Celebrating 43 Years! Issue 30 Volume 45
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Seattle Gay News
Trump tweets sow confusion, fear among Trans service members
LGBT Americans have no rights under federal law, DOJ says DOJ brief contradicts EEOC ruling
ACLU says “Get in touch with us”
Jeff Sessions – Photo courtesy Associated Press
by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer In this 2015 file photo, Transgender soldier Capt. Jennifer Peace holds a flag as she stands for a photo near her home in Spanaway, Wash. – Photo by Drew Perine/The News Tribune
by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer In a series of three early morning tweets on July 26, Donald Trump managed to throw the Pentagon into disarray and sow fear and confusion among Transgender people serving in the US military.
“After consultation with my Generals and military experts, please be advised that the United States Government will not accept or allow… “Transgender individuals to serve in any capacity in the U.S. Military. Our mili-
see TWEETS page 5
LGBT Americans are not protected by federal civil rights law, the Department of Justice (DOJ) said in a brief filed July 26. DOJ intervened in a lawsuit brought by a Gay skydiving instructor, Donald Zarda, who charged that his employer fired him because of his sexual orientation in violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1967. The suit is now being heard by the Sec-
ond Circuit Court of Appeals. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) – the federal agency charged with enforcing civil rights laws in the workplace – agreed with Zarda that Title VII’s ban on discrimination based on sex also covered sexual orientation. The EEOC has maintained that Title VII bans discrimination based on sexual orientation since 2014, saying it is based on sex stereotyping, and therefore discrimina-
see DOJ page 15
Conversion “therapy” bans Former Seattle mayors are momentous bright spot support Mayor Ed Murray finishing his term of office for LGBTQ movement NEWS RELEASE Contact: Mayor Charley Royer, 206.812.1195, croyer1@gmail.com
Former Mayors release statement on Mayor Murray term SEATTLE (July 24, 2017) – The undersigned former Seattle Mayors released the following statement regarding the balance of Mayor Ed Murray's term: “We have been saddened by the recent allegations against Mayor Murray. He made the honorable, but personally painful decision to drop out of his reelection campaign, a decision that underscores his commitment to Seattle.” “We firmly believe Mayor Murray should continue to lead the city through the remainder of his term. A transition merely months before electing a new mayor would be messy and time consuming, and would present serious challenges to the day-to-day operations of the city. As former mayors, we know transitions are long, difficult, and important processes, which is why Mayor Murray and his team have already begun the job of preparing for the new mayor to be sworn in next year.” “We should now thank the mayor for his service to our city and look forward to him coming to work every day on behalf of the people of Seattle throughout the remainder of his term and an orderly transition.” Rhode Island Governor Gina Raimondo – Photo by Steven Senne (Associated Press)
As nearly 200 leaders from the statebased LGBTQ equality movement were preparing to meet in Alexandria, Virginia for Equality Federation’s 20th Leadership Conference (July 26-29), Rhode Island became the 10th state (4th this year) to ban dangerous anti-LGBTQ conversion “ther-
apy” practices on minors. The District of Columbia also bans the practice. Sam Brinton, a survivor of the practice will be among the featured plenary speakers at the Conference. Brinton, who is just
see CONVERSION page 16
Wes Uhlman
Charles Royer
Norman Rice
Greg Nickels
What is TRUVADA for PrEP?
Who should not take TRUVADA for PrEP?
TRUVADA for PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is a prescription medicine that is used together with safer sex practices to help reduce the risk of getting HIV-1 through sex. This use is only for HIV-negative adults who are at high risk of getting HIV-1. To help determine your risk of getting HIV-1, talk openly with your healthcare provider about your sexual health.
Do not take TRUVADA for PrEP if you:
Ask your healthcare provider if you have questions about how to prevent getting HIV. Always practice safer sex and use condoms to lower the chance of sexual contact with body fluids. Never reuse or share needles or other items that have body fluids on them.
® Also take certain medicines to treat hepatitis B infection.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION What is the most important information I should know about TRUVADA for PrEP? Before taking TRUVADA for PrEP: ® You must be HIV-negative before you start taking TRUVADA for PrEP. You must get tested to make sure that you do not already have HIV-1. Do not take TRUVADA to reduce the risk of getting HIV-1 unless you are confirmed to be HIV-negative. ® Many HIV-1 tests can miss HIV-1 infection in a person who has recently become infected. If you have flu-like symptoms, you could have recently become infected with HIV-1. Tell your healthcare provider if you had a flu-like illness within the last month before starting or at any time while taking TRUVADA for PrEP. Symptoms of new HIV-1 infection include tiredness, fever, joint or muscle aches, headache, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, night sweats, and/or enlarged lymph nodes in the neck or groin. While taking TRUVADA for PrEP: ® You must continue to use safer sex practices. Just taking TRUVADA for PrEP may not keep you from getting HIV-1. ® You must stay HIV-negative to keep taking TRUVADA for PrEP: ® Get tested for HIV-1 at least every 3 months. ® If you think you were exposed to HIV-1, tell your healthcare provider right away. ® To further help reduce your risk of getting HIV-1: ® Know your HIV status and the HIV status of your partners. ® Get tested for other sexually transmitted infections. Other infections make it easier for HIV to infect you. ® Get information and support to help reduce risky sexual behavior, such as having fewer sex partners. ® Do not miss any doses of TRUVADA. Missing doses may increase your risk of getting HIV-1 infection. ® If you do become HIV-1 positive, you need more medicine than TRUVADA alone to treat HIV-1. TRUVADA by itself is not a complete treatment for HIV-1. If you have HIV-1 and take only TRUVADA, your HIV-1 may become harder to treat over time. TRUVADA can cause serious side effects: ® Worsening of hepatitis B (HBV) infection. TRUVADA is not approved to treat HBV. If you have HBV and stop taking TRUVADA, your HBV may suddenly get worse. Do not stop taking TRUVADA without first talking to your healthcare provider, as they will need to monitor your health.
