “It’s very clear to me that my wife was discriminated against because of the way that she expresses her gender.

“I think I, and women like me, are given more of a pass because we appear more feminine.”

people of color out of his World AIDS Day Proclamation. He also failed to mention the LGBTQ community in his National HIV Testing Day statement.

In March 2017, the Trump administration submitted a budget proposal to Congress cutting HIV and AIDS research funding through NIH.

In the same month, Tump appointed anti-LGBT activist and former Heritage Foundation employee Roger Severino to lead the Health and Human Services Civil Rights Office, putting the LGBT community at risk of losing access to critical and affordable health care.

Persico says that she suffered harm to her career and to her health. Since the harassment began, she had a mini-stroke, which her doctor said was “100 percent related to stress.”

The school district declined to provide a statement to 8News, saying it did not comment on pending lawsuits.

Persico said she hopes the lawsuit will mean that the district trains staff properly and that employees learn that what “they did to me was wildly inappropriate.”

Her former students told ABC 8News that she was an exceptional teacher.

announced her candidacy for President and invited Navy Lieutenant Commander Blake Dremann to this year’s State of the Union. She was joined by Senators Jack Reed (D-RI) and Susan Collins (R-ME).

In the House of Representatives, Congresswoman Jackie Speier (D-CA,14), who invited Air Force Staff Sergeant Logan Ireland to this year’s State of the Union, led the efforts. She was joined by Representatives John Katko (R-NY,24), Danny Davis (D-IL,7), Anthony Brown (D-MD,4), and Joe Kennedy III (D-MA,4). OutServe-SLDN, the American Military Partner Association (AMPA), and SPARTA, the nation’s three key advocacy and support organizations for our LGBTQ military, veteran, and military family communities, issued the following responses:

“We applaud these Senators and Congressmen for their commitment to ensuring open and authentic service for our transgender siblings-in-arms,” said OutServeSLDN Executive Director Andy Blevins.

“For the last two-and-a-half years, these selfless patriots have proven time and again that they are not only qualified to accomplish the mission, but that our Armed Forces are more efficient and effective because of their authenticity. It is time that we, as a nation, honor the service of these service members and hopeful recruits by ensuring baseless and discriminatory rationalizations not be allowed to define military policy.”

“Thousands of qualified, patriotic transgender Americans raised their right hands and pledged an oath to defend the United States by serving in the military,” said American Military Partner Association (AMPA) President Ashley BroadwayMack. “Instead of being singled out by the Trump-Pence administration for discrimi-

nation, these brave, highly trained warriors deserve our nation’s utmost support and thanks. We are grateful for Senator Gillibrand, Congresswoman Speier, and the members of Congress who are standing behind our nation’s trans service members and making clear that any qualified American should be able to serve – regardless of their gender identity.”

“We support all efforts to ensure that our military attracts and retains the best and the brightest our nation has to offer. To get there, we need to welcome with open arms all the diversity that this country has to offer. Transgender service members are a part of that tapestry and have already shown just how well they thread together with other service members in support of our defense. Codifying their inclusion in the Armed Forces is a welcome step in the right direction.,” said SPARTA Communications Director Bryan Bree Fram.

OutServe-SLDN (OS-SLDN) is the largest non-profit, legal services, advocacy and policy organization dedicated to bringing about full LGBT equality to America’s military and ending all forms of discrimination and harassment of military personnel on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. With more than fifty chapters and 60,000 subscribers around the world, OS-SLDN supports a professional network of LGBT military personnel and strives to create an environment of respect in the military with regard to sexual orientation and gender identity. OS-SLDN provides free and direct legal assistance to service members and veterans affected by the repealed “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” law and the prior regulatory ban on open service, as well as those currently serving who may experience harassment or discrimination. For more information, visit www.outserve-sldn.org.

