Tag: HRC

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Video: Project One America from the Human Rights Campaign

I grew up in Texas, so I have an idea of what life is like in a southern, conservative state.  I left upon high school graduation only to return to visit family and friends occasionally.

Bless these folks for staying in their states and opening up a dialogue with neighbors.  It really is the answer to acceptance.  When “gay” or “lesbian” or “transgender” isn’t just a word that scares people, when it’s someone they know, evolution really does begin.

From the Human Rights Campaign:

HRC’s Project One America is a comprehensive, multi-year campaign to dramatically expand LGBT equality in the South through permanent campaigns in Mississippi, Alabama and Arkansas.

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Human Rights Campaign launches Southern initiative – Project One America

Based on the fact that people are far less inclined to oppose equal rights for gays and lesbians when they know someone who is gay, the Human Rights Campaign will begin a three state project involving “front porch visits” and one-on-one chats in an effort to develop a more open environment for people of all sexual orientations in the South.

Via HRC press release:

Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) announced Project One America (POA), a comprehensive campaign to dramatically expand LGBT equality in the South through permanent campaigns in Mississippi, Alabama and Arkansas. This substantial and lasting initiative—with a three year budget of $8.5 million and a dedicated staff of 20—is the largest coordinated campaign for LGBT equality in the history of the South.

“Right now, this country is deeply divided into two Americas—one where LGBT equality is nearly a reality and the other where LGBT people lack the most fundamental measures of equal citizenship. Project One America is an unparalleled effort to close that gap, and it opens up a bold, new chapter in the LGBT civil rights movement of this generation. In this grand struggle for equality, we can’t write off anyone, anywhere,” said HRC President and Arkansas native Chad Griffin.

Project One America is the very first campaign of its kind to work exclusively on LGBT equality in Mississippi, Alabama and Arkansas—where there are no non-discrimination protections for LGBT people at the state or local level in employment, housing or public accommodations, and where each state’s constitution expressly prohibits marriage equality.

“Despite the legal landscape, it’s long past time that the country stopped treating the South like the ‘finish line’ for equality. HRC has more than 57,000 members and supporters in these states, and there are millions more fair-mined people ready to stand on the right side of history,” Griffin said.

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Vice President Joe Biden at HRC gala: “Pass ENDA Now!”

Vice President Joe Biden speaking last night at the HRC gala in Los Angeles:

“My grandkids, my children, and their kids are going to be shocked, it shocks the conscious that this very moment in American history, in some states, an employer can fire you just because of who you are, or who you love. It’s close to barbaric.

“I mean think about this, a man, no I really mean this. Imagine, imagine, 20 years from now, as America look back and say how in the hell could that have ever been allowed?

“The country’s moved on. The American people have moved on, it’s time for the Congress to move on, and pass ENDA.

“Pass ENDA now. Not tomorrow, now!”

You can watch his full remarks below:

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Chelsea Clinton speaks to HRC Foundation conference in Las Vegas

Former First daughter and Clinton Foundation Vice Chair Chelsea Clinton spoke about the importance of supporting LGBTQ Youth at the inagural Human Rights Campaign Foundation “Time to THRIVE” Conference.

The 33-year-old daughter of former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton told the audience, “LGBTQ rights [are] the unfinished business of the 21st century.”

Currently a special correspondent for NBC news, Clinton said she does not plan to run for office in the future. Instead, she hopes to dedicate some of her clout to bringing an end to bullying.

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Ellen Page comes out at HRCF Las Vegas conference

At the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s inaugural Time to Thrive conference in Las Vegas, Ellen Page (Juno, X-Men: Days of Future Past) kicked off the weekend by coming out.

“I’m here today because I am gay and because maybe I can make a difference,” the Oscar-nominated actress said. “To help others have an easier and more hopeful time.”

“I am tired of hiding and I am tired of lying by omission. I suffered for years because I was scared to be out. My spirit suffered, my mental health suffered and my relationships suffered. And I’m standing here today, with all of you, on the other side of all that pain … Thank you for inspiring me. Thank you for giving me hope. Happy Valentine’s Day.”

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HRC president Chad Griffin on marriage equality ruling in Kentucky

In light of the news today regarding same-sex marriage recognition in Kentucky, HRC President Chad Griffin issued the following statement:

“Today, this nation took another bold step toward its fundamental constitutional principles of equal justice under the law.

“This amendment is unconstitutional, and we believe the only true solution to the injustice faced by these plaintiffs is full marriage equality.

“We hope all parties act swiftly and fairly to allow all loving and committed Kentucky couples the opportunity to marry in the state they call home.”

This new marriage ruling is not final and is likely to be appealed, joining other federal court cases in Utah, Nevada, Ohio and Oklahoma—all of which are currently at the appellate level.

