David Mariner

Anti-LGBT Bills Defeated in Georgia

April 23, 2018 by David Mariner

From Georgia Unites: For the fifth year in a row, a coalition of hundreds of business, faith and other community leaders and thousands of individual Georgians has defeated legislative attempts to enshrine anti-LGBT discrimination into Georgia law.

The session started with an early victory: Lawmakers speedily passed a long-awaited overhaul of Georgia’s adoption and foster care system. HB 159 was unfinished business from the last legislative session. The bill was heading for passage when extremist lawmakers tainted it by adding an anti-LGBT amendment, thereby ensuring it wouldn’t advance in 2017.

The Senate Judiciary Committee stripped that amendment this year, allowing the bill to sail through both chambers before Governor Deal signed it on March 5th.

But soon anti-LGBT lawmakers were back with another attempt to discriminate against LGBT Georgians. They rolled the anti-LGBT amendment that had been attached to HB 159 into a stand-alone bill, SB 375. That bill would have given taxpayer-funded adoption and foster care agencies a License to Discriminate against LGBT youth and same-sex couples.

Child welfare were adamant that such legislation would not improve Georgia’s adoption and foster care system. In fact, they said, children would wait longer for loving homes if qualified LGBT parents were excluded. And since SB 375 would have allowed agencies to refuse to work with LGBT youth, it essentially guaranteed they would stay longer in foster care, reducing the likelihood they’d be adopted at all.

Business groups also worried about the effect such a License to Discriminate would have on Georgia’s economy—specifically on the state’s $9.5 billion film industry and the Atlanta metro area’s chances of snagging Amazon’s second headquarters.

In the end, although the Senate advanced SB 375, it never gained traction in the House and had not received any additional attention as of Sine Die on March 30th. Extremist lawmakers tried several last-ditch attempts to attach discriminatory language to the hundreds of bills that the legislature considered from March 27th to 30th, but all attempts were unsuccessful.

This is something we can celebrate—but we can’t rest until LGBT Georgians are protected from discrimination by law. We’re committed to keeping the pressure on lawmakers until LGBT-inclusive civil rights is the law of the land in Georgia.

Find out more at: www.georgiaunites.org.

DC Prep Campaign Partners with Trans Latinx Community

January 14, 2019April 22, 2018 by David Mariner

According to a 2017 report by the DC Department of Health (DOH) HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis, STD and TB Administration (HAHSTA), 12,964 people residing in Washington D. C. live with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).

For that reason, HAHSTA is launching the “Pledge to be PrEPared” campaign this month to educate the transgender community living in Washington D. C. about the importance of taking Preexposure Prophylaxis or PrEP.

PrEP is a pill taken once a day, and approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that can prevent the HIV infection. Taken daily, PrEP is safe and over 90% effective at preventing HIV.

This unique campaign was created with the close participation of the Latin transgender community in Washington D. C. and Alexa Rodriguez, the Director of Trans-Latin@ DMV. It was developed based on HAHSTA’s ability to recognize the way the transgender community has been perceived in the past. The transgender representation is important to allow this community to communicate their values, their role in society, as well as their needs.

The transgender community participation in the campaign took place from the strategic planning and focus groups to the inclusion of real transgender Latina women in the promotional materials. This resulted in trusted messages in hopes of building trust among this community when deciding to take PrEP, as well as understanding its benefits.

“It’s important to educate the transgender community, as well as to break barriers and taboos about taking PrEP, and understand the real benefits of taking it, especially to prevent HIV,” Alexa said. She added that “the DC Department of Health’s efforts to benefit the transgender community are a big step, but there is still a lot to be done.”

Michael Kharfen, HAHSTA’s Senior Deputy Director, agreed with Alexa’s statement, adding: “At DOH we are pleased to introduce this campaign created in collaboration with the transgender community, but we understand these are just the first steps, and that there is more to do in order to fulfill our commitment and dedication to supporting this significant community residing in Washington D. C.”

