Thursday, January 14, 2016
State of the Union Includes Pro-Gay Comments
" ...Our unique strengths as a nation -- our optimism and work ethic, our spirit of discovery, our diversity, our commitment to rule of law -- these things give us everything we need to ensure prosperity and security for generations to come.
In fact, it’s that spirit that made the progress of these past seven years possible. It’s how we recovered from the worst economic crisis in generations. It’s how we reformed our health care system, and reinvented our energy sector; how we delivered more care and benefits to our troops and veterans, and how we secured the freedom in every state to marry the person we love...
...when I no longer hold this office, I will be right there with you as a citizen, inspired by those voices of fairness and vision, of grit and good humor and kindness that helped America travel so far. Voices that help us see ourselves not, first and foremost, as black or white, or Asian or Latino, not as gay or straight, immigrant or native born, not as Democrat or Republican, but as Americans first, bound by a common creed. Voices Dr. King believed would have the final word -- voices of unarmed truth and unconditional love.
And they’re out there, those voices. They don’t get a lot of attention; they don't seek a lot of fanfare; but they’re busy doing the work this country needs doing. I see them everywhere I travel in this incredible country of ours. I see you, the American people. And in your daily acts of citizenship, I see our future unfolding...
It’s the son who finds the courage to come out as who he is, and the father whose love for that son overrides everything he’s been taught... "
President Barack Obama, State of the Union Address, January 13, 2016.
Click here to read the entire address
Click here to watch the entire address
Thursday, November 19, 2015
Marriage Equality in Ireland Goes into Effect
" The Minister for Justice and Equality, Frances Fitzgerald TD, today signed the commencement order for the Marriage Act 2015. The Commencement Order will bring the provisions of the Marriage Act 2015 into effect from Monday 16 November 2015.
The commencement order gives effect to the will of the people, as expressed in the referendum on 22 May, that marriage should be available to same-sex couples.
At Dublin Castle this evening the Minister said, “The Irish people blazed a trail on 22 May 2015 when they became the first sovereign people to choose marriage equality by popular vote. They determined that Ireland should be characterised by solidarity and inclusiveness. They have reaffirmed the importance of marriage and family for our society."
From Monday 16 November, same-sex couples, including couples who are already in civil partnerships, will be able to give notice of their intention to marry.
Signing the Order, the Minister added, “It is a real pleasure to sign this Order in the company of some of the couples who will be able to marry in the coming weeks and months. The Marriage Act has profound symbolic importance, but will also have a real and tangible impact on their family life.”
The Minister for Justice and Equality, Frances Fitzgerald TD, 10 November 2015.
Wednesday, October 28, 2015
Houston Mayor Comments on Equal Rights Ordnance Saga
“As I stated in my State of the City Address earlier this month, the
Houston I know does not discriminate, treats everyone equally and allows
full participation by everyone in civic and business life. We don’t care where you come from, the color of your skin,
your age, gender, what physical limitations you may have or who you
choose to love. It’s time the laws on our books reflect this.” April 21, 2014.
"I am very pleased with the jury’s verdict, and I expect the court will apply the law to the verdict and issue a final judgment confirming that the petition failed. The City of Houston has had in place for over 100 years the same rules and legal requirements governing the referendum process to ensure fairness and avoid fraud, and the jury’s verdict confirms that the petitions did not meet the legal requirements. The plaintiffs are expected to appeal any outcome that is not in their favor. That would be unfortunate for the City. I believe that the majority of Houston wants this divisive fight to be over so that we are able to provide equal rights protections for all of our residents. The City is confident it will prevail." February 13, 2015.
“This is a great victory in the courts, and a great day for civil rights in Houston, Texas. The jury found for the City, and now the judge has found in favor of the City too. I am gratified that the judge signed a final judgment rejecting the plaintiffs’ claims and confirming that their pro-discrimination referendum petition failed. We will be prepared if the plaintiffs decide to appeal.” Donna Edmundson, City Attorney, April 17, 2015.