® Already have HIV-1 infection or if you do not know your HIV-1 status. If you are HIV-1 positive, you need to take other medicines with TRUVADA to treat HIV-1. TRUVADA by itself is not a complete treatment for HIV-1. If you have HIV-1 and take only TRUVADA, your HIV-1 may become harder to treat over time.
What are the other possible side effects of TRUVADA for PrEP? Serious side effects of TRUVADA may also include: ® Kidney problems, including kidney failure. Your healthcare provider may do blood tests to check your kidneys before and during treatment with TRUVADA. If you develop kidney problems, your healthcare provider may tell you to stop taking TRUVADA. ® Too much lactic acid in your blood (lactic acidosis), which is a serious but rare medical emergency that can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: weakness or being more tired than usual, unusual muscle pain, being short of breath or fast breathing, stomach pain with nausea and vomiting, cold or blue hands and feet, feel dizzy or lightheaded, or a fast or abnormal heartbeat. ® Severe liver problems, which in rare cases can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow, dark “tea-colored” urine, light-colored stools, loss of appetite for several days or longer, nausea, or stomach-area pain. ® Bone problems, including bone pain, softening, or thinning, which may lead to fractures. Your healthcare provider may do tests to check your bones. Common side effects in people taking TRUVADA for PrEP are stomach-area (abdomen) pain, headache, and decreased weight. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that bother you or do not go away.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before taking TRUVADA for PrEP? ® All your health problems. Be sure to tell your healthcare provider if you have or have had any kidney, bone, or liver problems, including hepatitis. ® If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if TRUVADA can harm your unborn baby. If you become pregnant while taking TRUVADA for PrEP, talk to your healthcare provider to decide if you should keep taking TRUVADA. ® If you are breastfeeding (nursing) or plan to breastfeed. Do not breastfeed. If you become HIV-positive, HIV can be passed to the baby in breast milk. ® All the medicines you take, including prescription and overthe-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. TRUVADA may interact with other medicines. Keep a list of all your medicines and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist when you get a new medicine. ® If you take certain other medicines with TRUVADA, your healthcare provider may need to check you more often or change your dose. These medicines include certain medicines to treat hepatitis C (HCV) infection. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.FDA.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
Please see Important Facts about TRUVADA for PrEP including important warnings on the following page.
1-2 July 28, 2017 2 TVDC0135_PrEP_D_10x15-675_SeattleGayNews_Bears_p1.indd Seattle Gay News
Celebrating 43 Years!
We’re adventurous, not reckless. We know who we are. And we make choices that fit our lives. TRUVADA for PrEP™ is a once-daily prescription medicine that can help reduce the risk of getting HIV-1 when taken every day and used together with safer sex practices. ® TRUVADA for PrEP is only for adults who are at high risk of getting HIV through sex. ® You must be HIV-negative before you start taking TRUVADA for PrEP.
Ask your doctor about your risk of getting HIV-1 infection and if TRUVADA for PrEP may be right for you.
Learn more at truvada.com
Visit us online www.sgn.org
July 28, 2017
Seattle Gay 7/17/17 News 3 12:35 PM
IMPORTANT FACTS
This is only a brief summary of important information about taking TRUVADA for PrEPTM (pre-exposure prophylaxis) to help reduce the risk of getting HIV-1 infection. This does not replace talking to your healthcare provider about your medicine.
(tru-VAH-dah) MOST IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT TRUVADA FOR PrEP
POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OF TRUVADA FOR PrEP
Before starting TRUVADA for PrEP: • You must be HIV-1 negative. You must get tested to make sure that you do not already have HIV-1. Do not take TRUVADA for PrEP to reduce the risk of getting HIV-1 unless you are confirmed to be HIV-1 negative. • Many HIV-1 tests can miss HIV-1 infection in a person who has recently become infected. Symptoms of new HIV-1 infection include flu-like symptoms, tiredness, fever, joint or muscle aches, headache, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, night sweats, and/or enlarged lymph nodes in the neck or groin. Tell your healthcare provider if you have had a flu-like illness within the last month before starting TRUVADA for PrEP. While taking TRUVADA for PrEP: • You must continue to use safer sex practices. Just taking TRUVADA for PrEP may not keep you from getting HIV-1. • You must stay HIV-negative to keep taking TRUVADA for PrEP. Get tested for HIV-1 at least every 3 months while taking TRUVADA for PrEP. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you think you were exposed to HIV-1 or have a flu-like illness while taking TRUVADA for PrEP. • If you do become HIV-1 positive, you need more medicine than TRUVADA alone to treat HIV-1. If you have HIV-1 and take only TRUVADA, your HIV-1 may become harder to treat over time. • See the “How To Further Reduce Your Risk” section for more information. TRUVADA may cause serious side effects, including: • Worsening of hepatitis B (HBV) infection. TRUVADA is not approved to treat HBV. If you have HBV, your HBV may suddenly get worse if you stop taking TRUVADA. Do not stop taking TRUVADA without first talking to your healthcare provider, as they will need to check your health regularly for several months.
TRUVADA can cause serious side effects, including: • Those in the “Most Important Information About TRUVADA for PrEP” section. • New or worse kidney problems, including kidney failure. • Too much lactic acid in your blood (lactic acidosis), which is a serious but rare medical emergency that can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: weakness or being more tired than usual, unusual muscle pain, being short of breath or fast breathing, stomach pain with nausea and vomiting, cold or blue hands and feet, feel dizzy or lightheaded, or a fast or abnormal heartbeat. • Severe liver problems, which in rare cases can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow, dark “tea-colored” urine, light-colored stools, loss of appetite for several days or longer, nausea, or stomach-area pain. • Bone problems. Common side effects in people taking TRUVADA for PrEP include stomach-area (abdomen) pain, headache, and decreased weight. These are not all the possible side effects of TRUVADA. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any new symptoms while taking TRUVADA for PrEP. Your healthcare provider will need to do tests to monitor your health before and during treatment with TRUVADA for PrEP.
