David Mariner

New Guide to Supporting LGBT Asylum Seekers

November 24, 2016October 21, 2015 by David Mariner

The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation in partnership with the LGBT Freedom and Asylum Network (LGBT-FAN), and the National LGBTQ Task Force, recently announced an essential new guide, Stronger Together: a Guide to Supporting LGBT Asylum Seekers, during an event at HRC’s Equality Center.

Stronger Together provides crucial advice and guidance to service providers working with LGBT asylum seekers coming to the United States in search of better, safer lives. The work of Center Global is featured prominently in the report. Center Global, a program of the DC Center for the LGBT Community, supports LGBT asylum seekers and refugees in the District of Columbia.

Every year, thousands of LGBT people flee to the United States (U.S.) from home countries where they face persecution and violence because of who they are or whom they love. However, once arriving in the US, LGBT asylum seekers frequently face the daunting task of building new lives in what can be an unfamiliar and often hostile environment.

Asylum seekers who are LGBT often face barriers that others do not. They may continue to face homophobia or transphobia, often arrive in the U.S.without family support, and may be rejected or ignored by organizations that might be helpful to non-LGBT asylum seekers. Even well-meaning individuals could inadvertently undermine the wellbeing of LGBT asylum seekers by providing incorrect or inappropriate advice. Stronger Together offers service providers information on how best to help newcomers adjust, including advising on employment counseling, access to housing, and where to seek legal representation. The guide focuses on assisting service providers in empowering LGBT asylum seekers.

“LGBTQI asylum seekers and asylees should be leaders in this work. They are experts on their own stories and needs, and can use their expertise to serve their own community.” said Nikilas Mawanda, a Ugandan activist and asylee who also contributed to Stronger Together.

“It is wonderful that people in the U.S. want to support LGBT asylum seekers” said SiobhÃ¡n McGuirk, Stronger Together co-author. “It is important that this movement develops in ways that respect the diversity, agency, and views of LGBT asylum seekers and asylees, while also contributing to the wider immigration justice movement. Stronger Together reflects that aim. Over a hundred people contributed to this project, including LGBT asylum seekers and asylees, service providers, lawyers, researchers, and activists.”

The situation for LGBT people around the world varies widely. As LGBT equality advances in some places, people continue to suffer from discrimination, persecution and violence around the world.

– An estimated five percent of U.S. asylum claims are based on persecution of sexual orientation or gender identity, suggesting that the U.S. would have received 4,802 applications citing anti-LGBT persecution in 2014.
– In 10 countries worldwide, same-sex activity is punishable by death, and 75 countries criminalize same-sex relationships. Hundreds of transgender individuals have been brutally murdered in the last year.
– In a growing number of countries, governments have sought to silence equality advocates and organizations with so-called “anti-propaganda” laws and legislation.

To read the full report click on this link: Stronger Together: A Guide to Supporting LGBT Asylum Seekers.

LGBT Community Should Call it Quits

April 14, 2018October 20, 2015 by David Mariner

More than a quarter of people in the LGBT community engage in an activity that has significant negative consequences for their health. It can cause debilitating diseases and lead to premature death. It is also something that is preventable—smoking.

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).

It is understandable why the smoking rates within the LGBT community are higher. For some, the stress that comes with living in places that may not be accepting can lead them to smoke. At the same time, the big tobacco companies have marketed their products specifically to our community, hoping that slick campaigns entice young, and often vulnerable, individuals to start smoking.

The problem is that some of the most serious health conditions our community has been battling for decades are made that much worse with smoking. Smoking can make it more difficult to fight off infections, and people with HIV who smoke have a higher risk of complications than nonsmokers.

Quitting, while it may be hard, is not impossible. Research has shown that one of the best ways to quit is with the support of one’s community. The people around you can help keep you motivated and can help you quit for good.

This is why the DC Center for the LGBT Community recently worked with dozens of other organizations on a campaign to help people in D.C. quit. The campaign, DC Calls It Quits, took place the week of Sept. 21 and had the support of more than 40 local organizations, government agencies and health groups.

The goal of the week was to show people that there are a variety of community resources available—including help lines, support meetings and therapies—that can make quitting easier.

