In the recent US Trans Survey, More than one-third (35%) of respondents indicated
that their gender identity was best described as nonbinary or genderqueer (US Trans Survey). Here are just a few of the amazing gender queer & non-binary individuals who are bringing visibility to the movement.
Born & raised in San Francisco and now established in New York, Jes Tom is a fresh voice in stand up comedy.
Their first 30 minute comedy special, Cold Brew, was recorded live in August 2016 at Astoria’s QED: A Place to Show and Tell. Cold Brew is an elegy for the Fuckboi. It’s a cautionary lamentation about being Queer and getting your heart broken in the age of “Love is Love is Love.” Through stand up, storytelling, and uncomfortably public vulnerability, COLD BREW tackles “falling in love,” astrology, interracial relationships, Pokémon, gay porn, and the inevitable fall of society as we know it
Jes Tom holds a BA in Theatre from Smith College. They have completed the Meisner Acting program at Maggie Flanigan Studio.
Brian Langevin is the Executive Director of Asexual Outreach. Recognizing the need for a more collaborative and sustainable movement, Brian brought together a team to found Asexual Outreach in 2014. Since then, Brian’s passion for the nonprofit sector led them to a Nonprofit Management program at Ryerson University, while Brian’s drive for equality has them happily spending their days building a better society for aces and aros across the country.
Much like Christopher Soto, the work of Ignacio Rivera blurs the lines between art and activism. Ignacio identifies as “Brooklyn, New York City born and raised Queer, Two-spirit, Black Boricua Taíno” who uses the gender-neutral pronoun they.
Ignacio is also one of the founding board member of Queers for Economic Justice; a progressive non-profit organization committed to promoting economic justice in a context of sexual and gender liberation. And while this organization is no longer around, it had a profound impact on our movement, highlighting how LGBT folks living in poverty are affected by issues like welfare reform, homelessness and the shelter system.
These days Ignacio wears many, many hats. They are a performance artist, activist, lecturer, and most recently a filmaker. Learn more about Ignacio at their website, www.ignaciogrivera.com.
A native Texan, currently living in Puerto Rico, Toi is a gender non-conforming author, playwright, spoken word artist, filmmaker, journalist, medicine-maker, health advocate, food justice activist, anti-racist and anti-oppression organizer/diversity and gender workshop facilitator and curriculum developer. Toi is also a QPOC/POC (queer/people of color) community builder/organizer. They are the author of Notes from an Afro-Genderqueer (1 and 2). Find out more at www.afrogenderqueer.com.
Kaitlyn Alexander is a Canadian actor, writer, and youtuber. They are known for their role as LaFontaine in the online web series Carmilla. They are also the creator of the web series Couple-ish, in which Alexander acts as a main character, writer, producer. They play the lead role, Dee, who is non-binary, pansexual and open to date all genders. The series was funded through a successful Kickstarter campaip9up8gn, which raised over $29,000. An accomplished musician, Kaitlyn also wrote and recorded the theme song for the web series. Watch Couple-ish on Youtube.
Jacob Tobia is the host of NBC OUT’s Queer 2.0 and a leading voice for genderqueer, nonbinary, and gender nonconforming people. They have appeared on MTV’s The T Word, and in 2015, Jacob was profiled by MTV in the one hour, GLAAD Award-nominated episode of True Life: I’m Genderqueer.
Jacob is a Point Foundation Scholar, Harry S. Truman Scholar, and recipient of the Campus Pride National Voice and Action Award. They have spoken at conferences and college campuses around the country. Find out more about Jacob at www.jacobtobia.com.
Christoppher Soto (aka Loma) is an nationally recognized poet and activist. Their first chapbook “Sad Girl Poems” was published by Sibling Rivalry Press and tackles some tough topics like LGBTQ youth homelessness, Intimate Partner Violence, and suicide. Their work has been translated into Spanish and Portuguese.
They are currently working on a full-length poetry manuscript about police violence and mass incarceration. Originally from the Los Angeles area, Christopher now now resides in Brooklyn. Visit Christopher’s website at christophersoto-poet.com.
Jeffrey Marsh, author of ‘How to Be You’ from Penguin Random House, is an LGBTQ activist and icon whose message of inclusion and acceptance has amassed over 300 MILLION views on social media. Named ‘Viner of the Year’ by CBS, Jeffrey has 500k+ fans on their social channels, and is the creator of the global trends #NoTimeToHateMyself and #DontSayThatsSoGay. Jeffrey is a regular contributor, writer, and on-air host for Snapchat Stories, Facebook Live, O Magazine, Oprah.com, TIME.com, Huffington Post, Buzzfeed, Mashable, and Mom.me, to name a few. Find out more at www.jeffreymarsh.com.