Courtesy of OutServe-SLDN

Senator Murray announces she will vote against William Barr’s nomination to be the next U.S. Attorney General

In statement, Senator Murray urges Senate colleagues who plan to vote in favor of Barr’s confirmation to make clear they will demand public disclosure of Mueller investigation findings

WASHINGTON, D.C. – [On Thursday, February 7,]

U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) announced she will vote no on President Trump’s nominee to be the next United States Attorney General, William Barr. In addition to his long-held hostility toward criminal justice reform and extreme views on expansive presidential power, Senator Murray pointed to William Barr’s insufficient explanation about why he sent an unsolicited, baseless memo to President Trump in the months before his nomination that was critical of the Mueller investigation, as well as Mr. Barr’s refusal to commit to making the information uncovered by the Special Counsel’s investigation available to the public. The U.S. Attorney General will have the final say on what, if any, of the Special Counsel’s work is made public.

“I will vote no on William Barr’s nomination to be the next United States Attorney General because I strongly believe the American people deserve someone with

TRUMP ATTACKS

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“There is no reason for LGBTQ Americans or anyone else to see tonight’s State of the Union as anything more than empty rhetoric designed to distract from what’s really happening behind the scenes every day,” said Sarah Kate Ellis, President and CEO at GLAAD. “What LGBTQ people know is this: The Trump Administration is the most anti-LGBTQ in modern history, and will seemingly stoop to any low to roll back the hard-won progress of marginalized communities in this country.”

According to GLAAD’s Trump Accountability Project (TAP), President Trump and his administration have unleashed more than 92 attacks against LGBTQ Americans in policy and rhetoric. From disbanding of the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV and AIDS, discharging two service members living with HIV, and banning transgender service members from openly serving their country, GLAAD has catalogued every antiLGBTQ action by this administration at www.glaad.org/trump.

Members of Congress invited transgender service members, whose service to the nation is in jeopardy under a proposed ban by the President, to attend the State of the Union. Meanwhile, GLAAD took the Trump Administration to task yesterday for its call for an end to HIV transmissions by 2030, a pledge undermined in advance by the Administration’s own record and rhetoric.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION: Trump Administration’s 92 attacks on LGBTQ Americans

• 01.28.19 – President Trump meets with Ginni Thomas, wife of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, and anti-LGBTQ group Groundswell at the White House. According to news reports, Ms. Thomas led a meeting with President Trump at the White House where participants denounced transgender Americans and claimed the historic, nationwide marriage equality ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court was “harming the fabric of the United States.” The Supreme Court is on the verge of deciding whether to take up a case

sound legal judgment who is absolutely committed to seeking truth and administering justice on their behalf – not someone who is simply loyal to the current occupant of the Oval Office. As I was the day President Trump publicly announced Mr. Barr was his choice to be our nation’s top law enforcement official, I’m extremely troubled by Mr. Barr’s decision to not only write an unsolicited memo that criticized the Mueller probe, but then make sure it got to the president’s desk in the months preceding his nomination. The arguments made by Mr.

regarding Trump’s ban on allowing transgender service members from serving in the nation’s armed forces.

• 01.23.19 – The Trump Administration approved a waiver request by South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster, which could give faith-based adoption agencies the ability to deny LGBTQ couples adoption rights based on so-called “religious exemptions” –all while using government tax dollars.

• 01.11.19 – More than 13,000 federal workers identifying as LGBTQ do not receive a paycheck as President Trump’s government shutdown becomes the longest shut down in U.S. history.

• 01.03.19 – In a leaked memo by the Justice Department, the Trump Administration considers dissolving the “disparate impact” regulation, which grants marginalized communities (including LGBTQ Americans) legal protections from unintended discrimination in housing, education, and other ways of life.

• 01.01.19 – NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine invites Dmitry Rogozin, Director General of Roscosmos, to visit the United States. Rogozin, a politician, is vehemently anti-LGBTQ and even compared the community to ISIS.

• 12.21.18 – The Department of Justice issued a “Statement of Interest” on a pending case involving the University of Iowa and an anti-LGBTQ student organization. The DOJ sided with the student group that indirectly bars an LGBTQ person from joining their organization. This indirect discrimination is known as a “disparate impact” form of discrimination.

• 12.20.18 – The Trump Administration tightens its regulations on access to food stamps, affecting about the 1 in 4 LGBTQ adults who apply for the SNAP program.

• 12.19.18 – The Trump Administration discharges two service members in the Air Force after disclosing their HIV-positive status to the Department of Defense.