Smoking cessation is an important component of LGBT health and wellness. If you need help, join a local support group that specifically focuses on LGBT smoking cessation, try to quit with a friend or partner – do whatever it takes.

(Residents can access free support to quit smoking by calling 1-800-QUITNOW. D.C. residents who call this number can get free smoking cessation aids like nicotine gum or patches. Combining nicotine replacement therapy with such a program will double your chances of quitting successfully.

This article originally appeared in the Washington Blade.

LGBT Leaders Share their New Year’s Resolutions for 2015

October 20, 2015December 30, 2014 by David Mariner

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 2015? Share your resolution on facebook and twitter using the hashtag #LGBTresolution.

Evan Wolfson

Freedom to Marry

“My resolution for 2015 as we drive toward our long-sought, hard-fought goal of winning marriage nationwide is not to drop the ball, but to keep doing the work that is winning until we have actually won. Winning the freedom to marry in 35 states has been transformative, but I want all 50.”
www.freedomtomarry.org

Cedric Harmon

Many Voices

“Holding in my heart the waves of citizen activists who took to the streets in the final months of 2015: I resolve to remain attuned to the voices of those frequently dismissed and misunderstood. In any justice conversation, I resolve to include the voices of youth, women, elders, immigrants, the homeless and the LGBT community. Finally, I resolve to maintain awareness when I am not the one who should be speaking and when listening is the more powerful thing to do.”
www.manyvoices.org

Kate Kendell, Esq.

National Center for Lesbian Rights

“There is no doubt that 2014 was a groundbreaking year for marriage equality and general visibility for LGBT people. We have hit our tipping point, but we do a great disservice to our movement and our history if we mistake this tipping point for a finish line. Because as LGBT people we are literally everywhere, issues of racism, economic inequality, transphobia, sexism and immigrant-bashing are LGBT issues. We are not done until ALL our LGBT brothers and sisters live with full justice. We can lead the way to a more perfect union.”
www.nclrights.org

Lourdes Ashley Hunter

Trans Women of Color Collective

“My new year’s resolution is to breathe more, take more walks in the park with my dog and to spend more time with my family!”

www.twocc.us

Robyn Ochs

Speaker, Teacher, Writer, and Activist
“Among my commitments for 2015 — and beyond –are to stand against racism by engaging in serious conversations with other white folks who have not yet had deep conversations about race, racism and white privilege; to help nurture new leaders — not to take my place, but to ensure that there are even more of us working for social justice; and to better learn when to step up and when to step back so that others have space to step up.”

Tico Almeida

Freedom to Work

“For more than five decades, Cuban-Americans like me and my family have gathered for New Year’s Eve celebrations and lifted a glass to toast, “Next year in Cuba!” As 2014 closes with an historic Cuba peace agreement from our President Barack Obama, our Pope Francis, Tom Donahue of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and so many more leaders from civil society and labor unions, it’s now time to make that 50-year old toast a reality in 2015. I believe we need more people-to-people diplomacy between LGBT Americans and LGBT Cubans. As a gay Cuban American, I am personally committed to promoting open, honest, and independent dialogue between our LGBT movements in a way that promotes freedom and fairness for the LGBT people of both the United States and Cuba. My current resolution is, “Next year in Cuba!”

www.freedomtowork.org

Dan Choi

Iraq Veteran, LGBT Activist

“This year marks my fifth year as a civilian. My resolutions for this year are typical for returning soldiers, I suppose: learn mindfulness and practice patience and love in a community I am learning and finally joining. I am also excited to rekindle the fire this November 11th, Veterans Day, with all the arrestees from the Don’t Ask Don’t Tell battle, five years ago. As we reconvene I am excited to check in with the heroes who sacrificed all to force change through a community and nation’s demand. As we enter this new year, let’s rekindle, check-in with each other, and be deliberate in our connections, mindful in our relations and ever curious to see what we are capable of.”

