Bucks County GLBT Meeting & Transgender Day of Remembrance Vigil

On Nov. 4, 2010, people of all ages gathered in Doylestown, PA for an important meeting to discuss GLBTA issues. The main gathering focus was to discuss the introduction & passage of local ordinances that would provide anti-discrimination protections based on sexual orientation & gender identity & expression.

There were middle schoolers as well as students from high school & college present. There were police officers, nurses, educators, ministers, activists, parents & more represented. Planned Parenthood's Rainbow Room was well represented. GLSEN & PFLAG people were there. Students from Delaware Valley College were also there in significant numbers. Several representatives from different faith organizations were there. There were council members from Hatboro & Doylestown. & of course, Equality PA & HRC were there.

It was a packed house. We barely had time to get through introductions before we headed out for the vigil.

The energy in the room was great. As people talked, it became evident that other glbt interests should be served besides the ordinances.

There will be follow-up meetings of this coalition. Expect many good things to come from this group.

After the meeting, candles & signs were handed out. We walked down the street to a public square & where we read the names of transgender people who had died as a result of violence. Some passers by stopped & read our signs. Some drivers honked & shouted their support. There were no visible negative reactions from the onlookers. Trans- awareness was raised & these trans people will not be forgotten.

California Judge to Decide if Weddings Can Resume Today

Judge Walker, the Chief Justice who ruled the ban on gay marriage be lifted in California last week, is deciding today whether or not gay marriages can resume today. If he does decide they may resume counties, such as Los Angeles, will perform weddings today on a first-come, first-serve basis. The lines as of right now are already forming! The BBC News article about this can be found here!

Keep an eye out on our Facebook page for up to date information about Judge Walker's decision!

Mexican Supreme Court Rules That States Must Honor Gay Marriages

On Tuesday the Mexican Supreme Court ruled that gay marriages performed in the country's capital, Mexico City, have to be honored by all Mexican states. The court made it clear that other states did not have to enact or perform gay marriages themselves, but had to honor those that were performed else-ware in the country. Justice Arturo Zaldivar stated, "“What’s going to happen to a same-sex couple” who marry in Mexico City “when they cross the border” to another state? Does this marriage disappear? They go on vacation and they’re no longer married?"

However, the court, in their ruling, left uncertain as to which marital rights would transfer.

The New York Times article on this subject can be found here!

Happy Tuesday!

While perusing the internet today I came across an article on FoxNews.com (Yes, that Fox News. Bear with me...) titled "My Fellow Conservatives, Think Carefully About Your Opposition to Gay Marriage" by Margaret Hoover. It first goes on to summarize the Prop 8 trial, noting that, "Surprisingly, the defense’s two lone witnesses also offered compelling reasons to favor of marriage equality."

Hoover goes on to address the article by a Notre Dame law professor which was posted on FoxNews.com which implied through speculation that Judge Walker's rumored homosexuality caused him to decide the case before even hearing it. She wrote, "We conservatives have a well-founded narrative about judges and the courts. It is true that the federal bench is populated with liberals who view their role not as interpreting the law as it is written, but as policy makers empowered to sculpt social outcomes with which they agree. The irony of this case is that Judge Walker is not a liberal activist judge but one whose career has proven him to be a tempered judge, true to the Reagan-Bush conservative jurisprudence that he was nominated to represent on the bench." She also writes,"Conservatives cannot deny that our Founders intended the judiciary as an equal and independent branch of government purposed to ensure the protection of every citizen’s rights."

Further, Hoover writes that opposing gay marriage could land conservatives on the wrong side of civil rights history yet again, with the consequence of alienating a whole generation of voters (the majority of Americans under 30 support gay marriage). The full article can be found here!

Friday!

Happy Friday, everyone! This week has surely been an exciting one, with Prop 8 being declared unconstitutional by a federal judge, Kagan being confirmed by the Senate for the Supreme Court, and the Mexican Supreme Court deeming that gay marriage in their capital is constitutional! It's been a great week and as Lt. Dan Choi tweeted, "If this is a movement, it must keep moving. Let's keep pushing for what we know is justice, for what we know is love."


Have a great weekend!

Judge Walker's Prop 8 Verdict!!

By now everyone most-likley knows the outcome of the Proposition 8 case that was announced yesterday! Judge Walker ruled that Prop 8 was unconstitutional in his 136 page opinion which is a first step in what will probably be a lengthy fight. In this opinion he stated, "Proposition 8 fails to advance any rational basis in singling out gay men and lesbians for denial of a marriage license. Indeed, the evidence shows Proposition 8 does nothing more than enshrine in the California Constitution the notion that opposite-sex couples are superior to same-sex couples." He gave both sides until tomorrow (Friday) to respond to the order.

Articles relating to the Prop 8 outcome can be found by clicking the links below!

CNN- Judge overturns California's ban on same-sex marriage
LA Times- Republican mayor of San Diego "thrilled" by Prop 8 ruling
TODAY- Celebrities react to overturning of California's Prop 8

Prop 8 Ruling TODAY!

Hey everyone! I know that this was posted on our Twitter and Facebook this morning, but it's pretty much all I have been thinking about today (hence this blog post...)! U.S. District Judge Vaughn Walker in San Francisco is going to electronically release the ruling of the Prop 8 case on the district's website today between 1pm and 3pm Pacific time. Proposition 8 banned gay marriage in the state of California only 5 months after it was legalized. This ruling will be the first federal trial decision on the legality of a gay marriage ban.

To find out the decision as soon as it happens text EQUAL to 69866!

Campus Climate Index

While perusing the internet I recently (and by recently I mean this morning) found the Campus Pride's LGBT Friendly Campus Climate Index. I found it to be pretty interesting and worth taking a look at. They use a ranking system of a five star continuum for LGBT friendly practices, policies, and programs. There is a score for both sexual orientation and gender expression, and they break down their ratings by LGBT policy inclusion, LGBT support and institutional commitment, LGBT student and academic life, LGBT housing and residential life, LGBT campus safety, LGBT counseling and health, and finally LGBT recruitment and retention efforts. My school, Bryn Mawr College, has a score of 4.5 out of 5 stars. How does your school rate? Do you agree with their score?

LGBT-Friendly Campus Climate Index

Breaking Glass Ceilings

Hello Readers!
Just a few news stories to present today on this Monday of Mondays.

First, July 31 was the kick-off of the Cologne Gay Games 2010. For those less familiar with this event, the Gay Games are an Olympics of sorts created especially for out athletes and allies. Professional sports are notorious for discrimination and homophobia, and the Gay Games offer an event where all athletes are welcome, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, age, nationality, etc. Attending the Cologne Gay Games VIII is out athlete and Olympic gold medalist Matthew Mitcham, who represents the competition as an Ambassador.

Links:
http://www.games-cologne.de/en
http://www.gaygames.com/index.php?id=en

In other news, the House of Givenchy has recently featured a transgender model in an Haute Couture fashion show and photo campaign. The model, Lea T, was the former muse of Riccardo Tisci, the Givenchy creative director. Lea T. has also appeared in Italian Vogue, nude.

Link here (with a couple other stories):
http://www.365gay.com/topics/news_politics/weekend-watercooler-transgender-supermodels-and-catholic-disconnect/

Happy Friday!

