Equality Magazine Spring 2014

CHRIS CARMACK

JAILHOUSE ROCK

ON TV’S “NASHVILLE,” HOMOPHOBIA AND COWBOY HATS

LAURA PREPON ON “ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK”

H U M A N

R I G H T S

MILESTONE 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF MARRIAGE IN MASSACHUSETTS

INTERNATIONAL LGBT ADVOCATES MEET WITH PRESIDENT OF THE WORLD BANK

C A M P A I G N

IN MISSISSIPPI… (L-R) Carla Webb, Joce Pritchett and their two children; Bryson and his wife, Brenda, and his mom, Mary; Mayor Parker Wiseman of Starkville, Miss.; Rev. Rob Hill; R. Ashley Jackson, co-founder of the Mississippi Safe Schools Coalition; Ray Mays, elementary school teacher and recent college graduate; Rev. Stan Wilson, Baptist pastor (Photo: Dave Anderson for HRC)

S P R I N G 2014

TOGETHER, WE ARE

ONE AMERICA MISSISSIPPI, ALABAMA AND ARKANSAS

“IF WE CAN MOVE THE SOUTH,

WE CAN MOVE THE NATION.”

THE EVERYDAY REALITIES OF THE LGBT EXPERIENCE IN THE SOUTH

25+75+A

From a recent survey of 2,758 LGBT individuals in Alabama, Arkansas and Mississippi *

25% 1in5

A quarter of those LGBT people surveyed in Alabama, Arkansas and Mississippi experienced discrimination in employment or public accommodation.

54%

of those surveyed are in a committed relationship (including long-term relationship, domestic partnership, civil union, marriage).

28%

attend religious services, once or twice a month or more.

Nearly one in five report experiencing physical violence because of their identity.

!!!!

65%

1in4 of LGBT people surveyed in Alabama, Arkansas and Mississippi report suffering verbal abuse.

Nearly one in four people in rural areas experienced harassment at work in the past week — compared to 12% in the suburbs and 15% in urban areas.

24% of people making $20,000 or less experienced harassment on the street in the last week — versus 8% of those making $45,000 or more.

education and testing is the top priority among African-American LGBT respondents.

25% 12% 15%

LGBT parents raising children in these states are total legal strangers to the children they raise, i.e., they have absolutely no legal relationship to their children.

59%

of the respondents have spent all or most of their lives in their current state of residence. These states are not home to transient communities.

Expanding protections for families in the workplace and passing inclusive hate crime laws are the top policy priorities for the respondents.

*ONLINE SURVEY CONDUCTED FOR HRC BY ANZALONE LISZT GROVE RESEARCH, FEB. 6 – MARCH 20, 2014.

F

or too long, the opponents of equality across the South have controlled the conversation. They’ve made the case that there’s simply nothing Southern about being lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender. They’ve said that we want to destroy the family and attack faith. That we want to redefine marriage. That we want “special” rights and freedoms. And, despite the tireless work of local advocates who have spent decades across the South working to change hearts and minds, they’ve largely succeeded.

The result is the creation of two distinctly different Americas. In one America, mostly on the coasts, with a few hopeful spots in the middle, full legal equality is near a reality. But in the other America, like in my home state of Arkansas, even the most basic protections of the law are nonexistent. No non-discrimination protections.

No reliable access to affordable HIV care. No right to jointly adopt a child. And certainly no marriage equality. (Although it did become a reality in Arkansas recently — at least, temporarily — thanks to the brave plaintiffs in Wright v. Arkansas and their attorneys.)

Because of such huge disparities across this country, the Human Rights Campaign has launched

Project One America — an unprecedented, $8.5 million effort to advance equality for LGBT people in Arkansas, Mississippi and Alabama, involving 20 full-time staff and dedicated offices. From classrooms to church pews, from workplaces to hospitals, from city halls to state capitals, we’ll be sharing our lives, our hopes and our struggles with our neighbors and policy makers.

The Southern region is home to one-third of HRC’s members and supporters. And we’re proud to be working alongside grassroots organizations that have been working on the ground for years. Especially in the South, all movements for justice are deeply connected, regardless of race, creed, age, religion, sexual orientation or gender identity.

HRC is well aware that we are not the first to do this work, but we’re hopeful that, together, we can all be the ones who finish this work.

Together, we can bring about positive change.

Gratefully,

Chad Griffin President

WWW.HRC.ORG

SPRING 2014

1

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BOARD OF DIRECTORS

ONE LOVE

Tracie Ahern NY, Lacey All WA, Ian Barrett TX, Bruce Bastian UT, Terry Bean OR, Vanessa Benavides TX, Les Bendtsen MN, Michael Berman DC, Scott Bishop NC, Paul Boskind TX, Chris Carolan NY, Bill Donius MO, Chris Flynn MA, Jody Gates LA, Kirk Hamill DC, Suzanne Hamilton OH, Jim Harrison TX, Tom Knabel MN, Chris Labonte PA, Joan Lau PA, Joni Madison NC, Joshua Miller NV, Hank Provost CO, Cheryl Rose OH, Linda Scaparotti CA, Molly Simmons GA, Steve Sorenson CA, Meghan Stabler TX, Brad White CA, Frank Woo CA, Tony Woods DC