It’s that time of year that we start thinking about our goals and plans for the year’s ahead. I asked several of our LGBT community leaders to share their resolutions for the coming year. Some resolutions are very personal (self-care resolutions for these hard workers are encouraged) and many are about the work ahead for our movement. Presented here, unedited, are their resolutions. What will you do to make the world a better place for LGBT people in 2017? Share your resolution on facebook and twitter using the hashtag #LGBTQresolution.
Beth Shipp
Beth Shipp
LPAC
“In 2017, LPAC is resolved to fight tooth and nail to protect our progress and defend against any attempts to erode the rights and equality of the LGBTQ community, women, people of color, religious minorities, immigrants, labor unions — anyone who faces bullying by the president-elect!”
LPAC builds the political power of lesbians and queer women by electing candidates who champion LGBTQ rights, women’s equality and social justice. Learn more about LPAC at: www.teamlpac.com
Faith Cheltenham
Faith Cheltenham
BiNet USA
“I believe that when you state your intentions to the world, the world is more likely to be as you intended. So every year I start with a list of items I’d like to accomplish, issues to professionally resolve, and dreams I’d like to see come true.
As we close 2016 all around me a dissonance is heard, from the cracking and crumbling of a country long blind to its own bad behavior. All around us are signs of who we could be, what our world has the potential to be and what’s at stake for humanity. In times like these the resolutions get simpler, the path becomes clearer and my heart warms to a steady beat:
RESIST. LOVE. REPEAT.”
BiNetUSA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit advocating for bisexual communities in the U.S.Learn more about BiNet USA at www.binetusa.org
Rebecca Isaacs
Rebecca Isaacs
Equality Federation
“I resolve to work harder than ever to move the LGBTQ agenda forward, even with a hostile Administration. I resolve to be a true partner to groups who are facing threats, because their agenda is our agenda. We will continue building power and leadership at the state and local levels so that our resistance can be as strong and successful as possible. I am more determined and energized than ever to continue Equality Federation’s work to win equality and equity in the states and to work on building strong partnerships to work on racial, economic, and social justice issues in the communities we call home.”
Equality Federation is the movement builder and strategic partner to state-based organizations advocating for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) people. Learn more about the Equality Federation at www.equalityfederation.org
Russell Roybal
Russell Roybal
National LGBTQ Task Force
“I have the same new years resolution every year – Have more fun in the New Year then I did in the previous year. And after 2016, I need more fun in my life.”
The National LGBTQ Task Force advances full freedom, justice and equality for LGBTQ people. Learn more about the National LGBTQ Task Force at www.thetaskforce.org
Brian Langevin
Asexual Outreach
Brian Langevin
“As we continue to face ever increasing hurdles and unexpected challenges, I resolve to spend more energy collaborating with the folks around me so that we can face those difficulties together. I often get so caught up in all of my own work that I forget to look around and see who might be working on similar projects. As has always been the case, I believe collaboration will be key to overcoming new challenges and to building up movements that can benefit all of us.”
Asexual Outreach aspires to act as an umbrella organization for the national ace and aro advocacy movement by providing structure, sustainability, and resources that help projects and communities flourish.Learn more about Asexual Outreach at www.asexualoutreach.org
Lourdes Ashley Hunter
Lourdes Ashley Hunter
Trans Women of Color Collective
“So much of my life has been focused on helping others. This year I want to center my focus on continuing my education by entering a Doctoral program.
I also want to continue to work towards expanding global advocacy for trans and gender non-conforming people of color and buy a house.”
The Trans Women of Color Collective uplifts the narratives, leadership, and lived experiences of trans people of color.”Learn more about TWOCC at www.twocc.us
J’aime Grant
J’aime Grant
Global Trans Research and Advocacy Project
“My resolution is to never ‘normalize’ the administration whose figurehead I will not name. I commit to a constant posture of resistance. I commit also to resourcing the leaders and leadership we most need right now to fight our way out. Nationally, in terms of queer activism, Black Lives Matter is where the juice and the momentum is for me. In terms of local organizing, I am a huge fan of Dignity and Power Now in LA, which foregrounds the leadership of formerly incarcerated folks and their families but is equally committed to healing justice practices in its network. They work on policy too, and have won a citizen’s review board of one of the most violent Sheriff’s offices in the nation. I love HIPS in DC for their unwavering support of sex workers, transfolks and addicts. They will always have my coins and my vocal support. There is so much great work going on among our people, that’s where my hope is!”
Earl Fowlkes
Earl Fowlkes
National Center for Black Equity
“My wish is that we can organize our communities to resist the excesses of the incoming Trump administration.”
The Center for Black Equity (CBE) is an institution committed to supporting leaders, institutions and programs for health, economic and social equity for LGBT people of African descent. Learn more about the National Center for Black Equity at: www.centerforblackequity.org
Rea Carey
Rea Carey
The National LGBTQ Task Force
“To be resolute in my resistance and to tap into the hope that is out there among millions of people.”
