
from Robert Sledzaus of Reston, VA to The Hill In 29 states including Virginia, it’s legal to fire otherwise-qualified employees because they are lesbian, gay, or bisexual. In 38 states, it’s legal to fire otherwise-qualified employees because they are transgender. Fe...

by Robert Pear | New York Times Lower taxes for gay couples who receive health benefits from employers. Nutrition labeling requirements for snack food sold in vending machines and many restaurants. A new program to teach parents how to interact with their children...

by Bod Tedeschi | New York Times IN recent years, state and local governments have enacted laws to combat discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgendered people seeking mortgages and housing...

I’ll be in San Diego this weekend and would love to see you! I’ll be with the San Diego Democratic Club (SDDC) on Saturday for a reception and presentation about the state of the LGBT movement including the latest events impacting our civil rights struggle. I ...

by Rachael Laser and Lanae Erickson | Huffington Post This week, the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions will hold a hearing on the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA), which would protect gay, lesbian, and transgender Americans against workplace discrimination...

by Ryan Prado | Just Out Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) had a busy day yesterday dicussing the significance, importance, and the necessity for the passing of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act – the bill that he has inherited from the late Sen. Ted Kennedy. ...

Even as we took the sucker punch of losing marriage equality in Maine by popular vote, we saw history made and in the making in Kalamazoo, Michigan and—hopefully—Washington State. In...

NCLR: The Employment Non-Discrimination Act Necessary and Overdue for Workers (Washington, DC, November 5, 2009) — The National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) commends the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions for convening hearings today on the Employment Non-Discrimination A...

Detroit Free-Press editorial Inclusive minds prevailed in Kalamazoo Tuesday, as that city became the 16th in Michigan to embrace an ordinance that prohibits discrimination against gays and lesbians in employment, housing and public accommodations...

Ginny Perrine-Wilson
If you aren't on the NCLR email list or don't go to the site regularly, I encourage you to read this eloquent, direct letter from Kate Kendell, the Executive Director. She put into words the anger, frustration and hope that I've been feeling with the rash of legislation that is occuring around this country. http://nclrights.wordpress.com/2009/11/0 4/the-day-after-the-hard-night/

by Karin Wang | Asian Pacific Americans for Progress blog As a straight ally in the fight for marriage equality, I am often asked why I work on the issue of marriage equality. It was not something that I planned, and – honestly – it was not even something that I chose. As...

from the American-Statesman According to an announcement from Council Member Bill Spelman’s office: Austin City Manager Marc Ott notified the Austin City Council today that COBRA-like benefits will be made available to the same-sex domestic partners of City employees. ...

by Justin Bourne | USA Today In my days as a hockey player, I did nothing but contribute to hockey’s culture of homophobia and prejudice against gays. I used gay slurs more times than I’d like to admit. Si...

Ron Clapham
Hi Everyone,
I wanted to share this.
I think everyone else should do this and send a message to Obama's aides.
Since the election last year, I have subscribed to his newsletter updates. The one's saying there's a big emergency and to call so and so - and then they ask for a contribution. Somehow gay rights issues never c...ome across this call to action email subscription, by the way.
I cancelled it and they prompted me for a reason.
Below is my reason:
"I am unsubscribing for Obama failing to come against Question 1 in Maine, Proposition 8 in CA, Referendum 71 in Washington and the gay rights fight for equality in Kalamazoo, MI.
Lip service and begging for support and hand outs is not going to cut it anymore."
Who knows if anyone reads it but i enough people unsubscribe with the same reason, they might notice.
ThanksRead More
I wanted to share this.
I think everyone else should do this and send a message to Obama's aides.
Since the election last year, I have subscribed to his newsletter updates. The one's saying there's a big emergency and to call so and so - and then they ask for a contribution. Somehow gay rights issues never c...ome across this call to action email subscription, by the way.
I cancelled it and they prompted me for a reason.
Below is my reason:
"I am unsubscribing for Obama failing to come against Question 1 in Maine, Proposition 8 in CA, Referendum 71 in Washington and the gay rights fight for equality in Kalamazoo, MI.
Lip service and begging for support and hand outs is not going to cut it anymore."
Who knows if anyone reads it but i enough people unsubscribe with the same reason, they might notice.
ThanksRead More

The National Center for Lesbian Rights
Please join NCLR and California Rural Legal Assistance for a session on providing effective services for LGBT people who are low-income, people of color, and elders. This session will provide an overview of the substantive legal rights of LGBT people, including family law, elder law issues, and anti-discrimination laws.... Presenters will also highlight programs that legal aid organizations and national legal advocacy groups have created to ensure access to justice for diverse LGBT people.
Panelists include:
* Lisa Cisneros, Esq., Pride Law Fellow & Proyecto Poderoso Director
* Joyce Pierson, Elder Law Project Consultant
* Cathy Sakimura, Esq., Staff Attorney and Family Protection Project Coordinator
Registration is required. Please visit the National Legal Aid and Defender Association's conference website for more information. Read More
Panelists include:
* Lisa Cisneros, Esq., Pride Law Fellow & Proyecto Poderoso Director
* Joyce Pierson, Elder Law Project Consultant
* Cathy Sakimura, Esq., Staff Attorney and Family Protection Project Coordinator
Registration is required. Please visit the National Legal Aid and Defender Association's conference website for more information. Read More
Understanding the Needs, the Law, the Barriers, and Solutions
Time:8:30AM Friday, November 20th
Location:National Legal Aid & Defender Association 2009 Annual Conference