FOUNDATION BOARD Tracie Ahern NY, Gwen Baba CA, Elena Baca CA, John Barry IL, Bruce Bastian UT, Terry Bean OR, Les Bendtsen MN, Scott Bishop NC, Todd Canon TX, Lee Carter NC, Edie Cofrin GA, Bill Donius MO, Chris Flynn MA, Charlie Frew GA, Suzanne Hamilton OH, Sheila Kloefkorn AZ, Britt Kornmann TX, Joan Lau PA, Andy Linsky CA, Joshua Miller NV, Hank Provost CO, Henry Robin NY, Cheryl Rose OH, John Ruffier FL, Cathi Scalise TX, Frank Selvaggi NY, Judy Shepard WY, Ashley Smith DC, Steve Sorenson CA, Faye Tate CO, Frank Woo CA

BOARD OF GOVERNORS

LOVE. MARRIAGE EQUALITY. RESPECT AND DIGNITY. Sweethearts Joe and John, married in 2008, believe in ONE AMERICA. SWEETHEART T-SHIRT $28 XS-3X Eco Grey (shown), Eco Royal, Eco Purple, Eco Natural

Click hrc.org/shop | Call 888-932-7472 Shop Washington, DC; San Francisco, CA; and Provincetown, MA 100% OF YOUR PURCHASE GOES TO HRC’S FIGHT FOR LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL AND TRANSGENDER EQUALITY.

Photo: Dakota Fine

SHOP HRC AND BUY INTO YOUR FUTURE.

Marilyn Abalos NY, John Affuso MA, Steve Amend NV, Tal Anderson MN, Carl Andrews TX, Andrew Arnold CA, Karen Aronoff OH, Jennifer Bajorek TX, Phillip Baker AZ, Greg Battaglia NY, Kevin Baucom TX, Vanessa Benavides TX, Jay Biles NC, Doris Bobadilla LA, Ronna Bolante PA, Chris Boone WA, Brian Bourquin MA, Kathy Bowman OH, Dawn Brown IL, Linda Brown OR, Brian Buzby TX, Rory Cahn OH, Nancy Caldwell TX, Torey Carrick CA, Jeremy Carter NC, Steven Cayton GA, Jeffrey Caywood OH, Jeffrey Coop WA, Angie Cottrell MO, Thomas Cowley CA, June Crenshaw DC, Lynn Currie TX, Dani Daley CA, James Depelteau CA, Brad DiFiore GA, Jaime Duggan TX, Patty Ellis NY, Tamra English TX, Alexandra Ernst DC, Michael Fifield UT, Taylor Fiscus IL, Heather Freyer CA, Patrick Gamble AZ, Matt Garrett GA, Cherie Green CA, Melinda Greene GA, Deb Guidry LA, Jonathan Gundersen PA, Mark Halsell TX, Randall Hance TX, S. Kelly Herrick CA, Gary Hilbert NY, Latoya Holman NV, Ted Holmquist CA, David Horowitz AZ, Tim Jenkins IL, Alana Jochum OH, Deanne Jockish MO, Dean Keppler WA, John Kim OR, Kyle Klatt IL, Champ Knecht NY, Kevin Knoblock MA, Kristine Kuzemka NV, David Lahti CA, Wally Lanci OH, Jason Laney DC, Duane Lefevre MA, Chris Lehtonen CA, Char Ligo OH , Alex Lindquist CO, Jeff Marsocci NC, David Martinez III AZ, Paul Mataras MA, Dan Mauney NC, Kelley McCoy CA, Sean Méhew UT, Missy Morgan NV, DyShaun Muhammad MN, Chris New GA, Robert Newhart IL, Robert Niccolai MO, Derek Osterman MA, Bryan Parsons CA, Ed Patterson GA, Byron Pelt MO, Densil Porteous OH, Kaitlin Porter GA, Steven Pospisil MN, Robb Puckett TX, Ron Quinn NV, Catherine Reid WA, Michael Reiser MO, Chad Reumann TX, Mario Rodas MA, Jonathan Russell GA, Cathy Sarky OH, Shelly Schoenfeld NC, Dustin Schrecengost UT, Thearon Scurlock FL, Kristin Shrimplin OH, JR Simon TN, Daniel Slater CA, Matthew Smith TX, Ashley Smith DC, Corey Smith MN, Michael Smithson OH, LaRence Snowden TX, Leah Solo MN, Amy Speers CO, David Steiman CA, Kevin Stone CA, Jeff Strater TX, Dan Tanner FL, Tim Thomas TX, Paul Thompson CA, Tiffany Tosh TX, Lauren Verrusio NY, Ed Wagner IL, Benjamin Waldman WA, Willis Ward NC, Melissa Warren LA, Jamaul Webster IL, Claudine Wessel AZ, Amy White WA, Andrew Winters MD, Philip Wright TX

CURRENT AS OF MAY 9, 2014

INSIDE

HRC SENIOR STAFF Chad Griffin President Brad Clark Director of Programmatic Development Ann Crowley Membership & Online Strategy Director Robert Falk General Counsel Andrea Green Finance Director Anastasia Khoo Marketing Director Don Kiser Creative Director Jeff Krehely Vice President & Chief Foundation Officer

Photo: Denis Largeron

Ana Ma Chief of Staff & Chief Operating Officer Cathy Nelson Vice President for Development & Membership Jim Rinefierd Vice President for Finance & Operations Marty Rouse National Field Director Fred Sainz Vice President of Communications & Marketing Susanne Salkind Vice President of Human Resources & Leadership Development

FEATURES

Christopher Speron Development Director David Stacy Governmental Affairs Director Sarah Warbelow Legal Director

HRC EQUALITY STAFF Janice Hughes Publications Director Robert Villaflor Design Director Photo: Katherine Bomboy Thornton

