Shook, Hardy & Bacon L.L.P.’s Post

Imagine this: An LGBTQ+ person, particularly someone Black and transgender, facing relentless discrimination and violence in prison. With scant support, their prospects are grim. Black & Pink National is their beacon of hope. Since 2005, we've championed their freedom and justice, offering essential support such as Safe Housing, Vital Resources, and Advocacy to ensure a brighter future for our members. The current political climate and Federal funding uncertainties jeopardize our mission. That’s why Give Out Day (May 30th) is more important than ever. Your donation, no matter the size, can make a monumental impact. Our goal is $50,000 to continue empowering LGBTQ+ individuals caught in the system. **Here's how you can help:** Donate: (https://lnkd.in/ehWEvuqp) Spread Awareness: Share our story and page on social media. Together, we can create a future where LGBTQ+ people have the freedom and support they deserve.

Fresh faces and farewells: Meet the 2024 AFC Board of Directors! As we begin a new year of Board activities, some long-serving members have stepped down from their duties. We are thankful to Anthony Bruck, Terri Friel, and Joseph P. Stokes for their service and leadership. At the same time, we warmly welcome Kara Eastman, Travis Gayles MD, PhD, Sergio Mojica, Tim Mullet, and Charles Peterson. In 2024, two-thirds of AFC’s board identifies as a person of color (40% Black, 20% Latinx, 7% Asian) 33% identify as white. 40% are female-identified and 60% male, with one transgender person. 70% of board members are LGBTQ and 30% straight. Most Board members are ages 45-54, with representation across the age spectrum. 17% are living with HIV and 10% have experienced homelessness. Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/gQmGFXid

Exciting news for LGBTQ+ aging advocacy! California launches its first-ever survey to better understand the needs of LGBTQ seniors across the state. As Openhouse Executive Director, Kathleen M. Sullivan, Ph.D., rightly pointed out, "We don’t have a good idea of what the aging experience is for the LGBTQ+ community." This initiative aims to shed light on the unique challenges faced by this community, from healthcare demands to finding inclusive assisted living options. The survey, part of California's Master Plan for Aging, reflects a crucial step toward ensuring equitable and tailored support for LGBTQ+ elders. By gathering data and insights directly from the community, we can work towards closing gaps in services and promoting inclusivity in aging care. Read more about this groundbreaking effort in the San Francisco Chronicle: https://lnkd.in/gwUBR6jE Let's continue to champion initiatives that prioritize the well-being of LGBTQ+ seniors and create a more supportive and inclusive aging landscape for all.  #LGBTQ #AgingAdvocacy #InclusiveAging #CaliforniaAgingSurvey

Commercial sexual exploitation of children is fast becoming a pervasive global issue. Safeguarding children’s right to a safe and violence-free childhood links to almost all funder priorities, including climate change, technology, gender equality, livelihoods, health, and education. Yet, interventions to address CSEC remain severely underfunded with public financing falling short and the problem considered too niche to warrant investment. The time is ripe for private philanthropists to step in. Know more: https://bit.ly/4bLCqiG #InvestInChange #PhilanthropyForGood #SystemicChange

Yesterday I was 77 since I was 57 I have been unable to work, does that mean,I have been doing nothing , no it does not, I have never been busier I am involved in Disability & Age Care Advocacy now add to that research as a participant or an advocate whose aim is to get more people especially in person centred care and involving more people in research through different universities and NSW health through ConVITiOn a consumer led group of truly amazing people, our aim is to educate people and assist people becoming involved in clinical research, truly rewarding. I helped to bring the NDIS to fruition only to be denied access to it, I am a true independent advocate, I am not an advocate who is funded by the government, this I totally disagree with, I am being polite, as for advocates they are mostly missing as are the advocacy groups funded by the government and who have done nothing for the over 65 profoundly disabled community, I am disgusted by the lack of peak bodies and household names in advocacy ? In this space they have done nothing they are not in the least democratically run, they have agendas that in no way support those people what has for example OPAN, PWDA, CARERS of any State done for those people in a word Nothing, why? Because they are not independent they are funded by the federal government, we must move towards true independence, am I hopeful? Not one bit, I know some truly amazing Advocates, but the ones that have all the media exposure there silence is definitely non excistent, I make it clear here that I exclude SCI and Polio who have stood up been counted along with a few others MS, Parkinson’s, ALS, Cancer should stand up and be counted but they are not, they are whispering but not shouting so the legallised reprehensible discrimination is alive and well, as for the media they need to get more involved they are missing out on truly amazing stories..will I give up the fight not a hope in hell, DISCRIMINATION would not be allowed to the LGBT community or our First Nations people but thanks to Gillard, Shorten, MaClin and Ever Australia Acounts and the Peak Bodies that sold us down the river and during the intervening years cheated people out of upwards of $1,000,000 that is a low estimate, we had a Royal Commission we weren’t allowed to attend Why? Political Agenda, there final report goes part of the way in correcting this abhorant treatment of this age group, am I hopeful of an outcome to assist these people No, and Robodebt proved that beaurocrats don’t care about people just there masters well hopefully we will have our day in court, then and only then will we have equality not DISCRIMINATION Roll on our UN Challenge….

