#AM_Equality Tipsheet: February 14, 2018

by Allison Turner

Publix’s work on inclusion should not stop post-public controversy; #LoveYourNeighbor for Valentine’s Day

HRC -- PUBLIX’S WORK ON LGBTQ INCLUSION SHOULD NOT STOP AFTER RECENT CONTROVERSY: Writes HRC Workplace Equality Program Director Deena Fidas, “Companies like Publix should take this moment to assess other policies and practices that affect their LGBTQ employees. The lesson for all employers here is to invest in common sense and fair workplace practices early and often: benchmark using tools such as [HRC Foundation’s] CEI, listen to LGBTQ workers and advocates and, most importantly, take proactive steps to allow all workers to succeed. Building businesses of the future will not come from reactive change — it will only come from a long term, sustained commitment to diversity.” More from Advocate.

WHAT WE’RE WATCHING WEDNESDAY -- #LoveYourNeighbor FOR VALENTINE’S DAY: HRC released a compilation of heart-tugging videos from its year-long #LoveYourNeighbor campaign, which focuses on the stories of LGBTQ people in the South. The videos feature stories about the experiences of LGBTQ couples living -- and loving -- in Alabama, Arkansas and Mississippi. More from HRC.

HRC’S SARAH MCBRIDE (@SarahEMcBride) TAKES ON SECRETARY BETSY DEVOS’ DISCRIMINATORY AGENDA: More from UpWorthy.

MORNING MUST READ FROM NYT -- “HE TOOK A DRUG TO PREVENT AIDS. THEN HE COULDN’T GET DISABILITY INSURANCE”: Dr. Philip J. Cheng took PrEP after he nicked himself while preparing a patient living with HIV for surgery. When he later applied for disability insurance -- as is typical for young doctors -- he was given a shorter-term policy because he took PrEP. “It was blatant discrimination,” he told reporter Donald G. McNeil Jr. More from The New York Times.

ADAM RIPPON (@adaripp) ROUNDUP:

  • The Olympic medalist does not plan to visit the White House, saying he’d rather do something “to help [the LGBTQ] community.” More from The Advocate.
  • Check out this Vanity Fair profile by Joanna Robinson (@jowrotethis).
  • The prevailing sentiment: “I’m with Team Adam Rippon,” in The Boston Globe.

LAWSUIT ALLEGES THAT SAN FRANCISCO CITY EMPLOYEE DENIED TRANS WOMAN ACCESS TO RESTROOM: More from San Francisco Gate.

CALIFORNIA HEALTH CARE BILL COULD HELP PROTECT TRANSGENDER FOSTER YOUTH: The bill would clarify current law to ensure foster youth have access to gender-affirming health care. More from INTO.

DESPICABLE -- VIRGINIA LAWMAKERS SAYS TRANS TEACHERS ARE “VERY DISTURBING”: Virginia Delegate Dave LaRock’s transphobic statements have been widely condemned by his colleagues, including by the state’s first openly transgender delegate, Danica Roem. More from LGBTQ Nation.

… AND IN CALIFORNIA, CANDIDATE FOR GOV ASSERTS THAT EQUALITY WILL LEAD TO BESTIALITY: In a 2007 debate, John Cox also vowed to veto hate crime legislation and grossly insulted transgender teachers. More from The Mercury News.

KANSAS MAY ELECT FIRST OPENLY LGBTQ STATE REPRESENTATIVE: Brandon Woodward and Matthew Calcara, both openly gay, are vying for a seat in the Kansas State House. More from The Kansas City Star.

HRC LAUNCHES LENTEN DEVOTIONAL CAMPAIGN ENCOURAGING LGBTQ ACCEPTANCE IN FAITH COMMUNITIES: More from HRC.

GLOBAL EQUALITY NEWS

PAKISTAN SENATE COMMITTEE PASSES TRANSGENDER RIGHTS BILL: It aims to grant trans people “the same rights and dignity” as cisgender Pakistani citizens. More from Gay Star News.

FUKUOKA, JAPAN WILL RECOGNIZE SAME-SEX COUPLES: More from Gay Star News.

READING RAINBOW - Bookmark now to read on your lunch break!

The Herald News (Falls River, Mass.) reports that a local transgender teen will be featured on American IdolToday shares the beautiful love story of a trans man and his wife; The Daily Beasts Samantha Allen (@SLAwrites) asks how increased media representation can combat the epidemic of violence against transgender people

Topics:
A.M. Equality