ABOUT TRUVADA FOR PrEP TRUVADA for PrEP is a prescription medicine used together with safer sex practices to help reduce the risk of getting HIV-1 through sex. This use is only for HIV-negative adults who are at high risk of getting HIV-1. • To help determine your risk of getting HIV-1, talk openly with your healthcare provider about your sexual health. Do NOT take TRUVADA for PrEP if you: • Already have HIV-1 infection or if you do not know your HIV-1 status. • Take certain medicines to treat hepatitis B infection.
HOW TO TAKE TRUVADA FOR PrEP • Take 1 tablet once a day, every day, not just when you think you have been exposed to HIV-1. • Do not miss any doses. Missing doses may increase your risk of getting HIV-1 infection. • Use TRUVADA for PrEP together with condoms and safer sex practices. • Get tested for HIV-1 at least every 3 months. You must stay HIV-negative to keep taking TRUVADA for PrEP.
BEFORE TAKING TRUVADA FOR PrEP Tell your healthcare provider if you: • Have or have had any kidney, bone, or liver problems, including hepatitis. • Have any other medical conditions. • Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. • Are breastfeeding (nursing) or plan to breastfeed. Do not breastfeed. If you become HIV-positive, HIV can pass to the baby in breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take: • Keep a list that includes all prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements, and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist. • Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist about medicines that should not be taken with TRUVADA for PrEP.
HOW TO FURTHER REDUCE YOUR RISK • Know your HIV status and the HIV status of your partners. • Get tested for other sexually transmitted infections. Other infections make it easier for HIV to infect you. • Get information and support to help reduce risky sexual behavior, such as having fewer sex partners. • Do not share needles or personal items that can have blood or body fluids on them.
GET MORE INFORMATION • This is only a brief summary of important information about TRUVADA for PrEP. Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist to learn more, including how to prevent HIV infection. • Go to start.truvada.com or call 1-800-GILEAD-5 • If you need help paying for your medicine, visit start.truvada.com for program information.
TRUVADA FOR PREP, the TRUVADA FOR PREP Logo, the TRUVADA Blue Pill Design, TRUVADA, GILEAD, and the GILEAD Logo are trademarks of Gilead Sciences, Inc., or its related companies. All other marks referenced herein are the property of their respective owners. Version date: April 2017 © 2017 Gilead Sciences, Inc. All rights reserved. TVDC0135 07/17
July 28, 2017 3 4 TVDC0135_PrEP_D_10x15-675_SeattleGayNews_Bears_p1.indd Seattle Gay News
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In Loving Memory Of Steve Foiles, Scott Roger Alpert, Cookie Andrews-Hunt, James Leland Moore, Randy Peters, Lee Richeson, Shaun Shelton, Jim Tully, James Arnold
TWEETS
continued from cover tary must be focused on decisive and overwhelming… “Victory and cannot be burdened with the tremendous medical costs and disruption that transgender in the military would entail,” the tweets read in sequence. Trump’s tweets apparently reverse the standing policy of the Defense Department, inaugurated last year by Pres. Obama’s Secretary of Defense Ash Carter, that Trans people may serve openly in the US military and are entitled to transition services as part of their medical benefits. According to a Rand Corporation study, there are between 2,500 and 7,000 Transgender service members on active duty and an additional 1,500 to 4,000 in the reserves. The Associated Press (AP) reports that some 250 service members are actively transitioning at the present time. Trump’s tweets caught many Trans service members off guard, and sent them scrambling to find advice and legal resources. “People are afraid,” Gender Justice League Executive Director Danni Askini told SGN soon after the tweets went public. “Already we’ve gotten 40 or fifty calls asking what it means and what can be done. The Pentagon is not answering any questions.” The ACLU immediately offered legal services to Trans people in the military. “There is no basis for turning Trans people away from our military and the ACLU is examining all of our options on how to fight this,” the group said in a statement. “For any Trans service member affected by today’s announcement: Please get in touch with us, because we want to hear from you.” Locally, Ingersoll Center also offered advice and support to Trans service members, especially those who have been discharged. “The news out of Washington DC barring Transgender Americans from serving in the armed forces is bigoted and discriminatory,” Ingersoll’s Executive Director Karter Booher told SGN. “This announcement continues the disastrous effects of policies like ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.’ We will continue to connect LGBT veterans who have been dishonorably discharged with resources to access
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the benefits they’re entitled to and we support our national partners like the National Center for Transgender Equality and the LGBTQ Taskforce in their efforts to push back against Transphobic policies like this.” Victoria Rodriguez-Roldan, director of the Trans/Gender Non-Conforming Justice Project, National LGBTQ Task Force, said Trump “has stood against the Trans community with this decision and is harming lives for the sake of political gains.” “The military is often the last resort for people who can’t find jobs because of discrimination,” Rodriguez-Roldan noted. She added that the Transgender community “will not stop fighting” for justice. Fear and loathing in the Pentagon According to CNN, the Joint Chiefs of Staff – the central command for the US military – were as surprised as anyone else by Trump’s tweets. Trump tweeted that he had consulted with “my Generals,” and an unnamed “US official” told CNN that Defense Secretary General James Mattis had been consulted about the move, but at least three Pentagon
sources told the news agency that no Pentagon staffers knew the change was coming. A Pentagon spokesman, Navy Captain Jeff Davis, declined to answer questions about what Trump’s tweets mean for the current policy, including whether Transgender people already serving in the military will be kicked out. “Call the White House,” he told the AP. According to BuzzFeed reporter Dominic Holden, Pentagon officials reading the tweets in real time saw the bellicose tone of the first tweet and feared that Trump was about to order an attack on North Korea. According to Newsweek, Trump’s tweets were only superficially about Trans service members. The real reason for the sudden change in policy is that the Trump administration wants to budget funds for his infamous border wall, and imagined that money now allocated for transition services could go to fund the wall instead. Politico reported that conservative Republicans have been lobbying the White House to bar sex confirmation surgeries, and Trump complied in order to move the border wall legislation forward.
