Are you #VoteReady? 

Ending conversion therapy. Military service. Ending HIV. Homelessness. Trans rights. The 2020 Census. Aging with dignity. Racial justice. Domestic violence. Immigration. Education. LGBTQ+ people care about ALL of these issues and more.  That’s why we’re heading to the polls on November 3rd to vote for lawmakers who support LGBTQ+ equality!  Are you ready?  Visit our website for information on finding your polling place, checking your voter registration status, getting a ride to the polls, and voting while trans. www.lgbtqvote.gay 

 

This Is Our Court 

Justice Ginsburg taught us that the Supreme Court belongs to all of us. That's why the next president must nominate Justice Ginsburg’s replacement after the people have spoken. Will you call your lawmakers tell them "no confirmation until after innauguration"? 

Call 888-521-6658, enter your zip code, and you'll be patched through to your senators. Tell them that they must ensure a new U.S. Supreme Court justice is chosen after the people elect their next President.  You can add that we need a fair-minded U.S. Supreme Court justice who will continue the fight for civil and human rights, and we will accept nothing less.

 

Fulton v Cityof Philadelphia 

On November 4th of this year, the U.S. Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in Fulton v. City of Philadelphia, a case related to taxpayer-funded child welfare agencies. If the Court rules that Catholic Social Services (CSS) can refuse to comply with the City of Philadelphia’s nondiscrimination requirement and reject qualified parents simply because of who they are or what religion they are, it is children who will ultimately pay the price. 

This report from our friends at Movement Advancement Project examines the potential outcomes of the case and what they mean for LGBTQ+ families.  We will be inviting you to a virtual town hall summarizing oral arguments the night of the hearing, so watch your email for details.

 

 

The State of the LGBTQ Community in 2020: A National Public Opinion Study 

A comprehensive new study from the Center for American Progress finds that many LGBTQ+ people continue to face discrimination in their personal lives, in the workplace and the public sphere, and in their access to critical health care. 

Discrimination has serious negative impacts on the psychological, physical, and financial wellbeing of LGBTQ+ people. In the midst of the current pandemic and economic crisis, bias exposes the community to even more significant harms and these harms are even more pronounced for people living at the intersection of multiple identities facing systemic exclusion. 

Read the full report here.

 

LGBTQ+ History Month 

October is a busy month for LGBTQ+ advocacy and education. Here's a breakdown of important dates and observances. Click the links to be taken to the official website of each event. 

LGBT History Month is an annual month-long educational celebration of LGBT history. Starting October 1st, a new icon is featured each day with videos, bios and other resources. 

Domestic Violence Awareness Month is observed every October. Recent research shows that LGBTQ+ members fall victim to domestic violence at equal or higher rates compared to their heterosexual counterparts. 

International Lesbian Day, held on October 8, is a day for lesbians, families, friends, and allies to come together to celebrate and raise awareness about the importance of community. 

National Coming Out Day was inspired by the first March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights on October 11, 1987.  Coming out still matters!  Every person who speaks up changes hearts and minds and creates new advocates for equality. 

Spirit Day, held on October 15th, recognizes that LGBTQ+ youth disproportionately face bullying and harassment because of their identities. Each year, millions wear purple on Spirit Day in a united stand against bullying. 

LGBT Center Awareness Day is an annual event held every October 19th.  Created by CenterLink, LGBT Center Awareness Day is a day to promote the vital services offered by community centers and the central role they play in communities everywhere. 

International Pronouns Day is October 21st. Being referred to by the wrong pronouns particularly affects transgender and gender nonconforming people. This is a day to educate people on the importance of using correct pronouns. 

Vote Early Day is a new civic holiday started to make sure Americans know about and take advantage of our options to vote early. 

Ace Week, beginning on October 25th, is week is dedicated to raising awareness and expanding education around asexuality.