Advocacy groups praise DoD’s decision on lifting of ban on transgender military service

LGBT and human rights advocacy groups reacted swiftly and favorably to today’s Department of Defense’s (DoD) decision to lift the ban on transgender people openly serving in the military. As the U.S.’s largest employer, the DOD’s decision today will allow the approximately 15, 000 transgender active and reserve service members (as well as countless veterans)…

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Department of Defense ends ban on transgender people serving openly in the U.S. military

Secretary of Defense Ash Carter today announced that transgender individuals will now be able to openly serve in the U.S. armed forces. The DoD policy announced today also establishes a construct by which service members may transition gender while serving, sets standards for medical care and outlines responsibilities for military services and commanders to develop…

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Eric Fanning to be keynote speaker at San Diego Pride’s Spirit of Stonewall Rally, July 15

On the heels of his historic confirmation by the U.S. Senate as the 22nd Secretary of the U.S. Army, Eric Fanning will take the stage as keynote speaker at San Diego Pride’s Spirit of Stonewall Rally Friday, July 15 and serve as one of San Diego Pride’s honorary grand marshals for the parade Saturday July,…

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49 celebrities honor 49 victims of Orlando tragedy in new Ryan Murphy-produced tribute released by HRC

WASHINGTON — The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) has released a special tribute to the 49 victims of the Orlando shooting at Pulse nightclub on Latin night. The 18-minute tribute — directed by Emmy Award-winning Ryan Murphy and Ned Martel, with the support of their colleagues at Ryan Murphy Television — features a diverse cast of 49…

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Alicia Champion’s latest song, ‘Bi’ is creating unity and initiating conversations (VIDEO)

SAN DIEGO – In a time where unity among the LGBTQ community is critical, indie recording artist, Alicia Champion is singing about the one part of the community that is the least recognized or discussed – bisexuals. Ironically many gays and lesbians across the nation will come out to family and friends during Pride month…

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White House Fact Sheet update: Promoting and protecting the human rights of LGBT persons

June 2016 Update Throughout the Obama Administration, the promotion and protection of the human rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) persons has been a specific focus of our engagement around the world.  U.S. diplomacy, foreign assistance and other activities abroad have all sought to advance this goal, ensuring that efforts to promote and…

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Smoking at California state beaches and parks on way to becoming history

SACRAMENTO –A bill that would ban smoking or disposal of tobacco products at a California state owned or operated beach or park was approved today by the Assembly Water, Parks and Wildlife Committee on a nine to five vote. Sen. Marty Block (D-San Diego) said his bill, SB 1333, would help California fulfill its obligation…

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