• 12.09.18 – The Trump Administration quietly shuts down a HIV research facility in Montana after the administration objected to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and its scientists using fetal tissue as a part of its research to find a cure for HIV and AIDS.

• 11.30.18 – The Trump Administration signs a trade agreement with Canada and Mexico that makes it clear the United States doesn’t have to proactively combat anti-

Barr were meritless and a clear demonstration of his unacceptable views of executive power. I’m even more troubled that when given the opportunity during his Senate confirmation hearing to explain why he sent the memo, Mr. Barr failed to answer directly and without equivocation. As a result, Mr. Barr cannot be the impartial Attorney General that our country needs in order to both protect the Mueller investigation and provide the American public an explanation about Russia’s interference in the 2016 election, which is disqualifying.

LGBTQ discrimination in order to adhere to the agreement.

• 11.23.18 – The Trump Administration asks the United States Supreme Court to circumvent federal appeals courts and issue a ruling on transgender Americans’ right to serve in the military.

• 10.25.18 – In an ongoing effort on the part of the Trump Administration to replace “gender” with a biological-essentialist definition of “sex”, U.S. officials at the United Nations are seeking to replace mentions of “gender”, e.g. “gender-based violence,” with alternative terminology, like “violence against women,” erasing all references to gender identity and the issues relating to trans and gender non-conforming people.

• 10.24.18 – The Department of Justice writes in a brief to the Supreme Court that it is legal to discriminate against transgender employees based on their gender identity, saying that banning sex discrimination under Title VII in the workplace does not extend to transgender workers.

• 10.21.18 – The Department of Health and Human Services proposes in a new memo to change the legal definition of sex under Title IX, requiring individuals to identify according to their gender assigned at birth. This change in legal definition would remove nondiscrimination protections for transgender, nonbinary, and intersex individuals.

• 10.01.18 – The Trump Administration’s State Department announces a new policy that the same-sex, unmarried partners of United Nations employees will not be granted visas to stay in the U.S., effective immediately. In doing so, diplomats in same-sex partnerships who come from countries where same-sex marriage is illegal will either be forced to marry in the U.S. and risk repercussions, including threats, harassment, and even incarceration back home; quit their jobs; or separate for the sake of one partner’s career.

• 7.30.18 – President Trump’s Attorney General Jeff Sessions announces his new “Religious Liberty” Task Force at the Department of Justice’s Religious Liberty Summit. As stated by Sessions, the group’s purpose is to ensure that the Justice Department upholds the administration’s guidance for religious exemptions, which he released in October.

• 7.9.18 – President Trump nominates Brett Kavanaugh for the U.S. Supreme Court seat made vacant by the retirement of Justice

“I hope my Senate colleagues recognize and respect that people across the country sent us, their elected leaders, to Washington, D.C., not to shield the president, but to help restore integrity and independence to the federal government. So to any of my colleagues who plan to support his nomination, I have a message: This position is far too consequential for you to be a rubber stamp. Instead, take this opportunity to make it very clear to Mr. Barr and the Trump administration that you believe the American people deserve to know for sure that the findings on Russia’s 2016 election meddling will be made public in order to get them the answers they deserve, and that any attempt to cover up, hinder, or otherwise muddy the waters around the Mueller investigation would be a serious disservice to the people we represent, and will only lead to the further erosion of trust in our institutions and your ability to work on their behalf.”

Courtesy of the Office of U.S. Senator Patty Murray

Anthony Kennedy. Kavanaugh has an extremely conservative record and has the support of Southern Poverty Law Centerdesignated anti-LGBTQ hate group Family Research Council (FRC).

• 5.11.18 – The Trump Administration rolls back protections for incarcerated transgender people that were intended to mitigate their exposure to sexual assault and abuse, allowing the Bureau of Prisons to “use biological sex as the initial determination for designation” when placing trans people for housing, screening, and programs and services.

• 5.3.18 – President Trump signs an executive order to create a new “White House Faith and Opportunity Initiative” that will be tasked with working on so-called “religious liberty” issues across federal agencies.