Rep. Joe Kennedy, D-MA, speaks in support of transgender members of the military Wednesday on Capitol Hill in Washington DC – Photo courtesy of Associated Press
July 28, 2017
Seattle Gay News 5
Seattle LGBTQ commissioners call for Mayor Murray to resign
City Council should not seek removal of Seattle Mayor Ed Murray Dear Councilmember Gonzalez: In the most recent issue of Seattle Gay News, you are quoted as saying you will seek removal of Seattle Mayor Edward B. Murray by the City Council. That would be illegal. Section 7, Article 19, of the Seattle Municipal Code, states the mayor may be removed for cause. “Cause” can only be commissions or omissions while in the office of mayor, not prior to taking office. For example, if a mayor had been duly convicted of gross misdemeanor DUI, 30 years ago, he or she could not be removed from the office of mayor, because of that 30-year-old conviction. However, if the very same mayor was convicted for DUI, while currently holding the office of mayor, that would be lawful ‘cause.’” Even recall, as regulated under Section 33, Article 1, of the Washington State Constitution, states, in relevant part, state and local elected officials can be recalled only for an “... act or acts of malfeasance or misfeasance while in office.” You can reasonably be certain Mayor Murray will file for a restraining order and a writ of mandamus, in King County Superior Court, ordering the Seattle City Council to cease and desist in its attempt at removing him from office. Regardless of the judge’s ruling, one side or the other will appeal to the Washington Supreme Court. The fact the Mayor’s term of office expires, on December 31, pretty much guarantees he’ll be serving the remainder of his term of office, while the City Council is wasting hundreds of thousands of dollars of Seattle taxpayer’s money, in a futile attempt to remove a lame duck mayor. Sincerely, Steven L. Kendall Seattle
6 Seattle Gay News
July 28, 2017
Celebrating 43 Years!
Public officials react to Trump’s Trans service ban ing the military and advancing the cause of equality. Today, President Trump – who hasn’t served a day in the military – is taking us back.”
Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal – Photo by Jason Redmond
US Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) “Anyone who puts on a uniform to defend our freedoms deserves our country’s support and whole-hearted respect. As a senior member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee and the daughter of a World War II veteran, I am committed to continuing work with my colleagues and members of our military to support everyone who plays a critical role in the defense of our nation and anyone who dreams of joining their ranks, and I certainly stand ready to push back against President Trump’s hateful agenda against the LGBTQ community. It does not represent who we are as a nation.” US Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) “Transgender service members are honorable and patriotic. They, and all Americans protecting the freedoms and values we hold dear, must receive our utmost respect and dignity. Discrimination in any form is unacceptable. We must defeat this discriminatory policy.”
7)
Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (D-
“This announcement represents another salvo in Donald Trump’s war on the rights of our country’s minorities and the vulnerable. A hateful ban on our brothers and sisters in the transgender community from serving in the military clearly creates a second class of citizens. “Trans rights are human rights. The Constitution promises liberty to all to define and express their identity, but my Republican colleagues are doing nothing to stop the president as he tries to shred the Constitution, tweet by tweet. It is up to all of us to resist this attack on transgender rights and liberties, and as a member of the LGBT Equality Caucus, I stand shoulder to shoulder with the transgender community. “An estimated 15,000 transgender men and women serve in the U.S. Military today. Instead of honoring them, the president has demeaned their sacrifice. Sixty-nine years ago on this day, President Harry Truman took the historic step of desegregat-
Congressman Adam Smith (D-9), Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee “This announcement is an unwarranted and disgraceful attack on men and women who have been bravely serving their country. These service members are defending the United States around the world as we speak, and they have long done so with distinction. To prevent transgender people from joining the military and to push out those who have devoted their lives to this country would be ugly and discriminatory in the extreme. “Secretary of Defense Mattis is currently engaged in a six-month review of policies to bring in new transgender recruits, and he has determined that transgender people who are currently serving should continue to serve. “On January 31, President Trump said that he ‘is determined to protect the rights of all Americans, including the L.G.B.T.Q. community. President Trump continues to be respectful and supportive of LGBTQ rights, just as he was throughout the election.’ What has changed since then? The inflated cost estimates that President Trump appears to be alluding to have no basis in fact, and appear to be cooked up by rightwing advocacy organizations whose real interest is not to support military readiness but to further discrimination. The cost of all hormone therapy for transgender individuals serving in the military since 2012 has been a grand total of $297,000, and there is no indication that the thousands of transgender people currently serving in the military have negatively impacted readiness.
“It takes a brave and committed person to volunteer to defend this country, and every American that is able and willing to do so should be allowed to join the U.S. military. We will fight this decision, just like we fought ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,’ and ultimately justice will prevail.” Seattle Mayor Ed Murray “In the last 24 hours, the Trump administration’s ugly agenda has been on full display and we should not be surprised. This White House has never been interested getting things done for America. They are all about undoing – such as taking away healthcare for millions of poor Americans and now stripping transgender people of their rights. The Trump administration is undoing this nation’s commitment to equity and spirit of community that makes America great. “The President’s attack on transgender people is a shameful, despicable, and unacceptable attempt to marginalize an entire community of Americans. Serving one’s country is a patriotic calling that every single American, including the thousands of transgender people who currently serve, have the right to aspire to. Taking away that right is antithetical to the American value of equality and Seattle’s unwavering commitment to protect and promote the rights of the transgender community. If we’ve learned anything from the chilling history of the 20th century, it is that attempts to marginalize entire populations cannot be taken lightly. This inclusive city does not take it lightly.” Republican Senators Joni Ernst (R-IA), Orin Hatch (R-UT), and John McCain (RAZ) also denounced Trump’s action.