Earl Fowlkes

President/CEO, Center for Black Equity

“I have been reflecting on the events of 2014 as I put together my resolutions for 2015. I resolve that while I will continue to be an advocate for social justice issues especially those that impact the lives of the LGBT community, I would be remiss if I did not put fighting for social and legal justice for Black men at the top of my list. The wanton slaughter of young Black males by law enforcement officers must be stopped and while I don’t have the solutions to end this injustice, I can work towards making certain that the rule of law is applied fairly toward everyone.”

www.centerforblackequity.org

Ruby Corado

Casa Ruby

“In 2015 I want to continue serving my clients at Casa Ruby Multicultural Lgbt Center and I want to bring expanded programs such as emergency housing/shelter And expand our job and career services.”

www.casaruby.org

Christopher Wood

LGBT Tech Partnership

“My personal commitment in 2015 focuses on three key areas – access, connectivity and a sustainable path. Several projects will help me accomplish this commitment – 1. The LGBT Technology Partnership will continue efforts at the state and federal level to stop the blocking of LGBT content in public schools and libraries. #DontBlockLGBT 2. The LGBT Technology Institute will put cellphones in the hands of homeless LGBT youth this winter; a first of it’s kind program – Connect 4 Life. 3. My husband and I will continue to assist with Mary’s House, the first LGBT elderly home in Washington, D.C. 4. I will continue to teach entrepreneurship in West Virginia and launch several business out of the colleges new business incubator. Each of these four projects drive to improve a different part of society but all create sustainable paths for successful, healthy individuals.”

www.LGBTTech.org

Marco Antonio Quiroga

National Field Officer at Immigration Equality

“2014 was a year full of meaningful progress for our LGBT immigrant community. Immigration Equality won critical relief for over 600 asylum-seekers and individuals trapped in the dysfunction immigration detention system. Our movement won deportation relief for millions in our immigrant community through Obama’s executive order on immigration, including up to 30,000 LGBT individuals who arrived as youth. After over 20 years worth of prayers, I might not have to live another day with the fear of loosing my mother to deportation. The struggle continues however because this is all temporary. In addition, too many of the 267,000 undocumented LGBT adults in our community were excluded from this chance for relief. My resolution for 2015 is to continue the fight for the lasting solution we all deserve and ensuring no one is left behind.”

www.immigrationequality.org

Rebecca Isaacs

Equality Federation

“The stories of advocates who have successfully pushed for nondiscrimination ordinances or who stood up for fairness in their communities have inspired me to double-down on our commitment to Equality Federation’s mission to win equality. With the astounding pace of marriage victories over the last year and more to come, we need to continue the fight on all fronts, from marriage to nondiscrimination and more. As I travel around the country, I am so inspired by activists who are making a difference in their communities. We’re on a roll, and I’m ready to see 2015 be a landmark year for our movement!”

www.equalityfederation.org

Scout

LGBT HealthLink

“My advocacy new years resolution is I’d like to raise the grades of at least five states on their LGBT tobacco report cards. And I’d like to have states enhance their policy work on LGBT cancer too. I know it won’t happen this year but I hope to get LGBT data collected on the cancer registry too. Oh and speaking of data, in Spring of this year we’ll probably come out with a new enhanced way to collect LGBT data, so I’d like to see surveys that only collect LGB consider this option instead.”

www.lgbthealthlink.org

LGBT Equality: 5 State Strategies to Move us Forward

January 10, 2016December 17, 2014 by David Mariner

This past week saw a significant shift in strategy on the federal level for LGBT equality. After more than a decade of striving to pass the Employment Non Discrimination Act, and following the lead of local grassroots LGBT activists, National LGBT organizations switched to a new strategy: comprehensive LGBT Non-Discrimination Protections.

And even as consensus built around the Senator Jeff Merkley’s plans to introduce a Comprehensive LGBT Non-Discrimination Bill, the realities of the current political climate on the hill made everyone wonder if passing anything on the federal level would be possible.

Mara Keisling was quoted in Time as saying there is ‘no clear path’ to moving the legislation forward. Get Equal reported that some LGBT insiders believed passing such a bill would take at least another decade.

Even with the vast resources thrown at the federal level, what we can expect to accomplish this year, or for that matter, the next five years, is hazy at best.

On the other hand investments of time and resources at the state level have much stronger potential for payout in the short term. Here are some of the state strategies that have already begun to improve the lives of LGBT individuals in some states, and have great potential to be replicated in states across the country.