The National LGBTQ Task Force advances full freedom, justice and equality for LGBTQ people. Learn more about the National LGBTQ Task Force at www.thetaskforce.org
Share your resolution on facebook and twitter using the hashtag #LGBTQresolution
Awareness Days are a great way to call attention issues the LGBT community faces. As a local activist, planning an educational event or demonstration on one of these days is a great way to get the word out about your event or action and even raise the visibility and effectiveness of your event. Consider how these LGBT and HIV/AIDS awareness days intersect with the work you are doing at the local level and how you can use them as tools to highlight and strengthen your local work.
National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day
February 7th, 2017
National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NBHAAD) is an HIV testing and treatment community mobilization initiative for Blacks in the United States and across the Diaspora. There are five specific focal points: Get Educated, Get Tested, Get Involved, Get Treated, and Get Talking.
National Youth HIV & AIDS Awareness Day is an annual observance that takes place on April 10. The first ever National Youth HIV & AIDS Awareness Day took place on April 10, 2015.
Today’s young people are the first generation who have never known a world without HIV and AIDS. In the United States, one in four new HIV infections is among youth ages 13 to 24. Every month 1,000 young people are infected with HIV and over 76,400 young people are currently living with HIV across the country. While there has been much talk about an AIDS-Free Generation, we know that is not possible without our nation’s youth. Young people and their allies are determined to end this epidemic once and for all and this day is a way to acknowledge the great work young people are already engaging in to do so.
The National Day of Silence is a day of action in which students across the country vow to take a form of silence to call attention to the silencing effect of anti-LGBT bullying and harassment in schools.
Founded in 1996, the Day of Silence has become the largest single student-led action towards creating safer schools for all, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. From the first-ever Day of Silence at the University of Virginia in 1996, to the organizing efforts in over 8,000 middle schools, high schools, colleges and universities across the country in 2008, its textured history reflects its diversity in both numbers and reach.
Regardless of different legal, political and social circumstances around the world, the dramatic increase in the numbers of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and queer (LGBTQ) people choosing to raise children is a global phenomenon. International Family Equality Day is designed to to increase the international visibility of LGBTQ families.
International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHOT)
May 17th, 2017
The International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia (marked on May 17) was created in 2004 to draw the attention of policy makers, opinion leaders, social movements, the media, and the public in general to these issues, and to promote a world of tolerance, respect and freedom regardless of people’s sexual orientations or gender identities.
As much as May 17 is a day against violence and oppression, it is also a day to promote freedom, diversity and acceptance. The date of May 17 was chosen to commemorate the decision taken by the World Health organization in 1990 to take homosexuality out of the list of mental disorders.
National Asian & Pacific Islander HIV/AIDS Awareness Day
May 19th, 2017
One of the key achievements of the Banyan Tree Project to date is the establishment of National Asian & Pacific Islander HIV/AIDS Awareness Day on May 19th. This day is officially recognized by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. The first National Awareness Day was held in 2005. Each year, this day is commemorated with events around the country designed to promote the Banyan Tree Project goals. On this day, organizations around the country dedicated to providing HIV/AIDS services to A&PIs host events in their communities to raise awareness about the impact of HIV/AIDS-related stigma.
National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness day focuses on the challenging issues facing the aging population with regards to HIV prevention, testing, care and treatment. In addition, there is an increased need for prevention, research, and data targeting the aging population, medical understanding of the aging process and its impact on HIV/AIDS.
Celebrate Bisexuality Day is observed worldwide on September 23rd by members of the bisexual community and their supporters. The day, which is celebrated annually, is a call for the bisexual community, their friends and supporters to recognize and celebrate bisexuality, bisexual history, bisexual community and culture, and the bi- and pansexual people in their lives.
First observed in 1999, Celebrate Bisexuality Day is the brainchild of three United States bisexual rights activists: Wendy Curry, Michael Page, and Gigi Raven Wilbur. This celebration of bisexuality in particular, as opposed to general LGBT events, was conceived as a response to the prejudice and marginalization of the bisexual persons by some in both the straight and greater LGBT communities.
National Gay Men’s HIV/AIDS Awareness Day is observed every year on September 27th. In 2008 the National Association of People with AIDS (NAPWA) Launched this observance to recognize the disproportionate impact of the epidemic on gay men. While NAPWA no longer exists as an organization, the observance continues.
LGBT History Month is a month-long annual observance of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender history, and the history of the gay rights and related civil rights movements. LGBT History Month provides role models, builds community, and makes the civil rights statement about our extraordinary national and international contributions.
Every year on National Coming Out Day, we celebrate coming out as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (LGBTQ) or as an ally.