• 4.18.18 – Reporting reveals that President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief gave a sizable grant to the anti-LGBTQ group Focus on the Family Africa on Sept. 18, 2017.

• 4.10.18 – Reporting reveals that the White House is seeking to roll back vital data collection on LGBTQ youth by raising the minimum age that LGBTQ people can be asked questions about their sexual orientation and gender identity in the Department of Justice’s National Crime Victimization Survey.

• 3.23.18 – Reporting in Slate reveals that the Trump Administration worked closely with Tony Perkins, head of the anti-LGBTQ hate group Family Research Council to draft their latest policy to implement Trump’s ban on transgender soldiers from openly serving in any capacity within the United States armed forces.

• 3.23.18 – President Trump announces a reworked attempt to ban all transgender people from serving in the military in response to the implementation of his original policy being frozen by four different federal courts who declared it likely to be unconstitutional.

• 3.20.18 – The Department of Housing and Urban Development defends the Trump Administration’s decision to remove guidelines from its website intended to prevent antiLGBTQ discrimination in homeless shelters by arguing that transgender women accessing shelters make people “not comfortable.”

see TRUMP ATTACKS page 12

6th Annual AMPA National Gala expected to be the nation’s largest LGBT military event of 2019

Comcast NBCUniversal and USAA return as presenting sponsors

WASHINGTON, DC – [On February 4], the American Military Partner Association (AMPA) – the nation’s largest organization of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) military spouses, families, and allies – announced that industry giants and military family champions Comcast NBCUniversal and USAA will be joint presenting sponsors of the 6th Annual AMPA National Gala – the nation’s largest LGBT military event of the year – held on Saturday, May 11, 2019, at the Capital Hilton. Attended by hundreds of LGBT service members, military spouses, veterans, and allies from across the country and around the world, the event honors modern military families for their service and sacrifice to our nation.

“The AMPA National Gala is a night to celebrate and honor America’s LGBT service members and spouses who sacrifice daily to keep our country safe,” said AMPA President Ashley Broadway-Mack, the proud wife of a U.S. Army officer. “Last year we had a record number of attendees and we’re hoping to break that record this year. This event wouldn’t be possible without the generous support of our presenting sponsors, Comcast NBCUniversal and USAA. We’re grateful for their commitment to support our modern military families.”

“The AMPA National Gala provides the rare opportunity for LGBT service members, their spouses, and allies to come together from across the country to build camaraderie and support each other,” said Stephen Peters, AMPA Founder & President Emeritus, Marine Corps veteran,

TRUMP ATTACKS

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• 3.20.18 – The Department of Education once again states that it is the Trump Administration’s position to refuse to protect transgender students denied access to bathrooms and lockers based on their gender identity, even when faced with court rulings reaffirming that transgender students are protected under Title IX.

• 3.13.18 – President Trump fires Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and announces plans to nominate anti-LGBTQ and antiMuslim politician Mike Pompeo as his replacement.

• 3.8.18 – President Trump hosts Brent Bozell, the anti-LGBTQ founder of the fringe right-wing group Media Resource Center, at a White House roundtable.

• 3.5.18 – The Department Housing and Urban Development Secretary moved to change its official mission statement by removing promises of inclusive and discrimination-free communities.

• 2.28.18 – Following Billy Graham’s death, Trump overlooks his anti-LGBTQ record and praised the work of Franklin Graham who has used the legacy of his father to advance extreme anti-LGBTQ messaging including attacking LGBTQ families and claiming that Satan is behind LGBTQ advocacy.

• 2.12.18 – The Department of Education officially confirms they will not investigate or take action on any complaints filed by transgender students who are banned from restrooms that match their gender identity.

• 1.19.18 – Reporting reveals that Trump administration appointee Carl Higbie had made extreme racist, sexist, anti-Muslim and anti-LGBTQ comments on the radio. He was removed from his White House position but then hired by “America First Policies,” a nonprofit created by six of Trump’s top campaign aides to back the White House agenda.

and proud husband of a U.S. Marine.

