Jason Collins, the NBA's first openly gay player and advocate for inclusion, has died at 47 after battling brain cancer. He made history in 2013 by publicly coming out while still active in the league.
Posts tagged as “the Human Rights Campaign”
In honor of Transgender Day of Remembrance, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) released a report highlighting the disproportionate violence faced by Black trans women. President Joe Biden released a statement recognizing the importance of fighting against discrimination and violence against the transgender community. The HRC report calls for increased protections for the transgender community, such as the Equality Act, and an end to the criminalization of transgender people.
The Pentagon has blocked a U.S. Air Force base in Nevada from hosting a drag show in celebration of Pride Month, citing current Department of Defense policy. The decision has been met with criticism from LGBTQ activists and allies, who argue that the military should be more inclusive of its LGBTQ members. The Human Rights Campaign has released a statement saying the decision “sends a dangerous message that the military is not a welcoming place for LGBTQ service members and their families.”
Several civil rights organizations have issued a travel advisory for Florida, warning that newly passed state laws may pose risks to minorities, immigrants and the LGBTQ+ community. The advisory was issued in response to several new laws, including a ban on transgender women competing in women's sports, and is intended to rally the Black residents of the state to counter Republican-led policies. The organizations are urging people to be aware of the risks posed by the new laws and to get involved in the fight for civil rights in the state.
A coalition of civil rights organizations, including the Human Rights Campaign, have issued a travel advisory for Florida due to newly passed laws and policies, such as the "Don't Say Gay" bill. The advisory warns potential visitors to be aware of the risks associated with the state before making any travel plans. Kelley Robinson, president of the Human Rights Campaign, said in a statement, “Those who visit must join us in their vocal opposition to these dangerous policies.”
Kansas has passed a law banning transgender athletes from participating in girls' and women's sports from kindergarten through college, overriding the veto of Democratic Governor Laura Kelly. The law has been met with criticism from LGBTQ activists and the Kansas State High School Activities Association, who argue that it is discriminatory and difficult to enforce. It is the latest in a series of restrictions on LGBTQ rights in the state.
Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders has signed a bill into law that prohibits transgender students from using restrooms that do not align with the sex listed on their birth certificate. The bill applies to pre-K through 12th grade public and charter schools, and those who do not comply with the law can be fined a minimum of $1,000. This is part of a larger trend of GOP-led legislative efforts to restrict LGBTQ rights in schools, and the bill has been met with criticism from LGBTQ rights groups.