Equality Magazine Summer 2009

HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGN SUMMER 2009

about adoption 4 things to know Dave Matthews HRC Partner in the Fight for Fairness

marriage momentum in the states

LGBT-FRiendly Hospitals Healthcare Equality Index Ranks the Best

on the ground HRC in Iowa, maine, n.H., N.Y. & vermont

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LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

HRC SENIOR STAFF Joe Solmonese President Ann Crowley Membership Director Robert Falk General Counsel Andrea Green Finance Director John Greene Human Resources Director Allison Herwitt Legislative Director Anastasia Khoo Marketing Director Don Kiser Creative Director Brad Luna Communications Director Cathy Nelson Vice President for Development & Membership

No Time for Complacency

Betsy Pursell Vice President for Public Education & Outreach

What a difference 12 months can make.

you could literally sense the excitement of coming change. The feeling was like an electrical charge — energizing us for the next advance.

But nothing will be handed to us. Enemies of equality have launched ballot measure campaigns to repeal marriage equality in Maine and the new domestic partnership law in Washington state.

Our opponents will work relentlessly to reverse local anti-discrimination ordinances, deny LGBT people adoption rights and undermine equality at every turn.

And while LGBT citizens can marry in six states, the federal Defense of Marriage Act — DOMA — exempts other states from recognizing those marriages and bars the federal government from doing so. Some electoral leaders are saying that LGBT civil rights will have to wait until issues such as the economy are dealt with, but we are still hopeful that the president will keep his campaign pledge to repeal “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” and DOMA.

This is clearly no time for complacency. So if you haven’t renewed your support of HRC for 2009, or recently supported HRC’s mission with a special donation, please do so today. And if you have considered strengthening your commitment by becoming a monthly HRC Partner or joining our Federal Club program, now is the time.

With your help, HRC will keep fighting to advance LGBT equality on every front — so that next year we can once again say, “What a difference a year makes.”

Warmly,

Susanne Salkind Managing Director

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 the HRC Foundation’s Corporate Equality Index. Companies such as these have advanced the cause of LGBT equality through their own policies, and we encourage you to consider them when making purchase decisions. For specific scores, criteria and more information on the Corporate Equality Index, please visit www.hrc.org/CEI.

Last year at this time, efforts to enact hate crimes legislation and workplace protections for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Americans came to a halt, thanks to President Bush’s threatened veto. Only two states offered marriage equality.

California was about to strip marriage rights from loving couples by enacting Proposition 8.

And anti-marriage ballot measures were nearing approval in Florida and Arizona.

Since those dark days, LGBT equality has seen incredible momentum. The Matthew Shepard hate crimes legislation is moving through Congress, and President Obama promises to sign it into law. Passage of an inclusive Employment Non-Discrimination Act — also supported by the president — may follow. LGBT Americans may finally see basic protections wherever they live or work.

Meanwhile, five more states — Connecticut, Iowa, Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont — have joined Massachusetts in offering equal marriage rights, with several other states closing in. Washington state’s “everything but marriage” bill expands domestic partnership laws to cover spousal benefits like workers’ compensation and disability insurance. Nevada passed domestic partnership legislation; the District of Columbia passed a law recognizing same-sex marriages performed in other states.

These remarkable victories occur because people like you have lobbied your elected officials, volunteered for grassroots LGBT rights campaigns, worked to change the attitudes of coworkers and neighbors — and given generously to the Human Rights Campaign. This battle is being won from the ground up — doorto-door, town-to-town and state-to-state.

Last month, at pride celebrations across America,

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Joe Solmonese

Jim Rinefierd Vice President for Finance & Operations Marty Rouse National Field Director Lara Schwartz Legal Director and Chief Legislative Counsel David M. Smith Vice President of Programs Christopher Speron Development Director Cuc Vu Chief Diversity Officer HRC EQUALITY STAFF Janice Hughes Publications Director Carolyn Simon Staff Writer Sarah Streyle Graphic Design Specialist Robert Villaflor Art Director CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Sharon Groves, Darrin Hurwitz, Ellen Kahn, Jonathan Monteith, Marty Rouse, Tom Sullivan, Katie Taylor OTHER CONTRIBUTORS Tim Bahr, Sarah Birnie, Michael Cole, Tiffany Dean, Chris Edelson, Lisette Fee, Cristina Finch, Michael Fountas, Justin Giaquinto, Anthony Hayes, Allison Herwitt, Anastasia Khoo, Don Kiser, Jamie Kors, Kevin Layton, Mollie Levin, Jason Lott, Susan Paine, Jeremy Pittman, Camille Rodriguez, David Stacy, Che Juan Gonzales Ruddell-Tabisola, Sarah Warbelow, David Wyman Equality is a publication of the Human Rights Campaign and the Human Rights Campaign Foundation. Equality (ISSN 1092-5791) is published quarterly by HRC, 1640 Rhode Island Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036.

Copyright 2009. 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 800-777-HRC3, 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 Lisette Fee and Dana Campbell, work every day to provide HRC’s 750,000 grassroots members and supporters with the best membership experience possible. To contact Member Services, e-mail membership@hrc.org or call 800-727-4723.

summer 2009

Photo: Karl Bach

INSIDE FEATURES

Photo: Bryce Romero

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Photo: Louie Palu

12 Momentum on Marriage

HRC’s Work on the Ground in Iowa, Maine, N.H., N.Y. and Vermont

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ON THE COVER Photo: Matt Sayles / AP

Dave Matthews HRC Partner in the Fight for Equality

HRC has been mobilizing its members and supporters in New York in the fight for marriage equality, including helping to organize a key rally in downtown Manhattan.

(Photographer: Bryce Romero). For more, see page 19.

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On the Street Pushing to Pass Marriage Equality In New Hampshire

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Action = Marriage Equality New Yorkers Rally in the Empire State

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Stand Up, Speak Out Comedian, Writer and Producer Carol Leifer On Success and Self-Acceptance

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Four Things to Know About Adoption Learn About Choosing an Agency

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Advancing Equality HRC Gives a Special Thanks to Federal Club Council Donors

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Because of Their Faith Hundreds of Religious Leaders Speak Out For Justice at HRC’s Second Clergy Call

17 19

IN EVERY ISSUE 4

Sound Off

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Up Front

35

National Corporate Partners

35

Scene Out

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SOUND OFF

Board of Directors*

“I’m just an open book.

It’s the only way I know how to be.”

Film and stage actor Cheyenne Jackson about being openly gay. The Idaho native spoke at a recent rally in New York for marriage equality. He wore a T-shirt created for HRC by Kenneth Cole. (See p. 17.)

“I promise that I will stand up for my LGBT sisters and brothers.”

Dr. Johnnetta B. Cole, after receiving the National Ally for Equality Award at HRC’s Atlanta Gala, about strongly supporting federal hate crimes legislation and marriage equality. Cole, the former president of Spelman and Bennett colleges, is board chair of the Johnnetta B. Cole Diversity and Inclusion Institute.