Sarah Streyle Senior Graphic Design Specialist Jessie Sheffield Marketing Assistant

SPECIAL CONTRIBUTORS Ty Cobb; Jeremy Pittman; Karin Quimby; Marty Rouse

OTHER CONTRIBUTORS Breanna Bishop; Steffan Declue; Justin Giaquinto; Noel Gordon; Charlie Joughin; Don Kiser; Mollie Levin; Jason Lott; Adam Marquez; Rose Matias; Bryce Romero; Sarah Warbelow, Mike Wilkinson Equality is a publication of the Human Rights Campaign and the Human Rights Campaign Foundation. Equality (ISSN 10925791) is published quarterly by HRC, 1640 Rhode Island Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036. Copyright 2014. All rights reserved. Subscription rates: Free to members. Printed in the USA. The Human Rights Campaign and HRC Foundation names and Equality logos are trademarks of the Human Rights Campaign and HRC Foundation.

To join HRC, call 800-727-4723, visit www.hrc.org or TTY at 202-216-1572.

Are you an HRC member? Have a question? ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­HRC’s Member Services team, led by Dana Campbell, works every day to provide HRC’s more than one million members and supporters with the best membership experience possible. To contact Member Services, email membership@hrc.org or call 800-727-4723.

Photo: Jessica Miglio

All advertisers in Equality magazine are Human Rights Campaign National Corporate Partners. Because of HRC’s commitment to improving the lives of LGBT Americans in the workplace, all of our National Corporate Partners must demonstrate their own dedication by achieving a score of 85 percent or greater on HRC’s Corporate Equality Index. Companies such as these have advanced the cause of LGBT equality in the workplace.

For specific scores, criteria and more information on the Corporate Equality Index, please visit www.hrc.org/CEI.

IN THE STATES

13 TEN-YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF MARRIAGE EQUALITY

MARKING A MILESTONE IN MASSACHUSETTS

DISPATCH FROM THE SOUTH

15 COVER STORY: HRC LAUNCHES PROJECT ONE AMERICA

INTERNATIONAL

21 URGING THE WORLD BANK TO MOVE AHEAD LGBT ADVOCATES MEET WITH JIM KIM, WORLD BANK PRESIDENT

11 CHRIS CARMACK OF “NASHVILLE” STARTING CONVERSATIONS, ON THE SET AND OFF 25 BEHIND BARS, AND LOVING IT AN INTERVIEW WITH LAURA PREPON OF “ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK”

DEPARTMENTS 7

UPFRONT

31 GALA EVENTS 31 FOUNDATION PARTNERS

NATIONAL CORPORATE SPONSORS

Yes, you can read Equality on your iPad! HRC’s magazine — the largest-circulation LGBT magazine in the country — is now available in the Apple iTunes Apps Store. Just type in “Human Rights Campaign Equality Magazine.”

Understanding and appreciating each others’ diversity Bank of America is proud to support the Human Rights Campaign For more than three decades, the Human Rights Campaign has championed civil rights and equality for LGBT Americans. We are deeply grateful for the HRC’s dedication and acknowledge a debt of gratitude for their leadership.

At Bank of America, we share the HRC’s vision. We stand with all of our people, knowing that our differences, whether in thought, culture, sexual orientation, gender identity or ethnicity, allow us to be stronger as an organization.

We thank the HRC for recognizing our commitment to equality. We are proud that for the eighth year in a row, Bank of America has scored 100% on the Human Rights Campaign Corporate Equality Index for supporting LGBT employees and their families. www.bankofamerica.com/diversity

Life’s better when we’re connected™

ARCJLUFX

Photo: Ben Shallenberger

up front YOUR MEDICAL CARE MAY NOT BE THE SAME AS SOMEONE ELSE’S. THAT DOESN’T MAKE YOUR MEDICAL CARE ANY LESS LEGITIMATE THAN SOMEONE ELSE’S.” — Joanna Cifredo of Casa Ruby LGBT Community Center in Washington, D.C., speaking in HRC’s Transgender Health & Well-Being video series, which ran on www.hrc.org for four weeks, featuring transgender leaders, allies and HRC staff talking about the key misconceptions about transgender healthcare.

Cifredo talked about the myth that such healthcare is “special care” and not medically necessary. The video series has already received 10,000-plus hits.

And now a tenth city may, too.

Houston, the fourth most populous U.S. city, appeared likely to pass, at Equality presstime, a non-discrimination ordinance protecting its lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender citizens.

Kudos go to Mayor Annise Parker for introducing the Equal Rights Ordinance, which covers discrimination in the workplace, housing and public accommodations on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. Parker, who is in her third term, was expected to put the proposal to a vote in the city council in May.

“The Houston I know doesn’t discriminate. It really doesn’t matter in Houston, and it shouldn’t matter in Houston, your place of origin, your gender, your age, what physical limitations

you may have or who you choose to love,” said Parker, the first openly gay mayor of a major American city. “It’s time to codify in an ordinance that position.”

Over the past six months, HRC spearheaded the effort to ensure that the measure covers both private and public employers in Houston, and mobilized HRC members and supporters to urge leaders to support it.

But stay tuned: If the measure is petitioned to the November ballot, it’s likely to spark a rancorous, costly battle.

20 YEARS. 85,000 MEMBERS.

Photo: Louis Grandadam Photo: Cathy Reno Brouillet

Nine of the ten most populous cities in the country have it.

The Human Rights Campaign continues to keep up the pressure on the sultan of Brunei.

Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah has enacted a new law, condemning his own LGBT citizens to death by stoning. And yet, as the Human Rights Campaign is pointing out in a new campaign, the sultan is profiting from same-sex weddings held at the Beverly Hills Hotel, one of the flagships of the sultan’s personally owned luxury hotel chain.

In April, HRC launched a campaign to call the sultan out on his draconian laws, urging leaders of several charities and philanthropic groups planning to host events at his hotels to take their business elsewhere. Every organization has moved its event, as have many others. Meanwhile, the sultan is seeking to expand his hotel chain to New York. HRC is working to make sure that won’t happen, either.

T

hat’s how many years the Human Rights Campaign’s Provincetown Action Center and Store has been in business, and the number of new HRC members its staff has brought on board.

The idea of putting down roots in P’town, the revered LGBT vacation spot at the far tip of Cape Cod, came about during a conversation in 1993 between HRC Board member Edie Cofrin and Cathy Nelson, HRC’s development chief. Nelson’s idea, supported by Cofrin, soon became a reality — at a time when few, if any, nonprofit organizations used merchandising as a membership strategy. Now, HRC has three such action centers and stores.

Thousands of visitors annually stop in at HRC’s P’town store for the town’s mix of activities — Women’s Week, Family Week, Bear Week and more — thanks in no small part to Cathy Reno Brouillet, its senior general manager and unofficial “Mayor of Gayberry.”

WWW.HRC.ORG

SPRING 2014

7

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There are people’s tastes. And then there are people’s taste buds. Satisfying both is why we offer such a wide range of low- and no-calorie options (180 in the U.S. alone), as well as portion-control packages, that can t into a balanced diet and active lifestyle. Variety – it’s just another thing we’re doing to help make the world we all live in a little bit better. To learn more about what we’re doing and why we’re doing it, join us at thecoca-colacompany.com

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up front

Photo: Dakota Fine

IN IOWA: HELPING TO END THE STIGMA UP CLOSE & PERSONAL CHARLES JOUGHIN National Press Secretary, HRC Watching “Veep,” “Game of Thrones” and “Girls.”

Political hero “U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin ranks at the top of my list.”

About talking with the media “Speaking to reporters can be challenging, but also a lot of fun.

It gives me a chance to convey the great work that HRC is doing and elevate our cause in a way that can reach a lot of people all across the country.”

Typical weekend ritual “Ideally, it would be waking up at 11 a.m., watching old episodes of “Murder, She Wrote” on Netflix for a few hours. Unfortunately, my boyfriend makes us get up early to go to the gym or take a long bike ride. It’s a nightmare.”

His upcoming wedding, and what worries him most “There’s really no telling what I’m going to get thrown into, with my straight brother and best friend planning my big gay bachelor party weekend.”

Before HRC, you worked for Sen. Nelson of Florida, your home state. Any surprises in that job? “It was always cool to see senators interact with each other off the Senate floor. One minute, two senators could be having a heated debate about offshore drilling or healthcare reform, and then the next, they’re walking back to their offices together, chatting about home renovations and SEC football.”

Late night binge food “Spoonfuls of Nutella and Goldfish — sometimes together, sometimes not.”

I

n a move that could reverberate across the country, Iowa lawmakers recently voted unanimously to revise one of the country’s toughest laws punishing perceived exposure to HIV. At Equality presstime, the bill was headed to the desk of Gov. Terry Branstad.

Hopefully, statehouses across the country will modernize similar decades-old laws to end the stigma associated with being HIV-positive.

In Iowa, the old law levied unusually severe criminal penalties against

individuals who did not disclose their HIV status during intimate contact even if the individual used protection.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 25 states have laws that criminalize behaviors that pose a “low or negligible risk for HIV transmission.”

These laws have not kept up with the changes in modern medicine and, even when passed, failed to take into account measures used to reduce the risk of transmission.

SIX YEARS IS A LONG TIME The mid-term elections are nearly here! On Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2014, contests across the country will be held — including 36 Senate elections, with winners serving six-year terms, starting early next year and continuing until Jan. 3, 2021.

What’s at stake is who controls the Senate, where the Democrats now have a 55-45 majority. All 435 seats in the House of Representatives, now under Republican control, are also up for grabs. Polls show that Republicans are significantly more likely to head to the polls in mid-term elections than Democrats. Elections matter — be sure you’re registered and vote.

FOR THE SECOND YEAR RUNNING, the Human Rights Campaign has been recognized in The NonProfit Times’ 2014 listing of the “best nonprofits to work for.”

NPT made a final selection from its large applicant pool to recognize the top 50 nonprofits in the country. Scoring was based on pay, benefits and incentives; employee engagement and communication; and staff development and growth.

WWW.HRC.ORG

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O

n the TV hit show “Nashville,” closeted singer Will Lexington is struggling to make it in the country music industry while feeling tormented about being attracted to men in a business renowned for being homophobic. Currently, only one or two country music singers are openly gay.

Actor Chris Carmack, 33, plays Lexington on “Nashville,” now renewed for a third season. Since the show began, Carmack, who is a straight ally, has been ready, willing and able to speak out about the importance of LGBT equality.

“To expose people to ideas they have never considered before is a humbling experience. It inspires me to work harder,” says Carmack, a native of the Washington, D.C., area, and a former Abercrombie & Fitch model.

TV’S “NASHVILLE”

CHRIS CARMACK Photo: Bob D’Amico/ABC

Starting Conversations, On the Set and Off

How has your character been received?

I would say it has been universally welcoming.