State Strategy: End New HIV Infections

In 2010 , gay an bisexual men accounted for 63% of estimated new HIV infections in the United states. A sobering statistic, but the numbers are even more alarming when you look at gay and bisexual men of color.

While HIV/AIDS has not been a high-priority for many LGBT organizations, perhaps nothing would have a bigger impact on the lives of gay an bisexual men than ending new HIV infections; and New York State is making a plan to do exactly that. Better yet, it’s a plan you can replicate in your state.

The end of the AIDS epidemic in New York will occur when the total number of new HIV infections has fallen below the number of HIV-related deaths. Governor Cuomo and local HIV/AIDS activists have a three point plan to get this done.

Identifying persons with HIV who remain undiagnosed and linking them to health care;
Linking and retaining persons diagnosed with HIV to health care and getting them on anti-HIV therapy to maximize HIV virus suppression so they remain healthy and prevent further transmission; and
Providing access to Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) for high-risk persons to keep them HIV negative.

Learn more about the plan on the Housing Works Blog, and take part in the campaign to #EndAIDS2020 in your state.

State Strategy: End Conversion Therapy

Few practices hurt LGBT youth more than attempts to change their sexual orientation or gender identity through so-called conversion therapy, which can cause depression, substance abuse, and even suicide.

The National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) is taking action to end this practice once and for all. State legislation has already been passed in California, New Jersey, and Washington DC. Reach out to NCLR to see how you can help make your state next.

Learn more about the campaign to end Conversion Therapy

State Strategy: End Healthcare Discrimination

In February Mayor Vince Gray took steps to prohibit discrimination in health insurance based on gender identity and expression. This means health insurance companies in the District must offer all appropriate care, including hormone treatment and gender confirmation surgeries. New York State has also taken similar measures. As a District resident, I am extremely proud of my Mayor for this groundbreaking work, and for the amazing folks who worked on this important issue.

The truth is, however, that every state can and should implement transgender inclusive healthcare coverage, and if it is not on the agenda in your state, you have a tremendous opportunity to be the person that makes this a priority.

State Strategy: Pass State Anti-Bullying Laws

GLSEN has model state anti-bullying legislation that has already been successful in many states. Versions of this legislation has been passed in Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington as well as the District of Columbia.

If this law has been passed in your state, learn more about how it is being implemented to protect LGBT students in schools. If it hasn’t yet passed in your state, take action to make it happen.

Download this model state anti-bullying and harassment from GLSEN

Additional Anti-Bullying resources from GLSEN

State Strategy: Pass State Anti-Discrimination Laws in the South

While we are working for full federal equality in employment, housing, and public accommodation, we can continue to work for the same at the state level.

It is important to note that the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has now stated that transgender discrimination is sex discrimination, and while there are legal challenges to this decision, this information needs to be disseminated more broadly in our community.

It should not be used, however, as an excuse to exclude the transgender community from any state bills. Already some have tried to use this decision to argue that we should focus on passing state laws addressing employment discrimination based on sexual orientation but not gender identity/expression. Whatever happens with EEOC rulings down the road (which could actually be expanded to include gays and lesbians) state laws offer an important level of protection and have the opportunity to address the issues not covered by the EEOC decision, namely discrimination in housing and public accommodation.

Of all the states which do not currently have these protections, this year the spotlight is on three being targeted by the Human Rights Campaign’s Project One America. The spotlight is on the Project One America states, Arkansas, Alabama, and Mississippi. This is due in no small part to the unprecedented amount of money HRC will pour into these states. With a three year budget of $8.5 million and a dedicated staff of 20, this is the biggest ever investment being made in the south.

Of course, it’s important that you understand what the laws are in your state are. Check out these state equality maps, if you are unsure.

Learn more about Project One America

It all starts with your statewide LGBT organization

If these campaigns have piqued your curiosity, or if you’re ready to take action, the place to start is your statewide LGBT advocacy group. The Equality Federation is a great place to start. Equality Federation is the strategic partner and movement builder to state-based organizations winning equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people. Visit the Equality Federation website to connect with the LGBT advocacy group doing work in your state and get started today.