Happy almost weekend everyone! This week our posts were about Latino Catholics views on same-sex marriage, Senator Kerry's call to repeal the ban on gay men donating blood, the 6 gay couples filing a lawsuit in Hawaii for equal rights, and why Equality PA is not supporting counter protests against NOM. More stories and posts can be found on our Facebook and our Twitter pages (Just follow the links!)! Have great weekends, everyone!

6 Gay Couples File Lawsuit in Hawaii

Three weeks ago Hawaii's Governor, Linda Lingle, vetoed the civil unions bill that made its way to her desk after stating it was the voters right to decide whether marriage should be between a man and a woman. As a result, 6 gay couples have filed a lawsuit asking for the same rights as married couples. They are not asking for the label "civil union" or "marriage", but are rather for the state to extend the benefits and responsibilities of marriage based on Hawaii's Constitution ban against sex discrimination. Jennifer Pizer, senior counsel for Lambda Legal, stated "This case is not about marriage. It's about the right of same-sex couples to at least have a system that is understandable and complete...The state's equality guarantee at least has to mean same-sex couples should have the same rights and responsibilities, even if it's segmented off into a system that isn't as respected, understood and revered as marriage."

Source- The Associated Press: Hawaii lawsuit seeks equal rights for gay couples by Mark Niesse

Senator John Kerry Calls for Repeal on Gay Blood Ban

Senator Kerry reiterated his stance on the FDA's policy that bans gay men from donating blood Monday at the Blood Products Advisory Committee hearing. The current policy bans any man who has had sexual relations with another man since 1977. This same policy allows heterosexual men and women who have had sexual relations with a HIV-positive partner to donate blood after a one year waiting period. Kerry stated, "The science regarding HIV/AIDS contraction has advanced dramatically in the last three decades, and our understanding of what constitutes high risk behavior has grown far beyond the ignorant idea that sexual orientation is an indicator in itself. I trust that, as we move forward in this process, we will be guided by science rather than the past in determining the best screening policies to help make our blood supply even safer for all who depend on it.”

The Advocate article Kerry Calls for Gay Blood Ban Repeal by Michelle Garcia can be found by following the link!

Why EqualityPA is NOT supporting counter protests against NOM

The National Organization for Marriage (NOM) kicked off their "One Man, One Woman" tour on July 14th. At each stop where there have been counter protests or attendance by pro-equality supporters, they have disrespected or mocked them and attempted to provoke them into screaming or yelling. Their goal in doing this is to make our side look foolish and hostile. We have also seen that they like to play a numbers game where if we have even a few less attendees than at their event, they will claim that the momentum is moving in their direction. We know from the recent polling numbers and the pathetic turnout their rallies have been recording, that this simply isn't the case.

We are working hard to advance equality and will continue to do so long after they leave town. While we may be upset by their rhetoric, we can't get caught up in retaliation when we need to remain focused on what needs to get done to win! Putting our energy into showing up at their event does not help to move us forward. What will help to advance equality in Pennsylvania is if we use them coming to town as an excuse to mobilize local activists and build our network.

So after NOM finishes their ranting and heads to the next town, we will be out there getting it done! We are holding a terrific event in Harrisburg on August 12, the night before they arrive, around a special showing of the movie "Stonewall Uprising" with a panel on youth activism afterward. We encourage everyone who can, to attend.

STONEWALL UPRISING

Thursday, August 12  7pm  $7 at the door
The Midtown Cinema
250 Reily Street
Harrisburg, PA 17102

Click here to view the Facebook event!

Not only is this a great movie, but this public conversation will increase our network and identify new volunteers and supporters. Please do what you can...attend, make a donation or just plain follow our activities. But please, ignore NOM when they come to town and don't interact. Attention is exactly what they want, and why should honest people who hold equality close to their hearts be tricked into supporting their sad little charade.

Majority of Catholic Latinos Support Same-Sex Marriage

According to a recent piece by Joseph M. Palacios for the Washington Post, Catholic Latinos in the United States may not be as conservative as they are generally perceived to be. This work states that 57% of Latino Catholics would vote for the legalization of gay marriage, as opposed to 23% of Latino Protestants. It also mentions how Latino Catholics "say they trust the parents of gay and lesbian children more than their own clergy as a source of information about homosexuality." This may be because Catholics are neither fundamentalists nor literalists when it comes to the Bible and use the complex and ambiguous mix of the Bible, church teachings, and social reality to base their moral decisions. The article also goes on to state, "Recently same-sex marriage and adoption rights were legally approved in the Catholic countries of Argentina, Spain, and Portugal, as well as Mexico City. It is important to note that modern Latin Catholicism has a dual nature: it is "conservative" in the sense of family communalism and tradition that the church offers, yet it is classically "liberal" in the sense of not wanting the Catholic Church to have power in political life-- particularly after the long historical experience of the Latin American Church "meddling in politics.""

The full article can be found here!

DADT, GLAAD, TV, and Brian Sims

Friday!

Just a few things today – it seems to be a slow Friday, but news is reactionary, so nothing to do about that.

Lt. Dan Choi has officially been issued an honorable discharge from the US military. His discharge actually has been effective since June 29. Choi says he will continue to be a voice for those who cannot speak up.

CNN link here:
http://www.cnn.com/2010/POLITICS/07/22/choi.discharged.army/?hpt=T2

In TV news, GLAAD has issued its Network Responsibility Index (NRI) to mark positive steps in LGBT recognition and inclusion on the small screen. The results are somewhat surprising. In a historic first, MTV received GLAAD’s first ever “excellent” rating, with shows like “The Real World” and “America’s Best Dance Crew” cited as shows that “…offered richly diverse portrayals of gay and transgender people that help Americans better understand and accept our community” (Jarret Barrios, president of GLAAD). Evidently 42% of MTV’s primetime schedule is LGBT inclusive.

Also up there in ratings were the CW and FOX, due primarily to “90210” and “Glee”, respectively. And falling behind were ABC, who had been in previous years at the top of the list, and CBS and NBC.

I’d like to put the question out there to our readers – how do you feel these networks fared? Does MTV really deserve an “excellent”?

A few links to chew over:
http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/wireStory?id=11232760
http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/tv/la-et-glaad-20100723,0,2885944.story
http://ontopmag.com/article.aspx?id=6091&MediaType=1&Category=16

And finally, a shout-out to Equality PA Board President Brian Sims, who received recognition from the National LGBT Bar Association as one of the best LGBT lawyers under 40! Congrats Brian!

A few things to keep an eye on...

A few stories today – some positive, some saddening, and all uplifting.

Yesterday, the judge who wrote the law allowing Massachusetts same-sex couples to marry announced her retirement. Chief Justice Margret Marshall, the first ever woman to hold that position in the MA court, will retire at the age of 70 to spend more time with her husband. Her remarkable tenure as Chief Justice will be remembered.

Link here:
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5iBJ16yGsP6s2tHjJ8nEqDda20tqAD9H3NN5G0

Next, according to the Los Angeles Times, 1 in 4 Californians have become more supportive of gay rights over the last five years. The statistic is taken from a poll conducted by the DC based non-profit Public Religion Research Institute. Over 3,300 Californians were surveyed, and the results were overwhelmingly positive towards gay rights.

