Tag Archives: LGBT

Some businesses support LGBT workplace equality – and some don’t.

Which ones do you want to support when you’re out shopping around town?

With our new 2011 Buying for Workplace Equality guide and iPhone app, it’s easier than ever to find out where companies stand on workplace equality.

Browse the online version or download a free copy! >> http://www.hrcactioncenter.org/site/R?i=6eRH2GMGcCH_tExeBbTgCw..

From clothing to computers to kids’ stuff, from the latest hairstyles to the grocery aisles, we’ve collected data on hundreds of businesses. And some of the differences between companies selling similar products and services might surprise you:

Macy’s (100%) vs. Saks (30%*)

Staples (100%) vs. Office Depot (45%)

Nike (100%) vs. Adidas/Reebok (15%*)

UPS (100%) vs. FedEx (80%) vs. DHL (30%*)

Whole Foods (85%) vs. Trader Joes (15%*)

Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams (100%) vs. Pottery Barn/West Elm (30%*)

Take a Sneak Peak inside …click on link below

http://www.hrcactioncenter.org/site/R?i=G_XuEnthL12P6yva3wP7TA..

Get the iPhone app:click on link below

http://www.hrcactioncenter.org/site/R?i=SBJkK7ij85YKZGNQ0NUm5Q..

Text SHOP and the company or product name to: 30644 click on link below and check it out

http://www.hrcactioncenter.org/site/R?i=i0Qg4bzy-m66yxkBECBDpA..

In today’s economy, it’s vital that we support the companies, products, and brands that have equal workplace practices for the LGBT community. As you look for that perfect pair of shoes or a great gift for a loved one this Valentine’s Day, you can use the information in this guide to help make your shopping decisions.

Check out the online guide, download a free copy, or get all the info on your phone.

http://www.hrcactioncenter.org/site/R?i=pkTCX-IStVD1ibzj2DGiAw..

Thanks, and happy shopping!

Warmly,

Joe Solmonese

President

* This year, HRC has provided an estimated score to businesses that have not, after repeated attempts, responded to the survey. An estimated score is reflective of the information that HRC has been able to collect without help or input from a business. Learn more here. http://www.hrcactioncenter.org/site/R?i=SnBpYTtfnITdrpf0M7dH6w..

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

President Obama: Support marriage equality for all

01/14/2011 Nativegrl77

Mr. President, it’s time for you to support marriage equality for all Americans

The President has said that his thinking on the issue is “evolving.”

Help get him over the finish line.

President Obama has done more for the nation’s LGBT community than any other president in history, from hate crimes protections to the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” to hospital visitation rules. This president has proven himself to be an advocate for the LGBT community.

He’s a fair and just man. That’s why we’re calling on him today to publicly and vocally support marriage equality for all Americans.

Earlier today, the Department of Justice filed a brief appealing two federal court rulings that found the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) unconstitutional. The Administration claims that it has a duty to defend the laws that are on the books. We simply do not agree. At the very least, the Justice Department can and should acknowledge that the law is unconstitutional.

All families deserve the recognition and respect of their government. It’s time for President Obama to state his support for full, equal marriage. And we want your help in telling him that it’s time.

Because of DOMA, gay and lesbian families with marriage licenses from Iowa, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Vermont, California, Massachusetts, and the District of Columbia don’t get basic protections like Social Security, pension benefits, and family medical leave – benefits of marriage available to all other married couples. The law is discriminatory and unjust.

The President’s clear and unequivocal support for marriage equality will be a very powerful message that all Americans should be treated fairly and with respect and dignity. It will also send a direct message to LGBT Americans, young and old, that their nation values them.

President Obama has already stated his position on marriage is “evolving.” And he’s already seen the outpouring of support for his successful call to repeal “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” Let’s help him get over the finish line.

Together, we can move this president to speak out for the right to marry freely. I hope you’ll take a moment to send your message today.

It’s time,

Joe Solmonese
President

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Sign up to be a NOM Watcher!

01/05/2011 Nativegrl77

Don’t believe the lies:
NOM is not a respectful, tolerant group.

Sign up to become a NOM Watcher!

We’re reaching out to you directly because you already may be familiar with NOM Exposed, the project of the Human Rights Campaign and Courage Campaign dedicated to revealing the truth about the so-called National Organization of Marriage. Chances are you’ve read our posts on NOM’s leading role in the states, or caught our latest video trying to get NOM’s required federal tax returns.