Fighting Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) is a crucial and commendable initiative. Engaging and garnering support from the community is essential for creating awareness, promoting prevention, and providing assistance to survivors. Here are some steps you can take to mobilize community support: Raise Awareness: Organize community awareness campaigns to educate people about SGBV, its forms, and the impact on individuals and society. Utilize various communication channels, such as social media, community meetings, workshops, and posters, to disseminate information. Community Dialogue: Facilitate open discussions within the community to address misconceptions, stereotypes, and cultural norms that may perpetuate SGBV. Create safe spaces for individuals to share their experiences and express their concerns. Collaborate with Local Organizations: Partner with local NGOs, women's groups, and other community organizations working on similar issues to strengthen your impact. Pool resources and expertise to create comprehensive programs and interventions. Training and Capacity Building: Conduct training sessions for community members, including leaders, teachers, and healthcare professionals, on identifying and responding to SGBV. Empower community members to become advocates against violence. Support Systems: Establish support networks for survivors within the community. Encourage the creation of safe spaces where survivors can share their stories, seek assistance, and find emotional support. Engage Religious and Community Leaders: Work with local religious leaders to incorporate anti-SGBV messages into sermons and teachings. Encourage community leaders to take a stand against SGBV and actively promote gender equality. Legal Education: Provide information about legal rights and avenues for recourse available to survivors. Collaborate with legal professionals to offer pro bono services or establish legal aid clinics within the community. Use Media Effectively: Leverage local media outlets to amplify your message through radio, TV, and newspapers. Develop and share stories that highlight successful efforts in combating SGBV within the community. Create Youth Programs: Engage young people in educational programs that promote gender equality, consent, and healthy relationships. Encourage youth-led initiatives to combat SGBV and empower them as advocates for change. Policy Advocacy: Advocate for the implementation and enforcement of policies that address SGBV at the community and governmental levels. Mobilize community members to participate in advocacy campaigns to effect policy changes. Finally, remember that sustained efforts, cultural sensitivity, and collaboration with community members are key to creating lasting change. Approach the issue with empathy and a commitment to building a safer and more equitable community for all.