Will is an entirely relatable character. Everyone I know can relate to someone who feels he has to sacrifice part of who he is to follow his dream. Now his particular sacrifice, denying himself sexually and emotionally, is particularly tragic. There is a lot of empathy for Will.

Everyone wants to see him be OK with himself and succeed in his career.

Homophobia is a big issue in the country music industry.

My character has certainly sparked a dialogue both on set and off. On set, it usually has to do with the character and the story and trying to get it right.

Off set, it’s been more interesting. More often than not, I hear, “What’s the big deal? Do you really think that this day and age he would be ousted for being gay?” I remind people that just because you could be accepting of an out country singer does not mean the United States as a whole, and particularly the core country audience, would be. It can be easy to forget sometimes, if you are in an accepting community, that life can be hell for GLBT people in other places. It’s important to remind them that the fight for equality is far from over and the dangers of homophobia, prejudice and hatred are very real for many Americans.

I have also had some interesting conversations with some people who are not very open-minded. More often than not their attitude

is one of curiosity. “How is that playing a gay guy? How do you feel about it?” I usually give them an explanation of what my character is going through and how heartbreaking it is.

Sometimes I feel like it’s the first time they have considered the person and the life behind the label of “gay.” Sometimes it feels like a first step towards opening up someone’s heart and mind.

To play a part on network television that opens this kind of dialogue and may expose people to ideas they have never considered before is a humbling experience. It inspires me to work harder and tell this story with as much compassion and understanding as I can bring to it.

Did you have any LGBT friends growing up? Family?

I have done theater since I was in high school and there were a few kids who were out. The theater was meant to be a safe and accepting place for everybody, and from an early age I recognized that was a good thing. I have had gay friends my whole life and some of them are the most inspiring people I know.

How’s the cowboy hat? Getting used to it?

The first day on set, the hat hadn’t been picked out just yet. It was delivered after I had rehearsed my first scene. I put it on and we rolled.

I forgot my lines and bumped into the walls! It was enormous. I have gotten quite used to it now and I am very fond of it. But for a minute there, I didn’t know if I could pull it off.

WWW.HRC.ORG

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At Cox, we believe the strength of our company lies in our commitment to equality. We embrace diversity through our people, communities, customers and suppliers. Together, we are united as one.

For more information on Cox Enterprises’ corporate responsibility programs please visit: www.coxinc.com

(L) Celebrating at the statehouse, a year later (R) Lead Counsel Mary Bonauto reviews decision outside courthouse

TEN-YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF

MARRIAGE EQUALITY

MARKING A MILESTONE IN MASSACHUSETTS

By Marty Rouse & Jeremy Pittman

Photos: Elise Amendola /AP, Marilyn Humphries courtingequality.com

The question before us is whether, consistent with the Massachusetts Constitution, the Commonwealth may deny the protections, benefits, and obligations conferred by civil marriage to two individuals of the same sex who wish to marry. We conclude that it may not.”

— Republican-appointed Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court Chief Justice Margaret Marshall in Goodridge v.

Department of Public Health

O

n May 17, 2004, six months after the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court’s 4-3 decision in the Goodridge case, same-sex couples began to legally marry in the state — the first to do so in the United States.

The powerful ruling still reverberates across this country — and is cited as courts at all levels, even the U.S. Supreme Court, consider marriage equality.

Mary Bonauto, civil rights project director at Boston-based Gay and Lesbian Advocates and Defenders, was lead counsel in the case. She was also co-counsel in the successful Baker v. State of Vermont case

several years earlier that led to the creation of civil unions by the legislature.

Bonauto’s success in winning marriage in the courts and having that victory result in same-sex couples getting married has rightfully earned her a place in the history books. “She’s our Thurgood Marshall,” says former Massachusetts congressman Barney Frank, who is openly gay, referring to the Supreme Court justice known for fighting racial discrimination.

Bonauto’s dedication to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness has reverberated far beyond the borders of her state. Today, ten years after the Goodridge decision, same-sex couples can legally marry in 17 states and the District of Columbia.

national model for combining grassroots organizing with legislative and electoral muscle.

MassEquality successfully fought back legislative attempts to take away marriage equality.

HRC was a founding member of MassEquality, providing more than one million dollars to defend marriage in Massachusetts. Former HRC board member David Wilson and his husband were one of the seven plaintiff couples.

Massachusetts native Mary Breslauer, also a former board member, represented HRC on the MassEquality board.

As the focus on America’s civil rights struggle for marriage moves increasingly to the U.S. Supreme Court, it’s important to remember where the marriage equality flag was first planted.

Massachusetts, the cradle of liberty, the birthplace of our American Revolution, is also the birthplace of the American Revolution of marriage equality. Happy Anniversary!

A CRUCIAL GRASSROOTS ROLE For over a decade, individuals and organizations across Massachusetts had been working tirelessly to win needed protections for LGBT citizens, including educating people in places of worship, on campuses, and at kitchen tables and town squares. These groups banded together and formed MassEquality, a statewide coalition that would become a

Rouse and Pittman held key staff roles at MassEquality before joining HRC as leaders of its field team.

WWW.HRC.ORG

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One person at a time. youatmicrosoft.com

LAUNCHING PROJECT

ONE AMERICA CENTRAL MISSISSIPPI

Photos: Dave Anderson for HRC

C

arla and Joce, and their two children, Grace, 5, and Ethan, 1, had to travel more than two and a half hours, across the state border, to find a doctor who would treat their family.

Rob can no longer serve as a pastor in a denomination that says “homosexuality is incompatible with Christian thinking.”