“Discrimination is a real and persistent problem for our members – especially for our transgender service members who are facing the threat of an unconscionable transgender military ban. Many of these military families are stationed in places that aren’t as welcoming and inclusive of the LGBT community as others – which is often why you’ll see tears in the eyes of so many throughout the evening as they are embraced and celebrated for their service to our country. The AMPA National Gala is a night to celebrate diversity, inclusion, and our modern military families.”

• 1.18.18 – The Department of Health and Human Services created a new department that shields healthcare workers who refuse to treat LGBTQ patients or those living with HIV by calming moral or religious objections.

• 1.16.18 – President Trump promotes anti-LGBTQ religious exemptions in his Religious Freedom Day proclamation.

• 12.29.17 – President Trump fires the entire White House Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS.

• 12.22.17 – President Trump sings the GOP tax bill, which targets low-income and LGBTQ communities, into law.

• 12.15.17 – Staff at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at were instructed not to use the “transgender,” “vulnerable,” “entitlement,” “diversity,” “fetus,” “evidence-based,” and “sciencebased” in official budget documents.

• 12.5.17 – White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders tells reporters that President Trump backs the position that businesses owners should be able to put up signs saying they won’t serve gays.

• 12.5.17 – The Department of Justice argues in support of baker who denied service to a gay couple during the Supreme Court oral arguments for the case Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission

• 12.4.17 – President Trump endorses Roy Moore, who has a violently antiLGBTQ record and multiple well-documented accusations of sexual assault, abuse, and assessment, in the Alabama special Senate Election.

• 12.1.17 – President Trump leaves the LGBTQ community and people of color out of his World AIDS Day Proclamation.

• 10.17.17 – President Trump delivers the keynote address at the anti-LGBTQ Heritage Foundation President’s Club annual meeting.

• 10.16.17 – In a profile on Vice President Mike Pence that ran in The New Yorker, President Trump reportedly joked of Pence

The 6th Annual AMPA National Gala is an inspiring, empowering, and often emotional celebration of LGBT service members, veterans, and their families –many of whom for years were forced to serve in silence while hiding their families because of discriminatory laws and policies. Today, transgender service members once again face the threat of discrimination with a proposed transgender military ban. AMPA is an organizational plaintiff in a lawsuit challenging that ban in court.

Past speakers, honorees, and special guests at the annual event have included former Secretary of the Army, Eric

when asked about LGBTQ rights: “Don’t ask that guy – he wants to hang them all!”

• 10.13.17 – President Trump becomes the first sitting president to speak at the Family Research Council’s Values Voter Summit, a convening of fringe groups united around discrimination against LGBTQ people.

• 10.11.17 – The Trump Administration’s National Park Services withdrew its sponsorship of New York City’s first permanent Pride Flag, located outside of the historic Stonewall Inn, and dropped out of its prescheduled participation in the flag dedication ceremony.

• 10.6.17 – The Department of Justice issues a sweeping “religious exemptions” guidance which invites taxpayer-funded federal agencies, government employees, and government contractors to legally discriminate against LGBTQ employees as long as they cite a religious belief as the reason for doing it.

• 10.6.17 – The Department of Health and Human Services rolls back the Affordable Care Act’s birth control benefit, allowing the use of “religious exemptions” to deny health care to women, trans men, and gender non-conforming people who rely on the no-copay contraception benefit.

• 10.5.17 – In a Department of Justice memo, the Trump Administration reverses a policy that provided non-discrimination protections for transgender people in the workplace under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

• 10.3.17 – The Department of Health and Human Services erases all mentions of the LGBTQ community and their health needs in its strategic plan for the fiscal year 20182022.

• 9.22.17 – The Education Department rescinds the Obama Administration-era Title IX guidance on investigating campus sexual assault; LGBTQ students experience sexual harassment at disproportionately high rates.

Fanning; former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Military Community and Family Policy, Rosemary Williams; marriage equality heroes Eddie Windsor and Jim Obergefell; officials from the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs; LGBT military community heroes; and many more. Additional sponsors confirmed so far also include The Palm Center, American Airlines, and Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow, Garrett & Dunner.