Link here:
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-0722-samesex-poll-20100722,0,1066909.story

And finally, for the first time in Oklahoma, a transgender candidate, Brittany Novotny, is running for a seat in the state house. Novotny is running for the same seat currently held by Sally Kern, the Republican who stated that homosexuality is a bigger threat than terrorism. While Kern says she will not make Novotny’s gender identity part of her campaign, Novotny expects that Kern’s supporters will.

Link here:
http://www.365gay.com/news/transgender-candidate-in-oklahoma-faces-socially-conservative-opponent/

Prom, Protest, and Gaga

Hello Readers,
Another day, another blog update!

Constance McMillen was awarded $35,000 in the lawsuit by the ACLU against the Mississippi school district. The judge ruled that the high school’s refusal to let McMillen enter the prom in a tuxedo with a girl violated her First Amendment rights. The decision set an important precedent, claims Christine Sun, senior counsel with the ACLU. The agreement should put an end to the case, which sparked national press.

Link here:
http://www.cnn.com/2010/CRIME/07/20/mississippi.lesbian.settlement/?hpt=T2

Garden State Equality (one of Equality PA’s Equality Federation fellow organizations) held a protest yesterday outside New Jersey’s statehouse. The protest countered a demonstration by the National Organization for Marriage (NOM), originally there to organize against the appeal to grant same sex couple marriage rights. Currently New Jersey allows same sex civil unions, but in March six couples appealed to the Supreme Court for full marriage rights. The NOM protesters were greatly outnumbered by the Garden State Equality congregation.

Link here:
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2010/07/21/protests-in-new-jersey-over-gay-marriage/

And finally, twitter is now a tool against hatred! Or at least, that is how Lady Gaga used it last Saturday at her St. Louis Monster Ball concert. In response to the Westboro Baptist Church protest, Lady Gaga implored her fans to ignore the protesters, to somewhat success. After the concert, Gaga tweeted ““Tonight love and hate met in St. Louis…And love outnumbered the hate, in poetic thousands. Hate left. But love stayed. + Together, we sang.”

Link here (plus a few other updates from 365gay.com)
http://www.365gay.com/news/tues-watercooler-gaga-fans-clash-with-anti-gay-protestors/

Greg S.

UN Accredits Commission for Lesbian and Gay Rights

Yesterday, the ESOCO (UN Economic and Social Council) voted in a 23-13 favor of the accreditation of the International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission, based in the United States. The organization has been working since 2007 to attain this position, and the success is credited to the strong lobbying of the Obama administration for the organization.

Two links:
365gay.com here
http://www.365gay.com/news/us-gay-rights-group-gets-un-accreditation/

The Associated Press here
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gJYNH2s-C9t79VHX2SYvl7VNQkzQD9H2FJBO0

VAFC update

Equality Pennsylvania welcomes the All Souls Ecumenical Church into our Value all Families Coalition (VAFC). All Souls, located in Reading, PA, is a diverse, accepting, and open church, specifically towards LGBT people of faith. Equality PA is proud to have All Souls as part of our state wide coalition, VAFC, joining other organizations of all types dedicated towards greater equality for the LGBT community in Pennsylvania. For more information about the VAFC please contact Stephen Murtaugh at (215) 731-1447 x17, or equalitypaintern@gmail.com.

Euro Pride and a Somewhat Disappointing Apology

Hello Readers!
What a weekend! To those of you readers who stopped by our table at Reading Pride, thank you for your support! Unfortunately, the weekend is over, and the work week begins again. Two news stories today – one positive and the other somewhat less – for this temperamental Monday.

First, one of the less known Pride events, especially stateside, is EuroPride, which took place this past weekend in Warsaw, Poland. Over 8,000 participants marched and celebrated at this historical event, made even more special due to Poland’s relatively rocky history in terms of equality towards its LGBT community. The former communist bloc country, still socially conservative and with a large conservative Catholic community, had banned the parade five years earlier. The ban was lifted after an appeal to the European Court of Human Rights. While the event still sparked controversy and counter protests, and even though the event drew less marchers than Pride events in other European countries, the success of EuroPride 2010 hints towards a slow but steady progression of LGBT rights in Poland, and a continuing push for LGBT rights in Europe, both East and West.

For the full article on EuroPride 2010, thanks to VOAnews.com, click here:
http://www1.voanews.com/english/news/europe/Poland-Hosts-Post-Communist-Europes-First-Gay-EuroPride-Parade-98706174.html

For more information on EuroPride, here is the EuroPride Webpage, as well as a wiki link:
http://www.europride.info/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Europride

Next, here’s an update on the controversy of the comments made on The View recently about HIV/AIDS in the black gay community. On June 22, hosts on The View made several comments concerning this topic that angered some in the LGBT community. Guest host D.L. Hawkins statement;

“When you look at the prevalence of HIV in the African-American community, it’s primarily young women who are getting it from men who are on the down-low.”

Drew a full page ad response from GLAAD in Variety Magazine, calling for ABC to publicly apologize for the comments and give the true information on the subject. ABC’s response, which came recently, claimed that “…The topic of HIV/AIDS has been raised many times over the show’s 13 years, with many voices and opinions contributing to a conversation that we expect to continue as long as The View is on the air.” GLAAD then issued a statement calling the response “evasive”, and asking that The View “Talk about the tough issues with a commitment to honesty, accuracy and fairness.”

For the full article, from 365gay.com, click here:
http://www.365gay.com/news/glaad-disappointed-with-abc%E2%80%99s-statement-on-down-low-comment/

Greg S.

Two Steps Toward Equality

Hello!
Our usual blogger, Rebecca, is taking what sounds like a wonderful vacation to the Poconos for a week, so in her absence I will be trying my best to follow her blog-steps as best as possible. With that in mind, I’ve chosen two uplifting stories to highlight today.

First, as blogged yesterday, Argentina became the first country in Latin America to legalize same sex marriage. Now, some are estimating that about a quarter of a billion people in total have that right! What an incredible step towards equality world-wide! Check out the nifty chart, courtesy of the Maddow blog here.


Second, all charges have been dropped against Lt. Dan Choi, Capt Jim Pietrangelo, and four others who all chained themselves to the White House fence in protest of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell – the law that forces gay and lesbian soldiers in the military to hide their sexuality. The charges were dropped because, apparently, the protesters were standing on a ledge when they attached themselves to the fence, and thus not blocking pedestrians. The full article, via PinkNews, here.

Greg S.

Argenitina Becomes First Latin American Country to Legalize Gay Marriage

Today Argentina became the first country in Latin America to legalize gay marriage with 33 votes for, 22 votes against, and 3 abstentions. The bill passed despite strong opposition from the Catholic Church and other religious groups that marched on Congress earlier this week. The CBS article that has also been linked on our twitter can also be found here!

Argentina Set to Vote on Gay Marriage

Hey readers! As posted on our twitter this morning, Argentina's Senate is posed to vote on gay marriage today, Wednesday July 14. Argentina's Chamber of Deputies has already approved same-sex marriage, and now it is being sent to the Senate. There has been much debate over this, with most of the opposition coming from the Catholic Church and various other religious groups. Civil unions are already legal in the capital, Buenos Aires, which is considered to be one of the most gay-friendly cities in Latin America. The BBC News article about this vote can be found here!