Bryson, who is transgender, and his wife are afraid he’ll be fired from his government job. He has already been fired once before, for being different.

Day in, day out, Carla, Joce, Rob and Bryson — all born and raised in Mississippi — have to struggle to survive, be it constant remarks at the local brunch spot after church, physical threats at work or having to stay deep in the closet. It’s life in the Deep South — a region that has nearly zero

protections for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people.

The Human Rights Campaign is hoping to help change that, working closely with those who’ve been on the frontline for years.

HRC has launched Project One America — a permanent initiative in Mississippi, Alabama and Arkansas. It’s a communitybased effort, led by a full-time local staff of 20 with offices in each of the three states and funded with an initial, three-year investment of $8.5 million.

There’s a crucial need for the new initiative, says HRC President Chad Griffin.

“This country is divided into two Americas when it comes to equality — one where LGBT equality is nearly a reality and another where LGBT people lack fundamental measures of equal citizenship,” says Griffin.

“It’s long past time that the country stopped

treating the South like the ‘finish line’ for equality.”

Mississippi, Alabama and Arkansas have some of the highest per capita rates of same-sex couples raising children, yet they have reduced rates of LGBT people living openly. The three states have some of the country’s largest faith populations, yet suffer from low national expectations that they will treat their LGBT brothers and sisters with the fairness rooted in the Golden Rule.

Griffin, an Arkansas native, also notes that large majorities — LGBT and nonLGBT alike — in each of the states are affected by economic inequality. And LGBT people face an additional, painful burden of social stigma and second-class citizenship.

HRC is uniquely poised to launch Project One America. Not only do a third of continued on p. 19

(L-R) Joce Pritchett, Carla Webb and their family in their front yard

WWW.HRC.ORG

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“IT’S LONG PAST TIME THAT THE COUNTRY STOPPED TREATING THE SOUTH LIKE THE ‘FINISH LINE’ FOR EQUALITY,” SAYS HRC’S GRIFFIN.

Bryson (second from left) and his family at home

16

EQUALITY

SPRING 2014

WWW.HRC.ORG

LATE WINTER 2014

17

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Ray Mays, teacher and recent graduate

Pastor Rob Hill

Mayor Parker Wiseman of Starkville, Miss.

Ashley Jackson, co-founder of Mississippi Safe Schools Coalition

Photos: Dave Anderson

Project One America con’t from p. 15 HRC’s members and supporters live in the South, but HRC can tap into its foundation work, in the areas of workplace, religion and faith and healthcare, to help make change.

HRC has also done significant research and needs assessment — including carrying out the largest LGBT survey of its kind in the three states of peoples’ experiences and priorities. Findings of the survey, done for HRC by leading pollster Anzalone Liszt Grove, showed in stark terms the hurdles ahead.

HRC also has begun holding a number of community meetings — five across each state — where participants share their experiences of living as LGBT people and allies in both rural and urban areas.

“The opportunities for progress couldn’t be clearer, and the needs couldn’t be greater,” Brad Clark, who is leading the Project One America campaign, told USA Today. Clark is a veteran of statewide campaigns in Iowa and Colorado. Project One America’s deputy director is HRC’s veteran Southern field director, Karin Quimby.

Nearly 65 percent of the respondents report verbal abuse. Nearly one in five report physical violence. And 25 percent report experiencing discrimination in employment or public accommodation. Further, one in four LGBT parents are total legal strangers to the children they raise — they have absolutely no legal relationship to their children, the survey found. Notably, nearly 30 percent attend religious services once or twice a month or more.

(See the results, inside cover of this issue.)

The fact that so many cannot be open about their lives is a big part of the problem.

“The prevalence of the closet presents a challenge far greater than what we’ve seen in the other regions of the country,” said Griffin in a recent New York Times interview. “You risk being kicked out of your home. You risk discrimination on the job or being fired. You risk rejection at your place of religious celebration.”

Specifically, HRC is the single largest national LGBT organizer in the region, with a decades-long track record of political, field and grassroots efforts, alongside its volunteer communities. One-third of HRC’s members and supporters live in the South. In Mississippi alone, HRC has 10,000 members. It will be working alongside the NAACP and other key allies, including those in the faith and business communities, according to Clark.

Already, HRC is working in partnership with the NAACP to mark the 50th anniversary of Mississippi Freedom Summer.

“Equality for LGBT people is a fundamental principal of equal protection under the law,” says Derrick Johnson, president of the Mississippi NAACP. “We must join hands in working to bring economic opportunity and liberty to all of our communities, if we are to move forward as a state and as a nation.”

Meanwhile, HRC has begun to work at the municipal level. Earlier this year, Starkville, Miss., became the first city in the state to pass an equality resolution. Since then, five other cities in the state have followed suit.

Griffin says that HRC plans to be in the Deep South for the long haul — investing on the ground, and making sure there is a “lens

around economic and social justice.” One key priority for HRC is that Project One America will be led by local leaders, both for staff and local advisory committees.

Carla, Joce, Rob, Bryson and scores of others in all three states are already helping out enormously, inviting reporters into their homes, organizing meetings and more. Every one of them is vowing to stay and fight.

“Either we have to change, or Mississippi has to change,” Joce says. “And we decided it’s going be them.”