"Obviously, I am disappointed and believe the court is in error with this eleventh hour ruling in a case that had already been decided by a judge and jury of citizens. Nonetheless, we will proceed with the steps necessary for City Council to consider the issue. At the same time, we are consulting with our outside counsel on any possible available legal actions. Houston’s Equal Rights Ordinance is similar to measures passed by every other major city in the country and by most local corporations. No matter the color of your skin, your age, gender, physical limitations, or sexual orientation, every Houstonian deserves the right to be treated equally. To do otherwise, hurts Houston’s well-known image as a city that is tolerant, accepting, inclusive and embracing of its diversity. Our citizens fully support and understand this and I have never been afraid to take it to the voters. We will win!" July 24, 2015.
"The ballot language we chose came directly from the petition the pastors submitted to the City. It asks voters whether they want to repeal the Houston Equal Rights Ordinance. If you want to repeal HERO you should vote yes. It is a very easy question to understand. It complies with the City Charter and a 1997 Texas Supreme Court ruling granting the City authority to select the ballot language for a referendum. This lawsuit isn't about whether the ballot language is easy to understand or complies with the law. The pastors group is opposed to a Houston free of discrimination for all and will do anything they can to try to confuse the voters." August 7, 2015.
"Despite the continued backdoor legal maneuvers and manipulation by a small group that is out of touch, I am confident that Houstonians will vote to keep the Houston Equal Rights Ordinance in November. We are a city that believes everyone deserves to be treated equally no matter his or her race, age, gender, physical limitations, sexual orientation or gender identity. Discrimination simply isn’t a Houston value. With all due respect to the Texas Supreme Court, it is clear that politics is driving the law in this case. We will rewrite the ballot language, but I strongly disagree with the decision and find it to be contrary to the court’s established law regarding previous ballot initiatives. August 19, 2015.
Houston Mayor Annise D. Parker (except where noted).
"I am very pleased with the jury’s verdict, and I expect the court will apply the law to the verdict and issue a final judgment confirming that the petition failed. The City of Houston has had in place for over 100 years the same rules and legal requirements governing the referendum process to ensure fairness and avoid fraud, and the jury’s verdict confirms that the petitions did not meet the legal requirements. The plaintiffs are expected to appeal any outcome that is not in their favor. That would be unfortunate for the City. I believe that the majority of Houston wants this divisive fight to be over so that we are able to provide equal rights protections for all of our residents. The City is confident it will prevail." February 13, 2015.
“This is a great victory in the courts, and a great day for civil rights in Houston, Texas. The jury found for the City, and now the judge has found in favor of the City too. I am gratified that the judge signed a final judgment rejecting the plaintiffs’ claims and confirming that their pro-discrimination referendum petition failed. We will be prepared if the plaintiffs decide to appeal.” Donna Edmundson, City Attorney, April 17, 2015.
"Obviously, I am disappointed and believe the court is in error with this eleventh hour ruling in a case that had already been decided by a judge and jury of citizens. Nonetheless, we will proceed with the steps necessary for City Council to consider the issue. At the same time, we are consulting with our outside counsel on any possible available legal actions. Houston’s Equal Rights Ordinance is similar to measures passed by every other major city in the country and by most local corporations. No matter the color of your skin, your age, gender, physical limitations, or sexual orientation, every Houstonian deserves the right to be treated equally. To do otherwise, hurts Houston’s well-known image as a city that is tolerant, accepting, inclusive and embracing of its diversity. Our citizens fully support and understand this and I have never been afraid to take it to the voters. We will win!" July 24, 2015.