Local leaders, transgender military veterans, service members respond to Trump’s tweets
Gender Justice League This morning (July 26) US President Donald Trump sent trans military service members into chaos by tweeting that transgender people can no longer serve in the military. President Trump wrote, “After consultation with my generals and military experts, please be advised that the United States government will not accept or allow transgender individuals to serve in any capacity in the U.S. military. Our military must be focused on decisive and overwhelming victory and cannot be burdened with the tremendous medical costs and disruption that transgender in the military would entail.” Out of more than 1.3 million service members, transgender individuals number roughly 15,000 per the National Center for
Trans Equality. [i] Out of that small number of service members as few as 125 members across all 5 branches would not be deployable, this is compared to 50,000 members in the Army alone who are currently not deployable. The Rand study report, commissioned by the Department of Defense, which led to lifting the military-wide ban on openly serving as transgender, refutes the assertions made by the President that transgender service members participation would somehow be “costly.” [ii] Local transgender veterans and service members respond Erika Laurentz, a military member for 8 years who flew air combat support in Vietnam and who was a loadmaster on a C-141 told Gender Justice League, “As
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a transgender veteran, I was heartbroken at the tweets. I felt like my service meant nothing. I felt heartbroken for the service members I know who are currently serving. I am terrified about what will happen to them. Like many minorities, I served in hopes of someday being an equal. I’ve known I was transgender since I was three, but in the ’70s there was there no equality for transgender people. I hoped that my service would help lead to that equality. The tweets today took away that hope and left me feeling like my service has meant nothing.” Kathryn Mahan, was a military member for 7 years and a tank commander in West Germany. At Fort Lewis in Washington state she trained service members
to defend Europe. “As a transgender veteran two things struck me. The President of the United States just told the nation it’s ok to discriminate against veterans like me based on complete falsehoods. I served this nation, and President Trump didn’t. It is exceptionally wrong that he is making decisions for transgender service members without regard for the thousands of transgender service members who have served with distinction. No one should be told they cannot serve the nation and risk their lives for their country based simply on their gender identity.” Air Force SSgt, a transgender active duty service member, Logan Ireland, told
July 28, 2017
Seattle Gay News 7
see LOCAL page 8
LEADERS
continued from page 7 Gender Justice League, “For the President to deny any able-bodied, fully-qualified person the inherent right to raise their right hand and serve their country, potentially giving their own life for our freedoms, is doing this country an injustice. I would love for my President to meet me so I can tell him about the 15,000 transgender military members who are honorably serving, fighting right now for our liberties and our country.” Gender Justice League responds President Trump’s unexpected tweets today continue the pattern of his administration’s disregard for transgender and gender nonconforming people. “Currently there are an estimated 15,000 active duty transgender service members and more than 134,000 transgender veterans who have honorably served our country. [iii] To find out from a tweet that their jobs are in jeopardy is reprehensi-
ble,” said Danni Askini, Executive Director of Gender Justice League. “For a President who wants to ‘Make America Great Again,’ firing 15,000 hard working employees who have done nothing wrong is a poor start to his administration’s attempts to create new jobs. Today we have heard from dozens of active duty service members from around the world who are worried that they may be fired tomorrow. “We stand with those military members and honor the service of all transgender veterans. Gender Justice League will collaborate with other advocacy groups in fighting this new ban against transgender service members,” said Gender Justice League Board Co-Chair Sophia Lee. “We denounce this ill-conceived and wrong-minded attempt to divide our communities,” said Danni Askini. “This is intended to distract us all from the scandals and failures that we continue to see from this beleaguered administration. By scapegoating thousands of hard-working service members, his actions against our community continue to be reprehensible.”
Louise Chernin, GSBA President & CEO Reversing an open and inclusive policy long-supported by top military leaders, Donald Trump announced this morning [July 26] that transgender Americans will not be allowed to serve in any capacity in the military. Additionally, Trump’s Department of Justice is set to argue in favor of employment discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation. As an LGBT chamber of commerce representing over 1,300 businesses and their thousands of employees, GSBA knows that transgender employees are not a burden on the workplace. Concerns of a cost burden on an employer due to a transgender employee have never been born out, and there is no reason to believe that the United States military would be any different. The Department of Defense’s own study from 2016 states that allowing transgender people to serve openly would “cost little and have no significant impact on unit readiness.” Once again, all of the President’s assertions fly in the face of established fact. This is bigotry, pure and simple. It’s not about costs or disruption, it’s about erasing the lives and contributions of transgender people. As stated by Mara Keisling, Executive Director of the National Center for Trans Equality, “This is an appalling attack on our service members; it is about bigotry rather than military readiness, reason or science. It is indefensible and cannot stand. The President wants to discard thousands of trained and skilled troops who are already serving honorably and have done nothing but be honest about who they are. To turn away qualified recruits simply because of who they are is a shameful way to show our country’s gratitude to the people who serve our country.”
This change in policy does not erase the fact that transgender people exist and serve in our military and in businesses across the country. Our community is under increasingly fierce attacks at the national level. Contact your members of Congress. Now is the time to get involved. Washington State is home to many outstanding organizations that provide advocacy, programming, and support services for our transgender community. Your donations and volunteer engagement is more important than ever. For equality, Louise Chernin GSBA President & CEO TAKE ACTION Congressional Switchboard: 1-844USA-0234, Press 1 What you can say: Hello, my name is ____ and I live in your district. Transgender service members have sworn an oath to serve our country. It is wrong that these brave people are being discriminated against by the Trump Administration. I urge you to stand with our trans service members against this discriminatory ban. RESOURCES FROM PRIDE FOUNDATION & SAFE ALLIANCE: In addition, we know that these times are really hard. If you are in crisis or in need of a safe and judgment-free place to talk, please call one of the following hotlines: The Trans Lifeline: 877-565-8860 Trevor Project: 866-488-7386
Protesters gather in the Castro, San Francisco – Photo courtesy of ABC News
Pride Foundation