You signed onto “NOM Doesn’t Speak for Me!” – a vehicle we’re using to let lawmakers and the media know how out-of-touch and radical NOM really is. But now, with marriage battles looming in 2011, and with NOM promising to wage war on LGBT families, we need your help.

We need eyes and ears on the ground, to make sure that we fully document the hostile, anti-gay environment NOM helps create. We must hold NOM and its followers accountable and alert both the media and voters to their radical ties and agenda.

This fringe group is gearing up to undo marriage equality in states where it is currently legal and to stop marriage in other states where it could become legal. These people won’t give up until marriage equality is banned nationwide.

That’s where you come in. Become a “NOM Watcher.” We’re looking for people from all walks of life to report on and help us challenge NOM activities in the states. Check out our new tracker map to see where NOM might be next. In the coming weeks, we’ll be providing specific steps you can take locally as a NOM Watcher.

Thanks for your engagement. We can all play a role in calling out homophobia and protecting our families.

Thanks,

Joe Solmonese

P.S. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for daily updates and to see what NOM’s up to.

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

N.C. Commissioner James says, “Homosexuals are sexual predators”

01/04/2011 Nativegrl77

Censure Commissioner Bill James for his anti-gay hate speech

While most Americans celebrated the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” Bill James, a County Commissioner in Mecklenburg, North Carolina, used it as an opportunity to bash LGBT people.

“Homosexuals are sexual predators,” James wrote. “Allowing homosexuals to serve in the U.S. military with the endorsement of the Mecklenburg County Commission ignores a host of serious problems related to maintaining U.S. military readiness and effectiveness, not the least of which is the current Democrat plan to allow homosexuals (male and female) to share showers with those they are attracted to.”

It’s not the first time Commissioner James has used his spot on the County Board to promote anti-gay bigotry. During debate over a domestic partnership bill, Commissioner James called homosexuality a “crime against nature” that should be prosecuted by police.

And last year, Commissioner James turned to a colleague whose son died from complications from AIDS, and called the son “a homo.” He then compared homosexuality to alcoholism, and argued that all gay people bring AIDS on themselves.

We can’t let this kind of hate speech by public officials go unanswered – and we have a chance in the next few days to do something about it.

Right now, the rest of the county commission is publicly debating whether to censure James. Condemnation by the commission would send a strong signal that bigotry by elected officers holds no place in our society.

Thousands of people from Mecklenburg and around the country already speaking out. Join them by signing the petition to the Mecklenburg County Board and tell them to censure James for his anti-gay attacks:

http://www.change.org/petitions/view/tell_mecklenburg_county_board_censure_anti-gay_politician_who_called_lgbt_people_sexual_predators?alert_id=uezSJFIOjS_SFHrCnDSbP&me=aa

Thanks for taking action,

The Change.org team

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Support HRC with everyday purchases

11/21/2010 Nativegrl77

Human Rights Campaign

Every time you go to the movies… Every time you buy lunch at the deli… Every time you shop online… You could be helping HRC secure equal rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people.

The HRC Debit Card and Checking Account are offered by Bank of America, a National Corporate Sponsor of HRC with a 100% score on HRC’s Corporate Equality Index.

How? By using your HRC Debit Card from Bank of America.

Open a checking account online now to start using your HRC Debit Card! It’s fast and easy to do.

Your personal checking account will help generate contributions to HRC with every debit card purchase you make¹!

You’ll also get access to these exciting features:

Online banking;
Mobile banking on your cell phone²;
Optional Bill Pay³;
No required minimum balance; and
Access to more than 18,000 paperless ATMs.

In addition to these great benefits, you’ll get automatic savings after you enroll in the Keep the Change^® program – where each debit card purchase is rounded up to the next dollar and the difference is transferred from your checking to your savings account. Plus, since you’re an HRC supporter, Bank of America will match 5 percent of the transfers, up to $250 every year. And to help you get started, Bank of America will match 100 percent for the first 3 months⁴.

With this checking account from Bank of America, you can turn your purchasing power into equal rights power.

Once you’re signed up, you can also register for the Add It Up^® program⁵, a web service featuring over 270 top participating retailers. You’ll save time and get additional cash back on purchases you make with your HRC Debit Card.

Make sure your shopping supports equality. Open an HRC Checking Account now and use your debit card for all of your purchases.

Warmly,

Joe Solmonese
President