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Rick Aishman TX, Lacey All WA, Lili Alpaugh LA, Steve Amend NV, Andrew Arnold CA, Karen Aronoff OH, Steve Atkinson TX, Jessica Bair CA, Joel Baldazo TX, Kevin Bass CA, Robert Berry IL, Blake Beyer TX, Dana Beyer MD, Scott Bishop NC, Wendy Blenning OR, Sarah Booth DC, Byron Brady NC, Tim Bresnahan IL, Barbara Browning MA, Brian Browning TX, Charles Buchanan TX, Deiadra Burns TX, Matt Burrus TX, Todd Canon OR, Carlos Carbonell FL, Christopher Carolan NY, Bill Castellani DC, Jeff Caywood OH, Fidel Chavoya CA, Kevin Cheng CA, Luana Chilleli UT, Lisa Conner PA, John Cramer TX, Jeremy Davis TN, Fiona Dawson TX, Robert Dogens NC, Joe Fields TX, Steve Fisher CA, Brian Flanagan NJ, Tom Floyd CA, Allison Ford IL, Jennifer Foster FL, Bruce Franck MN, Ralph Freidin MA, Charlie Frew GA, Tucker Gallagher DC, Jeffery Garofalo NV, William Gautreaux LA, Brian Gilligan MN, Jose Gomez-Y TX, Madeleine Goss NC, Amos Gott TN, Deborah Graves MN, Paul Guillory TX, Edward Guzek MN, Kirk Hamill DC, Suzanne Hamilton OH, James Healey NV, Jason Held IL, Miranda Hooker MA, Rich Hurley NC, Doug Kauffman OH, John Kerrigan TX, Tom Knabel MN, Thomas Kovach NV, Christopher Labonte PA, Jason Lambert FL, Steve Lampasso FL, Todd Landis WA, Carolyn Lane AZ, Jon-Eric Lehman CA, Tedd Lesch CA, Billy Leslie TN, John Linder NY, Alex Lindquist CO, Michael Long OR, Jason Lowery GA, John Mancuso MO, John Marez CA, Fred Mariscal CA, M. Mason OH, Johnny McGee NC, Sharlea McMurtry CO, Martha McQuade VA, Lori Megown NY, Andrew Melissinos CA, Ryan Messer OH, Gwen Migita NV, Felicia Miller TX, Patrick Miller LA, John Morrison NJ, Theresa Moschetta NY, Kevin Moser WA, Heather Nevill CO, Jim Newstrom MN, George Page TX, Paul Palmer FL, Peter Pappas DC, Bryan Parsons NY, Darrell Parsons TX, Michael Pearce TX, Dee Pennington TX, Steve Pospisil MN, Kevin Powers MA, Jerry Rapier UT, Michael Reiser MO, Susan Reyes LA, Darren Rhinehart GA, Brian Rice CT, Wendy Ringe TX, Mark Robertson NY, Jason Roundy CA, Trent Royster DC, John Ruffier FL, Mark Sadlek TX, Dan Salera MA, Catherine Scalise TX, Elizabeth Schleigh TX, Heidi Schreiber MN, Darren Sextro MO, Jon Shaffer OH, Lynn Shepodd CA, Rebecca Sherrill GA, Robert Sikorski TN, Molly Simmons GA, LaWana Slack Mayfield NC, Catharine Smith PA, Steven Spencer-Steigner CA, Andre St. Pierre AZ, Chuck Stephens GA, Brian Stranghoner AZ, Ken Sugarman DC, Dan Tanner FL, Clare Thomas CA, Andrea Torrence MO, Nathan Treanor AZ, Timothy Walker OH, William Weeks IL, Richard Welch MA, Bruce Wessler MO, Pamela Wheeler TN, Jill Wilcox TX, Julie Wood GA, Kathy Young AZ, Lisa Zellner OH

Photo: Toby Talbot / AP

Board of Governors*

Photo: Bryce Romero

Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., at a U.S. Senate hearing on the Uniting American Families Act, which would change U.S. immigration policy to allow gay and lesbian Americans to sponsor their foreign partners for residency and no longer live in fear of separation.

Foundation Board* Kim Allman MD, Gwen Baba CA, Vic Basile MD, Terry Bean OR, Lee Carter NC, Edie Cofrin GA, Lawrie Demorest GA, Anne Fay TX, Garry Kief CA, Marty Lieberman WA, Andy Linsky CA, Jay Oppenheimer TX, Henry Rosales CO, Hilary Rosen DC, Judy Shepard WY, Mary Snider DC * As of June 2009.

Photo: Evan Agostini / Getty Images

No American should face such a choice.”

Kim Allman DC, Steve Atkinson TX, John Barry IL, Bruce Bastian UT, Terry Bean OR, David Beckwith CA, Les Bendtsen MN, Ken Britt GA, Stephanie Carreon TX, Marjorie Chorlins DC, Dan Cochran NY, Jane Daroff OH, Tim Downing OH, Clint Eddy WA, Linda Elliott AZ, Anne Fay TX, Jody Gates LA, Stephen Gilhooly TX, Sandra Hartness CA, Mike Holloman TX, John Isa DC, LeeAnn Jones GA, Barry Karas CA, Jani Lopez TX, Joni Madison NC, Terry Penrod OH, Dana Perlman CA, Steve Reid AZ, Henry Robin NY, Henry Rosales CO, Mirian Saez CA, Linda Scaparotti CA, Tom Skancke NV, Mary Snider DC, Jill Stauffer MA, Rebecca Tillet NY, Alan Uphold CA, Scott Wiener CA, David Wilson MA, Frank Woo CA, Lisa Zellner OH

Photo: Matt Rourke, File / AP

UP FRONT Hate crimes against Latinos in the United States have jumped by 40 percent in the last few years, according to the FBI. But local law enforcement officials too often fail to prosecute and punish those who commit such vicious acts.

NUMBER OF PEOPLE LIVING IN STATES WITH MARRIAGE EQUALITY

That’s why passage of a federal hate crimes measure is so crucial. In its absence, the Human Rights Campaign and its allies, like the Mexican American Legal Defense & Education Fund, continue to push for justice.

Recently, MALDEF, HRC and others urged the U.S. Department of Justice to file federal hate crimes charges against a group of teens in the horrific death of Luis Ramirez in Shenandoah, Pa., last year.

IN

Photo: Ben Shallenberger

The teens knocked Ramirez unconscious as they yelled racial epithets, punching and kicking him in the body and head, eyewitnesses said. Ramirez, 23, sustained two skull fractures and later died. Local officials were reluctant to file charges against the teens, denying that race played a role in the attack. Only after MALDEF pressed the local prosecutor to charge the defendants with a hate crime did the county district attorney file murder and ethnic intimidation charges. In May, a jury in Schuylkill County found two of the defendants guilty of simple assault, acquitting the defendants of thirddegree murder and ethnic intimidation.

Congress is taking action to combat hate crimes. The House of Representatives passed the Matthew Shepard Act in May and Senate action is expected before the August congressional recess. Unlike President Bush, whose veto threat blocked action for almost a decade, President Obama is waiting to sign the bill and have the Justice Department use the new law to its fullest extent.

