LGBTQ+ People Need Federal Nondiscrimination Protections 

Did you know that people who identify as LGBTQ+ can still be fired, denied housing, or refused service in many parts of the nation? 

The Equality Act would provide consistent and explicit anti-discrimination protections for LGBTQ+ people across key areas of life, including employment, housing, credit, education, public spaces and services, federally funded programs, and jury service.  Tell your Senators it's #EqualityTime. We've made it easy for you.  Click here to get started - it will only take 2 minutes!

 

New Resources Available for Renters and Landlords 

If you’re a renter having trouble paying your rent, utilities, or other housing costs – or if you’re a landlord trying to stay afloat with tenants in this situation – help may be available. State and local programs are distributing billions of dollars in rental assistance to help renters stay housed during the pandemic. 

Visit the CFPB’s Rental Assistance Finder to find out what this means for you and what you can do.  The CFPB’s site also includes resources to help renters and landlords navigate various financial hardships related to the pandemic.

 

Are You Registered To Vote? 

Election day will be held on Tuesday, November 2nd this year. ALL elections are important and 2021 includes gubernatorial elections in New Jersey and Virginia, state legislative elections, and numerous citizen initiatives, mayoral races, and local elections. Two of six special elections to the United States House of Representatives will also take place also on November 2 or earlier as a result of either deaths or vacancies. 

Go to VOTE.gov to get registered and remember to choose leaders who support equality.  Make your voice heard!

 

PrEP Is Now Free Under Most Insurance Plans 

In a move that is expected to prove transformative to the national HIV-prevention effort, the federal government has announced that almost all health insurers must cover the HIV prevention pill known as PrEP, or pre-exposure prophylaxis, with no cost sharing — including for the medication itself and all support services such as lab visits and any associated office visits.

 

Challenges of Addressing Hate Violence 

Hate crimes and violence against many different communities is on the rise. A new report from Movement Advancement Project and 16 leading civil rights organizations examines the various ways state hate crime laws have attempted to respond to hate violence—as well as the many challenges inherent in using a biased criminal justice system to address a problem as complex as hate.  Download a copy of the report here.