"The ballot language we chose came directly from the petition the pastors submitted to the City. It asks voters whether they want to repeal the Houston Equal Rights Ordinance. If you want to repeal HERO you should vote yes. It is a very easy question to understand. It complies with the City Charter and a 1997 Texas Supreme Court ruling granting the City authority to select the ballot language for a referendum. This lawsuit isn't about whether the ballot language is easy to understand or complies with the law. The pastors group is opposed to a Houston free of discrimination for all and will do anything they can to try to confuse the voters." August 7, 2015.
"Despite the continued backdoor legal maneuvers and manipulation by a small group that is out of touch, I am confident that Houstonians will vote to keep the Houston Equal Rights Ordinance in November. We are a city that believes everyone deserves to be treated equally no matter his or her race, age, gender, physical limitations, sexual orientation or gender identity. Discrimination simply isn’t a Houston value. With all due respect to the Texas Supreme Court, it is clear that politics is driving the law in this case. We will rewrite the ballot language, but I strongly disagree with the decision and find it to be contrary to the court’s established law regarding previous ballot initiatives. August 19, 2015.
Houston Mayor Annise D. Parker (except where noted).
New York Fire Department Releases It Gets Better Video
" As Firefighters, Paramedics and EMTs in the most diverse city in the
world, FDNY members have the tremendous opportunity to inspire young
people through their brave work every single day. Through this video, they deliver an important message to
lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning youth around
the world - it absolutely does get better. "
City of New York Fire Commissioner Daniel A. Nigro, October 11, 2015; on the occasion of the release of "its first ever It Gets Better video, in support of the It Gets Better Project. The Project's mission is to communicate to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning youth around the world that life gets better, and to create and inspire the changes needed to improve quality of life for them. In the FDNY-produced video, twelve active FDNY Firefighters, Paramedics, and EMTs discuss the challenges they faced throughout their lives and the success they have found both as adults, and as members of New York's Bravest."
Click here to watch the video on a non-primary source
City of New York Fire Commissioner Daniel A. Nigro, October 11, 2015; on the occasion of the release of "its first ever It Gets Better video, in support of the It Gets Better Project. The Project's mission is to communicate to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning youth around the world that life gets better, and to create and inspire the changes needed to improve quality of life for them. In the FDNY-produced video, twelve active FDNY Firefighters, Paramedics, and EMTs discuss the challenges they faced throughout their lives and the success they have found both as adults, and as members of New York's Bravest."
Click here to watch the video on a non-primary source
Wednesday, October 21, 2015
US Govt. Report Supports End to Conversion Therapy
" The conclusions in this report are based on professional consensus statements arrived at by experts in the field. Specifically, conversion therapy - efforts to change an individual’s sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression - is a practice that is not supported by credible evidence and has been disavowed by behavioral health experts and associations. Conversion therapy perpetuates outdated views of gender roles and identities as well as the negative stereotype that being a sexual or gender minority or identifying as LGBTQ is an abnormal aspect of human development. Most importantly, it may put young people at risk of serious harm."
Ending Conversion Therapy: Supporting and Affirming LGBTQ Youth, a report from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, October 15, 2015.
Click here to read the entire report
Ending Conversion Therapy: Supporting and Affirming LGBTQ Youth, a report from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, October 15, 2015.
Click here to read the entire report
Saturday, September 19, 2015
Rainbow Doritos
" PLANO, Texas -The Doritos brand, in partnership with the It Gets Better Project,
today announced a new, limited-edition product to celebrate and support
the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community in the
boldest, most colorful way possible. Introducing Doritos Rainbows chips,
the first Doritos product in history made up of multiple,
rainbow-colored Doritos chips inspired by the Pride flag. The new
product is available exclusively to consumers who donate to the It Gets
Better Project, an organization that seeks to provide hope to LGBT young
people and inspire the changes to make the world a better place for
them.
Starting today, consumers who donate $10 or more in support of the It Gets Better Project through www.ItGetsBetter.org/DoritosRainbows will be mailed a bag of Doritos Rainbows chips, while supplies last. The goal is to raise funds for the It Gets Better Project and the important work the organization does in support of LGBT youth around the world. Upon making their donations, consumers are encouraged to share messages of hope and inspiration using #BoldandBetter. For more details, visit www.ItGetsBetter.org/DoritosRainbows.
