Erin S.’s Post

Little known facts: #Pride month was started by Black + Brown activists ✨✨✨ 55-years ago, the first LGBTQ+ Pride was held to commemorate the one-year anniversary of the Stonewall riots in NYC, that happened on June 28, 1969. The NYPD raid of Stonewall Inn, a majority gay bar, led to mass arrests of mostly Black + Brown people. The raid led to six days of protest spearheaded by Black LGBTQ+ women. This month also marks the CDC’s first reported death of AIDs in June 1981. But actually a young, Black 15-year old male named Robert Rayford was the first known person to die of HIV in the U.S.; he died just one month before the Stonewall riots in May 1969. #Racism shows up in all areas of society—including the whitewashing of history and how it’s remembered. Whether you identify as queer or not, if you work anywhere in #healthcare or #publichealth, it’s important to know this history. Here’s why: 💡 Because white washing of history is still happening and we should be mindful of how this impacts the way future generations will talk about the work we do now, especially in #healthequity. 💡Because it’s our job in healthcare to serve, provide dignified care for, and comfort everyone. This includes the LGBTQ+ community. 💡Because history gives you context for the mistrust and erasure of communities that you might otherwise create or believe false narratives about. This year for Pride month, may you do more than post about it—learn about it and honor the Black and Brown activists who started it. Shoutout to The Brookings Institution and scholar Kristen Broady, Ph.D. for authoring this insightful piece that continues to enlighten me. #healthcareonlinkedin #healthequity

🌈 Under Threat: LGBTQ+ Rights Right Now Over 500 bills targeting LGBTQ+ rights were proposed in 2023, leading to devastating consequences for transgender and gender non-conforming (TGNC) communities. It's time for the philanthropic sector to act with precision and strategy to support intersectional movement building and protect democracy, equity, and health. As we approach the 2024 presidential elections, there is a growing fear that these attacks will only intensify. This is a critical moment for the philanthropic sector to act with precision and strategy. We must invest in intersectional movement building and support initiatives that promote democracy, reproductive justice, racial equity, climate change, and health. Our movements have the knowledge and experience to win and build a world where everyone is safe, well, and free. Funders for LGBTQ+ Issues and our member network offer resources for foundations to focus on TGNC communities in their grantmaking. 📖 Read the full article by Saida Agostini-Bostic from the Center for Effective Philanthropy: https://lnkd.in/eDh3g9zT #LGBTQRights #Philanthropy #GivingCompass #TGNC #IntersectionalMovements #SocialChange #TheCenterForEffectivePhilanthropy

The City of Kansas City recently sponsored the Trans Day of Remembrance as a yearly vigil to remember transgender people who lost their lives to acts of violence and suicide. The event marked the first official recognition and sponsorship of TDOR by the city. Led by Merrique Jenson, executive director of Transformations, alongside Kym Walton, Tre'Shawn Roberts, Kelly Nou and various transgender figures from across the city, this event became a landmark moment for Kansas City. Attendees read over 70 names while holding candles to honor those we have lost over the past year due to anti-transgender violence in America. The city officials also provided opening remarks stressing upon important steps that could be taken against such behavior within society and emphasized on how it is crucial that everyone deserves respect regardless of their identity or backgrounds. This is a significant event as it aims towards commemorating lives lost due to transgender violence while highlighting how we should take steps forward towards creating safer communities for everyone through legislation and policy-making. However, there are still major challenges ahead in achieving full equity in terms of human rights for trans individuals. What could businesses and organizations do to create more inclusive work environments? Do share your thoughts! #TransDayOfRemembrance #KansasCity #HumanRights #LGBTQ+

Finally. A promising LGBTQIA news story in the political cycle.