To participate in this important campaign and get more information, visit #PrEPpledge, PrEPpledge.com or cdc.gov/hiv/risk/prep/index.html.

More Color More Pride #morecolormorepride

April 8, 2019April 22, 2018 by David Mariner

In 2017, Philly activists and the Philadelphia Office of LGBT Affairs added black and brown stripes to the classic rainbow flag to center LGBTQ+ People of Color. The More Color More Pride flag flew in Philadelphia for the first time on June 8th, 2017 More Color, More Pride new LGBTQ flag In support of racial diversity, equality and inclusion in the LGBTQ neighborhoods of the city.

Puchase these More Color More Pride Buttons and Accessories here:

tinyurl.com/morecolormorepride

Melissa Sklarz Poised to Make History in New York

April 22, 2018April 22, 2018 by David Mariner

In 1999, Melissa Sklarz broke new ground as the first transgender person to hold an elected office when she was elected as a judicial delegate in the 66th Assembly District. In 2004 Sklarz made history again, this time as New York state’s first transgender elected delegate to the DNC. Now, she is poised to break another barrier by becoming the first transgender person elected to the New York State Assembly. Sklarz is running in the Democratic Primary for the District 30 Assembly seat, an area where she has lived and been politically active for more than a decade.

Melissa currently serves as Secretary for the Northern Regular Democratic Club and is a member of the Powhatan Democratic Club, which honored her in 2013 her work on civil rights. She previously served as president of the Stonewall Democrats of New York City. Melissa is also a member of the U.S. Electoral College, serving as a delegate during the 2016 Democratic National Convention (DNC) and in 2008, as a member of DNC Rules Committee.

Melissa stated on her facebook page: “After the 2016 election, I realized that now, more than ever, my years of experience in Albany and NYC advocating for equality will be put to good use representing the voters in my district. With our transportation network in crisis, the Trump budget assault on New Yorkers, and women still lacking proper representation in all sectors, I will make sure all voices are heard in Albany.”

You may also remember Sklarz from her appearance in the 2015 film, Transamerica, starring Felicity Huffman.

Find out more at www.melissa2018.com.

Equality California Endorses LGBT Candidates Across State

March 16, 2019April 19, 2018 by David Mariner

Equality California, the nation’s largest statewide LGBTQ civil rights organization, announced the endorsements of 10 openly LGBTQ candidates running for local office in 2018. The candidates are among a surge of out LGBTQ Californians seeking public office across the state — and a record number of LGBTQ candidates running throughout the country this year.

Equality California has endorsed the following candidates in their respective races:

San Francisco Board of Supervisors: District 8

Equality California has dual-endorsed Supervisor Jeff Sheehy and City College Trustee Rafael Mandelmanfor the Eighth District of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors.

Jeff Sheehy, who was appointed by the late Mayor Ed Lee in January 2017 to fill Senator Scott Wiener’s (D-San Francisco) vacant seat, is a longtime HIV/AIDS activist and LGBTQ civil rights advocate who previously served as president of the Harvey Milk LGBT Democratic Club and as then-Mayor Gavin Newsom’s HIV/AIDS advisor.

“Supervisor Sheehy is a pioneer in our community’s fight for full equality and social justice and has been an incredible advocate for people living with HIV over decades,” said Equality California Executive Director Rick Zbur. “A self-described ‘activist,’ Sheehy is committed to making San Francisco more affordable and safer for all.”

Rafael Mandelman is an urban development attorney and member of the San Francisco City College Board of Trustees, previously serving as the Board’s president. A San Francisco native, Rafael has dedicated his career to building affordable housing and revitalizing commercial districts in the Bay Area.

“Rafael Mandelman is a tireless advocate for San Francisco’s LGBTQ community and a champion for the city’s students and for San Franciscans experiencing homelessness,” said Equality California Executive Director Rick Zbur. “We’re proud to endorse Rafael and are confident he would bring bold ideas, energetic leadership and a fresh perspective to City Hall if elected.”