2000: 0 2009:14.9 IN

million

opposite-sex, to have many of the rights and responsibilities as married couples.

Jackpot in Vegas!

Looks like 13 is the lucky number in Nevada.

In May, it became the 13th state to recognize some form of relationship recognition for samesex couples.

In a significant win, the Nevada Legislature voted to override Gov. Jim Gibbons’ veto of a domestic partners bill, paving the way for the state’s domestic partners, both same-sex and

Playing a huge role in convincing some legislators to override the governor’s veto was the support of the Nevada Resorts Association led

by Harrah’s Entertainment and MGM/Mirage, both HRC National Corporate Partners, and Wynn Las Vegas. As a result, two members of both the Senate and the Assembly voted for the bill after previously opposing it — they learned what many already know: Equality is good business.

HRC and its Nevada volunteer leadership, which had stepped up its presence over the past two years, mobilized 5,000 supporters across the state to advocate for the measure, resulting in 1,000-plus phone calls and e-mails to legislators. The new law will go into effect Oct. 1.

“The Human Rights Campaign has done so much to organize.

I think we really are showing people today that just your voice, just a single voice, can really make a difference.”

— Ana Ortiz, actor, Ugly Betty

See www.fighthatenow.org for more.

WWW.HRC.ORG

SUMMER 2009

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Visit www.newcardonline.com to apply or learn more. Or call 1-866-438-6262. Priority code: UAAS9Q † For information about the rates, fees, other costs and benefits associated with the use of this card, or to apply, call the toll-free number above, visit the Web site listed above or write to P.O. Box 15020, Wilmington, DE 19850. Please refer to the priority code when you call or apply. †† The Human Rights Campaign Foundation awarded Bank of America this designation based on data submitted by the company through the HRC 2009 Corporate Equality Index survey and independent research conducted by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation concerning Bank of America’s policies and benefits for LGBT employees. For more information, visit www.hrc.org/cei. * Terms apply to program features and Credit Card account benefits. For more information about the program, visit bankofamerica.com/worldpoints. Details accompany new account materials.

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Up front How does a hospital treat lGBT patients?

52,364

Number of hits on YouTube for HRC’s “Won’t Back Down” video. HRC released the video after the California Supreme Court upheld Proposition 8, the narrowly approved measure which eliminated the right of same-sex couples to marry. Facebook and Twitter users helped generate buzz about the video. Watch it now at www.hrc.org/california.

U.S. Army veteran joins HRC in fight The Fourth of July. Flag Day. Memorial Day. Every summer, Americans pay special honor to our brave patriots who serve.

Photo: Steven Forster

Photo: courtesy Jarrod Chlapowski

Yet courageous men and women continue to be discharged under the U.S. military’s discriminatory “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy. Further, thousands don’t re-enlist each year because of the policy. Many others refrain from joining at all.

In June, U.S. Army veteran Jarrod Chlapowski began working with the Human Rights Campaign to end “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.”

Trained as a cryptologic voice interceptor and Korean linguist, Chlapowski served in Korea, supporting the 3rd Military Intelligence Battalion on 300plus sensitive reconnaissance operation missions. He decided not to re-enlist due to the “oppressive and intolerable burdens” of the law.

Does it allow visitation by same-sex partners?

Is there cultural sensitivity training for doctors and nurses? Those policies and more come under scrutiny in the 2009 Healthcare Equality Index, jointly published by the Human Rights Campaign’s Family Project and the Gay and Lesbian Medical Association.

More than 165 facilities from 17 states and the District of Columbia took part in HRC’s latest ranking of U.S. healthcare providers – nearly twice as many as in 2008.

This year, 10 of the participating facilities stood out as “top performers” in the report. Results are based on information gathered via an extensive online survey analyzed by HRC’s Family Project.

“Hopefully, it won’t be necessary to survey healthcare providers about such issues in the near future,” said Bradley Hinrichs, of topperforming Rush University Medical Center in Chicago. “These same issues relative to race, religion, color, etc., have been part of our societal norms. I’d like to believe that my fellow hospital executives and administrators understand that the principles of fair and equal treatment of the LGBT community are just as fundamental.”

Be an advocate. Let hospital administrators know that you expect them to support their LGBT employees and to create a welcoming environment for LGBT patients. Encourage them to request HEI 2010 Survey information by writing to HEI@hrc.org.

Top Performers in the 2009 Healthcare Equality Index:

Brigham and Women’s Hospital Boston, Mass.

Callen-Lorde Community Health Center New York, N.Y. Chase Brexton Health Services Baltimore, Md. Faulkner Hospital Boston, Mass.

Group Health Central Hospital Seattle, Wash.

Harvard Vanguard Medical Assoc.

Boston, Mass.

L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center Los Angeles, Calif.

Lyon-Martin Health Services San Francisco, Calif.

Rush University Medical Center Chicago, Ill. UCSF Medical Center San Francisco, Calif.

See www.hrc.org/hei for more.

“When ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ is scrapped, when gay men and women can marry the people they love, people across this great land will be looking for a place to party. Come on down to New Orleans! I’ll be here. I might be swinging in a window on Bourbon Street.”

Emmy Award-winning and Academy Award-nominated actress Patricia Clarkson at HRC’s Louisiana Gala. She was introduced by her mother, New Orleans Councilwoman Jackie Brechtel Clarkson.

WWW.HRC.ORG

SUMMER 2009

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Let Your Light Shine.

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Up front

Photo: Rory O’Malley

in california: ENGAGING faith VOTERS for marriage equality

summer to-do List Question: What’s the single, most effective thing you can do for equality this summer?

Answer: Share your thoughts one-onone with the people who represent you in Washington. August is a great time to meet in person with your congressperson in the U.S. House of Representatives and possibly one of your U.S. senators — when they’re back in their home districts.

HRC and its members nationwide worked hard in 2008 to elect more allies on Capitol Hill. And the work is beginning to pay off.

The U.S. House of Representatives passed the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act, and virtually all of HRC’s priority legislation has been reintroduced.

This summer, HRC is building support for an inclusive Employment Non-Discrimination Act and the Military Readiness Enhancement Act. ENDA will bar discrimination in the workplace on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity, and MREA will repeal the military’s discriminatory “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy.

Asking for a meeting is easy.

Here’s how: • Visit www.house.gov to find contact information for your congressperson’s local office.

• Call and ask for the scheduler who may ask you to fax or mail your request for a meeting.

• Ask others to join you — it will strengthen your request. Invite a clergy member or local business owner. Or ask a friendly veteran to talk about the harm done by “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.”

• Finally, remember to send a thank you note. And don’t be disappointed if you only get to meet with a staffer — they wield considerable influence.

The Human Rights Campaign has teamed up with California Faith for Equality, a statewide group, to mobilize the state’s faith communities for equality.

After the dust settled in California following Proposition 8, it became clear that engaging religious voters is key to our success in restoring the freedom to marry to everyone in the state.

