Equally Speaking
Equally Speaking
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
First up today on HRC's daily webcast, a commissioner defends the firing of a transgender official in Largo, Florida. Largo Commissioner Gay Gentry said it was former City Manager Steve Stanton’s management style — not his gender identity — that led to his firing last weekend. Gentry called Stanton’s methods “hard-nosed, my-way-or-the-highway.” Stanton is still deciding whether he will pursue litigation against the city.
A coalition of anti-gay groups is asking students to skip school to protest the upcoming National Day of Silence. This day is traditionally a time for GLBT students and straight supporters to raise awareness of anti-gay bullying, harassment and discrimination in schools. To learn more about the National Day of Silence, scheduled for April 18, go to www.glsen.org.
International human rights organizations are calling on governments around the world to treat their GLBT citizens fairly. A new document, called the Yogyakarta Principles, sets legal standards for ending violence, abuse and discrimination against GLBT people. The principles address rape; torture; censorship; and discrimination in employment, education, housing and immigration, among other topics.
A new study shows how widespread GLBT parenting really is. A report by the Williams Institute found that one in three lesbians, and one in six gay men, have children, either through birth or adoption. Nationwide, more than 65,000 adopted children — or 4 percent of all adopted children in the United States — are living with a gay or lesbian parent.
A bill to increase same-sex couples’ access to health insurance is working its way through the Minnesota Legislature. But Governor Tim Pawlenty says that he will veto the bill if it comes to his desk. The measure would allow the partners of state workers to buy into the state health insurance plan. Pawlenty said he would reject the bill even if it means vetoing the entire Minnesota budget.
This week, GLAAD presented its annual media awards, honoring fair-minded representations of GLBT issues. Whoopi Goldberg, Julianne Moore, Jennifer Hudson and John Waters were among the celebrities who took part in the star-studded New York ceremony. Award winners included Kate Clinton, Patti LaBelle and the reality show “Project Runway.”