NCOD marks the anniversary of the 1987 National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights, and reminds us that in the fight for LGBTQ equality one of our most basic and important tools is the power of coming out.
Coming out still matters. When people know someone who is LGBTQ, they are far more likely to support equality under the law.
The last day of Hispanic Heritage Month, October 15th, has been designated as National Latinx AIDS Awareness Day (NLAAD).
In 2003, NLAAD was established in response to the impact of HIV and AIDS on Hispanic/Latino communities nationwide, including the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands. NLAAD is a national community mobilization and social marketing campaign that unites the Hispanic/Latino community in efforts to raise HIV awareness, promotion of HIV testing, prevention and education.
National Latinx AIDS Awareness Day has demonstrated to be a successful AIDS Awareness Day. NLAAD has solidified support from 450 partners who together, organized 350 events in 45 states across the United States, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Millions go purple on Spirit Day in a stand against bullying and to show their support for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) youth. Observed annually since 2010, individuals, schools, organizations, corporations, and public figures wear purple, which symbolizes ‘spirit’ on the rainbow flag.
Asexual Awareness Week is an international week organized by the Asexual Awareness Week (AWW) organisation to help increase people’s understanding of the sexualities and romantic spectrum that fall under the ‘Ace Umbrella’. These can include asexual, aromantic, demisexual, and grey-asexual among them. It is designed to help promote understanding of what these sexualities are and the current issues people face. Asexual Awareness Week typically takes places towards the end of October.
Centers continue to build, unite, and empower the LGBT community by offering services including; social services, mental health counseling, cultural programs, recreational activities, libraries, educational programs, support groups, youth support, elder support, computer access, and care and treatment (just to name a few).
Created by CenterLink: The Community of LGBT Centers, Center Awareness Day is an annual day of awareness promoting the vital services offered by community centers and the central role they play in local communities.
Intersex Awareness Day is an international day of grass-roots action to end shame, secrecy and unwanted genital cosmetic surgeries on intersex children. Between October 26 and November 8, intersex organizations try to bring attention to the challenges intersex individuals face.
The event marks the first public demonstration by intersex people in North America. On October 26, 1996, intersex activists from Intersex Society of North America (carrying the sign “Hermaphrodites With Attitude”) and allies from Transexual Menace demonstrated in Boston, outside the venue where the American Academy of Pediatrics was holding its annual conference.
The Transgender Day of Remembrance was set aside to memorialize those who were killed due to anti-transgender hatred or prejudice. The event is held in November to honor Rita Hester, whose was murdered on November 28th, 1998. Her murder, like many anti-transgender murder cases, remains unsolved.
World AIDS Day is celebrated around the world on December 1st each year. It has become one of the most recognized international health days and a key opportunity to raise awareness, commemorate those who have passed on, and celebrate victories, such as increased access to treatment and prevention services.
UNAIDS took the lead on campaigning for World AIDS Day from its creation until 2004. From 2004 onwards the World AIDS Campaign’s Global Steering Committee began selecting a theme for World AIDS Day in consultation with civil society, organisations and government agencies involved in the AIDS response.
Themes run for one or two years and are not just specific to World AIDS Day. Campaigning slogans such as ‘Stop AIDS. Keep the Promise’ have been used year-round to hold governments accountable for their HIV and AIDS related commitments.
International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers
December 17th, 2017
International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers is observed annually on December 17 by sex workers, their advocates, friends, families and allies. Originally conceived as a memorial and vigil for the victims of the Green River Killer in Seattle Washington, United States (US), it has evolved into an annual international event. The day calls attention to hate crimes committed against sex workers worldwide, as well as the need to remove the social stigma and discrimination that have contributed to violence against sex workers and indifference from the communities they are part of.
Let’s face it, 2016 was not the best year for all of us, but before we move on to 2017, let’s take a look at some of the good things that happened. Here are some of my favorite LGBTQ films that were released in 2016. Several of these films were featured at the Reel Affirmations Film Festival held every year in Washington DC. I’ve included my 10 favorite movies & documentaries from 2016 but of course, this is not an exhaustive list. Share your favorite queer films in the comment section below.
Moonlight
A young man deals with his dysfunctional home life and comes of age in Miami during the “War on Drugs” era. The story of his struggle to find himself is told across three defining chapters in his life as he experiences the ecstasy, pain, and beauty of falling in love while grappling with his own sexuality.
Uncle Howard
Howard Brookner was buried on his thirty-fifth birthday in 1989. He was gay; an Ivy League graduate; broke artist; rising Hollywood star; heroin user; jet-setter; bohemian; seedy nightlife lover; director of cult docs; an honest and devoted friend – he was many things to many people. To director Aaron Brookner, he was a loving and inspirational uncle who died of AIDS when Aaron was only seven, right when Howard was on the brink of a promising filmmaking career. Uncle Howard is an intertwining tale of past and present, the story of filmmaker Howard Brookner whose work captured the late 70’ s and early 80’s cultural revolution – and his nephew’s personal journey 25 years later to discover his uncle’s films and the legacy of a life cut short by the plague of AIDS.