“Today, I have the feeling of being an unappreciated outlander in the country where I served six exemplary years in the Idaho Army National Guard from 1968 to 1974. I was honorably discharged with the rank of Sergeant – and all the while living in the recesses of a deep, dark closet in order to protect the truth of my gender.” Emilie Jackson-Edney Pride Foundation Board Member in Idaho and transgender veteran This morning, 15,000 transgender people serving in our military around the world were told by our Commander in Chief that their contributions are not valued, that they are not welcome, and that their existence is a burden on the country they fight for every day. President Trump announced via Twitter that he “will not accept or allow transgender individuals to serve in any capacity in the U.S. military.” This move will reverse the policy put into place by the Obama administration that has allowed transgender people to serve openly and proudly in our military for the past year. Trump’s actions this morning were cruel and incredibly damaging. Already we’re hearing reports of active duty transgender service members around the world who are terrified of what this means for their jobs and lives. Like when he removed the protections for transgender children in schools, Trump’s actions have impacts far beyond
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his immediate targets. Across the country today, Trump sent a loud and clear message to all transgender people: you are not valued, welcome, or worthy of protection. To our transgender service members: Your efforts and sacrifices made on behalf of our country are deeply appreciated. Your bravery and service deserve so much better than this. We know this must be a heartbreaking and terrifying day for you, but know that we are standing with you. Trans Lifeline and the ACLU’s hotline are resources if you have questions or need support. And let us also clearly say what our government should be saying: Our transgender family, friends, and neighbors – whether in the military or not – are valuable members of our community, should be welcome in every aspect of this country, and deserve to be safe and have equal access to care and services. Transgender people are not a burden or a distraction. Please join us in telling President Trump that his disrespectful treatment of transgender service members is harmful and wrong. Make no mistake, we will fight these attacks every step of the way. In solidarity, Kris Hermanns Chief Executive Officer Pride Foundation
July 28, 2017
Protesters gather in Times Square, NYC – Photo by Frank Franklin II / AP
Jenny Durkan, former U.S. Attorney and Seattle mayoral candidate Former U.S. Attorney Jenny Durkan, one of the highest ranking LGBTQ Department of Justice officials and first openly gay U.S. Attorney, issued the following statement after President Trump’s tweet banning transgender people from serving their country, and the Department of Justice (DOJ) filing of a brief in federal court arguing that Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which bars workplace discrimination, does not protect people from employment discrimination based on sexual orientation. “This is deeply personal for me – these decisions from the Trump White House are discriminatory, ignorant, and dishonorable. Donald Trump and Jeff Sessions’ actions are not just threats to LGBTQ rights, they undermine the best American values. It is stunning that we still have to fight for these basic rights. “As U.S. Attorney, I was proud to work with Attorney General Eric Holder at a Jus-
tice Department that actually protected all civil rights, including LGBTQ rights. No one can enjoy equality, unless we all enjoy equality. That is why I formed a special civil rights unit within our office to prioritize the enforcement of fair housing laws, language access services in our courts system, and the employment and housing rights of soldiers and veterans, including our brave LGBTQ soldiers and veterans. We brought hate crimes prosecutions to protect the Sikh community and the LGBTQ community. Finally, we fought hard for police reforms. “Trump and Sessions want to unlawfully take us backwards – I am grateful we have independent federal courts to stop them, and protect our American values and laws. “Seattle is a city that has lead the nation on LGBTQ rights, and as mayor, I will have the experience to fight Trump and win when the rights of individuals here in Seattle are at stake.”
Celebrating 43 Years!
LGBTQ Allyship’s Queering Politics Candidate Forum a rousing success by Debbie Carlsen Executive Director, LGBTQ Allyship Special to the SGN On July 19th at Southside Commons in South Seattle, LGBTQ Allyship hosted their first Queering Politics Candidate Forum where over 100 LGBTQ social justice leaders and advocates crowded the room. A strong collaboration of 15 LGBTQ, housing and social justice organizations sponsored the event and helped to shape the candidate questions. Attendees were encouraged to use their Democracy Vouchers to show support of their favorite city council candidates. Most Seattle residents received their Democracy Vouchers in the mail. Vouchers function as donations to candidates running for local office, making it possible for residents who do not necessarily have access to funding to run for office and truly represent their communities. Vouchers remove barriers for LGBTQ low-income and people of color to
civically engage and allow people to participate in Democracy without being a registered voter, i.e. green card holders/residents of Seattle, U.S. Nationals. Candidates donned campy costumes consisting of wigs, boas, tiaras and unicorn horns revealing their true rainbow colors. Candidates in attendance for the Mayoral race: Jessyn Farrell, Nikkita Oliver, Cary Moon, Jenny Durkin, and Mike McGinn (Bob Hasegawa had planned to attend but was at the Tommy Le memorial supporting Tommy Le’s family). City Council candidates for Position 8: Jon Grant, Mac McGregor, Charlene Strong, Sara Nelson, Hisam Goueli and a representative from Teresa Mosqueda’s campaign. At the end of each panel presentation Allyship held a lightning round where candidates made commitments to the LGBTQ community. Below are a few of these commitments. If elected, I will work with Allyship and broader LGBTQ communities to…. • Safety: Identify and support commu-
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nity-based solutions to safety that extend beyond the Safe Place program & policing as the answers. • Economic: Work toward a living wage standard in Seattle. • Housing: Create enforceable standards for low-income housing developers and staff to be LGBTQ culturally competent and welcoming. • Housing: Ensure that all new members of the Renters Commission will receive an LGBTQ housing and racial justice training. • Housing: Increase LGBTQ community-owned housing for low-income people in Seattle. • Housing: Allocate significant resources toward low-income and people of color LGBTQ seniors and youth, with a specific focus on housing. • Housing: Ensure low-income LGBTQ renters are aware of available low-income and affordable housing opportunities. • Housing: Influence Sound Transit to use Sound Transit 3 lands for equitable development, which would include LGBTQ
affirming low-income housing. • Protecting/ Advancing Rights: Ensure data is collected about sexual orientation and gender identity for all city services. • Accountability: Center perspectives and decision-making power of diverse LGBTQ community members throughout government institutions and policy-making processes.
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Every single Mayoral and City Council candidate pledged yes to the above commitments. Now is the time to join Allyship in holding both Mayoral and City Council candidates to their pledges in both primary and general election to ensure Seattle is a welcoming city to ALL in the LGBTQ community. For ways to make Seattle just for ALL LGBTQ communities visit our website at Allyship.org or contact us at info@allyship. org/206-428-1986. To view the Candidate forum live go to: https://www.facebook. com/pg/LGBTQAllyship/videos/
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Post this poster in your home window or at your office. Landlords cannot prohibit apartment window postings during an election. This has been litigated by the ACLU.
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Looking for funding for your community programs?