LGBT HealthLink Grades States on LGBT Tobacco Integration

August 30, 2018December 14, 2014 by David Mariner

Ft. Lauderdale, FL – December 10, 2014 – LGBT HealthLink today announced the first ever grades for state tobacco programs’ LGBT inclusion practices. The grades, based on a survey of best practices originally conducted in 2013 and updated this fall, represent an assessment of the overall progress each state has made in addressing inclusion, including policies, training, data collection, and community engagement. Grades span from “A” to “F”, with the average across states a “C+”.

LGBT people smoke at rates that are over 50% higher than the general population and experience profound health disparities in both cancer and smoking-related disease. The survey was developed to bring transparency to how successful states are at integrating this disproportionately affected population into their overall tobacco control work.

According to Daniella Matthews-Trigg, Administrator of LGBT HealthLink, “The results of this survey not only illustrate the work that needs to be done, but highlights the impressive efforts by many states. Our hope is that creating a system for comparison will motivate states to adopt as many best practices as possible, thereby improving acceptance and wellness in LGBTQ communities around the country”. LGBT HealthLink is offering resources to each state to improve their grades.

For several years, LGBT HealthLink (formerly the Network for LGBT Health Equity) has been circulating “Identifying and Eliminating LGBT Tobacco Disparities”, a document outlining the best practices for state programs in LGBT tobacco control, and working closely with states to implement them. These report cards are intended to gauge adoption of those best practices at a state level and create a baseline for future work.

The release of the report cards comes just after the CDC’s Office of Smoking and Health recently accepted applications from states for their next five years of tobacco funding. Dr. Scout, Director of LGBT HealthLink, noted that “In order to eliminate the LGBT smoking disparity, we need to make sure the tobacco control community targets us just like the tobacco industry already does.”

Matthews-Trigg emphasized how closely HealthLink is working with states improve their grades, “We are the people providing technical assistance to these states to do this well, so this is really a report card of our work as much as theirs. We look forward to continuing our work with the many amazing state representatives to get these grades even higher.”

View the report cards: www.lgbthealthlink.org/Report-Cards/2014

For more about the methodology and scoring:
www.lgbthealthlink.org/Report-Cards

Ref.: Costa Rica Drug Rehab.

LGBTQ Organizations Open Letter: From Ferguson to True Freedom

January 23, 2016December 11, 2014 by David Mariner

LGBT Community Response to Ferguson and NYC

Words cannot begin to describe the depth of feeling we all share about the unfolding tragedies in Ferguson and New York City. Words cannot relieve the suffering of Michael Brown and Eric Garner’s loved ones nor can words alone salve the pain nor quell the anger of millions. It’s action we need and we need it now.

As LGBTQ national organizations, we proudly stand in solidarity with the civil rights organizations and local activists — including the actions of an amazing, fierce, brilliant cadre of youth leaders, many of whom are queer identified — in demanding fundamental systemic change that tackles the root causes of racial and economic injustices once and for all. From political accountability for the deaths of Michael and Eric to the immediate passage of federal legislation that completely bans racial profiling across this land to ensuring that local police departments are representative and fair arbiters of safety and protection for everyone and who — through their actions — are continually working to earn the trust, confidence and respect of the entire community.

We too must speak louder than words and take more action — to change more hearts and minds and fight even harder for the policies and practices that make statements such as this one obsolete.

We urge you to:

Join the March Against Police Violence in Washington, called by the National Action Network, on Saturday December 13th, 10:30am;
Organize and participate in peaceful protests in cities across the nation;
Attend public meetings in your city or town to show your support or share your experience with elected officials; and
Create your own actions for change in person and online — at home, at school, at work, in the corridors of power, and in places of worship.

Everyone, everywhere in our nation can do more to end racism and racial injustice. Everyone, from the Department of Justice that must do more to deliver justice for the Brown and Garner families to the high school principal who could do more to engage and educate students about racism and the need for justice.

Even those of us who have devoted our lives to this cause need to redouble our efforts to reach out to more people — including those people who are on the wrong side of this issue.