PROJECT ONE AMERICA’S GOALS INCLUDE… > Empowering LGBT people and straight allies to come out, and raising the visibility of their issues with the general public > Creating safer environments for LGBT young people – in child welfare and foster care agencies, in schools and on campuses > Building partnerships with faith communities, communities of color, business communities and conservatives > Engaging small- and medium-sized businesses to create a more inclusive workplace > Expanding participation of employers, cities and hospitals in HRC’s corporate, municipal and healthcare indexes > Building support for enduring legal protections

See www.hrc.org/project-one-america.

WWW.HRC.ORG

SPRING 2014

19

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URGING THE WORLD BANK TO ADVANCE INCLUSION

Photos: Denis Largeron

T

he World Bank broke new ground recently when it put on hold a $90 million loan to Uganda after the AntiHomosexual Act was signed into law in the East African country.

The narrative of the World Bank’s decision was subtle — a “re-evaluation” of a $90-million, health-sector grant to check its impact on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in Uganda, according to Ty Cobb, director of the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s global engagement program.

But the decision was a clear message that the World Bank cannot overlook the harm that anti-LGBT laws have on its mission to eradicate poverty around the globe, he noted.

The sweeping legislation that Uganda passed criminalizes same-sex relationships, bars LGBT advocacy and punishes LGBT people and their allies with long prison sentences.

THE WORLD BANK

188 MEMBER COUNTRIES

lobbied for a safeguard that would require proposals for development projects to undergo a review process that looks at a project’s impact on marginalized populations, including LGBTI communities, says Cobb. For example, an HIV and sexual health project would need to address the needs of LGBTI patients, a skills development project could not exclude transgender individuals and a project that requires the relocation of families could not discriminate against LGBTI families.

Members of the delegation also met with Kim, sharing their personal stories of the daily struggles that they and their communities face.

“We don’t feel as if we are eligible to benefit from development work under the current policies,” said Simran Shaikh, a prominent transgender advocate working with the HIV/AIDS Alliance in India.

Over the next two years, the World Bank will be evaluating updates to its social safeguards. During that time, HRC and its coalition partners, and advocates worldwide, will lobby for new safeguards that include LGBTI individuals in the World Bank’s work to eradicate poverty.

The World Bank’s decision was followed by a strongly worded op-ed in The Washington Post by World Bank President Jim Kim. “There is clear evidence that when societies enact laws that prevent productive people from fully participating in the workforce, economies suffer,” wrote Kim, whose organization comprises 188 member countries and provides over $30 billion annually to countries around the world.

The recent developments underscore the fact that there are growing conversations at the World Bank about the economic cost of homophobia. And there is a growing conversation about the importance of ensuring that LGBT communities are not excluded from projects funded by the organization.

Recently HRC, along with coalition allies, brought a delegation of international LGBT and intersex (LGBTI) advocates to Washington, D.C., for the World Bank’s spring meeting to lobby officials about the need to engage in inclusive development. More specifically, they

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L

aura Prepon, like all of the other actors on “Orange Is the New Black,” is absolutely thrilled about the Netflix show, a breakaway hit about everyday life at a women’s federal prison.

Prepon loves her character — Alex Vause, a lesbian and former drug dealer. And that’s because Alex — one of many deftly drawn characters on the show — is tough, vulnerable and everything in between, she says.

And nothing is taboo. Themes about class, race, gender, sexual orientation and gender identity ebb and flow effortlessly, and often humorously, thanks to the dynamic ensemble of actors, the voice of creator Jenji Kohan and Piper Kerman’s book upon which the show is based.

By Janice Hughes

Prepon — perhaps best known as Donna, the girl next door, in another popular series, “That ’70s Show” — spoke about “Orange Is the New Black” in an interview with Equality. The show will be released on Netflix streaming in June.

You’ve said the show “really goes against the idea of what a Hollywood actress has to be.”

Well, usually in a TV show, girls tend to look a certain way. Hair, makeup and clothes are always part of the thing. On this show, it’s about the characters and the acting. Because of the environment we shoot in, it takes those things and throws them out the window. It’s really freeing as an actress to work with these amazing women … and it’s about the work, the moments we share together, and what goes on-screen.

You’ve directed, written and produced.

I started directing over ten years ago and went to film school at night while filming “That ’70s Show.” I recently completed directing my first pilot I co-wrote, and am currently working toward a feature. Acting is my priority, and I love it … but I love these other things as well.

Thanks for speaking at one of our HRC galas, by the way. Why do you support LGBT equality?

Everybody has the right to be who they are. I believe in equality for all and am so happy to be part of a show that gives people in samesex relationships a voice. The amazing support from our fans of all ages, sexual orientation and creed … shows how far we’ve come as a society.

What do you find that you’ve learned about prison life?

I’ve definitely learned that the penal system is corrupt. I feel that people know it is, but turn a blind eye. We shine a light on those issues. I also think that you can’t judge all prisoners as one — they are all there for different reasons.

Some are there for a terrible mistake, others are there because they can’t function in society, and some are there because they should be. But every sentence does have a story.

Finally, what do you like best about Alex Vause? That she’s a badass?

I love her because she is complex. She loves being in a position of power running her drug ring, but we also get to see these vulnerable moments with Piper. There is a real love there, and we get to see her in these situations. She’s a straight shooter and tells you how it is. And yes, of course she’s a badass.

(L-R): Alex (Prepon) in the gym; on the cot with her former girlfriend, Piper (Taylor Schilling).

WWW.HRC.ORG

SPRING 2014

25

MAKING PROGRESS OVER PREJUDICE. Ensuring equality and mutual respect in our society often starts with asserting your own rights as well as your respect for the rights of others.