The Seattle Park District has three great funding programs for community activities! All of these programs focus on funding priority populations, including people of color, immigrants and refugees, and the LGBTQ community.
Arts in Parks funds outdoor arts and cultural projects in City parks. Funded
projects include new and established festivals, events, and temporary public art.
Get Moving funds culturally relevant physical activities to communities
where health disparities are prevalent. Funded activities will strengthen the collaboration between Seattle Parks and Recreation and Seattle communities through innovative and sustainable programs.
Recreation for All funds new, innovative, and culturally relevant recreation opportunities. Funded programs will take place in City of Seattle community centers, parks, and facilities.
Learn more about these opportunities by attending an information session!
Refreshments and children’s activities are provided. We can make interpreters available with 72 hours’ advance notice. Please contact Elizabeth Esborn at (206)233-5168 or elizabeth.esborn@seattle.gov for more information.
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DOJ
continued from cover tion on the basis of sex. The agency ruled in 2012 that Title VII bars discrimination based on gender identity. In an unusual move, Jeff Session’s DOJ intervened in the case to argue that LGBT people have no rights under Title VII. DOJ attorneys explicitly rejected the EEOC’s reasoning, telling the Second Circuit that “the EEOC is not speaking for the United States and its position about the scope of Title VII is entitled to no deference beyond its power to persuade.” In rejecting the EEOC’s reasoning, DOJ also had to argue against a clear judicial precedent established by the Seventh Circuit Court in April when it ruled in the case Hively vs. Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana. In that case the appellate court ruled in
favor of a Lesbian college instructor who charged that she’d been denied a full-time position because of her sexual orientation. “The theories advanced by the EEOC and the Seventh Circuit lack merit,” the DOJ brief said. “These theories are inconsistent with Congress’s clear ratification of the overwhelming judicial consensus that Title VII does not prohibit sexual orientation discrimination.” “The sole question,” according to DOJ, is whether Title VII even mentions sexual orientation, and “It does not…” “Any efforts to amend Title VII’s scope should be directed to Congress rather than the courts,” DOJ added. “The essential element of sex discrimination under Title VII is that employees of one sex must be treated worse than similarly situated employees of the other sex, and sexual orientation discrimination simply does not have that effect,” the DOJ brief says.
The US Department of Justice – Photo courtesy of Medium
Human rights groups react to Trump tweets
The Palm Center: “The President is creating a worse version of ‘don’t ask, don’t tell.’ As we know from the sad history of that discredited policy, discrimination harms military readiness. This is a shocking and ignorant attack on our military and on transgender troops who have been serving honorably and effectively for the past year. “As former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mike Mullen stated yesterday, their service must be respected. The Rand Corporation has estimated that the cost of medical care for transgender troops is approximately one one-hundredth of one percent of the military annual health care budget, or at most, $8.4 million per year. To claim otherwise is to lie about the data.”
New York protesters rally outside the US Army Career Center in Times Square — Photo by Hunter Abrams
ACLU: “This is an outrageous and desperate action. The thousands of transgender service members serving on the front lines for this country deserve better than a commanderin-chief who rejects their basic humanity. “Let us be clear. This has been studied extensively, and the consensus is clear: There are no cost or military readiness drawbacks associated with allowing trans people to fight for their country. The president is trying to score cheap political points on the backs of military personnel who have put their lives on the line for their country. “There is no basis for turning trans people away from our military and the ACLU is examining all of our options on how to fight this. For any trans service member affected by today’s announcement: Please get in touch with us, because we want to hear from you.” Southern Poverty Law Center: “Thousands upon thousands of transgender people have served and are serving this country with honor and courage. But while these brave men and women risk their lives for all of us, in every corner of the world, 24 hours a day, President Trump tweets out a disgraceful, discriminatory policy – backed by the country’s most extreme anti-LGBT hate groups – that will do nothing to make anyone safer.
“This policy only serves to throw fuel on the fire of hatred and fear, making an already-vulnerable population even more vulnerable. The Southern Poverty Law Center stands with all transgender and gender-nonconforming Americans, whether civilian or military. Neither Trump nor his childish tweets can stop our march toward dignity and equality.” HRC (Human Rights Campaign): “Today Donald Trump has proven himself as unpatriotic as he is unfit to serve as Commander-in-Chief. He has put a target on the backs of the more than 15,000 transgender troops proudly serving in our military. This heinous and disgusting action endangers the lives of American service members, undermines military readiness and makes our country less safe. It is also the latest effort by Trump and Mike Pence to undo our progress and drag LGBTQ people back into the closet by using our lives as political pawns.” GLAD (Gay and Lesbian Advocates and Defenders): “Donald Trump’s tweet scapegoating transgender members of the U.S. military is un-American and a disgrace. “A person who makes the choice to serve their country is a hero, not a “disruption.” Thousands of transgender people serve with distinction alongside other dedi-
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cated service men and women. “A ban against transgender service members would undermine military readiness and is inconsistent with the conclusions drawn by the Department of Defense’s (DOD) own reports. DOD has concluded that transgender service members may serve openly and that doing so strengthens the military. Nothing as simplistic as a tweet can change that. We hope and expect that DOD will push back against this unacceptable threat.” GLAAD (Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation): “This anti-LGBTQ policy, announced on Twitter, follows what was a six-month delay by the Department of Defense in implementing recruitment policies for transgender Americans who are willing to serve and protect the freedoms of the United States of America. “Further, this announcement is a complete reversal from a directive by the Obama Administration which lifted a ban on trans soldiers from openly serving in the military. “According to the National Center for Transgender Equality, there are over 15,000 transgender Americans currently serving in the United States armed forces.”