Tangerine
It’s Christmas Eve in Tinseltown and Sin-Dee (newcomer Kitana Kiki Rodriguez) is back on the block. Upon hearing that her pimp boyfriend (James Ransone, STARLET, “Generation Kill”) hasn’t been faithful during the 28 days she was locked up, the working girl and her best friend, Alexandra (newcomer Mya Taylor), embark on a mission to get to the bottom of the scandalous rumor. Their rip-roaring odyssey leads them through various subcultures of Los Angeles, including an Armenian family dealing with their own repercussions of infidelity. Director Sean Baker’s prior films (STARLET, PRINCE OF BROADWAY) brought rich texture and intimate detail to worlds seldom seen on film. TANGERINE follows suit, bursting off the screen with energy and style. A decidedly modern Christmas tale told on the streets of L.A., TANGERINE defies expectation at every turn.
LOEV
When hot shot, Wall Street dealmaker Jai thinks of putting some pleasure into his 48 hour business trip to Mumbai, Sahil, his young, music-producer friend, drops everything, including his reckless boyfriend Alex, to help him execute the perfect getaway. Hiking the hills and canyons of Maharashtra, amidst half-attempted conversations and sudden silences, business calls and old jokes, the friends discover there is more than just time-zones keeping them apart. Things take another turn when Alex shows up with a new male-companion at his side, throwing up old conflicts and bringing unanswered questions to the fore.
Free CeCe
On her way to the store with a group of friends, Chrishaun Reed “CeCe” McDonald was attacked. In fighting for her own life, a man was killed. After a coercive interrogation, CeCe was incarcerated in a men’s prison in Minnesota. An international campaign to free CeCe garnered significant support from media and activists, including actress and executive producer Laverne Cox. Laverne uses her platform to explore the roles race, class, and gender played in CeCe’s case.
Suited
SUITED follows its subjects—clients seeking a personalized experience—into the minimalist office space of Bindle & Keep, a bespoke tailoring company based in Brooklyn that caters to a diverse LGBTQ community and looks beyond the gender binary, creating custom-made suits for gender-nonconforming and transgender clients. Clothier duo Rae and Daniel take a holistic approach to their work, considering each client’s personal narrative, which becomes inextricable from the creation of the perfect suit.
Strike a Pose
In 1990, seven young male dancers – 6 gay, 1 straight – joined Madonna on her most controversial tour. On stage and in the iconic film Truth or Dare they showed the world how to express yourself. Now, 25 years later, they reveal the truth about life during and after the tour. Strike a Pose is a dramatic tale about overcoming shame and finding the courage to be who you are.
Women who Kill
Commitment phobic Morgan and her ex-girlfriend Jean are locally famous true crime podcasters obsessed with female serial killers. There’s a chance they may still have feelings for each other, but co-dependence takes a back seat when Morgan meets the mysterious Simone during her Food Coop shift. Blinded by infatuation, Morgan quickly signs up for the relationship, ignoring warnings from friends that her new love interest is practically a stranger. When Jean shows Morgan proof that Simone may not be who she says she is, Morgan accuses Jean of trying to ruin the best thing that’s ever happened to her. But as she and Simone move into commitment territory, Morgan starts to notice red flags — maybe Jean was right and Simone isn’t as perfect as Morgan’s made her out to be.
Pushing Dead
Pushing Dead is a warm and magnetic comedy drama from Director Tom E. Brown. The film follows a struggling poet and writer named Dan Schauble (played by James Roday), who has been HIV positive for 22 years. He splits his San Francisco flat with his dear friend Paula (Robin Weigert), who is more like a sister than a friend to Dan.
Forbidden: Undocumented and Queer in Rural America
Growing up in rural North Carolina, Moises Serrano fell in love with a country that refused to recognize his full humanity – both as an undocumented immigrant and as a gay man. The documentary project Forbidden follows Moises’ personal journey as an activist fighting for the American Dream.
The National Center for Transgender Equality has released the results of the 2015 US Transgender Survey, which documents widespread discrimination against the transgender community in employment, housing, healthcare, and public accommodations. It is the largest survey of it’s kind, with over 27,000 respondents from across the country. Of these respondents, more than one third did not identify as either male or female, but reported a non-binary (or genderqueer) gender identity. Among the key findings in the report.
Poverty
Survey respondents reported an unemployment rate of 15%, which is three-times that of the general population. Not suprisingly, this means higher rates of poverty and a reliance on underground economies. Close to one-third of all survey respondents were found to be living in poverty (this number being even higher for transgender people of color), and one-third also reported having experienced homelessness at some points in their lives.
