“LET US SERVE” -- MAKING HISTORY, TRANSGENDER SERVICE MEMBERS TESTIFY BEFORE CONGRESS: “The stories of bravery and valor before Congress demonstrate that there is simply no legitimate reason to bar qualified transgender patriots from our nation’s military, which is why an overwhelming majority of Americans, a bipartisan chorus of members of Congress and many of our nation’s leading national security experts oppose this prejudice-fueled policy,” said HRC National Press Secretary Sarah McBride (@SarahEMcBride).

• Five transgender troops made history with their moving testimonies in Congress. Read Tim Teeman’s (@TimTeeman) piece in the Daily Beast.

.@HRC, @TransEquality, @LambdaLegal and @sparta_pride with the courageous transgender service members testifying before Congress today — the first time since Trump and Pence’s discriminatory troop ban. I’m so inspired by their voices. #TransMilitaryBan #ProtectTransTroops pic.twitter.com/ljvSeK3Wik

— Sarah McBride (@SarahEMcBride) February 27, 2019

UNCONSCIONABLE -- MIKE PENCE’S INCOMING CHIEF OF STAFF DISPARAGED PEOPLE LIVING WITH HIV & AIDS: “It’s deeply disturbing but unsurprising that Mike Pence’s incoming chief-of-staff once denigrated people living with HIV and AIDS and called same-sex relationships ‘repugnant,’” said HRC Press Secretary Charlotte Clymer. More from The Daily Beast, Daily News and LGBTQ Nation.

1/ @VP @Mike_Pence's incoming chief of staff Marc Short once wrote in an op-ed that ������������ ������������ �������� ������ & �������� ������ “������������������." https://t.co/0VMsAZmlc2

— Human Rights Campaign (@HRC) February 27, 2019

HAPPENING TODAY - THOUSANDS OF PARENTS, EDUCATORS & ELECTED OFFICIALS PARTICIPATING IN HRC’S JAZZ & FRIENDS READINGS TO SUPPORT TRANS YOUTH: The fourth annual event follows a year of cruel attacks on the rights and dignity of transgender young people -- including the Trump-Pence administration’s attempt to erase transgender people from federal civil rights laws. “Transgender and non-binary youth are part of classrooms all across this country and deserve to see their stories reflected in their schools and communities,” said HRC President Chad Griffin. Representatives Jackie Speier (D-CA) and Angie Craig (D-MN) will lead a reading on U.S. House Floor today. More at HRC.

READ ABOUT THE FIRST OPENLY GAY MAN OF AFRO-LATINO DESCENT TO BE ELECTED TO THE MARYLAND LEGISLATURE: More from The Washington Blade.

THROWBACK THURSDAY -- HRC LAUNCHES SURVEY OF LGBTQ SPORTS EXPERIENCE: “Sports are a fundamental part of our society and communities. The ability to participate in sports can help reduce stress, enhance physical health and foster teamwork and cooperation,” said HRC National Press Secretary Sarah McBride (@SarahEMcBride). “Too often, LGBTQ people are excluded from these community spaces and activities. This groundbreaking survey will help us gain the necessary information to fight for progress in sports at all levels.”  Read more from Dawn Ennis (@lifeafterdawn) in Out Sports.

• HRC Senior Research Manager, Public Education & Research Liam Miranda (@liamiest) writes powerfully about anti-trans bias in sports.

We all need to keep fighting for better and more widespread access to sport for women and girls. But transgender women aren’t the enemy. Unequal salaries, opportunities, facilities, coverage, sexism, exclusion -- those are the threats. Not trans people. C'mon. 13/13

— Liam Miranda (@liamiest) February 21, 2019

 STATEHOUSE ROUNDUP:

• LGBTQ advocates rally at Kentucky state capitol in support of legislation that would ban the practice of so-called “conversion therapy” on minors and update the state’s Civil Rights Act to add sexual orientation and gender identity as protected classes. More from Lex18.
• Missouri Supreme Court allows discrimination case brought by transgender to proceed. The case involves a student who was barred from using public facilities that correspond with his gender identity. More from St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

GLOBAL EQUALITY NEWS

HEARTBREAKING -- JAPANESE COURT REJECTS DAMAGE SUIT AGAINST UNIVERSITY OVER DEATH OF OUTED LGBTQ STUDENT: More from Japan Times.

SOUTH KOREAN PRIDE ORGANIZERS URGE GOVERNMENT TO PROTECT THEIR RIGHTS: More from Gay Star News.

READING RAINBOW - Bookmark now to read on your lunch break!
Cape Cod Today highlights Deb Taft, chair of HRC Foundation Board of Directors, as honoree of Girl Scouts’ Leading Women Awards; Out features the recognition of the oldest same-sex marriage in the U.S.

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