While the event is expected to sell out early, AMPA continues to keep ticket prices for the event affordable in order to ensure a broad spectrum of the community is able to attend. Early bird tickets are only $99 until February 28 and $149 after February 28. Tickets to the 6th Annual AMPA National Gala are available at www.MilitaryPartners.org/Gala. Businesses, organizations, and individuals interested in sponsorship packages may contact the organization at partners@militarypartners.org for more information.

The American Military Partner Association (AMPA) is the nation’s largest organization of LGBT military spouses, their families, and allies. A non-profit organization with more than 50,000 members and supporters, AMPA is committed to education, advocacy, and support for “modern military families.” For more information, visit www.MilitaryPartners.org

Courtesy of AMPA

• 9.8.17 – Reporting reveals the CIA canceled a planned speech about diversity and LGBTQ rights set to be given by Judy and Dennis Shepard, founders of the Matthew Shepard Foundation.

• 9.7.17 – The Justice Department files an amicus brief in support of so-called “religious exemptions” to discriminate against LGBTQ Americans.

• 9.7.17 – The Education Department announces they will roll back Obama Administration-era Title IX guidelines which protected sexual assault survivors on college and university campuses.

• 9.7.17 – President Trump nominates Gregory Katsas, who worked behind the scenes to promote the implementation of the trans military ban and revoke federal guidelines that protect transgender students from discrimination, to the U.S. Federal Court of Appeals for the Circuit of D.C.

• 9.7.17 – President Trump nominates Jeff Mateer, who has an extensive anti-LGBTQ record including calling trans children part of “Satan’s plan,” to the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas.

• 9.5.17 – President Trump ends the DACA program, which protected an estimated 800,000 young undocumented immigrants, including 36,000 LGBTQ DREAMers, from detention and deportation.

• 8.27.17 – Reporting reveals the CIA consulted with Tony Perkins, president of the Family Research Council, an antiLGBTQ hate group.

• 8.25.17 – President Trump officially directs the Pentagon to move forward with his ban on transgender service members openly serving in the U.S. Military. The discriminatory policy is due to take effect March 23, 2018.

• 8.25.17 – President Trump pardons former Arizona Sheriff Joe Arpaio, a criminal known for terrorizing the Latinx community with inmate abuses, unjustified arrests, and racial profiling.

HRC Foundation to honor Olympian Adam Rippon and School Counselor Brian Coleman at Time to THRIVE conference

Sixth annual gathering for educators, counselors and other youth-serving professionals to be held February 14-17 in Anaheim, California

WASHINGTON DC – [On February 1], the Human Rights Campaign Foundation (HRC) announced that it will honor Olympic figure skater Adam Rippon and the 2019 American School Counselor Association School Counselor of the Year Brian Coleman with Upstander Awards at the organization’s sixth annual Time to THRIVE Conference on February 15-17 at the Anaheim Marriott in Anaheim, California.

Rippon won the hearts of America and the world at the 2018 Winter Olympics in South Korea where, in winning a bronze medal in the team competition, he became the first openly gay athlete to medal in a Winter Olympics. Known for his refreshing candor and wit, his rise to fame on the global stage has provided him with a platform to speak out in support of LGBTQ rights and the freedom to be oneself. He has inspired young and old with his passion and charm, becoming a role model and icon to millions.

“The word that best describes Adam Rippon is fierce,” said Vincent Pompei, Director of HRC’s Youth Well-Being Project and Time to THRIVE conference. “By being out and proud, Adam is taking LGBTQ visibility to a whole new level and inspiring countless LGBTQ youth around the world with his incredible talent and personality. He isn’t afraid to use his platform to speak out for equality, and we are proud to honor him at this year’s Time to THRIVE.”

Coleman is in his second year as department chair for the counseling team at Jones College Prep High School in Chicago Public Schools (CPS), where he also supports the school’s LGBTQ student group and a

• 8.12.17 – President Trump refuses to condemn white supremacists who chanted violently racist and anti-LGBTQ slogans during a rally in Charlottesville, VA.

• 8.3.17 – President Trump nominates L. Steven Grasz, who has close ties to the antiLGBTQ group Focus on the Family, to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit.

• 7.26.17 – An official White House webpage directs readers to an article published by the anti-LGBTQ Heritage Foundation that calls being transgender a “psychological disorder.”