(via HRC press release)

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Madonna joins HRC to fight anti-gay Russian “campaign of hate”

http://shop.hrc.org/love-conquers-hate-collection/love-conquers-hate-russian-t-shirt.html?utm_source=Email&utm_medium=Madonna-body&utm_campaign=SUPPORTRUSSIA
Click image for more info to support Love Conquers Hate

Madonna LGBT equality Madonna has graciously joined thousands of others from around the world to be part of our #LoveConquersHate campaign – standing in solidarity with LGBT people in Russia. Her inspiring note is below.

At this dangerous moment in Russian history, we as advocates have a responsibility to speak up and take our hopeful message global. That’s why I’m joining HRC’s Love Conquers Hate campaign, in hopes that more and more fair-minded people around the world will stand up and fight against the Russian government’s campaign of hate.

Right now, you can send that message directly to the Russian people and provide much-needed support to LGBT advocates in Russia by purchasing the Russian-language Love Conquers Hate t-shirt. And once you have your t-shirt, share a picture of yourself wearing it on social media using #LoveConquersHate. With your help, we can make this simple message go global.

Click here for more info on the campaign from Madonna and the HRC.

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Human Rights Campaign responds to the release of NOM financial documents

Due on November 15th, NOM released their requested financial documents, per court order, late last night.  Federal law requires organizations to publicly release their 990s the same day an in-person request is made, which the Human Rights Campaign had done on two previous occasions.

The HRC has issued a statement on the financial documents that show the vast bulk of funding comes from only 3 donors.

Just three donors accounted for roughly two thirds of the organization’s funding – further evidence that everyday Americans have little interest in furthering NOM’s extremist agenda.

According to the 990 form supplied by the National Organization for Marriage Education Fund, NOM’s 501(c)(3) charitable education arm, the Education Fund loaned NOM nearly $1.7 million. This calls into question whether the Education Fund’s loans allowed NOM to engage in electoral or excessive lobbying activity that violates the Education Fund’s tax exempt status.

“It’s becoming increasingly difficult to look at the so-called National Organization for Marriage as a viable entity,” said Fred Sainz, HRC Vice President of Communications. “The organization draws its funds from just a few mega-donors, and it boasts a losing electoral track record over the past few years that reflects how increasingly out-of-step NOM’s anti-LGBT agenda is with the values of the average American voter.”

Three mega-donors make up the huge majority of money raised?

“Grass roots organization” my butt…

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National Organization for Marriage continues to withold tax documents

The virulently anti-gay National Organization for Marriage (NOM) is yet again illegally withholding key financial tax documents from the public, HRC reports:

Federal law requires organizations to publicly release their 990s the same day an in-person request is made. As a result, HRC has filed a complaint with the IRS in order to compel NOM to abide by the law.

“NOM’s inability to meet one of the most basic accounting standards for any organization makes you wonder what exactly is going on – are they simply demonstrating the same flagrant disregard they have for numerous state campaign finance laws, or is there something in these documents that reflects even more poorly on the organization and their failed work?” said Fred Sainz, HRC Vice President of Communications. “Brian Brown apparently had enough time on Friday to pull together a fundraising email feigning outrage at the marriage equality victory in Hawaii, but didn’t have time to ensure his organization was running in accordance with the law. NOM should do the right thing and immediately release these financial documents that the public has a right to see.”

[snip]

According to NOM’s 2011 990s, obtained by HRC last year, the anti-LGBT organization raised only $6.2 million, a precipitous drop from the $9.1 million it raised in 2010. The documents also revealed that nearly 75 percent of NOM’s fundraising came from just two deep-pocketed donors.

What are they hiding this year?

(via Towleroad)

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Jennifer Lopez to be honored by Human Rights Campaign as “2013 Ally for Equality”

The Human Rights Campaign will honor singer-actress Jennifer Lopez with the 2013 Ally for Equality Award next month for her “commitment to better the lives of LGBT people.”

“Jennifer Lopez embodies the spirit of an ally to the LGBT community and we are thrilled to present her the Ally for Equality at our National Dinner in October,” Human Rights Campaign President Chad Griffin said in a statement.

The award is meant for “allies” outside the LGBT community who stand up on behalf of equality for all Americans, a press release stated.

“For years, Jennifer Lopez has been vocal about her love for the LGBT community, from her outspoken support for marriage equality, to the millions of dollars she’s raised for HIV/AIDS research and her efforts on behalf of bullying and youth anti-violence causes,” the press release reads.

Miss Lopez currently produces the ABC Family channel’s hit TV series “The Fosters,” about a multiethnic family mix of foster and biological children being raised by two moms.

“Throughout her career, Jennifer Lopez has always stood for fairness, justice and equality, and that’s what being an ally is all about,” Mr. Griffin added.

This year’s HRC dinner is a sold-out event for about 3,400 guests on Oct. 5 at the Washington Convention Center.

(from Washington Post)