When the California Supreme Court issued its decision to uphold Prop. 8, faith leaders from all traditions spoke out at every rally, vigil, march and prayer service that took place. Buddhists shared a platform with comedian Kathy Griffin in West Hollywood. Rev. Eric Lee, who marched with Martin Luther King Jr., invoked his memory, assuring the LGBT community that he would be with them if he was alive today. Rabbis and ministers were thanked by Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa for their willingness to march for justice. And in San Francisco, Mayor Gavin Newsom summoned faith leaders to be the first responders in the streets and to set the tone for a non-violent protest.

“It’s crucial that we harness this opportunity and help local clergy build advocacy for marriage equality into their routine work in congregations,” said Harry Knox, director of HRC’s Religion and Faith Program which, along with HRC’s field department, is working to support and expand the capacity of California Faith for Equality and its 6,000 supportive faith leaders. HRC’s efforts

come on the heels of its powerful Clergy Call for Justice and Equality — a clergy conference and lobby day on Capitol Hill in May. (See p. 30.)

California-based Rabbi Denise Eger and Rev. Susan Russell, who sit on HRC’s Religion Council, are leaders in CFE. Ché RuddellTabisola, HRC’s field special projects manager and a native of the San Fernando Valley, will help in the organizing.

Visit www.cafaithforequality.org for more.

ON THE LINKS, ON TV The online travel company Orbitz, which scores a perfect 100% on HRC’s Corporate Equality Index, recently ran a national TV commercial, set on a golf course, featuring a shirt with an HRC logo.

The ad, which Orbitz first ran by HRC for licensing permission, fits into HRC’s efforts to educate mainstream America about equality.

NATIVE AMERICAN SON Don’t miss Two Spirits: Sexuality, Gender and the Murder of Fred Martinez. This new documentary film looks at the life and death of Martinez, a Native American teen, and the traditional Navajo concept of nádleehí — “one who constantly transforms” — that calls for a balanced interrelationship between the feminine and masculine within the individual, in families, in the culture and in the natural world. The Human Rights Campaign, which highlights the tragic death of Martinez in its hate crimes work, is a sponsor of the film.

See www.twospirits.org.

WWW.HRC.ORG

SUMMER 2009

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Work together.

Make a difference.

Citi is a proud sponsor of the Human Rights Campaign.

For 29 years, HRC has led the way in promoting fairness for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender community.

We commend their efforts and thank them for making the world a better place.

Š 2009 Citigroup Inc. Citi and Arc Design is a registered service mark of Citigroup Inc. Citi Never Sleeps is a service mark of Citigroup Inc.

davematthews

By Janice Hughes

O

ne early afternoon last fall, Kurt Staiger — clipboard in hand — was standing in front of a local co-op grocery store in Seattle.

Staiger saw a guy walking toward the entrance. He approached him, asking him if he was interested in gay rights. The man glanced over, smiled and promised to stop by on his way out. Sure enough, he did.

Staiger, a canvasser for the Human Rights Campaign, began chatting and the two ended up talking for nearly 10 minutes, about everything. Civil rights. Hate crimes.

The Employment Non-Discrimination Act. Workplace laws. Virginia. The Carolina mountains. Living in Seattle. Kids.

The guy immediately agreed to make a contribution to HRC. He signed up, in fact, for HRC’s monthly giving Partners program.

HRC Partner in the Fight for Equality on one of their signature, blow-out summer tours. This time, it would be four full months across the U.S. and Europe for their latest album, “Big Whiskey and the GrooGrux King,” hailed by critics as one of their best ever.

Matthews, who was born in South Africa and started his band in 1991 in Charlottesville, Va., is very clear about why he supports LGBT equality and same-sex marriage.

“I know of no single compelling argument against equality for all,” he continued. “It is a perversion of justice to suggest one person’s right to marry whomever they please is a right denied another person.”

In fact, he said, “I often find myself irritated with the whole thing.”

“Thanks for your efforts,” Matthews said.

Then he was off — on summer tour.

“To deny one group the right to marry threatens the institution of marriage more than it does anything else,” the 42-year-old musician told Equality.

“To deny the rights of some people while protecting those same rights for others threatens the freedom of every single person in this country.”

His name? Dave Matthews.

The Dave Matthews, Staiger said to himself.

Of the Dave Matthews Band. One of the country’s most popular singer-songwriters.

Alternative rock. Millions of albums sold.

Photo: Matt Sayles / AP

Well, he really is just a regular guy, Staiger thought, as the two stood outside the co-op.

“And so nice.”

The musician told Staiger that he wasn’t happy at all about the lack of acceptance for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.

Last month, Equality magazine contacted Matthews. Less than a day later, he responded — despite the fact that he and his band had hit the road that very week >> See www.hrc.org/monthly for more.

WWW.HRC.ORG

SUMMER 2009

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gains in the

By Carolyn Simon

I

f someone had asked you a few years ago to guess which states would be in the country’s forefront on marriage equality, would New Hampshire and Iowa have been on your list?

During the heat of the marriage amendment battle then, HRC National Field Director Marty Rouse traveled to Des Moines to meet with Iowa Senate leader Mike Gronstal.

He was proudly leading the fight against the amendment but warned that without more fair-minded allies in the Legislature, the anti-marriage bill would pass.

Around the same time, in New Hampshire, HRC’s allies were fighting hard for the defeat of a similar bill.

“To get the biggest bang for the buck, we focus our resources towards states that are not only poised to make lives better for their own LGBT citizens, but also whose successes could have a national impact as well,” said HRC’s Marty Rouse.

Instead of waiting until discriminatory amendments were on the ballot, which could cost a million dollars to defeat, HRC strategically invested a tenth of that amount early and sent staff members to both states to campaign for candidates who were supportive of our legislative goals and who would change the makeup of the state legislatures.

That national impact of working in Iowa and New Hampshire is most visible every four years, as the eyes and ears of the nation focus on these first two states in the presidential selection process. Candidates campaign heavily in both states, and it’s easy to get noticed and have an impact on a candidate and the media at small house parties, barbecues and other retail politics events.

That November, fair-minded majorities were re-elected in both states’ legislatures.

HRC members and supporters were visible at these campaign stops in 2007 and 2008, and had many opportunities to meet the candidates face-to-face. Candidates came to recognize the Equality logo, and when they saw it, they knew they were going to face some tough questions about their positions

Nope, probably not.

Well, the Human Rights Campaign recognized the potential for progress there three years ago. Today, Iowa recognizes marriage equality, and soon New Hampshire will, too.

After years of strategic investing and sowing the seeds for change, the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community is finally reaping the rewards of equality in America’s heartland.

That kind of progress doesn’t happen overnight.

Back in 2006, the conservative Republican leadership in both states’ legislatures were pushing for anti-marriage amendments, and HRC seized an opportunity to make gains at the state level that would have a national impact.

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safe schools bill and then banned discrimination against LGBT people in employment, housing, public accommodations and education. New Hampshire enacted civil unions.

Elections have consequences. With newly elected allies in leadership, the anti-marriage equality bills were dead on arrival in 2007. The Iowa Legislature later passed a

states on issues important to our community.