San Mateo County Superintendent of Schools

Equality California has dual-endorsed Gary Waddell and Nancy Magee for San Mateo County Superintendent of Schools.

Gary Waddell, who currently serves as Deputy Superintendent of the Instructional Services Division, was previously an award-winning principal and school counselor. He has also received endorsements from California State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson, Congresswoman Jackie Speier and the California Teachers Association of San Mateo County, among other elected leaders and organizations.

“Dr. Gary Waddell is a champion for LGBTQ equality who has devoted his life to ensuring access and opportunity for all students and communities,” said Equality California Executive Director Rick Zbur. “We are impressed by his vision of equity and inclusion and are excited to support his campaign for San Mateo County Superintendent of Schools.”

Nancy Magee, who currently serves as the County’s Associate Superintendent for the Student Services Division, was previously an award-winning high school English teacher for 20 years before becoming a high school librarian. She has also received endorsements from San Mateo County Board of Supervisors President Don Horsley, County Sheriff Carlos Bolanos and County Controller Juan Raigoza, along with a growing list of local elected leaders and educators.

“Nancy is a proven leader and LGBTQ civil rights advocate with a long track record of fighting to ensure all our children have a shot at success,” said Equality California Executive Director Rick Zbur. “We are thrilled to support her campaign for San Mateo County Superintendent of schools and are confident she will work tirelessly to ensure that our schools are safe and supportive learning environments for LGBTQ youth.”

Davis City Council

Equality California has endorsed Linda Deos and Eric Gudz in their campaigns for the Davis City Council. There are nine candidates running for two open seats on the Council.

The daughter of a school teacher, Linda Deos is a consumer protection attorney who has taken on big banks and worked to establish the first help desk for underrepresented clients at the Sacramento Federal Court. Deos is the current President of the Northern California Bankruptcy Forum, Treasurer of the Yolo County Progressives and a member of both the Davis Democratic Club and the Yolo County Democratic Central Committee.

“Linda Deos is a dedicated, passionate community advocate dedicated to standing up for those who need a helping hand,” said Equality California Executive Director Rick Zbur. “We’re excited to see Linda bring that passion with her to the City Council and continue fighting to ensure the voices of all Davis residents, including members of our LGBTQ community, are heard.”

Eric Gudz is an Eagle Scout and retired Army captain, who has led drug policy reform efforts in Davis in recent years. After returning from Afghanistan, Gudz worked with the Army’s Warrior Transition Unit, supporting the recovery process for other returning soldiers. Gudz currently serves on the City of Davis’s Bicycling, Transportation and Street Safety Commission.

“As an Eagle Scout, Army veteran and accomplished community leader, Eric Gudz has dedicated their life to serving others,” said Equality California Executive Director Rick Zbur. “We’re confident that Eric will continue fighting for Davis families, small businesses and our LGBTQ community on the City Council”

Rancho Mirage City Council

Equality California has endorsed Robert Mueller in his campaign for the Rancho Mirage City Council. Robert is one of three candidates challenging the three incumbents on the Council seeking reelection to their at-large seats. Mueller has spent five decades as a top executive with Sony, JVC Kenwood and Panasonic and has been a strong community advocate for LGBTQ civil rights and social justice.

“Robert Mueller will bring experience, drive and a fresh vision to Rancho Mirage’s City Hall,” said Equality California Executive Director Rick Zbur. “If elected, he’ll prioritize reducing crime, increasing government transparency and strengthening the city’s public schools — helping to ensure that every child in Rancho Mirage has access to a safe and supportive learning environment.”

Kern County Board of Supervisors, District 2

Equality California has endorsed Whitney Weddell for the Second District of the Kern County Board of Supervisors. Weddell has been a school teacher for nearly thirty years and a longtime community activist. She previously spent a decade building coalitions around the fight for marriage equality, traveling all over the Central Valley recruiting community organizers and volunteers.