EU Adopts Plan to Fight for LGBT Rights Worldwide

Yesterday Bay Windows published an article relating to the Council of the European Union's decision to implement a "toolkit" that would both encourage and defend all human rights for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered people. This "kit" goes on to feature what the EU should be doing to help defend LGBT rights in other nations. The full article can be found here!

Federal Judge in MA Rules Part of DOMA is Unconstitutional

Yesterday, July 8, 2010, US Federal Judge Joseph Tauro in Boston ruled in two separate cases that a significant part of the Defense of Marriage Act is unconstitutional. He ruled in one challenge that Congress violated the 10th Amendment when it passed the Defense of Marriage Act and removed the states ability to determine which couples are considered married. In the other ruling, Gill v. Office of Personal Management he ruled that DOMA infringed upon the equal protection principles as laid out in the Due Process Claus in the 5th Amendment.

Below are several detailed articles about these momentous rulings:

Bay Windows- DOMA decisions released
Prop 8 Trial Tracker- US Federal Judge In Massachusetts Rules Part of DOMA Is Unconstitutional
NY Times- Judge Topples US Rejection of Gay Unions

Equality PA Board President Brian Sims' I'm From Driftwood Video

Equality PA Board President Brian Sims is well-known as an outspoken advocate for addressing diversity issues in the world of athletics. In this ImFromDriftwood.com video, Brian shares his own remarkable story of coming out to his college teammates. I'm From Driftwood collects both written and video stories from LGBT people and their allies, providing a friendly, non-political outlet that helps us realize we aren't so different after all.



Later this year, the site's creator, Nathan Manske, and Philadelphia-based filmmaker Marquise Lee will embark on the IFD 50-State Story Tour. Along the way, they'll collect and share stories in the biggest cities and smallest towns across the country, and prove that gay people are everywhere.

They're currently raising the funds necessary to make the Story Tour possible. To support their trip-- and receive a postcard from the road!-- click HERE.

PA State Representatives Spotlight

Below are four brief profiles spotlighting four Pennsylvania state representatives.

Representative John C. Bear

Representative Bear is a Republican who is currently representing Pennsylvania's 97th Legislative District. This district is in Lancaster county, right in the middle of Pennsylvania Dutch country. He is a member of the Aging and Older Adult Services Committee, Finance Committee, Labor Relations Committee. His voting record can be found here.

Representative Robert E. Belfanti, Jr.

Representative Belfanti is a Democrat who represents Pennsylvania's 127th Legislative District. This includes part of Columbia, all of Montour, and part of Northumberland counties. He is the Chair of the Labor Relations Committee and is a Member of the Rules Committee. Representative Belfanti voted for the Hate Crimes Bill is 2002. His full voting record can be found here.

Representative Kerry A. Benninghoff

Representative Benninghoff is a Republican who was first elected to represent Pennsylvania's 171st Legislative District in 1996. According to his website he "is a leading advocate for government reform, spending controls, lower taxes and expanded access to high quality health care services." He is the Chair of the State Government Committee and is a Member of the Health and Human Services Committee. He voted against the Hate Crime bill from 2002 and his full voting record can be found here.

Representative Karen D. Beyer

Representative Beyer is a Republican who has been representing Pennsylvania's 131st Legislative District since 2006. This district is composed of part of Lehigh county, including the city of Allentown as well as Lower Milford, Salisbury, Upper Milford, and Upper Saucon townships. She is a Member of the Health and Human Services Committee, Liquor Control Committee, and Urban Affairs Committee. According to her website, "Beyer has been at the forefront of making cyberschools accountable for their use of public funds. She also has led the charge on the issue of eminent domain, getting legislation passed and signed into law, further protecting the property rights of owners." Representative Beyer is a co-sponsor of House Bill 300 and her full voting record can be found here.


Sources:
http://www.repbear.com/bio.aspx
http://www.votesmart.org/bio.php?can_id=60154
http://www.votesmart.org/bio.php?can_id=9086
http://www.pahouse.com/belfanti/bio.asp
http://www.votesmart.org/bio.php?can_id=10176
http://kerrybenninghoff.com/bio.aspx
http://www.repbeyer.com/bio.aspx
http://www.votesmart.org/bio.php?can_id=58782

Kagan Opening/Hearing

The New York Times published an opinion piece on July 2nd entitled "A 'Kagan Doctrine' on Gay Marriage." This article stated that while Kagan did not address the issue of gay marriage directly, she did mention the issue indirectly. She stated, "The Supreme Court, of course, has the responsibility of ensuring that our government never oversteps its proper bounds or violates the rights of individuals. But the court must also recognize the limits on itself and respect the choices made by the American people." The piece goes on to explain how Kagan seems to imply that both civil rights are important, but so is judicial modesty. "A 'Kagan Doctrine' on Gay Marriage" can be found by following the link!

Later, during her hearing, Kagan restated her disagreement with the ban of gays and lesbians serving openly in the military. The National Law Journal article on her confirmation hearing can be found here.

Week In Review 6/28-7/2

Hey readers! It's Friday yet again, which means today's blog brushes upon what was blogged about this week! On Monday we gave you information about two PA representatives (Representative Barbin and Representative Baker) and two PA senators ( Senator Baker and Senator Boscola). This week we also checked in with the lovely bunch of interns (myself, included) and looked at the anti-bullying bill that was passed in Illinois. We also posted how Wisconsin's Supreme Court upheld the ban on gay marriage in their state.

In addition, according to the New York Times Google, beginning yesterday, is adding pay to their gay and lesbian workers in order to cover a tax that same-sex couples have to pay when their partners receive domestic partner health benefits. The New York Times article can be found here!

Have a great 4th of July weekend, everyone!

Wisconsin Supreme Court Upholds Ban on Gay Marriage

The 2006 state constitutional amendment was upheld yesterday by a 7-0 ruling that put a ban on gay marriage in Wisconsin. According to the Associated Press, the Supreme Court "rejected the lawsuit that claimed the amendment violated a rule that limits referendum questions to a single subject. The lawsuit, filed by a voter opposed to the amendment, argued that gay marriage and civil unions were two different subjects." According to State Justice Michael Gableman both rulings generally preserve the legal status of marriage in the state as that between one man and one woman.

The Associated Press article can be found HERE.

Interns Spotlight

Happy Wednesday, everyone!

The interns and I have been super busy these past few weeks working on various projects. We've all been spending our days inputting data and working on our own assigned tasks. Greg, specifically, has been working on packets for SNAP (Student Network Across Pennsylvania). These present information to colleges to help them be more LGBT friendly and active in state and national politics regarding LGBT issues. This week he is also beginning to work with things related to the Value All Families Coalition.

For the past few days I've been working on Excel spreadsheets and have been keeping up with LGBT news to relay it to all of you! (Check out the previous blog posts and the Facebook/Twitter!)

Cheers!
-Rebecca

Illinois Passes Anti-Bullying Bill

On Sunday Illinois Governor Pat Quinn signed an anti-bullying bill that included protection for LGBT students. The bill specifically mentions a list of attributes that are protected that includes gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation. The bill passed both the Illinois House and the Illinois Senate overwhelmingly. In addition to Illinois, New York also passed a similar bill last week and will become the tenth state to enact this kind of law when Governor David Paterson signs the bill. These bills are similar to the bill currently in the Pennsylvania House, HB 2569. In this bill's definition of harassment, bullying, cyber bullying, and intimidation, students will be protected from "any written, verbal, or physical act, or any electronic communication including, but not limited to, one shown to be motivated by a student's actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry or ethnicity, sexual orientation, physical, mental, emotional or learning disability, gender, gender identity and expression or other distinguishing personal characteristic or based on association with any such characteristic."