For nearly 30 years, on behalf of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) Americans, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) has shown tireless leadership on gay rights and gender identity issues. Recognized as the largest civil rights organization for LGBT Americans, the HRC represents a grassroots force of more than 1.5 million members and supporters nationwide.

We value our long standing partnership with HRC as they support our efforts in building a more sustainable energy future for all. www.shell.com

Embracing

diversity.

Unlocking

innovation.

At Booz Allen Hamilton, we believe the diversity of our people contributes to innovative ideas, new solutions, and greater understanding—driving better results for our clients and the world around us.

Booz Allen embraces equality and inclusion for all staff, and is proud to support the Human Rights Campaign.

Hear Chairman and CEO Ralph Shrader encourage LGBT staff and allies to actively participate in creating an inclusive workplace at bit.ly/nationalcomingoutday.

To find out more about our work, our people, and career opportunities, visit boozallen.com

SUPPORT OUR NATIONAL CORPORATE PARTNERS PLATINUM AMERICAN AIRLINES APPLE CITI DIAGEO / BV / KETEL ONE MICROSOFT NATIONWIDE / VPI PET INSURANCE NORTHROP GRUMMAN

GOLD BANK OF AMERICA CHEVRON THE COCA-COLA COMPANY DELOITTE EY MITCHELL GOLD + BOB WILLIAMS LEXUS PRUDENTIAL W HOTELS WORLDWIDE

SILVER COX ENTERPRISES GOOGLE IBM MGM RESORTS INTERNATIONAL NIKE

BRONZE BOOZ ALLEN HAMILTON BP CAESARS ENTERTAINMENT DELL GAYDESTINATIONWEDDINGS.COM/ SANDOS HOTELS & RESORTS GOLDMAN SACHS HERSHEY’S JPMORGAN CHASE & CO. LINCOLN FINANCIAL GROUP MACY’S INC. METLIFE MORGAN STANLEY ORBITZ PEPSICO REPLACEMENTS LTD. SHELL SHOWTIME STARBUCKS TD BANK WHIRLPOOL

FOUNDATION PARTNERS ANONYMOUS BANK OF AMERICA FOUNDATION BBVA COMPASS FOUNDATION BLACK TIE DINNER, INC. E. RHODES AND LEONA B. CARPENTER FOUNDATION GILL FOUNDATION JOHN C. KISH FOUNDATION KORS-LEPERE FOUNDATION MARGARET AND DANIEL LOEB — THIRD POINT FOUNDATION METLIFE FOUNDATION MORNINGSTAR PHILANTHROPIC FUND PAUL E. SINGER FOUNDATION PEPSICO PHRMA ROBERT L BOUGHNER ROBERT V. HAUFF & JOHN F. DREELAND FOUNDATION THE COCA-COLA FOUNDATION UPS FOUNDATION, INC. WELLS FARGO FOUNDATION CURRENT AS OF APRIL 30, 2014

HRC’S GALA EVENTS COLUMBUS GALA

MAY 31 • Ohio Union at The Ohio State University • Anjali Chavan & Rick Straits • hrc.org/columbusdinner

UTAH GALA

JUNE 14 • Grand America Hotel • Sean Mehew & Dustin Schrecengost • www.hrc.org/utahdinner

LOUISIANA GALA

JUNE 21 • Hyatt Regency New Orleans • Collette Melancon & Conan Cleveland • hrc.org/louisianadinner

PORTLAND GALA

JULY 19 • Estate Garden at Lewis & Clark College • Stef-Anie Wells & Michael Dell Long • hrc.org/portlanddinner

ORANGE COUNTY GARDEN PARTY

AUG. 2 • Residence of Bob Tyler & Michael Witkowski • Guy Hinrichs, Daniel Slater & Steven Sorenson • www.hrc.org/ocgardenparty

SAN DIEGO GALA

AUG. 16 • The US Grant • Victor Ravago & Mariela Jimenez • hrc.org/sandiegodinner

TWIN CITIES GALA

SEPT. 6 • Minneapolis Convention Ctr. • Alicia Schwarz & Tal Anderson • hrc.org/twincitiesdinner

CLEVELAND GALA

SEPT. 20 • Public Auditorium • Eugene Walters, Melanie Falls & Luz Pellot • hrc.org/clevelanddinner

CHICAGO GALA

SEPT. 27 • The Fairmont • Xavier Esters & Pete Cassell • hrcchicago.org

SAN FRANCISCO GALA

OCT. 11 • hrc.org/sanfranciscodinner

NEW DATE THIS YEAR! HRC NATIONAL DINNER OCT. 25

• hrcnationaldinner.org

SEATTLE GALA

SEPT. 13 • Seattle Sheraton Hotel • Dean Keppler, Christie Brezine & Scott Wells • hrc.org/seattledinner

To buy tickets for HRC gala events, please contact Box Office Tickets, 800-494-8497, or www.hrc.org/boxoffice.

WHAT WILL YOUR

LEGACY BE? A commitment to HRC through your estate can be part of your enduring legacy. Request our free legacy planning publication to find out how easy it can be. Please visit www.hrc.org/planning.

WE’RE HERE TO HELP. For assistance in creating your legacy of equality, contact: Adam Swaim Director of Estate Planning 866-772-9499 adam.swaim@hrc.org

EQUALITY CIRCLE ENSURING THE FUTURE FOR LGBT EQUALITY

WWW.HRC.ORG

LATE WINTER 2014

29

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Equality and diversity make us stronger.

Apple is proud to support HRC and its mission of equality.

At Apple, we believe that inclusion inspires innovation.