“Whitney Weddell has a proven track record of thirty years of LGBTQ advocacy in Kern County, and we are convinced she will continue to lead as a Supervisor for the residents of the Second District,” said Equality California Executive Director Rick Zbur. “She cares deeply about improving the lives of Kern County families and will bring a fresh perspective to the Board of Supervisors.”

San Diego City Council, District 2

Equality California has endorsed Dr. Jen Campbell for the Second District of the San Diego City Council. Campbell is an active community leader, having served on the Clairemont Town Council Executive Board, in a number of capacities in the San Diego County Democratic Committee and California Democratic Party and as a Board Member and interim Executive Director of The San Diego Human Dignity Foundation, a local LGBTQ nonprofit. She is a physician and practiced family medicine for 37 years.

“We’re proud to support Dr. Jen’s campaign for San Diego City Council and know she will be an excellent advocate for our families and small businesses in the Second District,” said Equality California Executive Director Rick Zbur. “She will be a strong addition to LGBTQ San Diegans’ representation on the Council and will continue to fight for civil rights and social justice for our community.”

Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors, District 4

Equality California has endorsed Jimmy Dutra for the Fourth District of the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors. Dutra currently serves on the City Council in Watsonville and as the Mayor Pro Tem. The first openly LGBTQ member of the City Council, he has worked to enhance city contracts and legal documentation to protect the LGBTQ community and has expanded support for the local shelter for LGBTQ youth experiencing homelessness. Dutra also serves on the Board of the LGBT Caucus at the League of California Cities.

“Jimmy Dutra is a committed leader with a proven track record of getting results for his community,” said Equality California Executive Director Rick Zbur. “As County Supervisor, Jimmy will continue to be a strong advocate for progress toward a Santa Cruz County that is healthy, just and fully equal for all LGBTQ residents.”

Equality California is the nation’s largest statewide LGBTQ civil rights organization. We bring the voices of LGBTQ people and allies to institutions of power in California and across the United States, striving to create a world that is healthy, just, and fully equal for all LGBTQ people. We advance civil rights and social justice by inspiring, advocating and mobilizing through an inclusive movement that works tirelessly on behalf of those we serve. www.eqca.org

Join the Age-Friendly Pride Movement

January 20, 2019February 17, 2018 by David Mariner

SAGE has created this checklist of age-friendly practices for Pride celebrations. The framework is based on the World Health Organization’s domains of Age-Friendly Communities. However, age is just one part of a larger commitment to embracing the diversity of our community.

Outdoor Spaces and Structures

There is a broad range of characteristics of the urban landscape and the built environment that contribute to age-friendliness.

Events are held in venues that can accommodate individuals with limited mobility
Activities and services for LGBT older people are clustered together to minimize travel distance
Pathways are well-maintained, level, non-slip, with low curbs that taper, and wide enough to accommodate wheelchairs
Reserve seating is provided
A shaded cooling center and hydration station is provided
Convenient restroom access is a priority

Communication and Information

Regardless of the variety of communication choices and the volume of information available, the central concern is to have relevant information readily accessible to older people with varying capacities and resources.

Information about the Pride events are disseminated to LGBT older adult audiences where they can conduct their usual activities such as wear they live, senior centers, and faith communities – not just LGBT settings
Age-friendly printed materials describing Pride activities are provided (large type, clear headings)
Outreach specifically to older LGBT individuals is conducted through the postal service, email, and social media
When communicating with LGBT older adults, information about the event, its accessibility and transportation options is included

Civic Participation

An Age-Friendly Community provides options for older people to contribute and to be engaged.