Source:
http://www.windycitymediagroup.com/gay/lesbian/news/ARTICLE.php?AID=27081

2 Representatives and 2 Senators

Happy Monday, everyone!

Today we profiled four more of your state legislators: Representative Bryan Barbin, Representative Stephen Barrar, Senator Lisa Baker, and Senator Lisa Boscola.

Representative Bryan Barbin

Bryan Barbin is a Democrat who currently represents who currently represents Pennsylvania's 71st District. The 71st District includes Brownstown, Conemaugh, Daisytown, Dale, East Conemaugh, Ferndale, Franklin, Geistown, Johnstown, Lorain, Richland, Southmont, Stonycreek, and Westmont. He is a Member of the Consumer Affairs Committee, Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, Gaming Oversight Committee, and the Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee. His voting record can be found HERE.

Representative Stephen Barrar

Representative Barrar is a Republican who represents Pennsylvania's 160th District, which is comprised of parts of Chester and Delaware counties. He is a Member of the Liquor Control Committee and is Chair of the Tourism and Recreational Development Committee. According to his website, "...Barrar has worked to make significant reforms to our election system, including the passage of legislation to guarantee that overseas military personnel are given the opportunity to have their absentee votes counted while they are actively defending the democratic system of government synonymous with America." His voting record can be found HERE.

Senator Lisa Baker

Senator Lisa Baker is a Republican who currently represents the 20th Senatorial District in Pennsylvania, which includes parts of Luzerne, Monroe, and Susquehanna counties and all of Pike, Wayne, and Wyoming counties. She is a Member of the Aging and Youth Committee, Appropriations Committee, and the Public Health & Welfare Committee. She is also Vice Chair of the Communications and Technology Committee and Chair of the Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee. According to her website she is dedicated to both Pennsylvania's veterans and is "leading the push for changes to the laws and procedures governing the juvenile justice system..." Senator Baker's voting record can be found HERE.

Senator Lisa Boscola

Senator Boscola is a Democrat who is currently representing Pennsylvania's 18th Senatorial District. This district is comprised of Lehigh, Northampton, and Monroe counties. she is a Member of the Appropriations Committee, Banding and Insurance Committee, Game and Fisheries Committee, Judiciary Committee, and Transportation Committee. She is also the Ranking Minority Member of the Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Committee. According to her we4bsite, she is a life-long resident of the Lehigh Valley and "is intimately familiar with the issues that face her district and the people which she represents." Her voting record can be found HERE.

SOURCES
http://www.bryanbarbin.com/index.html
http://www.stevebarrar.com/bio.aspx
http://www.senatorbaker.com/profile.htm
http://www.senatorboscola.com/about_Lisa.htm
http://www.votesmart.org/official_five_categories.php?dist=bio.php
http://www.votesmart.org/bio.php?can_id=57107
http://www.votesmart.org/bio.php?can_id=10165
http://www.votesmart.org/bio.php?can_id=102543

Week in Review

Happy Friday, everyone! This week we outlined four state legislators: Representative William Adolph, Representative Matthew Baker, Senator Richard Alloway, II, and Senator David G. Argall. We also wrote briefly about the LGBT event President Obama held on Tuesday, as well as the closing arguments for the Scouts trial in Philadelphia.

As reported in the Philadelphia Gay News and as posted on our Twitter yesterday, the verdict for the trail was delivered Wednesday. After the jury deliberated for seven hours they stated that when the city evicted the scouts from the city-owned building they did not discriminate against the Scouts. The jury also stated that the city did not violate its 14th Amendment right of equal protection. However, the jury was split on the council's declaration that its First Amendment right to free speech was infringed upon. According to the Philadelphia Gay News (Vol. 34 No. 26), “...the jury found that the city did not engage in viewpoint discrimination in seeking the eviction of the BSA council, but it placed an unconstitutional condition on the council’s free-speech rights by requesting fair-market rent or disavowal of the national policy banning gays.”

Have a good weekend, everyone!

Philadelphia Boy Scout Eviction Case

The final arguments were made Tuesday in the Philadelphia Boy Scout eviction case. The US District Court began deliberations on Wednesday to decide if the city of Philadelphia can force the scouts out of their city-owned offices because they will not reject the organization’s prohibition on homosexuals. In 2007 the city said that due to an anti-discrimination ordinance, the scouts would have to pay $200,000 a year to stay on the property. The scouts claim that this violated their right to due process and free speech. A comprehensive article on this can be found here.

Obama to Host LGBT Event Today

Today, Tuesday, June 21, 2010, President Obama will be hosting a LGBT event where he will speak to grass-roots gay activists at the White House. Vice-President Biden will also be in attendance along with Constance McMillen, a student from Mississippi who sued her high school after they canceled their prom rather than allowing McMillen to attend with her girlfriend. At this event there will be a ceremony honoring the contributions of LGBT Americans. Further reading about this event and Obama's response to the gay agenda can be found here.

First Spotlight on PA Legislators

Hey everyone! Today is officially the first day we're spotlighting both representatives and senators from Pennsylvania. Hopefully we'll be able to give your profiles on all of the senators and representatives by the end of the summer!

Representative William F. Adolph, Jr.

Representative Adolph is a Republican who represents the 165^th Legislative District in Delaware County. This district encompasses parts of the townships of Marple, Radnor, and Springfield and all of the Borough of Morton. He was first elected in 1988 and is now serving his 11^th term. Representative Adolph is a member of the Consumer Affairs and Rules Committees and is also Chair of the Professional Licensure. This year he was elected to serve as Republican Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee. According to his website, “His legislative agenda has focused on the environment, economic development and job creation issues.” His voting record can be found HERE.

Representative Matthew Baker

Representative Matthew Baker is a Republican who is currently representing the 68^th Legislative District, which includes all of Tioga County and western Bradford County. He was first elected to the PA House in 1993 and is currently serving his ninth term. He is currently the Chair of the Heath and Human Services Committee. According to his website Baker “is a proud member of the communities he represents and is very active in local civic affairs. He is a member of the First Baptist Church of Wellsboro, the Wellsboro Rotary Club, the Tioga County Development Corp., Charleson Valley Grange No. 54, and the Tioga County Tourist Promotion Agency. Baker is chairman of the Laurel Health Development Council and a member of the Pine Creek Headwaters Protection Group.” His voting record can be found HERE.

Senator Richard Alloway, II

Senator Alloway is a Republican representing the 33^rd Senatorial District, which is composed of all Franklin and Adams Counties and portions of York County. He was first elected as state senator in 2008 and is currently serving his first term. He is a Member of the Aging and Youth Committee, Local Government Committee, and Rules and Executive Nominations Committee. He is also the Vice Chair of the Law and Justice Committee and the Chair of the Game and Fisheries Committee. His voting record can be found HERE.