They knew we were watching and participating. Moreover, consider how these early campaigns were influenced by the fact that Iowa had just passed an LGBT non-discrimination law and New Hampshire had just enacted civil unions, versus how candidates would have viewed LGBT issues if each state was in the middle of a divisive marriage ban campaign. LGBT issues had arrived and were welcomed on Main Street, USA.

Photo: Bryce Romero

Fast forward to 2009 — before President Obama had finished his first 100 days in office, the Iowa Supreme Court had unanimously ruled that the state constitution prohibits discrimination against same-sex couples in marriage licensing.

HRC’s early campaign presence in Iowa, including funding for the state group One Iowa, as well as the impressive work done by legal advocates on the court case, helped create a climate that is more friendly to same-sex marriage, paving the way for the court’s decision. With more fair-minded friends having been elected in 2006 and 2008, there was strong leadership to support the court decision and fend off efforts to strip away equal marriage rights.

Just as same-sex couples in Iowa started receiving their marriage licenses, the New Hampshire Legislature was debating its own marriage equality bill. HRC worked closely with the statewide group New Hampshire Freedom to Marry, and provided substantial field and communications expertise and mobilized HRC members and supporters in the state to take action by contacting their legislators and the governor.

After the House narrowly failed to pass a revised bill containing expressly specified religious liberty protection requested by Gov. John Lynch, HRC staff and volunteers redoubled their efforts and beat the pavement outside the state Capitol, working to win over the hearts and votes of legislators. They heard our stories.

They changed their minds. And New Hampshire became the sixth state to recognize marriage equality.

“In the past year, especially the past few months, there has been an incredible breakthrough, and with the momentum added by each new state that recognizes marriage equality, we’re getting closer to a tipping point,” said Chris Edelson, HRC’s state legislative director.

We took a few moments to savor our successes. We raised each state flag high above the HRC national headquarters in Washington, D.C., so everyone could have a good look at which states offer recognition to all loving, committed couples. And then we got back to the business of fighting for equality.

We saw big gains in other states as well.

Vermont enacted a marriage equality bill through the Legislature, overriding a veto by Gov. Jim Douglas. Maine also enactd marriage equality legislation, signed into law by the governor (John Baldacci).

Of course, the extreme right wing is up to its usual tricks and already has a plan in action to try to overturn some of these victories. Opponents of equality are seeking to repeal the new Maine law by gathering signatures in support of a petition to put the question of marriage equality before voters on the ballot. A vote is likely to come as early as November.

An HRC regional field organizer who has been working since January with Equality Maine, the state-level LGBT rights group, will continue there, helping to beat back this discriminatory ballot measure. And

WWW.HRC.ORG

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HRC has contributed financially as well.

New York is the latest state where HRC is making significant investments to win marriage this summer. (See p.19 for more.)

While marriage has been in the spotlight, one of the biggest stories of 2009 is that we have defeated every major piece of anti-LGBT legislation at the state level.

Discriminatory marriage bills were rejected in Delaware, Indiana, Iowa, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Mexico and Wyoming. A House committee in Arkansas refused to advance a bill that would have prohibited counties and municipalities from creating domestic partnership registries. And anti-parenting legislation died in both Kentucky and Mississippi.

MARRIAGE POSITIVE LEGISLATION ENACTED MARRIAGE BAD LEGISLATION DEFEATED RELATIONSHIP RECOGNITION POSITIVE LEGISLATION ENACTED RELATIONSHIP RECOGNITION BAD LEGISLATION DEFEATED HATE CRIMES POSITIVE LEGISLATION ENACTED PARENTING BAD LEGISLATION DEFEATED

washington

Equality is making gains at the local level, too. Despite months of deceptive advertisements and rhetoric from anti-LGBT groups, voters in Gainesville, Fla., said NO this spring to a proposed charter amendment that would have eliminated protections against discrimination and made it legal to fire someone from their job or deny them housing because they are LGBT. HRC provided nearly $30,000 in in-kind contributions to defeat Amendment 1 and had a field director and a field organizer on the ground in Gainesville working with state and local LGBT groups.

wyoming

colorado

HRC is ready to help beat back discriminatory measures wherever they may surface — including a possible November referendum on Maine’s recently passed marriage law.

Photo: Sultan Shakir

nevada

new mexico

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EQUALITY

SUMMER 2009

Here’s a look at some of the state-level gains this year Colorado The Legislature passed and Gov. Bill Ritter signed the Designated Beneficiary Agreement Act, which effectively provides limited domestic partner rights and responsibilities to same-sex and unmarried different-sex couples. Separate legislation signed by the governor provides domestic partner benefits to state employees.

Iowa Legislators stood strong to protect a positive court ruling bringing marriage equality to the Hawkeye State.

Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley’s budget was approved by the Legislature, providing domestic partner benefits for state employees. Also in Maryland, legislation passed that provides domestic partners with exemption from inheritance tax on certain property (e.g., a home).

Washington Gov. Christine Gregoire signed legislation adding gender identity protections to existing hate crimes law. Separate legislation expanded the state’s domestic partnerships to provide nearly all the rights of married couples under state law.

Nevada The Legislature overrode Gov. Jim Gibbons’ veto to enact a domestic partner law that provides same-sex and unmarried different-sex couples access to nearly all the rights and responsibilities provided to married couples under state law.

Washington, D.C. Mayor Adrian Fenty signed legislation to recognize marriages by same-sex couples entered into outside D.C. As of press time, the bill was in a 30-legislative day congressional review period.

Pennsylvania The state will provide medical, prescription drug, dental, vision and hearing-aid benefits to the same-sex and different-sex partners of state employees as of July 1, 2009.

Wisconsin Gov. Jim Doyle’s budget, approved by the Legislature, includes important domestic partner rights for same-sex couples.

maine new hampshire

connecticut

delaware

vermont

maryland indiana kentucky

arkansas

iowa

mississippi

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SUMMER 2009

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When we’re all equals, things really start to add up.

rtnership equality and pa The power of gy . It’ s er of hu m an en is th e po we r d it’ s an , r co m pa ny wh at dr iv es ou es s in irn fa e pr om ot th e re as on we rships ne rt pa h e. Throug th e workplac -o wn ed - an d wo m en wi th m in or ity rld , we ’re wo e th ou nd bu sin es se s ar fo r op po rt un iti es he lp in g cr ea te us at sit le ar n m or e, vi ev er yo ne . To . ch ev ro n. co m

on the street

Pushing to Pass Marriage Equality in New Hampshire Lessons from an outlet mall parking lot It’s 9 p.m., and I’m standing in the dim light of some recently closed outlet stores. My team and I need seven more signatures to meet our goal for the day, so I throw social protocol aside and run after the first three people I can find in this dark parking lot.

“Excuse me,” I say, panting as I catch up to them.

“Will you sign our petition to support marriage equality?”

One woman quickly says to her male companion, “You need to sign that for your sister. You have to sign it for her.”

Photos: Sultan Shakir, Ashley Medley, Kathryn Taylor, Karl Bach

The young man readily agrees, and they all take turns signing the petition.