• 7.26.17 – The Justice Department files a brief opposing workplace nondiscrimination protections for the LGBTQ community under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 in the case Zarda v. Altitude Express

• 7.26.17 – President Trump bans transgender servicemembers from serving in “any capacity” in the U.S. military, threatening to fire 15,000 currently serving troops over Twitter.

• 7.25.17 – Reporting reveals Vice President Mike Pence advocated for the removal of healthcare benefits for transgender servicemembers within the U.S. military behind closed doors.

• 7.13.17 – President Trump nominates Mark Norris, who supported legislation that allowed mental health counselors to discriminate against LGBTQ clients during his time as a TN state senator, to the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Tennessee.

• 7.12.17 – President Trump grants a oneon-one interview with Pat Robertson, a longtime anti-LGBTQ activist and Televangelist.

• 7.10.17 – In a closed-door and unannounced opportunity, President Trump poses for a photograph with notorious antiLGBTQ activists who wish to promote so-called “religious exemptions” that would harm LGBTQ Americans across the nation.

• 6.29.17 – Reports revealed President Trump hired anti-transgender activist, Bethany Kozma, to the Office of Gender Equality

mentorship program. In 2018, he was named both the Illinois High School Counselor of the Year and Illinois School Counselor of the Year by the Illinois School Counselors Association. And he is the American School Counselor Association’s 2019 National School Counselor of the Year.

“We are thrilled to honor Brian Coleman for his work to ensure that all young people have a safe and inclusive place to learn, and an equal chance to thrive in all aspects of their lives,” Pompei said. “Brian demonstrates to youth serving professionals what is possible, and we couldn’t be more proud to honor him at Time to THRIVE – a conference founded to provide cutting edge training and resources to educators and others across the country who are committed to the success of all young people.”

At Time to THRIVE, Coleman and Rippon will join other special guests, including LGBTQ advocate and mother of

and Women’s Rights at the US Agency for International Development.

• 6.28.17 – The Department of Justice ejected reporters covering a DOJ Pride event hosted by LGBTQ affinity groups for federal workers.

• 6.27.17 – The Trump Administration failed to mention the LGBTQ community in their National HIV Testing Day statement.

• 6.21.17 – Reporting reveals President Trump hired a lawyer who openly supported Russian President Vladimir Putin’s antiLGBTQ law banning so-called “gay propaganda” from Russia, a law that Europe’s top human rights court found to be illegal.

• 6.17.17 – Six members of the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS resigned saying that President Trump “simply does not care” about combating the HIV/AIDS epidemic.

• 6.16.17 – An obtained internal memo from the Department of Education Office for Civil Rights reveals guidelines to dismiss complaints about bathroom access filed by transgender students.

• 6.15.17 – Department of Commerce removes sexual orientation and gender identity from the agency’s Equal Employment Policy; LGBTQ protections have been explicitly included since 2010. Only after fierce opposition did Department of Commerce Secretary Ross change it back.

• 6.15.17 – The Department of Education invites Focus on the Family and the Family Research Council, two anti-LGBTQ organizations, to be speakers for a day-long conference on engaging fathers in their children’s education and welfare.

• 6.15.17 – The Department of Education rolls back the Office for Civil Rights’ expansive approach to investigating civil rights complaints that protect LGBTQ students, and other marginalized communities, from discrimination at school.

• 6.7.17 – President Trump nominates Stephen S. Schwartz, who worked with North Carolina legislators in support of the

Ellen DeDeneres, Betty DeGeneres; President and Founder of the Dolores Huerta Foundation, Dolores Huerta; parent-advocate, founder of FreeMomHugs and subject of an upcoming Jamie Lee Curtis project, Sara Cunningham; transgender trailblazer Jazz Jennings and her mother, Jeanette Jennings; Los Angeles Rams cheerleader Quinton Peron; and others.