100 yrs & counting! We need your power of persistence, & you will love this inspiration! Online & Free. Join us this Sunday 4/7/24 at 4pm pst/7pm est when NATIONAL EQUAL RIGHTS AMENDMENT ADVOCATE, EME President Kamala Lopez will be addressing the Yale University Alumni community and YaleWomen, to inform them about EQUAL MEANS EQUAL's new multi-media campaign: FINAL IMPACT for the ERA. With support for our mission, they have agreed to open the conversation to the public and invite you to join. Time: Apr 7, 2024 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Join Zoom Meeting https://lnkd.in/eEaFXkMB... Meeting ID: 868 6989 8032 Passcode: 110195 Over the past fifteen years, EQUAL MEANS EQUAL, our 501c3 non-profit, has been working tirelessly to educate and activate Americans around the issue of women’s equality and the need for equal rights under the law, regardless of sex. We used our documentary film Equal Means Equal(2016) to educate, organize, and mobilize women in the 15 unratified states to take up the fight for the ERA again; and we are proud to say we successfully ratified the last three states: Nevada (2017), Illinois (2018) and Virginia (2020). Although the thirty-eight states needed have ratified the ERA, it still has not been published, adopted, or enforced. Informing the public of this legal injustice and fixing it is critical to ending the discrimination and rollbacks of our rights, presently increasing every day. The ERA is a game-changer for American women, girls and LGBTQ people. In fact, it makes any discrimination based on sex or gender illegal. This includes discrimination in pay, gender-based violence, pregnancy discrimination, reproductive rights & bodily autonomy, LGBTQ rights and so much more. 96% of Americans believe that men and women are equal but over 85% believe this equality is already explicit in our Constitution. It is not. Launching and implementing our new FINAL IMPACT for the ERA Campaign prior to the November 2024 elections may well be the last opportunity we have to enshrine equality for all Americans, regardless of sex, in the U.S. Constitution in our lifetimes. Will you join our new FINAL IMPACT for the ERA Campaign: bringing a century old struggle to fruition using modern multimedia? https://lnkd.in/e4UjNU4k?

The Alliance has called on all Realtor® Political Action Committees (RPACs) to utilize our proposed “Article 10 Rule” and refrain from endorsing and funding elected officials and candidates who openly engage in discriminatory behavior against the LGBTQ+ community even if they are deemed “pro-housing.” The Alliance has unveiled a new tool that tracks RPACs and their support of those who are openly discriminatory against the LGBTQ+ community. Over the last six years, which covers all the most recent elections, RPACs around the nation have combined to award approximately $3.3 million to those who have taken the lead in anti-LGBTQ+ political activity. RPACs have also funded 322 politicians who have sponsored anti-LGBTQ+ bills already in 2024 led by Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Missouri RPACs funded legislators in these states have, respectively, introduced 46, 29, and 25, anti-LGBTQ+ bills this year alone. https://lnkd.in/e5BsgBpc

Stonewall Means Fight Back Shirt In conclusion, the phrase "Stonewall Means Fight Back" holds immense significance in the LGBTQ+ community. It serves as a powerful reminder of the Stonewall Uprising in 1969, a pivotal moment in history that sparked the modern-day fight for equality and justice for the LGBTQ+ community. The Stonewall Uprising, which began as a peaceful protest against police brutality and harassment towards the LGBTQ+ community, turned into a full-blown revolution that lasted for six days. The protestors, who were mostly marginalized and oppressed members of the community, refused to back down and instead fought back against the systemic discrimination and violence they faced. The events at Stonewall Inn marked a turning point in the LGBTQ+ movement, as it mobilized and united the community to demand their rights and to be visible and accepted in society. This paved the way for the formation of LGBTQ+ activist groups and organizations, leading to significant advancements in civil rights, such as the legalization of same-sex marriage and anti-discrimination laws. Even today, the phrase "Stonewall Means Fight Back" serves as a powerful rallying cry for the continued fight against discrimination and oppression faced by the LGBTQ+ community. It serves as a reminder of the bravery and resilience of those who fought at Stonewall and the countless individuals who have continued the fight for equality and justice since then. Moreover, the phrase also serves as a call to action for individuals to stand up and speak out against any form of discrimination or injustice towards the LGBTQ+ community. It encourages individuals to not only fight for their own rights but also to stand in solidarity with those who are marginalized and oppressed. In a world where the LGBTQ+ community still faces many challenges and struggles, the phrase "Stonewall Means Fight Back" reminds us that the fight for equality is ongoing and that we must continue to push back against injustices and fight for a more inclusive and just society. In conclusion, "Stonewall Means Fight Back" is more than just a phrase; it is a symbol of strength, resilience, and perseverance in the face of adversity. It serves as a reminder to never back down and to continue the fight for a better and more accepting world for all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. The events at Stonewall Inn may have taken place over 50 years ago, but their impact and legacy continue to inspire and empower generations of LGBTQ+ activists and allies to stand up and fight for what is right. Buy now: https://lnkd.in/gYdut9wN Visit store: https://macoroo.com/ #Stonewall #Means #Fight #Back # #Shirt #tshirt More Post: 1.https://https://lnkd.in/g7n3pagM 2.https://https://lnkd.in/gdw78rQx 3.https://https://lnkd.in/g6-7dcwT