In each town we visit in New Hampshire – Laconia, Tilton, Gilford and Franklin – I encountered at least one person who took the fight for marriage equality personally. A person who, thanks to the openness of a loved one, became an advocate for equality.

— Katie Taylor

“I changed my mind!”

The debate continued

I was walking away from a house down a long driveway, clipboard in hand, and had almost reached the street when I heard the man with whom I just talked calling after me. I had been canvassing door-to-door in Hopkinton, N.H., where Gov. John Lynch resides.

During my first hour of street canvassing in downtown Laconia, N.H., I started talking to two 20-something guys coming out of a movie store. One cut me off before I could finish my sentence.

The man had politely declined to sign the petition a few moments ago, when I first had appeared at the door.

I was quite startled when I heard him yell down to me. As I jogged up the hill toward the door, I saw him and a woman standing out front. She had not appeared during my initial conversation.

“For running back up, you’re going to get two signatures for the price of one,” she said. She was clearly furious with the man, her husband, and scolded him while he signed. “You never know how your three daughters are going to turn out,” she said to him, before signing the petition herself.

— Darrin Hurwitz

“What is that for?” he asked. “I don’t even care, just hand it over and I’ll sign it.” He then promptly knocked all of my fliers out of my hand. As I picked them off the ground, he asked if the petition was for or against gay marriage.

“It’s in support of it,” I said.

“OK, cool, then I’ll definitely sign it,” he said.

When he finished, he passed it on to his friend, who emphatically shook his head.

“Really, dude? You don’t support gay marriage?” the first guy asked. “Why should it bother you?

It’s just people who love each other.”

His friend continued to shake his head and began to walk away. “Thanks,” I shouted after them, and despite missing a second signature, I was excited to hear the two debate the issue as they walked down the block.

— Katie Taylor

HRC staff and volunteers were on the ground in New Hampshire in the weeks and months leading up to the governor’s final signing of the marriage equality bill. Over a two-week period in early May, they helped gather 11,000-plus petition signatures and generate 1,000 phone calls to the governor.

WWW.HRC.ORG

SUMMER 2009

17

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Bank of America is proud of its partnership Bank of America is proud of its partnership with the GLBT community anditshonored Bank of America is proud of partnership with the GLBT community and honored to be a Gold National Sponsor of the with the GLBT community and honored to be a Gold National Sponsor of the Human Campaign.

We of recognize to be a Rights Gold National Sponsor the Human Rights Campaign. We recognize the accomplishments—made throughout Human Rights Campaign. We recognize the accomplishments—made throughout the community—thatthroughout stimulate the business accomplishments—made the business community—that stimulate advancement in diversity and inclusion the business community—that stimulate advancement in diversity and inclusion and foster an environment understanding advancement in diversity ofand inclusion and foster an environment of understanding and foster change. and an environment of understanding and change. and change.

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Photos: Bryce Romero

“We can go to Canada, and we can go to Connecticut, and we can even go to Iowa. But we don’t want to. We want to get married right here in New York City.”

A

s thousands of her fellow New Yorkers roared in approval, actress Cynthia Nixon smiled widely, holding up her hand high above the podium at the rally in midtown Manhattan. On display: a gorgeous new engagement ring.

“We can go to Canada, and we can go to Connecticut, and we can even go to Iowa.

But we don’t want to. We want to get married right here in New York City,” Nixon said, announcing her engagement to her girlfriend Christine Marinoni publicly for the first time. The Broadway veteran and “Sex and the City” star spoke at the Action = Marriage Equality Rally in May. As Equality headed to press, the New York state Senate was slated to consider a marriage bill — even after the Republicans took control the chamber in a mid-year coup. The state Assembly had already approved the legislation, as it did in 2007

before the bill died in the Senate. This year, more state lawmakers are throwing their support behind the measure. Two years ago, the vote in the Assembly was 85 to 61.

This year, it was 89 to 52.

Meanwhile, Human Rights Campaign volunteers and staff launched an unprecedented grassroots effort for the bill on Long Island, where a number of state senators “are still in play and could decide the fate of the measure,” said Marty Rouse, HRC’s national field director. Nassau and Suffolk counties are home to 9 of the state’s 62 state senators. Craig Johnson, D-Port Washington, is the only Long Island senator publicly supporting the bill.

HRC organizers talked to morning commuters on Long Island Rail Road platforms, attendees at Adventureland Park and beachgoers and business owners in the Hamptons. Volunteers have worked for

years to build momentum in the region.

At the recent midtown rally, speaker after speaker urged state senators to vote for the bill. People traveled from across the state for the event, organized by HRC, Broadway Impact and Broadway Cares/ Equity Fights AIDS. Religious leaders, families, political leaders and straight allies loudly cheered on New York Gov. David Paterson, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and actors Nixon, Kristin Davis and David Hyde Pierce as they spoke. The cast of the hit Broadway musical “Hair” performed a few songs, as did Broadway veterans Cheyenne Jackson and Audra McDonald.

“We’re New York,” said Nixon, a lifelong resident of the state who recently wrapped a three-month run on Broadway. “When Iowa leaves New York in the dust, we’ve really got a problem.”

New Yorkers – everyday citizens and celebrities alike – as well as HRC staff and volunteers worked to build momentum for the marriage equality bill. (L-R): New York Gov. David Paterson and Lori Megown, member of HRC’s Board of Governors, actor Cynthia Nixon; HRC supporters; HRC volunteers in Long Island; HRC volunteers canvass on a Long Island Rail Road platform; state Sen. Tom Duane; New York-based HRC organizer Anthony Hayes with actor Kristin Davis; and Broadway actor Eric Sciotto with his son, Samson.

WWW.HRC.ORG

SUMMER 2009

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Emmy Award-award nominated writer Carol Leifer and fellow comedian Jerry Seinfeld in New York recently.

Stand Up, Speak Out

By Janice Hughes

“I was eager. I was pumped.

‘I’m ready for my lesbian fling, Mr. DeMille.’ Turning 40 does that to you. …”

Photo: Joyce Culver for the 92nd Street Y

Early in her new book, Carol Leifer talks about the time she first “hopped the fence,” as she calls it, when she asks out Lori, a woman who sat across the table from her at a fundraiser. They have a first date. And a second. They fall madly in love. Weather a cancer scare. Get bat mitzvahed together. Adopt a 10-month-old.

A dozen years later, they’re still together, living in Los Angeles, with their son Bruno and their seven rescue dogs.

Leifer’s book, When You Lie About Your Age, the Terrorists Win, is funny, sentimental and wise. Mainly, it’s about selfacceptance. “This is what I love best about life…. Change is possible. Growth is possible,” she writes. “You are so much more than you think.”

Leifer, an accomplished comedian, is an Emmy-nominated writer and producer for her work on “Seinfeld” – she penned classic episodes like “The Rye” and “The Lip Reader” – and “The Larry Sanders Show,” “Saturday Night Live” and the Academy Awards. She was co-creator and executive producer of “The Ellen Show” with Ellen DeGeneres. Leifer’s big break came when David Letterman caught her show at a comedy club — leading to 25 guest appearances on his “Late Night” show.