Pride advisory councils, planning committees, boards and staff include LGBT older adults with representation from transgender communities and communities of color
Begin or maintain collaborations with Racial Justice organizations – building relationships and working together on issues important to LGBT elders of color.
The skills and interests of LGBT older adult volunteers are matched to positions that take advantage of their skills, and appeal to their interests
Volunteers are supported in their work, for example, being offered rides to and from meetings or having the cost of transportation from meetings or having the cost of transportation reimbursed for low-income elders

Social Participation

The capacity to participate in formal and informal social life depends not only on the offer of activities, but also on having adequate access to transportation and facilities.

Support exists to enable LGBT older adults to participate, such as reserved seating, aids for the hard of hearing, and transportation
LGBT older adults have the option to participate with a friend or caregiver
Elder-oriented activities are offered and the times are convenient for LGBT older people
Committees are charged with finding ways to encourage more LGBT elder participation
Partnerships with elder-serving organizations are formed to encourage more participation through cross-postings, co-hosting, and developmental activities

Transportation

Being able to move freely determines social and civic participation

When a parade terminates at an inaccessible location, alternate arrangements for older adult contingents are made such as allowing them to exit the parade before the end of the route or providing shuttles back to the parade route, parking lots, or public transportation
Access to reserved parking is provided
The walking route from parking lot to venue is free of trip hazards
Shuttles to and from parking lots are provided
Assistance for individuals with sight or mobility issues is provided
Shuttles to and from senior buildings and residential communities are provided

Respect and Social Inclusion

The extend to which older people participate is closely linked to their experience of inclusion.

LGBT older adult contingents are placed at the start of the Parade (both to honor their contributions and to assure that LGBT older adults don’t have to queue for a long time)
Older adult inclusion strategies and outreach tactics are specifically inclusive of transgender older adults and older adults of color
The lives, challenges overcome, and historical accomplishments of the older LGBT community are acknowledged and celebrated
There is an application of resources to – and visible action on – issues that resonate most with African American, Latinx, Asian Pacific Islander, and Native American LGBT older adults
LGBT older adults are consulted on ways to better include them in Pride events
Partnerships and collaborations with organizations that serve transgender elders and elders of color are established
For those older adults wishing to be in the parade, alternatives to walking and riding on floats – such as golf carts, buses, and trolleys – are provided
LGBT older adults wishing to be in the parade

Make a commitment to have an inclusive Pride celebration this year. To sign the SAGE pledge online, visit sageusa.org/welcometopride

Trans United Endorses Alexandra Chandler

August 26, 2021December 12, 2017 by David Mariner

Alexandra Chandler has earned the endorsement of Trans United Fund in her run to be the next Congresswoman representing the third District in Massachusetts.

From their endorsement by their Board Co-Chair, Hayden Mora stated:

“Trans United Fund is proud to endorse Alexandra Chandler for U.S. Congress. Alexandra has a progressive vision for her district where trans people – and all people – can truly thrive. She’s a leader with a deep understanding of and commitment to racial and economic justice for all people. She brings policy expertise with a track record of getting things done. She’s tackled some of the toughest problems in the world, including weapons smuggling to terrorist groups and WMD proliferation, and she’s a champion Massachusetts families can count on.

I’m particularly proud of the endorsement because I grew up in a working class family in East Boston, MA. I’m grateful to have a fighter like Alexandra in Congress to fight for people like my family of origin and my chosen family of trans and gender expansive people.”

Trans United Fund provided expertise and resources that helped transgender candidates win historic victories last month, including the election of Virginia Delegate-elect Danica Roem, and Minneapolis City Councilmembers-elect Phillipe Cunningham and Andrea Jenkins.

Lean more about Trans United Fund at www.transunitedfund.org.

Learn more about Alexandra Chandler at: www.alexandrachandler.com.

Age-Friendly Pride Initiative

February 17, 2018December 9, 2017 by David Mariner

CenterLink (The National Association of LGBT Community Centers) is partnering with The Center for Black Equity, InterPride, and SAGE on an age-friendly* Pride initiative.