Women’s history is Trans history. This blog from The Trevor Project highlights the historical importance of transgender women in the LGBTQ+ community and other intersecting identities that have benefited from their fight in advancement for human rights. Read this blog to learn more: https://hubs.la/Q02pbxP30 #HealthEquity #Health #WomensHistoryMonth #WHM24 #Equity #LGBTQEquity #TransEquity

OUT FOR BIDEN! I am extremely humbled to be partnering with so many iconic LGBTQ+ activists, advocates & community leaders to support President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris with “Out for Biden-Harris!” As Campaign manager Julie Chavez Rodriguez has said, “LGBTQ+ Americans couldn’t have more at stake this election: Donald Trump and his extremist allies are running to gut LGBTQ+ rights and erase history as their top priorities. LGBTQ+ Americans deserve leaders who will fight for every American’s freedom and dignity. That’s what President Biden and Vice President Harris have done throughout their time in office, and what they will do if reelected, including pressing Congress to pass the Equality Act.” This election, there’s so much at stake for the LBGTQ+ community – for our families, our freedoms, and our futures. Out for Biden-Harris will mobilize voters around the clear choice. President Biden believes that everyone should be treated with respect and dignity and be able to live without fear no matter who they are or who they love. We get the government we elect so please join us in re-electing the most pro-LGBTQ+ President and Vice President to ever occupy the White House! #OutForBiden #LGBTQIA #WhiteHouse https://lnkd.in/eYV63X7b

Lexington has ranked in the top 2 percent of municipalities nationwide as a leading city for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality, according to the Human Rights Campaign, a national civil rights organization. The city is the tenth highest ranked city among 506 municipalities across the country. Additionally, for the third year in a row, Lexington has received the highest score in Kentucky. The annual Municipal Equality Index, MEI, review is based on how inclusive municipal laws, policies, and services are of their LGBTQ communities. Lexington is fourth best among rated municipalities in surrounding states, behind Cincinnati, Ohio, Virginia Beach, VA, and Columbus, Ohio. “I am so proud that Lexington continues to be recognized as an equality leader in Kentucky, as well as rising to the top in the nation,” Mayor Linda Gorton said. “Over the past five years, we have focused on diversity and inclusion in City policies and ordinances. This is a testament to our work.” Lexington received an overall rating score of 114 this year, as compared to 110 last year. The Human Rights Campaign annually reviews policies, laws and services of 506 municipalities across the nation. The organization considers 100 to be a perfect score, but municipalities are able to receive flex points allowing for a highest potential score of 122. Lexington has been rated by the Human Rights Campaign since 2013. The city has progressively improved its score, moving up from an initial rating of 53. Lexington-Fayette was the first county in the state to pass an inclusive fairness ordinance in 1999. Since that time, the City has passed domestic partner benefits for government employees, strengthened discrimination protection language, started utilization of all-gender signage for city-owned, single occupancy facilities, celebrated with the annual Lexington Pride Festival, supported local LGBTQ youth support organizations, passed a ban on youth conversion therapy, launched the LexProud campaign, and more. Lexington’s scorecard can be found at hrc.org/mei. #LexProud #LexingtonKentucky #LGBTQIA