The Reality of GBV in Athi River, Kenya Gender-based violence (GBV) is a pervasive issue in many parts of the world, and Athi River, Kenya is no exception. From sexual assault and domestic abuse to early marriage and gender discrimination, the impact of GBV on individuals, families, and communities is profound. As the founder of Doors of Hope Kenya, I've seen firsthand the devastating consequences of this issue. Our organization works tirelessly to support survivors of GBV, providing safe housing, medical care, legal assistance, and psychological support. We also strive to address the root causes of GBV through education and advocacy. One of the most challenging aspects of our work is the stigma and silence that surrounds GBV. Many survivors feel ashamed and fearful of speaking out, often facing discrimination and ostracization if they do. This silence allows perpetrators to go unpunished and perpetuates a culture where GBV is tacitly accepted. To combat this, Doors of Hope Kenya works closely with local communities to raise awareness and challenge harmful gender norms. We conduct workshops and outreach programs that educate people about the realities of GBV, the importance of consent, and the rights of survivors. We also collaborate with other organizations and stakeholders to advocate for policies and systems that better protect and support survivors. Another critical issue is the lack of resources for GBV survivors. Many areas in Athi River lack dedicated GBV services, leaving survivors with nowhere to turn for help. Even when services exist, they may be understaffed or lack the capacity to meet the high demand. To address this, Doors of Hope Kenya provides direct support to survivors, including emergency shelter, medical care, legal assistance, and long-term rehabilitation services. We also work to strengthen the broader GBV response by training healthcare providers, law enforcement officers, and other professionals to better support survivors. To adapt to this new reality, Doors of Hope Kenya has expanded our outreach efforts, using social media and other platforms to reach survivors who may be trapped at home. We've also increased our capacity to provide remote counseling and support, ensuring that survivors can access help Despite the many challenges, I remain hopeful for the future. The growing global movement to end GBV offers a powerful framework for our work, and the resilience and strength of survivors inspires me every day. We are committed to being a part of the solution, working tirelessly to support survivors, challenge harmful norms, and build a more equitable and inclusive society. I recently had the privilege of attending the #EVAWI2024conference, where I learned from experts and colleagues from around the world about the latest research and best practices in GBV prevention and response. The knowledge and connections gained from this experience will be invaluable as we continue our mission in Athi River.

Can an LGBTQI person donate blood? The Supreme Court is set to hear a PIL recently filed by Delhi-based gay man, Sharif D Rangnekar, challenging the constitutional validity of the 2017 blood donor rules. Sharif D Rangnekar, director of the Rainbow Literature Festival, with the legal team of lawyer Rohin Bhatt and Ibad Mushtaq, is questioning rules issued by the National Blood Transfusion Council and National Aids Control Organisation. These rules permanently ban transgenders, female sex workers, and LGBTQI persons from donating blood. Rangnekar argues that the rules are based on outdated and prejudicial views from the 1980s. Many countries, including the US, UK, Canada, and Israel, have updated their guidelines to allow donations from gay and gender queer individuals without blanket restrictions. In his PIL, Rangnekar points out the advancements in medical technology and donor screening processes, arguing that a blanket prohibition is no longer reasonable. He asserts that this ban violates the right to equality, dignity, and life under Articles 14, 15, 17, and 21 of the Constitution, reducing LGBTQ+ individuals to second-class citizens. The PIL calls for the top court to direct the Centre to create guidelines that enable gay and LGBTQI persons to donate blood under "screen and defer" or "assess and test" policies. Why such a Conscious Bias? - The blood donor rules explicitly banning transgenders, female sex workers, and LGBTQI persons from donating blood demonstrate a deliberate and overt decision to exclude these groups based on their identity. - The rules are rooted in prejudicial views from the 1980s, consciously associating certain identities with a higher risk of sexually transmitted diseases without considering advancements in medical technology. Here is a set of Unconscious Bias that became obvious: - The blanket prohibition may stem from deep-seated stereotypes and assumptions about the LGBTQI community, which have not been re-evaluated in light of new scientific and medical developments. - Even without malicious intent, the rules reflect an underlying assumption that LGBTQI persons are inherently riskier donors, perpetuating discrimination and inequality unconsciously. #LGBTQI #Equality #BloodDonation #ConsciousBias #UnconsciousBias #SupremeCourt #Inclusion #HumanRights #MedicalAdvancements #EndDiscrimination #LGBTQRights #DonateBlood #EqualityForAll http://surl.li/aayzyb

#16daysofactivism 🔸 In light of growing threats to #genderequality globally, and continued high rates of violence against women and girls #VAWG, #philanthropy and the social sector have a crucial role to play in addressing VAWG. Despite the progress they have made in getting policies and laws, holding dutybearers to account, and ensuring quality services are in place, women’s movement-building organizations continually face backlash, particularly against their work to advance women’s sexual and reproductive rights. To protect and drive progress towards the #SDGs, funders and decision makers must invest boldly and significantly in women’s groups and movements to end gender based violence. The Key to Change project surfaced the following recommendations for funders and social sector supporters shared below. ➡️ Are you a #donor, impact #investor or philanthropist? Read the following blog to learn how philanthropy can use equitable funding practices to accelerate this progress or book a personalized call with us to help you in the grantmaking process https://lnkd.in/gPXZuzjy