The goal of this initiative is to encourage the inclusion of older LGBT individuals in all aspects of Pride parades, marches, and festivals and we need your help! Below is a link to two surveys that we are hoping you will push out. One is for participants, and one is for people who have a Pride planner, sponsor, or organizer role.

The results of these surveys will inform the creation of an Age-Friendly Pride Toolkit (a set of tools, such as guidelines, resources, and checklists) that we hope will increase the age-friendliness of Pride parades, marches, and festivals nationwide. The audience for the toolkit are organizers, sponsors, and providers responsible for planning and implementing Pride-related activities.

We would be grateful if you took a few minutes to complete a brief survey. The results will inform the creation of an Age-Friendly Pride Toolkit, which we hope will be used to increase the age-friendliness of Prides across the country. Thank you in advance for taking the time to give us your feedback!

Pride Participant Survey

Pride Planner, Sponsor, and Organizer Survey

Follow Friday: Bisexual Activists

April 17, 2018September 22, 2017 by David Mariner

In honor of #BiWeek, this #FollowFriday features eight amazing bisexual activists you should be following on twitter.

Heron Greenesmith

twitter.com/herong

Heron Greenesmith is a policy attorney and researcher for LGBT folks, and an advocate for bi-visibility. Heron is currently a senior policy analyst at the Movement Advancement Project. They have written about employment discrimination and the legal invisibility of bisexuality. Heron is a graduate of the University of New Hampshire and American University, Washington College of Law and is admitted to the New York and Massachusetts bars. They are a board member of the National LGBT Bar Association, a fellow with the Rockwood Leadership Institute, and a returned Peace Corps Volunteer.

Robin Ochs

twitter.com/robynochs

Robyn Ochs is an educator, speaker, grassroots activist, and editor of the Bi Women Quarterly, and two anthologies: the 42-country collection Getting Bi: Voices of Bisexuals Around the World and RECOGNIZE: The Voices of Bisexual Men. Her writings have been published in numerous bi, women’s studies, multicultural, and LGBT anthologies.

Faith Cheltenham

twitter.com/thefayth

Past President and current Vice President of BiNet USA, Faith Cheltenham helps coordinate bisexual advocacy, outreach and networking efforts for the bisexual, pansexual and fluid communities in America. Faith has been involved in LGBT activism since 1999 and has spoken at locations as varied as San Diego Comic Con, the National Gay & Lesbian Task Force’s Creating Change Conference, UCLA, and Yale University. In 2012, she was named one of Advocate magazine’s “Forty Under 40” and was appointed to the University of California’s LGBT Task Force.

Ron Suresha

twitter.com/rjsuresha

Ron Suresha is an editor, anthologist, and creative nonfiction writer. He is a three-time Lambda Literary Award finalist, and is considered an authority on emergent queer masculinities, focusing on the subcultures of gay and bisexual male Bears and of male bisexuality.

Suresha is the senior editor, with Pete Chvany, Ph.D, of Bi Men: Coming Out copublished as a double issue of the Journal of Bisexuality (5: 2/3), and solo editor of the 2006 fiction anthology Bi Guys: Firsthand Fiction, both named Finalists for the 2006 Lambda Literary Award in bisexual literature.

Loraine Hutchins

twitter.com/hutchinsloraine

Loraine Hutchins, Ph.D., is a founder and leader of the U.S. bisexual rights and liberation movement who has increasingly integrated issues of spirituality into her sexuality education work. She co-edited Bi Any Other Name: Bisexual People Speak Out, the anthology that catalyzed the bi movement and is still in print and well-beloved in college courses thirteen years later. A native Washingtonian, Hutchins has always emphasized the inter-connecting issues of race, gender and class in her work and sexual liberation’s connection to overall issues of social justice and human rights.