When You Lie About Your Age is a romp through everything imaginable…. working the Roy Rogers counter, using Rent-aRabbis, the importance of adoption, doing stand-up, just saying no to collagen injections, watching Gina Gershon in the film Bound about 100 times. Leifer also talks about being politically active and philanthropic giving. And about wanting to get married to Lori, when same-sex marriage is legal at the federal level.

Recently, Leifer has spoken out strongly for marriage equality — on Letterman, “The Oprah Winfrey Show,” “The View” and elsewhere — even deftly debating right-wing Pastor Miles McPherson on “Larry King Live.”

Among the most touching moments are when Leifer writes about her late father and his dreams of being a stand-up comedian. Her dad always kept a list of jokes, she says, tucked away in his wallet. Leifer now keeps that little piece of paper with her — in her wallet.

“Love the age you are, love who you are, enjoy your life,” said Leifer at a recent book reading with close friend Jerry Seinfeld at New York’s famous 92nd Street Y. The two met at an open-mike audition night at a comedy club in the late 1970s. “When you are reading this, it’s just like hanging out with Carol, which is my favorite thing to do,” Seinfeld told the crowd.

Leifer and her partner, Lori Wolf, are longtime supporters of the Human Rights Campaign. Leifer appeared at HRC’s Columbus Gala. Her book is available from Random House (2009).

WWW.HRC.ORG

summer 2009

21

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nfortunately, in a handful of states, and in many socially conservative pockets of the country, it is still extremely difficult — if not impossible — for “out” same-sex couples or single LGBT adults to adopt children.

In many other states, however, adoption agencies have slowly but surely begun to move in the right direction.

An adoption agency in Silver Spring, Md., is one such pioneer. It’s one of the first in the country to receive the Human Rights Campaign’s new seal of excellence. Not only does it have outstanding policies and practices in place, but it’s also helping other nearby agencies better understand how to welcome and support lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender foster and adoptive families. Janice Goldwater, the founder and executive director of the agency, Adoptions Together, recently chatted briefly with Equality.

important to you in terms of health, age and race. Listen to your head and follow your heart.

ing children with LGBT families, and some of them decided to walk away from our agency. continue on page 33

2 What do you say to your colleagues at other adoption agencies around the country who don’t support the idea of LGBT adoption?

What is the biggest hurdle for them?

I try to understand how they’re feeling and what they’re thinking so I can help clear up the blind spots that keep them from seeing the rich resources for children that exist in the LGBT community.

1 What advice do you give to prospective LGBT adoptive parents?

The biggest problem for them, in my opinion, is that they’re not taking the time to explore the myths and stereotypes that historically have surrounded the LGBT community. I also remind them how sad it is for the children to be deprived of having a family. Senior managers should have a zero-tolerance policy for any kind of antiLGBT bias or discrimination, and need to be very clear about their position and provide the training and support necessary to ensure their staff is equipped and ready.

Adoption works, and it’s a wonderful way to build a family. First, do your homework, talk to other families who adopted, read lots of stuff on the Internet and attend adoption information and prep meetings in the community. Do a personal exploration about what type of child you hope to adopt. Take the time to explore what’s

Yes, there is some risk to agencies who are publicly LGBT-welcoming. We have had some negative responses from some people in the community, but overall, it has been very positive and we have held our position. We did have some foster parents who initially were very angry that we were plac-

Opening their Doors Six adoption agencies have received the HRC Family Project’s new seal of excellence for reaching the 10 benchmarks measuring LGBT cultural competence – in the areas of staff trainings, inclusive policies, home studies with LGBT families and more – as outlined in HRC’s All Children-All Families Promising Practices.

The agencies are: Adoptions From The Heart Wynnewood, Penn.

Adoptions Together Silver Spring, Md. Family Builders, Oakland, Calif.

Los Angeles County Department of Children & Family Services Pasadena, Calif.

National Adoption Center Philadelphia, Pa. Southern California Foster Family and Adoption Agency Los Angeles, Calif.

WWW.HRC.ORG summer 2009

23

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I

n an incredible show of force, several hundred clergy and religious leaders descended on Washington recently to speak out for justice at the Human Rights Campaign’s second Clergy Call for Justice and Equality. The leaders — from nearly every state — met with their members of Congress and staff about the urgent need to pass the Matthew Shepard Act and the Employment NonDiscrimination Act. It was, several Capitol Hill staffers said, the first time they had met with faith leaders who support lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality.

The clergy members spoke from different faith perspectives about why passing the two bills are issues of deep faith. The twoday event included a daylong forum, an interfaith celebration and a press conference.

Father Richard Estrada of Our Lady Queen of Angels Catholic Church in Los Angeles, who works with immigrant families and homeless youth, spoke at the press conference about the “gnawing fear that haunts

30

EQUALITY

SUMMER 2009

families, neighborhoods and whole communities when violence and discrimination go unaddressed.” It is, he said, the “quality of our character, not where we come from, not who we love, and not how we identify, that defines us.”

“Every member of our community has sacred worth and must be equally protected by the law,” said Rev. Dr. Traci West, who teaches Christian ethics and AfricanAmerican studies at Drew Theological School in New Jersey, invoking the name of Ida B. Wells, an early 20th-century advocate against hate crimes, who relentlessly called for anti-lynching federal laws.

All faiths hold one thing in common — the belief that all people should be treated with equal respect, Dr. Jo Hudson, senior pastor at the Cathedral of Hope in Dallas, Texas, told reporters. “None of us can profess a faith as Christian, Jew, Hindu, Muslim or even humanist, without taking seriously” that anti-LGBT discrimination “does not do unto others as they would have done to themselves,” she said. Along with travelling long distances and rearrang-

ing tight schedules, many clergy members weathered serious financial difficulties to be part of the two-day event, noted Sharon Groves, deputy director of HRC’s Religion and Faith Program.

“For too long, the radical right seemed to be the only religious voice talking about LGBT issues,” said the Rt. Rev. V. Gene Robinson, a member of HRC’s Religion Council, at the event.

“But change is in the air,” the bishop said.

“We are now seeing a mature, faith-based movement for equality where people are speaking out on behalf of LGBT people because of their faith, not in spite of it,” HRC’s Groves noted.

In the meantime, clergy aren’t waiting until next Clergy Call to roll up their sleeves to get to work.

Many of the leaders are setting up indistrict meetings with their members of Congress, preaching about equality from the pulpit and educating their congregations around LGBT justice.

Photo: Louie Palu

because of their faith

WWW.HRC.ORG

SUMMER 2009

31

When it comes to long-term care, you need a partner who understands.

Without the spousal or survivor benefits of Social Security, it’s especially challenging for LGBT couples to protect their retirement assets and personal savings from long-term care costs.

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y grandpa grew up in a completely different generation.

He worked harder than I have ever worked in my life. He’s not always easy to be around or even to understand.