A lack of financial resources proved to be a significant barrier to participants getting identity documents updated with their desired name and gender. 35% of those who have not changed their legal name and 32% of those who have not updated their identity documents (like a drivers license) have not done so because they could not afford it.
Healthcare
One quarter of all respondents had a problem in the past year with their insurance related to being transgender. Further, one third of those who sought medical care reported a negative experience such as being harrassed, misgendered, or refused treatment.
This lack of access to quality care is particularly disturbing when you take into account the needs of the transgender community. Transgender individuals reported higher rates of recent psychological distress, which is not suprising considering the challenges faced in society. An extremely troubling 40% of respondents report having attempted suicide in their lifetime.
Finally, the HIV/AIDS rate of the survey participants was (1.4%) was five times that of the general population in the United States. That number skyrockets to 19% when looking specifically at Black transgender women.
Violence
46% of survey respondents report being verbally harrassed and 9% report being physically attacked in the past year. Nearly half of respondents have experienced sexual assault at some point in their lifetime.
Room for Hope
While these numbers are deeply troubling, there are some reasons to be hopeful. More than two-thirds of those who were out at in the workplace reported that their coworkers were supportive.
Further, more than half of participants reported that their families are currently supportive of them, and this family support is crucial. Individuals with supportive families experienced lower rates of homelessness, suicide, and psychological distress, a finding consistent with the work of the Family Acceptance Project.
Thousands of LGBTQ individuals come to the United States every year seeking political asylum. They come from countries where they face violence and persecution because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
How will Donald Trump as President impact LGBT asylum seekers? Maria Blacque-Belair From RIF (Refugee and Immigrant Fund) consulted with some immigration attorneys and here are some initial thoughts she is sharing with clients in the short term.
1. First Obama is still president until January 2017 so absolutely nothing will change for asylum applicants till then.
2. Trump in all his rhetoric about immigration policies has NOT indicated that he would reform the asylum process ( he has talked mostly about the refugee resettlement process and more specifically about barring the resettlement of Syrian refugees).
3. Even if he wanted to change asylum law, as part of the 1951 Refugee Convention which the US is a signatory, it would take a long time, many years to do so, and he would face a huge opposition.
4. Therefore, according to asylum law, those who come to America with a visa and then decide to apply for asylum, it is their right to do so. NOTHING HAS CHANGED.
5. Finally we totally understand that you feel uncertain and confused, we will continue to update you on any new information, and also hope that you will join us in fighting Donald Trump anti immigrants action.
This is good news for LGBT asylum seekers for the most part. There are many issues that will need to be monitored in the months ahead, of course. And it is important to remember that the experiences of those who apply for asylum from inside the country can be much different from the experiences of those who request asylum at the border and are detained.
Among the worst offenders are corporate run detention facilities including the Adelanto Detention Facility in the Mojave Desert of Southern California. In the months ahead we will likely see a push from the Trump Administration to privatize more detention centers (and prisons), and this is an issue LGBT folks should be watching closely.
Donald Trump has already had his first visit to the White House. Before you know it, the holidays will be over and the Trump Administration will have begun. If you’re anything like me you may be feeling a bit helpless at the moment. Still there are things we can be doing right now to prepare. Here are six tips:
#GetCovered Before the Innauguration
Donald Trump said in one of his speeches “When we win on Nov. 8 and elect a Republican Congress, we will be able to immediately repeal and replace Obamacare.” (LA Times)
Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, no American can be dropped or denied coverage because of a pre-existing condition like HIV; and more Americans have access to health insurance than ever before. So how do we fight to keep it? One way is to make sure you and everyone you know sign up! If there is a surge in in open-enrollment, it will show Congress just how important the Affordable Care Act is, and we are well on our way. Over 100,000 folks signed up for a healthcare plan the day after the election. To learn more and find out where you can get help choosing a plan visit www.out2enroll.org.
Update Legal Documents if Needed.
Advances during the Obama Administration have made it easier for transgender folks to update their Social Security Administration (SSA) cards as well as Passports to reflect their gender identity. We haven’t seen Donald Trump comment specifically on this issue, but better to be safe than sorry. Encourage the people they love to go ahead and update their legal documents if needed. If you don’t know where to begin, start by contacting your local LGBT Community Center. Chances are, they will be able to point you in the right direction.
Recommit to your State and Local LGBT Advocacy Organization
With Republican control of the House, Senate, and Oval Office, we need to seriously adjust our expectations for what progress we can make at the national level. There are many states, however, where a path forward is more clear. Vice President Elect Mike Pence supports conversion therapy for LGBT youth. Do you know if your state has banned conversion therapy? New York State has a plan to end new HIV infections by 2020. Does yours? Does your state have a comprehensive non-discrimination policy? Several cities have passed gender-neutral bathroom laws. What about where you live? Every victory at the state and local level moves us forward, and makes it harder for those who want to roll back progress at the national level. Click here to connect with your State LGBT Equality Group and find out how you can help.