“Time and again, our consumers have shown us, there really is nothing bolder than being true to yourself and living life to the fullest,” said Ram Krishnan, chief marketing officer, Frito-Lay. “With Doritos Rainbows chips, we’re bringing an entirely new product experience to our consumers to show our commitment toward equal rights for the LGBT community and celebrate humanity without exception.”
The It Gets Better Project began in September 2010, when activist Dan Savage created a YouTube video with his partner Terry Miller to inspire hope for young people facing harassment. In response to a number of students taking their own lives after being bullied in school, they wanted to create a personal way for supporters everywhere to tell LGBT youth that, yes, it does indeed get better. Five years later, the It Gets Better Project has turned into a worldwide movement, inspiring more than 60,000 user-created videos viewed more than 60 million times. To date, the project has received submissions from celebrities, organizations, activists, politicians and media personalities.
“We’re honored to partner with the Doritos brand to celebrate the momentous progress that has been made toward equal rights for the LGBT community in this country. By utilizing the incredible reach that Doritos has throughout the world, we can give hope to the LGBT young people who need it the most. There is so much more work to be done, and together, we will inspire the LGBT community and its allies to continue the fight and embrace who they are by living a #BoldandBetter life,” said Brett Peters, communications director, It Gets Better Project.
Doritos Rainbows chips will take center stage at this year’s Dallas Pride as part of the Doritos brand’s first-ever sponsorship of the annual event, set to take place on Sunday, Sept. 20, 2015. While visiting the Doritos-branded booth at Dallas Pride, attendees can pledge their support to the It Gets Better Project and receive a bag of Doritos Rainbows chips, while supplies last. Guests also can capture their experiences at a photo and video booth, sharing their unique content using #BoldAndBetter. In partnership with PepsiCo’s EQUAL employee resource group, the Doritos brand also will participate in this year’s Dallas Pride parade with a float made up of PepsiCo/Frito-Lay associates and their families.
Doritos is one of the flagship brands from PepsiCo’s Frito-Lay division. PepsiCo has long been a supporter of diversity and inclusion, recognizing that each and every PepsiCo associate brings something unique to the table. For years, PepsiCo has earned the top score of 100 percent on the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index, a national benchmarking tool of corporate policies and practices pertinent to LGBT employees, as one of the “Best Places to Work.” "
Press release from Frit-Lay, September 17, 2015.
Starting today, consumers who donate $10 or more in support of the It Gets Better Project through www.ItGetsBetter.org/DoritosRainbows will be mailed a bag of Doritos Rainbows chips, while supplies last. The goal is to raise funds for the It Gets Better Project and the important work the organization does in support of LGBT youth around the world. Upon making their donations, consumers are encouraged to share messages of hope and inspiration using #BoldandBetter. For more details, visit www.ItGetsBetter.org/DoritosRainbows.
“Time and again, our consumers have shown us, there really is nothing bolder than being true to yourself and living life to the fullest,” said Ram Krishnan, chief marketing officer, Frito-Lay. “With Doritos Rainbows chips, we’re bringing an entirely new product experience to our consumers to show our commitment toward equal rights for the LGBT community and celebrate humanity without exception.”
The It Gets Better Project began in September 2010, when activist Dan Savage created a YouTube video with his partner Terry Miller to inspire hope for young people facing harassment. In response to a number of students taking their own lives after being bullied in school, they wanted to create a personal way for supporters everywhere to tell LGBT youth that, yes, it does indeed get better. Five years later, the It Gets Better Project has turned into a worldwide movement, inspiring more than 60,000 user-created videos viewed more than 60 million times. To date, the project has received submissions from celebrities, organizations, activists, politicians and media personalities.