As a little girl, I would fly down from Seattle with my parents to Sacramento to visit him and Grandma. Even now, when I visit I look through all of the letters that I’ve sent — my third-grade handwriting, the stationery. Pink. Purples. My grandmother passed away a few years ago, but I still correspond with Grandpa. I was worried about coming out to him – that our generations and beliefs would be too far apart to connect. Finally, I shared that part of me with him in a letter…. his response was gentle and loving. And he later told me he voted against Proposition 8. I tell this story to my friends to show

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them the power of telling your own story — no matter what that story is.

Emily Irwin, Seattle

Irwin submitted her story in response to Equality magazine’s request for submissions of “everyday heroes” in readers’ lives.

See www.hrc.org/heroes to participate.

Nominate one of your own heroes – young or old, LGBT or straight – telling us how they’ve affected your journey. We’ll send thank you cards in your name, and highlight the best stories every week on our website.

Go to www.hrc.org/heroes.

cont’d from page 23

3 What did you find most surprising or challenging in your organization’s process of earning the All Children – All Families seal?

that every person uses the right language, terminology, and is truly welcoming and sensitive to our diverse families.

For us, it was the small stuff like not having enough photos on our website of samesex couples – and some of our language needed to be corrected. For example, we added gender identity and gender expression to our non-discrimination policies.

4 Is there anything that LGBT community members can do to help their local agencies be more welcoming?

Even though we had considered ourselves a welcoming agency before our participation in this project, we have been enriched greatly through full staff training, and not just our frontline social workers — I realized how important it was to train our entire staff, from receptionists to managers, so

Communicate openly, honestly and directly. Connect with the local LGBT parenting community and work together to identify friendly agencies, and help those agencies do the best job possible.

Call HRC’s Family Project and ask them to reach out to the provider. Know you’re not alone and there is a team of support behind you.

For more, see www.hrc.org/acaf.

Washington, DC San Francisco, CA Provincetown, MA

WWW.HRC.ORG

SUMMER 2009

33

Equality at Work As a global business, Paul Hastings is proud to join the Human Rights Campaign in leading the effort for equal rights and benefits in the workplace.

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7

5

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1-2 The Las Vegas Steering Committee’s second annual Family ReUNION Picnic in the Park drew about 700 people.

There were many family activities at the event, including games, a circus play area and face painting. 3 HRC President Joe Solmonese, left, and his partner, Jed Hastings, right, with actor Cybill Shepherd at the HRC Atlanta Dinner. 4 Ana Duarte McCarthy of Citi, an HRC Corporate Partner, and New York Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand at the HRC Corporate Breakfast. 5 Federal Club members gathered in Dallas for a “First 100 Days” event in May. Members and guests came together in cities around the country to hear about progress of the first 100 days of the Obama administration and to set the stage for the next 100 days of HRC’s work. 6 Federal Club Council member Richard Allen, his partner, Board of Governors member Jon Shaffer, and Board of Governors Co-Chair Lisa Zellner were among attendees at the “First 100 Days” event in Columbus. 7 Officer Dani Lee Harris, right, the Atlanta Police Department’s liaison to the LGBT community, was the recipient of the Leadership Award at the HRC Atlanta Gala. She was joined by HRC member Zandra Conway. 8 Longtime LGBT activist Dr. Frank Kameny, left, HRC Family Project Director Ellen Kahn and HRC Associate Director of Diversity Donna Payne, three of this year’s Capital Pride Heroes, were honored in June ahead of pride events in Washington, D.C. Kahn’s children helped cheer on their mom.

Upcoming Gala Events San Francisco Gala, July 25 • Westin St. Francis / San Francisco, CA • Co-Chairs: Jill Federico & Steven SpencerSteigner • www.sfbayarea.hrc.org

Pacific Northwest Gala, Sept. 26 • The Westin / Seattle, WA • Co-Chairs: Kevin Moser, Andy Swanson, Chris Boone, Josh Nelson & Todd Landis • www.hrcseattle.org/dinner

Las Vegas Gala, Aug. 29 • Paris / Las Vegas, NV • Co-Chairs: Melissa Morgan & James Healey • www.hrc.org/lasvegas

Dallas Black Tie Gala, Oct. 3 • Sheraton Dallas Hotel / Dallas, TX • Co-Chairs: Laurie Foley & Ron Guillard • www.blacktie.org

Orange County / Laguna Beach Garden Party, Aug. 29 • Venue: TBD • Co-Chairs: Sandra Hartness, Tedd Lesch & Ed Todeschini • www.hrc.org/oclbps

National Dinner, Oct. 10 • Walter E. Washington Convention Center / Washington, D.C. • Co-Chairs: Anna Prow & Tucker Gallagher • www.hrcnationaldinner.org

Twin Cities Gala, Sept. 12 • The Depot / Minneapolis, MN • Co-Chairs: Scott Mikesh & David Ulrich • www.twincitieshrc.org

St. Louis Gala, Oct. 24 • Hyatt Regency / St. Louis, MO • Co-Chairs: Robyn Berkley & Michael Dunning • www.hrc.org/stlouis

For tickets, contact Box Office Tickets: 800-494-8497 or www.hrc.org/boxoffice.

WWW.HRC.ORG

SUMMER 2009

35

Photo: Hyacinth Alvaran, Antonzio M. Taylor, Jamie Kors, Ray Lavoie, 2ndSunGallery.com

PLATINUM

afraidof

commitment?

Starting a new partnership can be easy.

When you give as

little as $5 a month, the Human

Rights Campaign can move quickly and strategically in the fight for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. It’s all part of our special monthly giving

Partners program.

Sign up online at www.hrc.org/joinpartners.

From then on, your donation will occur automatically the same time every month.

Commitment. It’s that simple.

be at our side. be a partner in history.

Who am I?

I wonder if people really want to know how I spent my weekend.

When they ask me, I sometimes avoid the question.

When I focus too much on what people might think, I’m not being true to myself.

When I am true to myself, I worry that people will only see what I am rather than who I am.

See things through my eyes and share my experience.

Meet some of our people and see how we’re confronting the real issues of today’s workplace at pwc.com/diversity

© 2008 PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. All rights reserved. “PricewaterhouseCoopers” refers to PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP or, as the context requires, the PricewaterhouseCoopers global network or other member firms of the network, each of which is a separate and independent legal entity.

Never judge a search engine by its interface.

Behind that simple search window is one of the most complex technology infrastructures in the world.

And it’s run by an equally diverse group of people. At Google, we don’t just accept difference – we thrive on it. We celebrate it. And we support it, for the benefit of our employees, our products and our community.

Googlers passionately support the rights of our LGBT employees around the globe. We march in Pride parades from New York to Sydney, foster the development of internal affinity groups like the Gayglers, and promote an inclusive environment globally. We are proud that Google’s spirit of inclusion has been recognized with a 100% HRC Corporate Equality Index rating for three years in a row.

We congratulate the HRC for all of its work furthering equal rights for the LGBT community and look forward to our continued partnership in 2009.

To learn more, visit us online at www.google.com/diversity

© 2009 Google Inc. All rights reserved. Google and the Google logo are trademarks of Google Inc.