Yesenia Chavez

twitter.com/msyeseniachavez

Yesenia Chavez is the Legislative Assistant for U.S. Representative Raúl M. Grijalva (AZ-03). A progressive Latina and voice for Queer People of Color on the hill, she also serves on the Board of Directors of the LGBT Congressional Staff Association. The Association is an official, non-partisan Congressional staff organization whose mission is to advance the interests of current as well as prospective members and the LGBT community at large.

H Sharif Herukhuti Williams

twitter.com/DrHerukhuti

H. Sharif “Herukhuti” Williams, PhD, MEd, is a liberatory sociologist, cultural studies scholar, sex educator, playwright/poet and award-winning author. Dr. Herukhuti holds a doctoral concentration in transformative learning for social justice and specializations in sexuality and cross-cultural studies of knowledge. He held a Lambda Literary Foundation inaugural playwriting fellowship and National Endowment of the Humanities fellowship in the Black Aesthetics and African-Centered Cultural Expressions Summer Institute at Emory University. He is a member of the editorial boards of Journal of Bisexuality and Journal of Black Sexuality and Relationships. He co-edited the award-winning anthology Recognize: The Voices of Bisexual Men.

Angela Dallara

twitter.com/angeladallara

Angela Dallara is the director of external communications at Freedom for All Americans, where she manages the organization’s day-to-day communications operations and media presence. She has more than five years’ experience cultivating relationships with reporters and securing media coverage in prestigious outlets including the New York Times, Washington Post, Associated Press, Bloomberg, Los Angeles Times, NPR, MSNBC, and more. She has ghostwritten op-eds for leading LGBT advocates in diverse outlets such as Reuters, CNN.com, USA Today, Boston Globe, Philadelphia Inquirer, Miami Herald, Huffington Post, and more. She has hosted press conferences on key legislative votes, judicial hearings, and town halls on LGBT issues. As part of her role, for nearly two years she has driven media strategy for the Freedom Massachusetts campaign which in 2016 successfully updated the state’s nondiscrimination law to include explicit protections for transgender people in public places. Prior to her current position, she served as deputy communications director at Freedom to Marry, the campaign that won marriage for same-sex couples.

Arson Destroys Home of LGBT Activist in Likely Hate Crime.

September 21, 2017September 21, 2017 by David Mariner

LGBT activism is alive and well in Jackson, Michigan. This year saw the launch of the Jackson Pride Center, which opened their first space in the basement of John’s United Church of Christ. Following this success Nikki Joly, Director of the Jackson Pride Center, and the growing LGBTQ community in Jackson, set their sites on organizing their first ever Jackson Pride Event.

Nikki is a nurse, a veteran, and a respected employee of the local Red Cross; the perfect candidate to lead the effort alongside many local activists in Jackson. A small but vocal opposition, however, was determined to stand against this progress, and that opposition included threats of violence. PrideSource.com reports that Jackson Area Landlord Association’s President Robert Tulloch warned members of the city council via e-mail stating: “I saw something on a site about marching to Blackman Park and raising a flag? I hope they are not planning to raise a gay flag. That is an in your face declaration of war and will be met with a violent response. This IS the queer agenda.”

Despite the threats, Jackson Pride took place on August 5th. Just a few days after, however, an act of arson destroyed the home of Nikki Joly and his partner Chris Moore. Accelerants were used in the arson which caused the house to quickly go up in flames, claiming the lives of their two dogs and three cats. Their home and their belongings were completely destroyed in what is now being investigated as a hate crime.

I had the opportunity to meet Nikki at the recent CenterLink Summit, an annual gathering of LGBT community center leaders from around the country. I was truly inspired by the work Nikki is doing. Nikki is tenacious, and I know beyond all doubt that he will continue this incredibly important work.

A fund has been established to help Nikki and his partner Chris rebuild their lives. I just made a donation to support them, and I ask you to do the same. Just follow the link below:

Click here to visit the youcaring page for Nikki and Chris and make a donation.