HRC previously announced that it will honor advocates E.J. Johnson and Judy and Dennis Shepard with an Upstander Award during the Time to THRIVE conference. A vocal advocate for social causes, E.J. has partnered with True Colors Fund, an organization that is dedicated to ending homelessness among LGBTQ youth. The Shepard’s work through the Matthew Shepard Foundation continues to inspire, bringing hope and support to LGBTQ people around the world who are striving to be who they are, often in the most difficult of circumstances. HRC’s Parents for Transgender Equality Coun-

anti-trans legislation HB2, to the U.S. Court of Federal Claims.

• 6.1.17 – President Trump declines to issue a presidential proclamation designating June as LGBTQ Pride Month, breaking with an eight-year precedent set by President Barack Obama to honor and support LGBTQ Americans during Pride Month.

• 5.23.17 – The Trump Administration reveals their budget which includes proposed slashes to programs and departments critical to the LGBTQ community, including Medicaid, Planned Parenthood, and the Center for Disease Control’s HIV and AIDS programs.

• 5.22.17 – The Trump Administration grants White House press credentials to a “reporter” from Infowars, a conspiracy outlet that regularly peddles dangerous, offensive and anti-LGBTQ content.

• 5.8.17 – Department of Agriculture issues new so-called “religious freedom” policy statement, a move praised by the antiLGBTQ Family Research Council.

• 5.4.17 – President Trump signs a “religious liberty” executive order. Although this EO does not target LGBTQ Americans, it is the first step in what could be a more broader permission slip for discrimination against the overall LGBTQ community.

• 4.14.17 – The Trump Administration files to dismiss a lawsuit accusing North Carolina of discriminating against the LGBTQ community in response to HB2, despite the similarities of the HB142 replacement.

• 4.10.17 – A ProPublica investigation reveals the Trump Administration appointed James Renne, a key staffer involved in the Bush-era anti-LGBTQ purge of gay government employees, to a senior role at the Department of Agriculture.

• 3.28.17 – The Trump Administration cancels plans to add the LGBTQ community to its upcoming 2020 U.S. Census, a survey conducted every decade by the federal government to help collect data about living Americans and the United States of America.

cil, HRC’s Youth Ambassadors and HRC’s Welcoming Schools Program will also be featured at the conference.

HRC’s Time to THRIVE Conference is the premier event addressing the safety, inclusion and well-being of LGBTQ and questioning youth. The event brings together a wide range of youth-serving professionals to discuss best practices for working with and caring for LGBTQ youth and their families in schools, community centers, health care settings and beyond. It is co-presented by the National Education Association and the American Counseling Association. BBVA Compass, AT&T and Toyota are presenting sponsors of the event.

The Time to THRIVE Conference features 65 workshops by more than 45 national and grassroots organizations dedicated to improving the lives of LGBTQ youth. HRC’s Youth Ambassadors and Welcoming Schools will also be featured at the conference. Additional speakers and honorees will be announced at a later date. To register, visit www.TimeToTHRIVE.org.

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. 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 Foundation

• 3.28.17 – Under his proposed budget for the U.S. Congress, The Trump Administration offered to cut HIV and AIDS research funding under the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

• 3.24.17 – President Trump appointed anti-LGBTQ activist and former Heritage Foundation employee Roger Severino to lead the Health and Human Services Civil Rights Office, putting the LGBTQ community at risk of losing access to critical and affordable health care.

• 3.20.17 – Trump Administration erases the LGBTQ community from The National Survey of Older Americans Act Participants and the Annual Program Performance Report for Centers for Independent Living, key surveys that are used to help provide care to American seniors – including disability, transportation, and caregiver support needs.

• 2.22.17 – With help of Attorney General Sessions, President Trump rescinded Title IX protections for transgender students in our nation’s schools.

• 2.02.17 – ABC News reports that after previously committing to protecting LGBTQ Americans from discrimination, President Trump and his administration had drafted a “License to Discriminate” executive order which would usher in across-theboard discrimination against the LGBTQ community.

• 1.27.17 – President Donald Trump issued an executive order to indefinitely ban Syrian refugees from entering the United States. This ban includes LGBTQ refugees fleeing the nation in fear of discrimination.

• 1.20.17 – Minutes after Donald Trump was sworn into office, any mention of the LGBTQ community was erased from White House, Department of State, and Department of Labor websites.

Courtesy of GLAAD

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