LGBTQ+ Asylum Seekers Need You: The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recently proposed a new rule making it even more difficult for LGBTQ+ asylum seekers to find a safe place to call home. The rule prevents asylum seekers from making claims if they take more than 14 days to reach the United States and prevents them from seeking protections for gender-based reasons, among other changes. This rule will affect new asylum seekers and over 800,000 asylum seekers with pending applications.

This change could prove fatal to LGBTQ+ people around the world fleeing violence and persecution for their gender identity and sexual orientation.  Homosexuality and/or homosexual conduct is currently criminalized in more than 75 countries, and 13 of those countries implement the death penalty for those who violate these barbaric laws.

SEND a public comment opposing the rule before July 15th by clicking here.

Get Out The Vote: There is so much at stake for the LGBTQ+ community in 2020. We have made some historic gains — including a recent Supreme Court ruling that states LGBTQ+ people cannot be discriminated against in the workplace.

But there is a great deal of work ahead of us. We still don't have comprehensive federal protections when it comes to housing, health care, and education.  Educating LGBTQ+ people and our allies about racial equity, economic security, and discrimination is of the utmost importance right now.  So is getting yourself registered to vote, then heading to the polls in November.  While our community often faces an uphill battle when it comes to having our voices heard, the ballot box is one place where we are able to create change.

Learn more about the challenges LGBTQ+ people face and why it's crucial for us to vote in Nonprofit Vote's monthly blog, written by ActionLink's own Tanya Tassi.

Queering The Census:  Once a decade, America comes together to count every resident in the United States.  Information from this count provides the basis for reapportioning congressional seats, redistricting, and distributing more than $675 billion in federal funds annually to support states, counties and communities’ vital programs — impacting housing, education, transportation, employment, health care and public policy.

This year we have more options than ever to ensure our diverse communities are fully counted, and it’s critical for us to use them. Anyone with an internet connection or a phone can self-respond by visiting www.my2020census.gov or calling 844-330-2020.

Haven't looked at this year's Census yet?  No worries.  You can join the National LGBTQ Task Force for a virtual tour!  LGBTQ+ friendly Census tour guides will walk you through it virtually.  Click here for 2020 Census Tour Hours.