Senator David G Argall

Senator Argall, a Republican, is currently representing the 29^th Senatorial District. This District includes all of Schuylkill County, and parts of Berks, Carbon, Lehigh, Monroe, and Northampton Counties. He was elected in March 2009 and is serving his first term in office. He is a member of the Appropriations Committee, Communications and Technology Committee, Education Committee, and Labor & Industry Committee. He is also the Vice Chair of the Urban Affairs and Housing Committee. According to his website, “Senator Argall’s top legislative priorities are promoting economic growth, reducing the property tax burden on homeowners and revitalizing our downtowns and industrial areas.” His voting record can be found HERE.

Sources:

http://www.williamadolph.com/bio.aspx

http://www.votesmart.org/bio.php?can_id=BS028152

http://www.repbaker.com/bio.aspx

http://www.votesmart.org/bio.php?can_id=BS028156

http://senatoralloway.com/profile.htm

http://www.votesmart.org/bio.php?can_id=102466

http://www.senatorargall.com/profile.htm

http://www.votesmart.org/bio.php?can_id=9078

Week In Review

Happy Friday everyone! This week at EqualityPA we interns were very busy with post-Philly and post-Pittsburgh Pride related tasks. We've had our hands full with the hundreds of form letters that we got signed in support of House Bill 300 and House Bill 745. Thanks again to everyone who signed a letter! Now we are busy researching for the new anti-bullying bill, HB 2569, and are getting prepared for Lancaster Pride this weekend.

Next week we will be posting about more PA Reps, about the Pride events going on in PA, about current events, and more!

Finally, you can be the first to hear Judge Walker's decision on the Prop 8 case by texting EQUAL to 69866 or by going to equalrightsfoundation.org!

Have a great weekend!

Prop 8 Trial Closing Arguements

Yesterday closing arguments were delivered in the Prop 8 trial going on in a federal courtroom in San Francisco. Charles Cooper delivered the closing for the defense, arguing that the fundamental purpose of marriage is to "channel" heterosexual couples into unions in which they raise their own biological children. While Ted Olson, the attorney for the prosecution, rejected the concept that same-sex marriage was an extreme departure from existing law.

When I found out that the closing arguments were yesterday, I immediately sent the American Federation for Equal Rights' tweets to my phone to keep as up to date as possible. In order to receive the latest news on the case, I would suggest following them on Twitter, as well! )@AmerEqualRights)

Also, to receive a comprehensive report of what happened in the courtroom yesterday, check out THIS article!

Meet the Interns!

As posted on our Facebook fan page, we, the summer interns, are going to be contributing a great deal to EqualityPA’s various social media sites. Below are the bios we wrote in order to introduce ourselves!

Justin Dunn

Hello to all the readers of the EqualityPA blog. My name is Justin Dunn. I am a 24 year old college student. I live in northeast Philadelphia. I am a proud newlywed and father. Currently, I am studying law and psychology at the community college of Philadelphia. In my spare time I try to do as much activism as I can. My main areas of interest and concern are the minority, glbt, and disabled communities. My goals with my activism are different with each area of it. As an African American, my goal on the minority side is to show that minorities can and should hold all types of positions in fields of study that typically dominated by non-minorities and in doing such we deserve the same pay respect and accolades that may come with such fields or jobs. My goal with my glbt activism is to fight for every single right that I can for the community until everyone has full equal rights. When I receive my paralegal certification and law degree, I hope to work as a paralegal/lawyer with a concentration in Glbt rights. As a disabled individual my goal with that side of my activism is to help the disabled in any way that I can, from fighting to get them jobs and to get them housing so that they can live independently. Currently I am working with equalitypa to advance the rights of the glbt community. I would love to work my way up through the organization and one day work for their legal department. If I don't end up working for their legal department, then I hope to work in the legal department for lambda, glaad or one of the many other glbt rights organizations.

Rebecca Feuerhammer

Hey! I already wrote a mini-bio at the beginning of the PA Prides post below, but I thought I should do a formal intro, as well! My name is Rebecca Feuerhammer and I am currently a rising junior at Bryn Mawr College. I’m a political science major, sociology minor with concentrations in US politics and legal studies. I am also a proud member of the Bryn Mawr Crew Team and next semester I will be studying abroad at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland. I love hanging out at Borders, going to the theatre, sour patch kids, and updating my twitter!

Liz Ford

Hi My name is Elizabeth Ford and I am a rising senior at the University of Virginia. At schoolI have a weekly opinion column in the school newspaper and my favorite subject to write about is social issues. I came to work at Equality PA after being inspired my my role model Julian Bond's speach at the March for Equality in DC this past fall along with having him as a Professor in college that advocated why it was important for supporters of the Civil Rights movement to support the gay rights movement. I hope to use what I learn at EQPA to enhance my future in law, where I hope to offer my services to fight for civil rights issues.

Greg Storella

Hello! My name is Gregory Storella and I am a rising senior at Brandeis University, anticipating a BA in International Global Studies and French and Francophone Studies, as well as hopefully minors in Theater Arts and Gender Studies. I’m a native Pennsylvanian, born and raised in Media, PA. I began work with Equality Pennsylvania in May of this year, and expect to stay on until the end of summer when I return to school. In addition to my interest in LGBTQ activism, advocacy, and policy work, I really enjoy all types of performance art, especially dance. At school I choreograph and dance with many different dance groups, including Adagio and within the undergraduate theater community. Other random fun facts – I’m a Cancer, a red-head, and a twin!

I am excited to work with Equality Pennsylvania this summer with Rebecca, Justin, and Liz (my fellow interns), and Jason, Mason, and Joe!

Spotlight on Representative Briggs and Representative Taylor

This summer EqualityPA will be blogging about legislators (from both the Pennsylvania House and Senate) in order to give readers the opportunity to get to know their representatives!

Last week we blogged about House Bill 2569, the new anti-bullying bill that was introduced in the PA House of Representatives only last week. Therefore, this blog spotlights the two representatives that introduced the bill- Representative Tim Briggs and Representative Rick Taylor. Both are from Montgomery County and both are Democrats.

Representative Briggs represents the 149^th Legislative District in Montgomery County. This district includes part of Lower Merion Township, Upper Merion Township, and the Boroughs of West Conshohocken and Bridgeport. He currently is a member of the House Appropriations Committee, Children and Youth Committee, Finance Committee, and the Secretary of the Local Government Committee. He is also a member of the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency. Representative Briggs came into office in 2009 and since was a sponsor of one bill, HB 1, entitled Expanding Health Insurance, which was introduced May 21, 2009. He was also a co-sponsor of two bills, HB 1502, entitled Verification of Employee Eligibility in Relation to Public Works’ Contracts which was introduced June 2, 2009, and HB 1531, entitled The Taxing of Tobacco & Gambling for Other Public Goods, introduced May 26, 2009. According to his website, Representative Briggs “feels passionately that educating our children is the best investment in the future of the community and the economy. He also is dedicated to ensuring that high quality health care is affordable and accessible for every Pennsylvanian, and is especially concerned about improving women's health care. Tim considers himself an advocate for families and plans to focus on issues that affect Montgomery County families.” His voting record can be found HERE.