Learn the New Rules of Engagement
LGBT Advocacy looks a lot different when you’ve been invited into the White House than it does when you’re standing outside the White House with a protest sign. Around the country we are seeing people take to the streets. It’s an encouraging sign. But just like there are a set of skills you need to know to be an effective inside player, there are skills you need to have to be an effective outside player. You need a plan to be effective, you need to train people before the protest. You need to have a plan if someone get’s arrested or harassed by the police. These are just a few things to take into consideration.
Focus Less on Your Marriage and More on Concerns of Trans and Queer People of Color (TQPOC)
There are a lot of issues LGBT folks should have on the radar in in the first 100 Days of the Trump Administration, but Marriage Equality is not one of them. According to the Human Rights Campaign “It’s not impossible, but it’s not likely. It’s a binding decision by the U.S. Supreme Court. Congress and Donald Trump cannot unilaterally undo marriage equality. Currently, all five justices who ruled in favor of marriage equality are still on the bench, and that’s not going to change anytime soon. It’s hard to imagine how we lose marriage equality.”
A lot of the most pressing concerns, are the ones that impact Trans individuals, LGBTQ Muslims, and LGBTQ People of Color. Here are some things Trump could conceivably do on day one.
Rescind the Obama administration’s guidance protecting transgender students from discrimination on day one. (more info)
Begin deporting undocumented immigrants (more info)
It’s not clear that any of these things will actually happen, but they are all on the table. Now more than ever, it’s important that we are all looking out for each other. And that means that at this moment it’s important for white and cis LGBT folks to listen to and center the voices of trans and queer people of color.
Bring Back the Stonewall Democrats
At one time the Stonewall Democrats, the national network for LGBT Democrats, was a powerful player for the Democrats, comprised of over 90 local chapters. While many of the local chapters are still active, the national organization that supported them, dissolved years ago. And the groups no longer have a national gathering, or many ways of communicating and learning from each other.
One thing we have definitely learned from this election is that the Democratic party infrastructure at the state and local level is not what we thought it was. We need that to change, and the fact that Howard Dean has expressed interest in returning to the DNC is a promising sign. We can turn things around, but the LGBT community has to do it’s part. That starts by investing time, energy, and resources in our Stonewall Democrats Chapters. Find your local chapter and join today, and let’s all start the conversation about rebuilding a National Network to support Stonewall Chapters around the country.
The reality is sinking in that Donald Trump will be President of the United States.
Trump has scapegoated immigrants, refugees, and Muslims to name. He wants to put people in the Supreme Court that would take away our rights to marriage. As I struggle to accept these results, here are some of my initial thoughts on how we move #ForwardTogether and the issues we should be thinking about in the days and months ahead.
1. If history is any indication, there will be an increase in hate crimes. Following our first African American President, we will have the first President in decades endorsed by the KKK. People who harbor hate in their hearts are feeling validated tonight, and will no doubt be emboldened in the days and months ahead. And we should prepare ourselves for it and look out for each other. To learn more read this article on 10 Hate Crimes Inspired by Donald Trump.
2. Elections like this have an impact on our mental health. We all want to be full and equal citizens of this Country, but much of the country voted for an agenda tonight that devalues Latinos, LGBT people, Muslims, and others. For some in the LGBT community, our own family members voted for an agenda that counts us as less than fully human. It’s normal for that to hurt, And we should expect folks to feel hopeless, to feel lost, and even to experience depression. We’ve seen this in places where marriage rights were reversed or voted down. “According to a quantitative study with more than 1,500 lesbian, gay, and bisexual participants, living in a U.S. State where same-sex marriage is outlawed was directly related to chronic social stress and psychological problems, and not due to pre-existing mental health issues or other factors.” (read the fact sheet here). We all should be checking in with our friends this week and making sure they are ok.
3. Federal Advocacy Requires New Approaches and Adjusted Expectations. While many of us were thinking about what could be accomplished in Hillary Clinton’s first 100 days, we are all going to have to adjust to this new reality. With Republican control of the House and Senate, advancing federal non-discrimination legislation is unlikely, and in many ways we will be shifting from offense to defense. Trump may have the opportunity to nominate multiple candidates to the Supreme Court and has promised to nominate candidates that will roll black equal marriage rights for same-sex couples.
4. State Advocacy Moves to the Front and Center. Passing legislation at the state level is a more realistic goal for the next few years. Advancing SOGI (sexual orientation and gender identity) non-discrimination laws in housing, employment, and public accommodation is crucial and may just be achievable in some states. North Carolina anti-LGBT Governor McCrory who signed anti trans ‘bathroom bill’ was voted out of office and will be by Democrat Roy Cooper. (read the HRC statement on the North Carolina Elections). Freedom for All Americans is one organization already working hard at the state level. State based organizations to look out for are Florida Competes, Georgia Unites, Freedom Indiana, Tennessee Equality Project, and Equality Pennsylvania.