If we as a nation are to end racism and racial injustice once and for all, everyone must be part of an ongoing and sustainable process of change — a process that builds on all the progress we’ve made, a process that aims to recruit everyone, and a process with the specific mission of delivering lived equality, justice, and freedom for all.

American Civil Liberties Union
Believe Out Loud
Brethren Mennonite Council for LGBT
The BiCast
BiNet USA
Bisexual Organizing Project
Bisexual Leadership Roundtable
Bisexual Resource Center
Campus Pride
CenterLink: The Community of LGBT Centers
Center For Black Equity
COLAGE
Consortium of Higher Education LGBT Resource Professionals
Equality Federation
Family Equality Council
The Fellowship Global (Pastor Joseph Tolton)
The Fellowship of Affirming Ministries (Bishop Yvette Flunder)
Freedom to Marry
Gay Men’s Health Crisis
GLAAD
Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders
GLMA: Health Professionals Advancing LGBT Equality
Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network
Harvey Milk Foundation
Higher Education T* Circle Advisory Board
Human Rights Campaign
International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission
Lambda Legal
MAP
Marriage Equality USA
More Light Presbyterians
National Black Justice Coalition
National Center for Lesbian Rights
National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs
National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce
National LGBTQ Task Force
National Minority AIDS Council
The National Queer Asian Pacific Islander Alliance (NQAPIA)
Nehirim
Out & Equal Workplace Advocates
PFLAG National
Pride at Work, AFL-CIO
The Pride Network
Reconciling Ministries Network
SAGE (Services & Advocacy for GLBT Elders)
Trans People of Color Coalition
The Trevor Project

LGBT Asylum Group Expands Scope & Changes Name

January 11, 2016December 11, 2014 by David Mariner

A recent Associated Press story reveals LGBT people from around the world are seeking asylum in the United States in growing numbers. For example, asylum seekers from Russia are up 34%; many are LGBT persons fearing for their lives. The diversity of groups supporting LGBT asylum seekers is also growing. To reflect this reality, the LGBT Faith and Asylum Network announced a name change, today. It is now the LGBT Freedom and Asylum Network.

LGBT-FAN launched in January 2014 with a congressional briefing and a working retreat. Leaders from around the country, including asylum seekers and asylees, have worked since 2012 to build a core of support and to solidify their mission. The group’s new name reflects the collaborative style of LGBT-FAN, its commitment to LGBT people of all faiths or no faith, and the coalition’s diverse membership. Ironically, while much of the persecution against LGBT people globally is driven by religion, much of the work to help LGBT asylum seekers in the U.S. is led by groups such as Chicago’s Broadway United Methodist Church and the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society (HIAS).
LGBT-FAN supports direct-service groups, educates the wider community, and operates a charitable fund to give grants for direct services. The network advocates for the U.S. Government to protect LGBT asylum seekers, and works to support asylum seekers who face the brunt of punitive US immigration policies which deny them legal representation or
any means of support while they wait for months for officials to decide on their asylum applications.
At the heart of LGBT-FAN are a growing number of grassroots efforts that provide basic necessities such as housing to LGBT asylum seekers, most of whom are not legally able to hold employment for at least six months after filing their
asylum applications. These organizations include:
• Chicago LGBT Asylum Support Program (CLASP) (Chicago, IL)
• Center for Integration and Courageous Living (Chicago, IL)
• Freedom House (Detroit, MI)
• Housing Works (New York, NY)
• Better Together coalition (New York, NY)
• The First Unitarian Universalist Society of San Francisco (San Francisco Bay Area, CA)
• LGBTQI Bay Area Asylum Coalition (San Francisco Bay Area, CA)
• Center Global, a program of the DC Center for the LGBT Community (Washington, DC)
• The LGBT Asylum Support Task Force (Worcester, MA)

According to LGBT-FAN Coordinator Max Niedzwiecki, “The work of the LGBT Freedom and Asylum Network is increasingly important. Laws in more than 80 countries subject LGBT people to prison, torture, and abuse. Some flee their homes and come to the US seeking safety. Once here, they need shelter, a welcoming community, food, and warm clothes. More than the basics, many want guidance to attain their goals, and feel empowered to join advocacy efforts for LGBT rights worldwide, and immigrant rights here in the US. Many of us are recognizing the shared responsibility to reach out to them.”