“We’re honored to partner with the Doritos brand to celebrate the momentous progress that has been made toward equal rights for the LGBT community in this country. By utilizing the incredible reach that Doritos has throughout the world, we can give hope to the LGBT young people who need it the most. There is so much more work to be done, and together, we will inspire the LGBT community and its allies to continue the fight and embrace who they are by living a #BoldandBetter life,” said Brett Peters, communications director, It Gets Better Project.
Doritos Rainbows chips will take center stage at this year’s Dallas Pride as part of the Doritos brand’s first-ever sponsorship of the annual event, set to take place on Sunday, Sept. 20, 2015. While visiting the Doritos-branded booth at Dallas Pride, attendees can pledge their support to the It Gets Better Project and receive a bag of Doritos Rainbows chips, while supplies last. Guests also can capture their experiences at a photo and video booth, sharing their unique content using #BoldAndBetter. In partnership with PepsiCo’s EQUAL employee resource group, the Doritos brand also will participate in this year’s Dallas Pride parade with a float made up of PepsiCo/Frito-Lay associates and their families.
Doritos is one of the flagship brands from PepsiCo’s Frito-Lay division. PepsiCo has long been a supporter of diversity and inclusion, recognizing that each and every PepsiCo associate brings something unique to the table. For years, PepsiCo has earned the top score of 100 percent on the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index, a national benchmarking tool of corporate policies and practices pertinent to LGBT employees, as one of the “Best Places to Work.” "
Press release from Frit-Lay, September 17, 2015.
Thursday, September 10, 2015
London Gay Bar Gets Landmark Protection
“I am thrilled to be able to list the Royal Vauxhall Tavern as Grade
II - the iconic cultural hub in the heart of London is of huge
significance to the LGB&T community. Not only of architectural
interest, the venue has a longstanding historic role as a symbol of
tolerance and alternative entertainment.
Residing in Lambeth since 1860, the landmark venue has been the springboard for so many of our loved UK entertainers. I am delighted that the listing will preserve the history of this venue for future generations to enjoy - I hope that it continues to be filled with laughter and joy.”
Tracey Crouch, MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Sport, Tourism and Heritage, September 9, 2015.
Click here to read the entire listing statement
"The Royal Vauxhall Tavern is an enduring and important venue for the LGBTQ community. Built on the site of the Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens, it carries on the tradition of alternative and bohemian entertainment which is bound up in this part of London's history and identity."
Roger Bowdler, Director of Listing, Historic England, September 9, 2015.
Click here to read the entire statement
The Royal Vauxhall Tavern (RVT) has been listed Grade II by Heritage Minister, Tracey Crouch on the advice of Historic England. The first listing of its kind for a Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender (LGB&T) venue, the iconic London location has an international reputation as arguably one of the most inclusive LGB&T venues in England, built on a tradition of hosting alternative, transgender and drag performances.
Residing in Lambeth since 1860, the landmark venue has been the springboard for so many of our loved UK entertainers. I am delighted that the listing will preserve the history of this venue for future generations to enjoy - I hope that it continues to be filled with laughter and joy.”
Tracey Crouch, MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Sport, Tourism and Heritage, September 9, 2015.
Click here to read the entire listing statement
"The Royal Vauxhall Tavern is an enduring and important venue for the LGBTQ community. Built on the site of the Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens, it carries on the tradition of alternative and bohemian entertainment which is bound up in this part of London's history and identity."
Roger Bowdler, Director of Listing, Historic England, September 9, 2015.
Click here to read the entire statement
The Royal Vauxhall Tavern (RVT) has been listed Grade II by Heritage Minister, Tracey Crouch on the advice of Historic England. The first listing of its kind for a Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender (LGB&T) venue, the iconic London location has an international reputation as arguably one of the most inclusive LGB&T venues in England, built on a tradition of hosting alternative, transgender and drag performances.
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