Representative Taylor represents the 151^st Legislative District in Montgomery County. His district consists of parts of Abington, Horsham, Lower Gwynedd, and Upper Dublin Townships as well as the Borough of Ambler. He is a member of the Finance Committee, Insurance Committee, and State Government Committee and is also Secretary of the Veterans Affairs & Emergency Preparedness Committee. After being elected into office in 2006, Representative Taylor was a sponsor of HB 1 entitled Expanding Health Insurance, which was introduced May 21, 2009. He also was a co-sponsor of HB 1202, entitled the Clean Fuels and Energy Independence Act, which was introduced June 20, 2007. According to his website, Taylor’s legislative goals “include strengthening campaign finance laws, making college more affordable and accessible for students and protecting children and families by strengthening Megan’s Law in Pennsylvania.” His voting record can be found HERE.

SOURCES:

http://www.pahouse.com/briggs/bio.asp

http://www.pahouse.com/taylor/bio.asp

http://www.votesmart.org/bio.php?can_id=102595

http://www.votesmart.org/bio.php?can_id=60288

EqualityPA at Pennsylvania Prides 2010

Hey everyone! I'm Rebecca, a current intern at Equality PA, and am taking the reins of this blog for the summer! I am currently a rising junior at Bryn Mawr College and am majoring in Political Science. My hobbies include: following Philadelphia sports, being obsessed with everything theatre, eating, and going on adventures! I'm really excited to be blogging for EqualityPA and if there is anything in particular you want me to write about let me know by leaving a comment here, leaving a comment on our Facebook fan page, or by @ replying us on Twitter (@equalitypa)!

Now, as people reading this blog probably already know, this past weekend was both Philly and Pittsburgh Pride! Mason traveled to Pittsburgh to table in the Steel City while we, the lovely interns and Philly volunteers, manned the table in Philadelphia. What was our task of the day? Get form letters signed in support of House Bill 300 and House Bill 745, two extremely important pieces of legislation going through the PA House right now. And, thanks to all of the amazing people who signed them, we collected HUNDREDS of letters to send to PA State Reps. Thank you to everyone who filled them out!

Now, yesterday was my first time ever at Pride. From what others had told me I had a general idea of the awesomeness that is Philly Pride, but until yesterday I hadn't experienced it for myself. Therefore, I had very high expectations going into it- and they were definitely met (and then some)! I wasn't able to see the parade due to the fact that we were busy with the table, but the festival was fantastic! There were so many great people, lots of fabulous groups, and plenty of free stuff! I had an absolutely amazing time talking to everyone and walking around. My only complaint, really, is directed at Mother Nature. I did not approve of the excessive humidity or the rain, and my straightened hair was also not very pleased with the weather situation. However, even the damp day couldn't spoil my first, wonderful Philly Pride experience! I hope everyone else had as terrific a day as I did!

Anti-Bullying Bill Introduced!

Yesterday, June 8, 2010, House Bill 2569 was introduced in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives to fortify the state's current anti-bullying policies. The bill was introduced by Representatives Rick Taylor and Tim Briggs, both Democrats from Montgomery County, with 22 co-sponsors. This legislation amends the states current code regarding bullying which was enacted in March 1949. Changes enacted by this bill will entail:

• expanding existing language on bullying
• outlining to school officials what actions to take in order to give students opportunities to report occurrences of bullying, solutions for victims, and harassment and bullying prevention training
• requiring the Department of Education to regularly evaluate bullying policies and to report its findings to the General Assembly
• making schools' right to use state grants through the safe schools program dependent upon approval of their bullying policies and compliance with reporting procedures.

In this bill's definition of harassment, bullying, cyber bullying, and intimidation, students will be protected from "any written, verbal, or physical act, or any electronic communication including, but not limited to, one shown to be motivated by a student's actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry or ethnicity, sexual orientation, physical, mental, emotional or learning disability, gender, gender identity and expression or other distinguishing personal characteristic or based on association with any such characteristic."

The fact that this bill includes protection for students being bullied due to their actual or perceived sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression is extremely important. 88% of lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgendered students report to being victims of verbal abuse and 19% of all students report harassment due to perceived sexual orientation.

By strengthening the current anti-bullying policies, Pennsylvania's schools policies will be more clearly defined and will create a safer and better learning environment for all students!

April-May 2010 E-Newsletter

This is a copy of our April-May 2010 E-Newsletter.  In addition to updates on events, functions, and action alerts, our monthly e-newsletter is delivered via e-mail to more than 20,000 supporters, friends, and activists.  To sign up to receive e-updates from Equality Pennsylvania click HERE (or copy and paste the following link into your web browser: http://eqfed.org/center4civilrights/join.html?r=U7se5ndaQEB3E).

 

In this Issue:

1.  Welcome, Ted! Our new Executive Director, Ted Martin set to begin June 1

2.  Anti-bullying bill to be introduced shortly! How can you get involved?

3.  TAKE ACTION: Support comprehensive sexual-education reform in Pennsylvania!

4.  We're looking for law students and lawyers who'd like to help promote equality and conduct legal research

5.  CALENDAR: Upcoming events, conferences, and opportunities to get involved!

            May 21: Mazzoni Center's 30th Anniversary Gala in Atlantic City with Diana Ross

            May 22: Harrisburg and Central PA friendraiser to support EqualityPA

            June 3-5: Philadelphia Trans-Health Conference

            June 5: Philadelphia Latino Pride (volunteer with us!)

            June 6-13: Pittsburgh Pride (volunteer with us!)

            June 12: 2010 Philadelphia Dyke March

            June 13: Philadelphia Pride Day (volunteer with us!)

            June 19: Lancaster Pride (volunteer with us!)

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Ted Martin set to begin work as Executive Director on June 1: Please join us in welcoming our new Executive Director, Ted Martin to the EqualityPA family! Ted hails from Camp Hill, just outside of Harrisburg where he lives with his husband.

     Ted comes to EqualityPA after an extensive career in politics and non-profit management, working for nearly a decade in the US House of Representatives, to a stint as an executive director running Harrisubrg's architectural preservation organization, to his current role as Executive Director of Economic Development Marketing with the Department of Community and Economic Development. He also serves as president of the board of The LGBT Community Center Coalition of Central PA and has been deeply involved in the central Pennsylvania LGBT community throughout his career.

     Ted will work primarily out of our Harrisburg office, though will work office hours in our Philadelphia office, as well. We look forward to continuing to work toward full equality for all Pennsylvanians under his leadership.  Welcome, Ted!

     To view the press release about Ted's arrival, click HERE.

  

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Three Democratic PA State Representatives unveil comprehensive anti-bullying legislation: In Harrisburg on May 10, State Reps. Rick Taylor and Tim Briggs, both Democrats of Montgomery County, joined by Rep. Bryan Lentz, Democrat of Delaware County, unveiled legislation they will introduce in coming weeks to strengthen bullying policies in Pennsylvania's public schools.

     Taylor and Briggs’ legislation would amend Pennsylvania's school code by expanding the language on bullying policy to apply it to incidences of harassment, intimidation and cyberbullying. In addition, the legislation would delineate to school administrators what actions they must take to provide notice and opportunities to report incidents, remedies for victims and harassment and bullying prevention training.

     EqualityPA along with more than 40 other members of the Value All Families Coalition (VAFC) have voiced support for this bill and will actively work to pass it through the PA House of Representatives.  Contact Mason at mlane@equalitypa.org to find out how you can get involved.

    To view the full story about the bill, as reported on the EqualityPA Blog, click HERE.