LGBT-FAN is partnering with the National LGBTQ Task Force to produce the first-ever guide for best practices when working with this population, and with Funders for LGBTQ Issues to educate foundation staff about LGBT asylum seekers.

2015 Guide to LGBT & HIV/AIDS Awareness Days

October 21, 2015December 8, 2014 by David Mariner

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, 2015

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 four specific focal points: Get Educated, Get Tested, Get Involved, and Get Treated.

www.nationalblackaidsday.org

National Youth HIV/AIDS Awareness Day

April 10th, 2015

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.

www.youthaidsday.org

National Day of Silence

April (Date TBD), 2015

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.

www.dayofsilence.org

International Family Equality Day

May 3rd, 2015

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.

www.internationalfamilyequalityday.org

International Day Against Homophobia

May 17th, 2015

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.

www.dayagainsthomophobia.org

National Asian & Pacific Islander HIV/AIDS Awareness Day

May 19th, 2015

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.

www.banyantreeproject.org

National LGBT Community Center Awareness Day

September 15th

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.

www.lgbtcenters.org

National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day

September 18th, 2015

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.

www.theaidsinstitute.org

Celebrate Bisexuality Day

September 23rd, 2015

Celebrate Bisexuality Day is observed worldwide on September 23, 2015 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.

www.facebook.com/bivisibility

National Gay Men’s HIV/AIDS Awareness Day

September 27th, 2015

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.

National Coming Out Day

October 11th, 2015

Every year on National Coming Out Day, we celebrate coming out as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (LGBTQ) or as an ally. On Oct. 11, 2014, we marked the 26th anniversary of National Coming Out Day.

26 years ago, on the anniversary of the National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights, we first observed National Coming Out Day as a reminder that one of our most basic tools is the power of coming out. One out of every two Americans has someone close to them who is gay or lesbian. For transgender people, that number is only one in 10.

Coming out STILL MATTERS. When people know someone who is LGBTQ, they are far more likely to support equality under the law. Beyond that, our stories can be powerful to each other.

www.hrc.org/resources/entry/national-coming-out-day

Spirit Day

Date TBD, October 2015

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.

www.glaad.org/spiritday

National Latino HIV/AIDS Awareness Day

October 15th, 2015

The last day of Hispanic Heritage Month, October 15th, has been designated as National Latino 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 Latino 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.

www.nlaad.org

Intersex Awareness Day

October 26th, 2015

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.

Transgender Day of Remembrance

November 20th, 2015

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.

www.tdor.info

World AIDS Day

December 1st, 2015

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.

www.un.org/en/events/aidsday

National Youth HIV/AIDS Awareness Day

December 7, 2014 by David Mariner

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.

National Youth HIV & AIDS Awareness Day will be celebrated all across the country. There will be events hosted by various organizations and individuals in high schools, colleges, churches, community centers and more! There also will be opportunities for online participation.

Find out more at www.youthaidsday.org

Great American Condom Campaign

December 30, 2014December 6, 2014 by David Mariner

Applications to become a Great American Condom Campaign Spring Semester SafeSite are now open!

The Great American Condom Campaign is a youth-led grassroots movement to reduce unintended pregnancies and the spread of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections by normalizing condom use on college and university campuses. Students from across the country apply to become SafeSites, individual condom distribution points, and upon selection receive a box of 500 Trojan condoms to distribute to their peers. SafeSites are also tasked with educating their peers about safer sex and advocating on campus and within their community for the sexual and reproductive health and rights of young people.

The Great American Condom Campaign is a program of Advocates for Youth. In the past academic year, 2,600 SafeSites distributed more than 1,300,000 condoms to students on 1,234 campuses. SafeSites were established in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico.

Sound like fun? Apply for the GACC NOW!

We receive more applications than we can accept, so make sure your application stands out! Be clear about how you will distribute condoms and why you want to be part of the GACC. To learn more about the GACC and the awesome work of previous SafeSites, go to the GACC Facebook page.

Applications to be a Fall Semester SafeSite are open through December 31st, 2014. It only takes 10 minutes to fill out an application, so start now!

Do it for your country.