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Pride At Work, Union Veteran’s Council, and the AFL-CIO: “In response to this disturbing announcement, Pride at Work, the Union Veteran’s Council, and the AFL-CIO joined forces to condemn this attack on LGBTQ people. William Attig, the Executive Director of the Union Veteran’s Council, which represents working class veterans, highlighted the sacrifice that transgender service members make every day for this country: “I’ve known a great number of truly heroic transgender Americans who served and died for our great country. It doesn’t matter what the race, gender, sexual orientation, or gender identity is of the person next to you in battle – it only matters if they can put a bullet down range and on target.” Democratic National Committee: “Right this moment, around the world, brave transgender service members are protecting the American people – including Donald Trump and Mike Pence. While the White House claims to be celebrating ‘American Heroes’ week, the president and vice president are shoving real American patriots back in the closet and putting our nation’s security at risk. “Donald Trump said he would protect LGBTQ people, but today’s decision to ban transgender Americans from serving in the military proves his promise was another bald-faced lie. Democrats stand with the transgender community and we will fight this administration’s bigotry tooth-andnail. “Those who defend our right to live freely should be able to serve freely. This cowardly statement by Donald Trump shames our nation and its history of advancing diversity in our military – from the integration of African-Americans into the military by President Truman to President Obama’s ending of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell – and it is an insult to the millions of Americans who have served our nation.”
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LGBTQ coalition speaks out against anti-Transgender bills on day of testimony in Texas Senate committee
Protesting anti-transgender legislation in the open-air rotunda at the Texas Capitol – Photo by Sam DeGrave (Texas Observer)
AUSTIN (TX) – On Friday, July 21, the Texas Senate State Affairs Committee began hearing testimony on the anti-transgender legislation SB3 and SB91. Throughout the year – during the regular legislative session and now during the special session – thousands of Texans have spoken out against proposed anti-LGBTQ legislation, including: 27 Fortune 500 companies, nearly 500 faith leaders and 37,081 people taking action by signing petitions or testifying against these harmful bills. Despite all of this outcry, lawmakers such as Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick still aren’t listening to the concerns of Texans. On the day of the hearing, several proequality groups released the following statements: Chuck Smith, CEO, Equality Texas: “It is extremely disappointing that Governor Abbott and Lieutenant Governor Patrick have decided to ignore the overwhelming majority of the constituents they represent in their efforts to pass an antitransgender bathroom bill. This includes the 1,718 people who testified against SB 6, the 13,800 transgender students who attend school throughout the state, and over
1,300 major businesses and employers. These anti-transgender bathroom bills are morally bankrupt and will cause billions of dollars of damage to our economy. Any legislation that targets transgender Texans – an already vulnerable population – for unequal treatment will put innocent adults and children in harm’s way. There is no middle ground on discrimination. We cannot tolerate any effort that seeks to demonize, stigmatize, and endanger our transgender family members, friends, coworkers, students, and neighbors. We will not give up in our efforts to prevent the passage and enactment of such a dangerous law.” Lou Weaver, transgender program director, Equality Texas: “Transgender Texans, like all Texans, need to use public facilities without fear for their safety or security. Any bathroom bill will roll back decades-old policies, laws, and perfectly functioning social norms that ensure that transgender people have access to restrooms appropriate to their gender. All parents are concerned about the safety of their children, but the lieutenant governor is exploiting that parental instinct to attack a vulnerable community, subjecting trans-
gender children and adults to harm when they pose no risk to others. These kind of laws are unenforceable without massive police intrusion on privacy rights, and they create a barrier for trans people navigating society.” Cathryn Oakley, senior legislative counsel, Human Rights Campaign: “SB3 and SB92 are just the latest examples in the extreme agenda of Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and Gov. Greg Abbott. Despite a massive outcry against discriminatory, anti-trans legislation from businesses, faith leaders, elected officials, sports leagues and everyday Texans, Patrick and Abbott have their sights set on continuing to discriminate, with no regard for Texas’ future or reputation. Texas should heed the warning signs from North Carolina’s disastrous HB2 and focus on the issues that matter: not an imaginary issue that is designed to win them cheap political points while harming trans Texans.” Kali Cohn, staff attorney, ACLU of Texas: “Yet again, certain lawmakers are trying to codify discrimination against transgender Texans into our laws under the pretense of privacy and safety,” said Kali Cohn, staff attorney of the ACLU of
Texas. “Every day that the legislature has considered these bills, transgender Texans and those who love and care for them have flocked to the Capitol to plead for the recognition of their basic humanity. Passage of a bill like this sends a clear message that their humanity will not be recognized in our state – a message that is both deeply unjust and contrary to our constitutional values. We stand with transgender Texans and their loved ones in demanding that our state protect all Texans from discrimination.” Ryan Valentine, deputy director, Texas Freedom Network: “With all of the challenges facing the state right now, it’s absurd that the Senate is wasting precious time and taxpayer dollars considering a discrimination bill that addresses a nonexistent ‘problem’ and hurts people simply because of who they are. The only reason this is happening is we have a callous lieutenant governor who is obsessed with playing potty policeman and tossing red meat to his political base.” Courtesy of Equality Texas, the Human Rights Campaign, Equality Texas, the ACLU of Texas, and the Texas Freedom Network
CONVERSION
The Leadership Conference workshops and plenary sessions will also reflect the work ahead, and the organization’s commitment to working across movements including HIV criminalization, rapid response communications, racial justice, and building integrated voter engagement programs. Visit http://www.equalityfederation. org/leadershipconference/ to view the full schedule and program book. Portions of the conference will be shared, including livestreams, on social media using #EQFED17.
continued from cover
Sam Brinton, a survivor of conversion “therapy,” will be among the speakers at the Equality Federation’s 20th Leadership Conference – Photo courtesy of MITAA
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30 years old, was subjected to electroshock and other abusive tactics in attempts to convert him. “I was told I was the only gay left on earth, that the government had come through and killed off every gay child when they were born. When the mental torture didn’t work, we moved into physical torture,” Sam Brinton said. “My parents were lied to and I was abused, all in the name of trying to change something I never chose.” “In a sea of anti-LGBTQ legislation and attacks at the federal level, this is an area where our movement has momentum and broad bipartisan support because this practice is so harmful and outrageous, and something that no young person should be subjected to,” said Andy Garcia, Program Manager of Equality Federation.
Equality Federation is the movement builder and strategic partner to statebased organizations advocating for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people. We’re winning equality in the communities we call home. Courtesy of Equality Federation
Celebrating 43 Years!
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