5. Standing by our Allies is Now More Important than Ever. We’ve witnessed a campaign build on divisiveness. One important principal from the Clinton/Kaine campaign to carry with us starting tomorrow is that we are indeed Stronger Together. Standing with immigrants, refugees, the Latinx community, Muslims, and other communities threatened by a Trump Presicency will indeed make us stronger.
How do you think we move #ForwardTogether? Add your thoughts in the comments below.
Smoking is killing our community. Every year, tobacco-related diseases take more than 30,000 LGBT lives. In Washington, D.C., smoking is responsible for approximately 800 deaths every year, with a disproportionate number of those deaths coming from the LGBT community. Nearly 25 percent of LGBT adults in the United States smoke, compared to only about 17 percent of straight adults.
Because HIV hinders the body’s ability to fight off infection or disease, smokers with HIV are more prone to both HIV-related infections (such as Thrush, white mouth sores, and pneumonia) and fatal tobacco-related illnesses (such as COPD, heart disease and stroke, and cancer). In fact, the life expectancy of a 35-year-old smoker with HIV is cut by nearly eight years because of smoking.
Smoking also negatively impacts anti-retroviral therapy (ART) for HIV patients. According to a study published in AIDS, smoking doubles the risk of death for someone with HIV on ART.
Higher rates of smoking in the LGBT community can be attributed to a wide range of factors, including coping with the added stress of societal prejudices. Unfortunately, many of the places meant to be safe havens for LGBT individuals and those with HIV are actually the main battlegrounds for fighting smoking. The tobacco industry has targeted LGBT individuals and people with HIV for 25 years, advertising at LGBT community events, including Pride, and even giving money to both national and local LGBT and HIV/AIDS organizations.
Surveys have found that two-thirds of smokers with HIV want to quit, but they need more resources to do so long-term. With the highest rates of HIV in the country, the District should take heed.
This year, the D.C. Tobacco Free Coalition, the D.C. Department of Health, and more than 40 community organizations are coming together to battle smoking as part of D.C. Calls It Quits Week, Sept. 19-25. But more help is needed to help D.C. smokers quit and save LGBT lives from tobacco-related diseases.
First, policymakers and providers should make every effort to reach out to the LGBT community to work with them to raise awareness about the connection between HIV and smoking. Better education for the LGBT community on the specific dangers of smoking while being HIV positive would help discourage tobacco use among patients.
Counseling and treatment to quit smoking should also be integrated into all HIV patients’ treatment programs, including both physical and mental health. We know that smokers with HIV who receive counseling and treatment to quit smoking, in conjunction with ART or mental health treatment, are more likely to successfully quit smoking than when attempting to quit on their own.
Finally, access to resources to quit smoking must be made available for every D.C. resident with HIV. If you are a smoker in D.C., call 1-800-Quit-Now (784-8669).
The National LGBTQ Task Force Action Fund and the National Coalition for LGBT Health have published a new guide on health issues important to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) people. Released in advance of the 2016 presidential election, the “10 Key LGBTQ Health Advocacy Priorities Guide” is intended to educate voters on LGBTQ health priorities the two organizations will continue to focus on during the next administration.
The guide lists the following ten key areas as priorities: advocating for reproductive health, rights and justice; creating an AIDS-free generation, promoting HIV harm reduction, and increasing access to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP); expanding public education and treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STI) and sexually transmitted diseases (STD); supporting LGBTQ youth experiencing homelessness; improving transgender healthcare; addressing religious exemptions and nondiscrimination laws; promoting LGBTQ cultural competency; improving access to mental health; expanding access to affordable health care; and ending violence against LGBTQ people.
All of these of course are important issues. Notably absent, however, is any discussion of tobacco and tobacco related cancers. Smoking causes more deaths in the United States than HIV, illegal drug use and alcohol use combined, and more than 30,000 LGBT people die each year of tobacco-related diseases. Members of the LGBT community smoke at rates 50 percent higher than the general population. Some studies indicate that LGBT adults are 1.5 to 2.5 times more likely to smoke than heterosexual adults. And, although most LGBT smokers say that they know smoking is harmful to their health, fewer have tried to quit (75 percent versus 80 percent of all adults).
Both The National LGBTQ Task Force Action Fund and the National Coalition for LGBT Health will host workshops, trainings, and informational sessions on these priority health advocacy issues during the 2017 Creating Change Conference on January 18-22 and SYNChronicity 2017: the National Conference on HIV, HCV, and LGBT Health, set for April 24-25.