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TAKE ACTION: Support comprehensive sexual-education reform in Pennsylvania: For too long, Pennsylvania’s LGBT youth have been shut out of sex education courses in many of the commonwealth’s public schools.

     Equality Pennsylvania is proud to be a member of a coalition that’s working to change that.  Pennsylvanians for Responsible Sex Education, or PARSE, has been working for more than a year to get House Bill 1163, the Healthy Youth Act, passed through the state legislature.

     Now is the time to take action on this essential legislation.  Contact your State Representative now and tell him or her that you support the Healthy Youth Act!

     Click HERE to access the Action Alert and send a letter to your State Representative.

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Attention law students and attorneys: We're looking for law students and attorneys to donate a few hours to conduct legal research for a project we're working on this Summer.  If you think you may be interested, please contact Mason by e-mail at mlane@equalitypa.org or by phone (215) 731-1447 x18. 

    

     We can offer pro bono hours for law students seeking to fulfill pro bono requirements.

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EqualityPA CALENDAR (items in red are coming up THIS WEEKEND!):  

• 
  
  May 21: Mazzoni Center's 30th Anniversary Gala in AC with Diana Ross!

              WHEN: Friday May 21

                  WHERE: Caesars Atlantic City
                                2100 Pacific Avenue
                                Atlantic City NJ, 08401

                  WHAT: Our firends at the Mazzoni Center invite you to spend the night with Diana Ross at the Shore! Celebrate three decades of outstanding service to the LGBT Community at Mazzoni's 30th anniversary gala in Atlantic City, on Friday, May 21, 2010.

     See the one and only Diana Ross live in concert at Caesars Atlantic City - and enjoy an exclusive champagne toast with Diana after the show! The concert starts at 9 p.m. Friday, followed by the champagne toast with Diana. The after party kicks off at 10 p.m. in the oceanfront Diamond Lounge, with open bar and hors d’oeuvres. Stay over and enjoy a festive Saturday brunch with live entertainment at 10 a.m. in the Diamond Lounge.

                 

                   Click here for more information and to purchase tickets!  Or call 215.563.0652, ext. 222 or 275.

• 
  
  May 22: Harrisburg and Central PA friendraiser to support EqualityPA

                  WHEN: Saturday May 22, 7:00-9:00pm

                  WHERE: The Mantis Collective Gallery

                                    1306 N. 3^rd Street

                                    Harrisburg, PA 17102

                  WHAT: Fundraiser/Friendraiser to support EqualityPA hosted by board members Synged Briddell, Chris Gatesman, Lauren Barr, and our new Executive Director, Ted Martin. Light refreshments and wine will be served. Hosts are asked to donate $100 and attendees are asked to donate $30.  Other suggested contribution levels are $50, $100, $250, and $500. To RSVP, e-mail Ted at theo65@aol.com.

                 

                  Click here to view the flyer!

                  Click here to view the event and RSVP on Facebook!

• 
  
  June 3-5: Philadelphia Trans-Health Conference

                 WHEN: Thursday June 3 to Saturday June 5

                 WHERE: Pennsylvania Convention Center

                 WHAT: The Philadelphia Trans-Health Conference (PTHC) was founded in 2002 by a group of transgender activists, allies, and service providers. Now in its ninth year, PTHC proudly offers a space for transgender people and our allies, families, and providers to come together to re-envision what health means for transgender people.

                    

                 Click here for more information and a complete schedule of events.

• 
  
  June 5: Philadelphia Latino Pride

                 WHEN: Saturday June 5, 2:00pm

                 WHERE: Between 5th and Jefferson Streets

                 WHAT: Live performances, music, giveaways and much more abound between 5th and Jefferson Streets in North Philadelphia at the 3rd Annual Latino Pride Festival.  The festival is dedicated to the memory of Latino community leader Sr. Joaquin Rivera.

     **EqualityPA is looking for volunteers in the Philadelphia area to help us table at the Latino Pride Festival on Saturday, June 5.  If interested, contact Mason at mlane@equalitypa.org or call (215) 731-1447 x18.** 

• 
  
  June 4-13: Pittsburgh Pride Week

                 WHEN: Friday June 4 to Sunday June 13

                 WHERE: Variable, click here for schedule of events.

                 WHAT: Pride is a celebration of diversity in the Pittsburgh region, a celebration of who we are, where we have been and, most importantly, where we are going. This year you’ll find many fantastic events starting with the kick-off rally featuring activist Cleve Jones, to the Pub Crawl, to Pride in the Street featuring R&B superstar Deborah Cox, and culminating with the Pride March and day-long family friendly PrideFest.

     **EqualityPA is looking for volunteers in the Pittsburgh area to help us table at PrideFest on Sunday, June 13.  If interested, contact Mason at mlane@equalitypa.org or call (215) 731-1447 x18.**

                

                 Click here for more information!

• 
  
  June 12: 2010 Philly Dyke March

                 WHEN: Saturday June 12, 3:00pm

                 WHERE: Kahn Park (11th and Pine Streets)

                 WHAT: From the PDM facebook event site: "The Philly Dyke March is not a parade. It's a march, a protest, a movement. It’s a statement that as ‘dykes’ we must organize ourselves to fight for our visibility, our rights, and against the injustices we face in our society. The Dyke March is also a celebration of who we are, who we love, and the diversity amongst our community. We welcome Dykes of all races, sizes, ages, abilities, socio-economic statuses, gender presentations, and sexualities. And if you love women but aren’t too comfortable with the term ‘Dyke’, we welcome you too! We also welcome our allies to join us in the park or cheer for us along the parade route!"

                

                 Click here for more information!

• 
  
  June 13: Philadelphia Pride Day

                 WHEN: Sunday June 13

                 WHERE: Click here for the parade route and more information

                 WHAT: From PhillyPride.org: "The first official Pride Parade was organized in an impromptu fashion at the end of the 1980s and was intended to coincide with rally planned by the Lesbian and Gay Task Force at Love Park. It was so successful that community members met and started an organization (Lesbian & Gay Pride of the Delaware Valley, Inc.) whose goal was to produce a parade and festival at Penn's Landing each year to continue the community outreach and visibility that was achieved with that one rally. That organization evolved into what we know today as Philly Pride Presents. And that first rally grew into the largest celebration of LGBT pride in the region, now attracting over 25,000 people each year."

     **EqualityPA is looking for volunteers in the Philadelphia area to help us table at PrideDay on Sunday, June 13.  If interested, contact Mason at mlane@equalitypa.org or call (215) 731-1447 x18.**

               

                  Click here for more information!

• 
  
  June 19: Lancaster Pride Festival

                 WHEN: Saturday June 19

                 WHERE: Buchanan Park (Behind F&M College)

                 WHAT: This outdoor festival features an array of local talented entertainment, varied vendor offerings from arts and crafts to pride regalia, and a full menu of food offerings. The Lancaster Pride Festival celebrates the lives of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Trans-gendered, Inter-sexed and Questioning folks as well as their Allies.

     **EqualityPA is looking for volunteers in the Lancaster area to help us table at the Lancaster Pride Festival on Saturday, June 19.  If interested, contact Mason at mlane@equalitypa.org or call (215) 731-1447 x18.**

                

                  Click here for more information!

              

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Equality Pennsylvania's mission is to achieve equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) individuals in Pennsylvania through coalition-building, advocacy, education and policy reform.